Soo Many Computers

[pdfred]

hi all, this is my first post as im a cycle chat virgin, i have just got into cycling at the ripe age of 39 after being ill and needing to get fit, my bike is a specialized sirrus which does me well as im not ready for the racing bike yet or the lycra lol, im looking to buy a computer which will be good enough to take to my next bike. Do i go for ones with heart rate, cadence etc or is just speed and miles covered good enough?.
thanks paul

 

[peanut]

welcome Paul
you'll get lots of useful help here from members . I am also looking for a new computer myself and am frankly overwhelmed by the choice.

You need to decide if you want a wired or wireless computer . Wired is more reliable and less prone to interferance but has the disadvantage of a cable running down the forks

I might recommend you look at the cateye range which are very popular. They have nice big easy to read leds too.
I'd say the most important basic data you need initially is Current speed, average speed , distance , odometer,and max speed and of course time.

If you are a techy you might want to look at Garmin GPS which gives you the route and altitude climbed etc to download to your PC

 

[Downward]

I got the Q Starz GPS Sports recorder.
http://www.trustedreviews.com/car-t...-BT-Q2000-GPS-Sports-Recorder-Explore-2000/p1

I use it on the bike and share it with the wife who uses it for running.

Although it's a tracker it won't guide you but I have a C905 which does that if needed which is pretty much never.

 

[dhague]

I found the Cateye Strada Cadence to be very useful - there's a lot of talk about maintaining correct cadence, but it's surprisingly hard to measure without a computer (just try counting pedal strokes in 10 seconds without hitting anything!).

For heart rate, most chemists (Lloyds etc) sell heart rate monitors for well under £20. These can be useful for keeping up a certain rate of work over the course of a ride.

Hope this helps,
Darren

 

[HJ]

It really depends on what you want it for, you looking for something to tell you how fast and how far you are going. Or are you looking for a training aid, if you are looking for a training aid then a HR monitor and cadence recording are for you. If not then go for something simpler either way it is best to get a computer manufactured by an instrument maker, I would suggest a VDO you may as well get the best as it doesn't cost much more...