can you trust cycle computers?

[Deleted member 1258]

The one on my roadie (wired) cuts out in heavy rain, which can be a bit annoying.

Wrap it in cling film secured with a elastic band, been doing this for years, works very well.

 

[HovR]

I sometimes have this issue with my Cateye Vectra Wireless when the batteries are going flat - Replace the batteries, and all is fine.. Not sure if this will also apply to wired models? Worth a try maybe.

 

[gavroche]

The book says it could be a weak battery so worth a try.

 

[CopperCyclist]

This is why I prefer GPS based computers... I used to have a magnet based one, and it was always missing revolutions. That said, it was a cheap one, and not a decent brand like Cateye which you would expect to work. I know it is possible to lose GPS connection, but the computer I use never has yet (albeit I've only had it just over a month!) and even if it does you can open up the track later via the computer and correct it.

 

[Fnaar]

Wrap it in cling film secured with a elastic band, been doing this for years, works very well.

Cheers. Will try that

 

[AideyM]

I trusted mine. It walked out on me, cleared my bank account and shat on the door mat.
I don't think I'll ever trust one again

 

[smokeysmoo]

I trust mine, not that I'd leave them in charge of the house or anything, but as far as readings go I have no problems with either of them.

FWIW. They are a Cateye Strada Cadence (wired) & a Bryton Rider 35

 

[Tim Hall]

If your computer display unit is demountable, it might be worth buffing up the contacts and checking the spring tension on the back of the display unit and on the handlebar mount. (but be gentle with the buffing, no sandpaper)

Top tip for buffing computer contacts: use a pencil rubber.

 

[gavroche]

Just been out in car and did exactly same route. Car reading: 21 miles. Computer was 6 miles out!!

 

[albion]

Did you change the circumference setting by mistake?

 

[Davidc]

I have very few problems with mine (wired VDO), but they behave rather like yours when their batteries get low, and also if the magnet gets moved. I now use a different breed of magnet that attaches better to the spoke.

Water can be a problem - same cure as for lights for the head unit, a smear of silicone grease on the battery compartment seal, but I haven't found an answer for the mounting plate other than take the head off and dry the contacts with a tissue.

The only other thing that messes mine up is riding past the Washford medium wave transmitter. A couple of hunded kilowatts of Absolute + Talk Sport + BBC Wales makes them shut down completely for a few hundred metres!

 

[Fnaar]

Timely, this. Went out this morning, my comp seems to have bitten the dust. Battery seems ok, think the wire is knacked.

 

[DiddlyDodds]

Mine does exactly the same BUT only when I have my phone on its mount on the handlebars, take the phone away and no more dodgy speeds showing.

 

[smokeysmoo]

FWIW I put a smear of clear grease on the contacts of my wired computer mount, seems to work a treat

 

[snailracer]

Take the NASA approach - fit 5 computers, if at least 3 agree then the result is considered valid.