Best cycle computer?

helpimcrap

helpimcrap

helpimcrap

Soldato
Joined
13 Jan 2004
Posts
12,773
Location
Leicestershire
I use my phone and map my ride but it only lasts about 50miles before its flat as it uses GPS for the route and speed etc. Very good but i need something which i can glance at and it tell me average speed and distance covered etc.

Is there one people recomend? Or is there a reliable way of keeping the phone charged up using a dynamo for example and then work out a way of attaching that to my handle bars. I could listen to music too then.
 
As a general computer, i've always liked the cateye strada.

But for a gps/all in one than many use the garmin edge.

Or you could use one of those solar battery packs, and use silicon bands to strap it to your phone.
 
hux said:
As a general computer, i've always liked the cateye strada.

But for a gps/all in one than many use the garmin edge.

Or you could use one of those solar battery packs, and use silicon bands to strap it to your phone.
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Think my uncle swears by a garmin - unsure which model but it was expensive!

I'd be looking at £50 tops and fancy the cateye v3 triple simply because it does all that and measures heart rate but the CATEYE Micro Wireless i've seen for £30 and it has good reviews.
How long do the batteries last on these things?
 
If you just want speed and distance a basic computer is all you need. I personally find one with a heart rate monitor very useful as it gives me a good indication when I need to ease off a bit or if I can keep pushing. Mines a VDO HC12.6 which cost about £40. Battery wise they last a long time. My phone sits in my pocket with gps on for Strava but without the screen on battery life isn't an issue.

I've always used wired ones on my road bikes after seeing friends use having problems with wireless ones on mtbs.
 
Cateye Velo Wireless

I used one of these for years till I replaced it with a Garmin Edge 800. Great little computer. Never any problems with it and the wireless was fine and looked much tidier.

If you're going to get into cycling seriously though and you can afford it, go for the Edge 800 with the cadence and heart rate monitors. Great for training, route planning etc and you can analyse your rides after and start using apps like Strava to get competitive. :)
 
stupid question here but some of these are wireless - what exactly does that mean as all they ever do is measure wheel speed and from that speeds and distance?

Is it simply you have a sensor on your wheel but there's no wire going to it?
 
helpimcrap said:
stupid question here but some of these are wireless - what exactly does that mean as all they ever do is measure wheel speed and from that speeds and distance?

Is it simply you have a sensor on your wheel but there's no wire going to it?
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They have a magnet on the wheel + sensor on the fork which sends a signal to the computer on your bars. Much neater on the bike and less of a bitch to set up.

I use the Cateye Strada on my road bike.
 
I had a cateye strada and the damn thing fell off during a ride and went under a car wheel....
I replaced it with the cheapest wireless one from halfords and i think it's actually better. (£20 or so)
 
Cheers guys - looks like a cateye strada will be best but my uncle says he might have an old one in his spaces as he insists on having the latest bling.... hes got a garmin 500 something....
 
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