Which cyclometer?

[gnGracie]

Hello. I would really appreciate some advice on cyclometers/bike computers. There are so many different brands that I don't even know where to begin or which brands are good quality.

Regarding function, I would like avg speed, current speed, distance, time, ride time and temp (but this one isn't necessary). I'd also like to keep the price under $100. A few that I'm looking at right now are the Cateye MC100, Sigma Sport BC1606, Planet Bike Protege 9.0 and Ascent Delta Wireless. Any comments about these brands/models?

Thanks so much.

[VeloVT]

I'm a huge fan of Cateye Computers. Super reliable, and they come from like $14 to $200, so something to please everyone.

I have a Cateye Strada Wireless on my commute bike (pretty simple, it has distance, time, speed, prob. some speed stats (average, max etc) and that's about it, but it's small and easy to use (and rather pretty!). It retails for around $60 but I found mine on Ebay for half that... definitely worth checking around.

Both my bf and I have Cateye Double Wireless on our road bikes. It has more functions, including cadence (I bought it for the cadence function actually), and unlike most computers with cadence, it has only one sensor which is mounted on the chainstay, so a) your fork looks pretty and b) your computer works if you have your bike on the trainer. I paid around $180 for this at the LBS, but bf ordered his from Nashbar and with sale + coupons, paid around $100.

I have a bias towards wireless computers. Both the installation and the aesthetics of wires would bug me. But that's just a little personal issue of mine, many people don't have a problem with them.

Good luck!

[buddha_bellies]

Both my BF and I have the Sigma 1606 L. We had wireless at first but switched them back to wired because our heart rate monitor would interfer with the wireless systems. Plus, I can't use my bike light with it neither (Light and Motion Arc). I like the Sigma because we both have 2 bikes and the Sigma can store 2 bikes' data.

Personally, I would love to have a wireless system. But unless I buy a digitally encoded wireless system (which is expensive), I would rather have the wire and save some money.

[VeloVT]

I do not use a heart rate moniter on my bike, but I have used lights (cheapo, disposable-battery operated ones, not the expensive, super bright kind) with both of my computers without a problem. This must be lucky chance though, because I know many people do have problems with lights/computers together. FWIW, I'm using both Cateye computers and Cateye lights...

[kermit]

Ditto Liza, love my Cateye. Have always used them and never a problem. I have the double wireless and although changing batteries comes up more often, it works well and for me cadence is a must.

[Mr. SR500]

Cateye makes great computers.

[Lifesgreat]

I really like my Cateye wireless with cadence, about $30. Later, I purchased a Garmin Edge with heartrate. I like it too and have both on my bike.

[Fredwina]

I have a two sigma's - BC2006DTS (digtal wireless, alitmeter, and HRM For $125US) and an old BC1200 with a wireless kit. I haven't had a problem with interference- but YMMV

[indysteel]

I have a Sigma double wireless computer. I no longer use the cadence feature, however, but haven't bothering to remove it. I, too, like the clean look of a wireless computer. That said, I've often been very aggravated with trying to get the sensor lined up with the magnet. Because I transport my bike in my car a lot, it has a tendency to get jostled around. If I just rode my bike to and from my house, it probably wouldn't be a big deal. I've also had some trouble with the computer itself staying put on its bracket on the stem. The "locking" mechanism for it isn't very secure.

I'm in the process of building a new bike and I'm hestitant to use Sigma again. The price is right and the computer itself is easy enough to use, but there are just too many bugs with it.

[roadie gal]

I have the Cateye CD300 - wireless with cadence. The nice thing about it is that it only has one censor, that goes on the back tire. I can put the bike on the trainer and still get mph and miles ridden as well as cadence. Right now it's $179 at Performance, but I think I got mine from them on sale for about $125.

[gnGracie]

Thank you all SO MUCH for your replies and stories! That really helps a lot. I believe I'm leaning toward the Cateye. I'm looking forward to getting it and not having to drive each route I take to determine distance.

Brandy