Cycle Computers

[Scrappy]

Besides the obvious, why do you guys use them and is it worth me getting one?

I only do a few miles per day so I’m far from a pro racer and I keep wondering how fast I’m going, what my average speed is etc. and I was also thinking It’d be nice to be able to track my progress.

For example I’m doing 3.5 miles per day (using Google maps to check distance) and it takes me roughly 20 minutes and that is all I have to go off, maybe using a computer might be encouraging while seeing speeds increase and times decrease or possible frustrating that I’m slower and taking longer.

I was just thinking and curious to know how you have found them when starting out, or if it is worth getting one at all?

 

[biggs682]

i only use one on tandem , just so i can keep a running mileage plus i try and keep above a certain speed on it , otherwise i dont use them at all .

but i am thinking of getting one for fixied to do the cadance count as riding and counting are hard work

 

[Kiwiavenger]

I use mine for cadence and speed only really, felt a bit lost without it the last few weeks!

Sent from my LT15i using Tapatalk 2

 

[berty bassett]

i use one all the time - on road and in the shed it definitely spurs you on if you want spurring like if you are nearing a certain speed one time then you may feel the urge to try and beat it next time also they keep overall distance done in a year whats good to know - at worse and you don't want to know that - they always have the clock on there whats handy . i wouldn't have said theres many on here who bought one and wishes they hadn't - i am now preparing for a bombardment of opposing views

 

[Scrappy]

Interesting, I’m considering getting a cheap one from Halfords I think they’re around £10, just to see what they’re like. I have never used one before.

 

[smokeysmoo]

I've used all types over the years, from billy basic ones to full on GPS units, but I recently went sans computer and just used iPhone apps to track what I do.

The trouble with this is my phone is in my pocket and I do like to see my speed and distance travelled at a glance.

So I've now got a Decathlon computer for that purpose, THIS one, and trust me when I say it's the easiest computer I've ever used, (some are a right pig to set up).

It's wireless, set up was a doddle, it fits on the stem which I prefer, and it has a large screen with clear digits while still being a slim compact unit.

I love it. I think they start at about £10 for the most basic one, mine was £20 and tbh does more than I need.

Very highly recommend

 

[Dave 123]

Go for it. There's nothing better than being utterly knackered on a ride and telling yourself "I NEED to be doing x mph by that sign post", all totally futile but thoroughly entertaining!

 

[compo]

I really just use mine for distance measurement. I don't go fast enough to worry about speed and time! My computer was a fiver from Aldi and works fine.

 

[rowdin]

Tescos do two cycle computers, the first is under 6 quid which i used for 3000 miles+. Till i came off my bike on monday and lost it, up too that point it worked just fine no probems at all. The next one up, is 15 quid and comes with cadence readout which i have just got, i don't think there is a cheaper cadence comp around, very good value for money.

 

[sabian92]

I use one simply for getting a visual indication if i'm getting faster. It's a great motivator for me to see it - I used to have a wired one and it drove me mad because the wire was far too long, so I got a wireless Bontrager 4w from Evans for 25 quid. Some people hate them, some love them - I personally see it as having a car without a speedo if not.

 

[compo]

I have a Raleigh wireless computer in my spares box. I don't use it any longer as every time it gets anywhere near a source of transmissions such as taxi radios or sensor controlled traffic lights it goes berserk, and gives me speeds of 100mph+ and my distance readout goes all to cock.

 

[ohnovino]

I use mine primarilly for distance. It helps navigation (you can use a cue sheet with things like "10.6 miles turn right") and also I can track how much life I get out of tyres, brake blocks etc. The speed figure itself I tend not to look at, and it can be demoralising when you're in a fight with a hill and you see your speed creeping down.

If you get one, I'd just go for the cheapest you can find. The technology is very simple so you really can get away with paying peanuts, and the extra features on the pricey models will probably only get used once before you forget about them.

This is the last one I bought: £6.68 inc delivery

 

[musa]

I had the wired one just to rack up total miles ive accumulated but it drove me mad when it wasn't stem mountable.

Recently got gps one which I can more than happy with. I plan to go places rack up some heavy mileage and this dies what I want.

So the question what do you want from it?

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

I use mine to keep tabs on speed and distance. It's just nice to know how far you've gone on any given ride and how fast.

Something I like to know is how I do on one bike compared to the other.

Two bits of advice I'd give are:

• Avoid the wireless computers at the cheaper end of the market as they are prone to interference, and in my experience the battery life isn't great.
• Measure the actual circumference of your wheel and tyre. The tyre size chart with the instructions is often quite inaccurate which means your speedometer won't be accurate.

 

[sidevalve]

As above you can pick a basic unit up for £5 or less that'll do the job. I find the clock most usefull, as you're not really into sporting rides the speedo is mostly relative [ie you aint worried about speed cameras or exact timings] so the genuine exact speed isn't too important. Besides at the price it aint much of a loss if you leave it on the bike and some git nicks it.