cyclocomputer recommendation - main attribute is lap distance or easy reset to measure distance from last cue
Jim Logan
I am seeking recommendations for a cyclocomputer that easily measures lap distance (or resets easily for same – to measure distance since last cue).
I’ve been using my Garmin 305 for this to good effect, but it has gone to computer heaven, and I don’t need the recharging hassles. The PA 1000 is in two weeks, so it has to be something I can get fast.
Simpler is better. I have a second computer mounted, so all I need from this one is distance from last cue.
What do people recommend? Online cyclocomputer descriptions are amazingly obtuse, just like the products themselves.
Jim Logan
Pittsburgh, PA
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Simon Watt
I've used a Polar CS200 for randonnees and valued it's Lap feature. I think the CS100 offers similar capability with reduced recording time. It has HR, optional cadence and sound-based download of ride data (totals and averages) to the Polar site.
Its default screen, one of six available screens, displays a top line of distance, then speed, then HR adjacent to Cadence. A press of the large red button records a lap, and resets the trip odometer. The upper line of distance now alternates with the current trip distance. So it displays cumulative distance from the start alternating with current "cue" distance. I find it a perfect set of data for a randonnee. There are a few other features and data, but I find this screen of data the reason to own it. The more sophisticated CS400/600 and the 720 series are brilliant, but require two screens to display the same data.
It will record a total of 99hrs of ride time, in up to 7 files, with up to 50 laps per file, enough for a 1200 and to record each of your stages and stops.
Couple of limitations:
* It is not waterproof, but water resistant. Mine crapped out at 1100km in PBP. A plastic bag next time:-)
* It has a max speed limit which is 120 wheel rpm. For a 700C that's around 100kph, for the 406/20" on the front of my recumbent, it's around 77kph. Beyond this limit it records half speed, and of course, half distance. It's much less exciting to see 46 or 47 when the reality is double. I use a wired backup computer as well and it's accurate to 199kph so I'm told. Nice to have displaying overall average as well to complement the Polar data.
Worth considering ...
Cheers, Simon
From: Jim Logan <jiml...@verizon.net>
To: randon <ran...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, 15 July, 2008 12:08:09 PM
Subject: [Randon] cyclocomputer recommendation - main attribute is lap distance or easy reset to measure distance from last cue
I am seeking recommendations for a cyclocomputer that easily measures lap distance (or resets easily for same – to measure distance since last cue).
I’ve been using my Garmin 305 for this to good effect, but it has gone to computer heaven, and I don’t need the recharging hassles. The PA 1000 is in two weeks, so it has to be something I can get fast.
Simpler is better. I have a second computer mounted, so all I need from this one is distance from last cue.
What do people recommend? Online cyclocomputer descriptions are amazingly obtuse, just like the products themselves.
Jim Logan
Pittsburgh, PA
Peter Mathews
I took Simon's recommendation and am very happy with it. I use the default set up and am very happy with that. Because we ride recumbents the instrument is vertical rather than horizontal which I suspect means water sneaks in through a couple of holes in the under side of the housing. I've put sticky tape over mine and although they have not had a really thorough soaking the brief showers I have ridden in have not caused a problem. Wireless is nice!
I also have a wired backup unit. One of four Echo F7(?) models we have at home. I ran two of them on PBP and they seem to like swimming! I have found them to be robust and reliable units on each of the bikes I've had them on.
Two bobs worth from down under.
Peter -- Peter Mathews Library Planning Executive Office of the University Librarian Monash University Library MONASH UNIVERSITY VIC 3800 Ph : (03) 9905 2192 Bike : 043 999 2130 Fax : (03) 9905 2610 email : peter....@lib.monash.edu.au
George Evans
The 1606L is a wireless computer with a light. Cadence can be added, if desired (not wireless). Sigma may have other, fancier units with altitude, HRM, etc., but the basic functions are all I use.
VDO also has units with a similar second trip meter, but the wireless version I had would not read the speed sensor below about 65 deg F, making it worthless for randonneuring.