I'm soliciting feedback on bike computers. What do you think is the
most effective, durable, bang for the buck unit out there? Wireless or
wired, 4 functions or 20, it doesn't matter.
I looked into wireless, but I have enough places where my heart rate
monitor blanks out because of high EMF, so I didn't want a computer
that might do the same.
In addition, the wrench at the LBS said that battery life sucks. He
says his customers replace the batteries in the transmitters two or
three times a year, depending on how much they ride. One guy, a
triathlete, measures his battery life in weeks, not months.
If you go with a cadence computer, here's a tip for how to mount the
crank magnet that has worked well for me:
> I'm soliciting feedback on bike computers. What do you think is the
> most effective, durable, bang for the buck unit out there? Wireless or
> wired, 4 functions or 20, it doesn't matter.
An easy and super clean install for the cadence is to buy a set of neodymium magnets from walmart for $2.xx. Then simply slip it into the recess formed by the pedal shaft (steel) on the back side of the crank and align sensor to match.
Mine happens to just come past the face of the crank, so its pretty hard to knock loose and looks better than the plasticy cateye one.
On my last Cateye Strada Cadence install I used this method (only a few miles on it so far). On my other LHT I have been using this method with the supplied Cateye magnet and it has lived for 700+ miles of touring/city riding.
Rob
--- On Wed, 1/7/09, ken.steinhoff <ken.steinh...@gmail.com> wrote:
From: ken.steinhoff <ken.steinh...@gmail.com>
Subject: [SurlyLHT-CC] Re: Bike Computer Recommendations
To: "Surly Long Haul Trucker & Cross-Check Owners Group" <SurlyLHT@googlegroups.com>
Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2009, 10:01 AM
I've been using a wired Cateye Astrale for years because I wanted
cadence.
When my new LHT comes in (SOOOOON, I hope), the LBS recommended I
install the the Cateye Strada instead.
I looked into wireless, but I have enough places where my heart rate
monitor blanks out because of high EMF, so I didn't want a computer
that might do the same.
In addition, the wrench at the LBS said that battery life sucks. He
says his customers replace the batteries in the transmitters two or
three times a year, depending on how much they ride. One guy, a
triathlete, measures his battery life in weeks, not months.
If you go with a cadence computer, here's a tip for how to mount the
crank magnet that has worked well for me:
> I'm soliciting feedback on bike computers. What do you think is the
> most effective, durable, bang for the buck unit out there? Wireless or
> wired, 4 functions or 20, it doesn't matter.
Like Ken, I've been using a Cateye Astrale for a long time, but
mine's about 2003 vintage. It's a great cyclometer -- it's wired, it's
easy to read, shows cadence, is reasonably priced, is long-lasting
(it's still going strong on my utility bike), the battery lasts a long
time, and the company keeps parts available (wiring harness, magnets)
last I checked. Numbers are easy to read, also, and you don't need to
be an engineer or computer technician to program and use it. I'd buy
the Astrale's younger sibling if this one packed it in.
But of course, when I bought my LHT I had to have a fancy cyclometer,
so I bought a VDO MC1.0 wired cyclometer. I've had that since April
or so last year and it stood up well over about 4000 miles so far. I
like how it indicates altitude and grades, but they're a bit suspect
IMO. Nonetheless, I like it, despite its hefty price. You can see a
picture of it here
The only problem I've had with the Astrale is its tendency to stop
working in heavy rain. And I did something strange that caused me to
rip out the wires twice in about six months. Must have been the way I
had something mounted or routed because it's been a couple of years
since that happened (knock wood).
As far as elevation, I ride with a Garmin GPS 60CS on the bars. That
gives me all kinds of cool stats and I've never had it take a dive in
heavy rain like the bike computer. A GPS will lose satellite coverage
when you're under heavy tree cover and /or cloud cover, but the number
of times that's happened is too few to be memorable.
Thanks for your site and your pix, by the way. Right now I'm looking
at as many LHT setups as possible so I can get ideas for my new ride.
I keep waiting for the phone to ring and I've been VERY good about not
bugging my LBS.
On Jan 7, 2:39 pm, Tamia <ta...@tamiasoutside.com> wrote:
> Like Ken, I've been using a Cateye Astrale for a long time, but
> mine's about 2003 vintage. It's a great cyclometer -- it's wired, it's
> easy to read, shows cadence, is reasonably priced, is long-lasting
> (it's still going strong on my utility bike), the battery lasts a long
> time, and the company keeps parts available (wiring harness, magnets)
> last I checked. Numbers are easy to read, also, and you don't need to
> be an engineer or computer technician to program and use it. I'd buy
> the Astrale's younger sibling if this one packed it in.
> But of course, when I bought my LHT I had to have a fancy cyclometer,
> so I bought a VDO MC1.0 wired cyclometer. I've had that since April
> or so last year and it stood up well over about 4000 miles so far. I
> like how it indicates altitude and grades, but they're a bit suspect
> IMO. Nonetheless, I like it, despite its hefty price. You can see a
> picture of it here
I've been lucky that way with my Astrale. It's never failed because of
rain, even though I've ridden through torrential storms. It's served
me well in very cold temperatures -- single digits -- and in snow. A
couple times I've thought it had given up the ghost but that was
because I hadn't seated the computer well in its mount. Removing and
replacing it did the trick. The cadence failed a few times, but always
for good reason. I lost the magnet one time (I like your Goop method
of attaching it, Ken), and a couple other times it was because I'd
kicked or otherwise rotated the sensor out of place. Knock wood, it
remains reliable (I hope this doesn't jinx it!).
On Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 1:52 AM, Richard <surlyri...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I'm soliciting feedback on bike computers. What do you think is the
> most effective, durable, bang for the buck unit out there? Wireless or
> wired, 4 functions or 20, it doesn't matter.
I vote Cateye Enduro 8. Wired and designed for mountain bikers (has a
heavier/more robust wire). I've them on two bikes. (The older
version). Gives average speed etc. Seem to be water proof. No cadence
on mine - don't think about it and wouldn't know what to do with it if
I counted it! Only additional feature I'd like is backlighting for
night riding.
If you're going for higher quality LED lighting such as Cateye Single
Shot series or B&M Ixon, often these lights interfere with wireless
computers.
On Jan 7, 6:52 am, Richard <surlyri...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I'm soliciting feedback on bike computers. What do you think is the
> most effective, durable, bang for the buck unit out there? Wireless or
> wired, 4 functions or 20, it doesn't matter.
I have the urge to recommend the Garmin Edge 305 but I can't speak to
the durability or how well it does in torrential downpours. It's not
the cheapest computer on the market. If you do get it I would
recommend getting it from REI since they have a 100% guarantee (which
I've used once already for my 305). I would say that it's really
simple to use but I'm also a computer geek.
The coolest feature (or geekiest) is that all the data can be exported
as XML which allows you to do fun things like this:
http://rides.chriscowan.us
On Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 2:15 PM, Daniel Santamaria <dmsan...@gmail.com> wrote:
> i've had really good experiences with the basic Sigmas, wired. works
> in all weather conditions.
> I don't like wireless computers. had a couple, but the batteries run
> out quickly.
> cheers,
> Daniel
> On Thu, Jan 8, 2009 at 1:52 AM, Richard <surlyri...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> I'm soliciting feedback on bike computers. What do you think is the
>> most effective, durable, bang for the buck unit out there? Wireless or
>> wired, 4 functions or 20, it doesn't matter.
> I have the urge to recommend the Garmin Edge 305 but I can't speak to > the durability or how well it does in torrential downpours. It's not > the cheapest computer on the market. If you do get it I would > recommend getting it from REI since they have a 100% guarantee (which > I've used once already for my 305). I would say that it's really > simple to use but I'm also a computer geek.
> The coolest feature (or geekiest) is that all the data can be exported > as XML which allows you to do fun things like this: > http://rides.chriscowan.us
The VDOs seem to be the most appropriate choice when considering
number of functions. I would go C3 or C4 wired, IMO the most "touring-
friendly" ones, because:
remaining and forecast mileage;
programmable trip navigator;
dual bike/wheelsize;
countdown timer and other time features;
ABSENCE of unnecessary features (highly subjective item);
affordable (given the high value).
> I'm soliciting feedback on bike computers. What do you think is the
> most effective, durable, bang for the buck unit out there? Wireless or
> wired, 4 functions or 20, it doesn't matter.
For what it's worth, I purposely avoided permanently mounting a
computer on my LHT. I have computers on all of my other bikes, but
those are used for racing, fast group rides and training. On the LHT,
I just want to get on and go, and not worry about watching my cadence
(which normally runs around 90-110 on my other bikes), my speed (I
already know how long it takes me to ride most places, and otherwise,
I could care less how fast I'm going) or anything else most of the
time. When touring, I use a Garmin Edge GPS for following routes, and
occasionally making notes of hill gradients.
I have a Garmin 705 with heartrate and cadence. I am wondering about
the battery in the heartrate unit as the last hill I went up I was
beating at 197. I didn't pop so it may not be me. Otherwise it is
great. I haven't been able to export and do cool things like Chris
Cowan did with the 305, but that may be my fault, just being stupid
and all. I never thought it was supposed to be waterproof so in the
rain I put it in a cover that fits my ortlieb handle bar bag and it
works fine. The cadence magnet fell off the crank but I replaced it
with one from a name badge and it works fine.
One thing I don't like about it is that it doesn't start the first
time by itself. Once you start it, it will pause and restart
automaticly, but you have to remember to do it the first time you
shove off. It is noticeable because there is no reading for speed or
distance so at least there is a reminder if you remember to look at
it. It also displays so much information you (read "I") can run off
the road trying to read it all. But I do love coming back and
plotting the profile to share with my friends who rode with me.
Another problem is that I live in Taiwan most of the time and can't
get street maps for Taiwan for this model even though it was made
here, go figure. But I just bought the accessories so I can use it in
the US on my other bike when I go there next week.
On Jan 7, 10:52 pm, Richard <surlyri...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I'm soliciting feedback on bike computers. What do you think is the
> most effective, durable, bang for the buck unit out there? Wireless or
> wired, 4 functions or 20, it doesn't matter.
Tamia,
My garmin 705 is also a little suspect on the elevation. I usually end
up 50 to 75 feet in elevation different from where I started when I
finished, and I know my house hasn't moved.
jim
On Jan 8, 3:39 am, Tamia <ta...@tamiasoutside.com> wrote:
> Like Ken, I've been using a Cateye Astrale for a long time, but
> mine's about 2003 vintage. It's a great cyclometer -- it's wired, it's
> easy to read, shows cadence, is reasonably priced, is long-lasting
> (it's still going strong on my utility bike), the battery lasts a long
> time, and the company keeps parts available (wiring harness, magnets)
> last I checked. Numbers are easy to read, also, and you don't need to
> be an engineer or computer technician to program and use it. I'd buy
> the Astrale's younger sibling if this one packed it in.
> But of course, when I bought my LHT I had to have a fancy cyclometer,
> so I bought a VDO MC1.0 wired cyclometer. I've had that since April
> or so last year and it stood up well over about 4000 miles so far. I
> like how it indicates altitude and grades, but they're a bit suspect
> IMO. Nonetheless, I like it, despite its hefty price. You can see a
> picture of it here
I use an old Cateye Enduro 8. I've had it for almost 9 years now, and
the LHT is the third bike I've had it mounted on. I may be in the
minority here, but mileage is the only feature I really use. I have
no desire to monitor my heartrate or cadence, but keeping track of
mileage helps me to navigate with those old-fashioned paper maps that
I prefer.
If I were buying a new cyclometer now, I would probably go with the
basic wired Cateye Strada. I like the looks of the display, and the
mount has the option for stem mounting instead of on the handlebar.
Chuck
On Jan 7, 8:52 am, Richard <surlyri...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I'm soliciting feedback on bike computers. What do you think is the
> most effective, durable, bang for the buck unit out there? Wireless or
> wired, 4 functions or 20, it doesn't matter.
Altimeters merely measure the barometric pressure and translate it into an elevation, and the baro pressure is always in flux. In aircraft I've seen the pressure change 100-200' within an hour, easy.
I wonder how the VDO measures grades... I put a spirit level on my bike once when I was a kid, but any minute change in acceleration or deceleration shoved the "spirits" fore or aft and rendered it useless. If the VDO has a mercury vial like is used in an old-fashioned house thermostat, or something like it, I would expect it to be equally as useless. Perhaps they attempt to average the reading with software?
> Tamia, > My garmin 705 is also a little suspect on the elevation. I usually end > up 50 to 75 feet in elevation different from where I started when I > finished, and I know my house hasn't moved.
> jim > On Jan 8, 3:39 am, Tamia <ta...@tamiasoutside.com> wrote: >> like how it indicates altitude and grades, but they're a bit suspect >> IMO.
On Jan 9, 2:07 pm, "d o u g d u b o i s" <goo...@questiongravity.com>
wrote:
> Altimeters merely measure the barometric pressure and translate it into an
> elevation, and the baro pressure is always in flux. In aircraft I've seen
> the pressure change 100-200' within an hour, easy.
Not on the Garmins - they triangulate elevation from the satellite
pings, same as they do for lat/long.
On Jan 9, 10:21 pm, Hank Wirtz <h...@wirtznet.net> wrote:
> On Jan 9, 2:07 pm, "d o u g d u b o i s" <goo...@questiongravity.com>
> wrote:
> > Altimeters merely measure the barometric pressure and translate it into an
> > elevation, and the baro pressure is always in flux. In aircraft I've seen
> > the pressure change 100-200' within an hour, easy.
> Not on the Garmins - they triangulate elevation from the satellite
> pings, same as they do for lat/long.
Well that certainly explains why my altitude varies a number of feet
while I'm sitting stationary in my driveway. :) Obviously, a 50'
difference from a signal in a geosynchronous orbit is pretty darn
good. However, if it's absolute accuracy you're looking for, you're
not going to get that from most consumer grade devices.
I'll see you your Enduro 8 and raise you my Mity 3 - I've had it for more years than I can remember, and over the years it's been on a carbon fiber racer, a mountain bike, a recumbent, and my LHT among others - when my wife's Topeak Panoram V12 broke I let her use it and I can't get it back - got her a Cateye Strada for Christmas in hopes of getting the Mity 3 back but it was no deal so I've now got the Strada - I prefer the Mity's big, broad numbers and its mode navigation - I have to click six times on the Strada to get from distance to ride time - on the Mity it's one click - also, I prefer the big, broad numbers on the original's display
----- Original Message ----- From: "Chuck" <ChuckW...@gmail.com>
To: "Surly Long Haul Trucker & Cross-Check Owners Group" <SurlyLHT@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Friday, January 09, 2009 3:19 PM
Subject: [SurlyLHT-CC] Re: Bike Computer Recommendations
> I use an old Cateye Enduro 8. I've had it for almost 9 years now, and
> the LHT is the third bike I've had it mounted on. I may be in the
> minority here, but mileage is the only feature I really use. I have
> no desire to monitor my heartrate or cadence, but keeping track of
> mileage helps me to navigate with those old-fashioned paper maps that
> I prefer.
> If I were buying a new cyclometer now, I would probably go with the
> basic wired Cateye Strada. I like the looks of the display, and the
> mount has the option for stem mounting instead of on the handlebar.
> Chuck
> On Jan 7, 8:52 am, Richard <surlyri...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> I'm soliciting feedback on bike computers. What do you think is the
>> most effective, durable, bang for the buck unit out there? Wireless or
>> wired, 4 functions or 20, it doesn't matter.
My batteries last for a couple years in the transmitters.
Interference is more of a problem but not a big deal. the ease of
installation and lack of wire to break make wireless my choice
On Jan 7, 10:01 am, "ken.steinhoff" <ken.steinh...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I looked into wireless, but I have enough places where my heart rate
> monitor blanks out because of high EMF, so I didn't want a computer
> that might do the same.
> In addition, the wrench at the LBS said that battery life sucks. He
> says his customers replace the batteries in the transmitters two or
> three times a year, depending on how much they ride. One guy, a
> triathlete, measures his battery life in weeks, not months.
> If you go with a cadence computer, here's a tip for how to mount the
> crank magnet that has worked well for me:
> On Jan 7, 9:52 am, Richard <surlyri...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > I'm soliciting feedback on bike computers. What do you think is the
> > most effective, durable, bang for the buck unit out there? Wireless or
> > wired, 4 functions or 20, it doesn't matter.
> > Thanks to everyone for their input.- Hide quoted text -
I was thinking that the VDO MC 1.0 cyclometer must calculate rise
(baro change) over run (as indicated by the odometer) and spit out a
gradient. It's been a long time since high school trig and college
calc, so I'd have to strain my brain to work out HOW the calculation
is done. I'll leave that to others. The VDO's MC 1.0 distance measure
is quite accurate -- within 1/2 of 1% or better -- as calibrated
against a GPS. But the altitude values are not very accurate, though,
so any calculation result for grade would be off. Like Jim, my
altitude is often up to 100' different when I return home from a 1.5
mile ride on a day with stable weather conditions.
It must be said that the terrain I ride is very mountainous with steep
grades (up to 20% as measured using topo maps and my Brunton pocket
transit), but any one climb is not very long. The longest climb on my
usual route is about 3/4 mile. In terrain with longer rises, perhaps
the VDO is more accurate than it is here.
