Wired or Wireless Computers

[ak88]

Whats the general consensus and peoples experience between using a wired versus a wireless computer. The wireless sounds more convenient but is it usable or are there any downsides over a wired version.

I am thinking about getting a Cateye Micro wireless to collect my commuting data.

 

[4F]

Go for wired. The wireless tend to be more unreliable.

 

[John the Monkey]

I like wired - cheaper, in general, and slightly easier to spot where there's a problem. It can make your bike look a bit untidy though, if you're not a fan of trailing wires (I compound the yuk factor by using electrical tape to hold the wires to the frame).

 

[Rhythm Thief]

Wired. More reliable and cheaper, and not too untidy if you use zip ties and are careful with the cable routing.

 

[Joe24]

Wired. More reliable. My wireless one stopped working before it was ment to, it was only a cheap ish one though.
Wired is cheaper, the wireless one i had took loads of batteries in the trasmitter and the computer.
My cable just runs down the front brake cable then goes off onto the fork, i wrapped it around the cable and it doesnt look too bad.

 

[Jacomus-rides-Gen]

Wireless, totally reliable IME, so much neater and easier than wired.

 

[Tynan]

loads of people grumble about their lights interfering with the wireless model

and all sorts of stuff at the side of the road

 

[toontra]

Wireless, totally reliable IME, so much neater and easier than wired.

You must have the only wireless comp that isn't affected by close proximity to either:

Traffic lights
Electricity pylons
Generators
Other wireless gadgets (e.g. heart rate monitors)
Random power surges from other street sources

I tried six or seven wireless comps. All were affected by some or all of the above, rendering them useless for reliable info when following audax routesheets.

I now use Aldi wired computers. Rock solidly reliable, huge battery life (i.e. 3 years), less weight and cost £4 each!

Depends whether you put style above function IMO.

 

[John the Monkey]

My cable just runs down the front brake cable then goes off onto the fork, i wrapped it around the cable and it doesnt look too bad.

Same here, although I tape mine in place where it's not wrapped around the brake cable (I don't use zip ties, as a pal of mine reckons they can fatigue the wires).

 

[4F]

Wireless, totally reliable IME, so much neater and easier than wired.

I am surprised your wireless one still works with the amount of times you hit the deck

 

[on the road]

I think the advantages of the wireless outweighs the disadvantages in my opinion.

 

[HLaB]

I have 3 computers 2 wireless and one wired.
The cheapest wireless (raleigh echo) occasionally gets interference if the batteries a dying or if I pass through a long tunnel? like the innocent railway tunnel (500m approx) and stops recording. Other than that its been quite robust and reliable.
I've never had a problem with my cat eye micro wireless.
The wired one is fitted to my road bike (its a Lidl cheapy) and it fits the forks (carbon) ok. I don't think it would look as neat on my other bikes though and if its ever replaced it'll be for a wired one. IME I'd have to agree with 'on the road'

I think the advantages of the wireless outweighs the disadvantages in my opinion.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

I have a wireless Sigma 1606L which I use on two bikes. It has never given the slightest problem in any conditions.

 

[baggytrousers]

I have a Cateye Micro wireless and used it every day for nearly 18mths now - very reliable never had any problems with interference or anything like that and I've just changed the original batteries - my only gripe would be that it's very difficult to see in the dark although it's got a backlight you have to press a tiny button on the back which is almost impossible with gloves but I imagine this is the same with wired.

 

[bonj2]

wired are better, more reliable and less stuff on your bike - fewer batteries and no transmitter. Although probably not that heavy. I twine the cable round the front brake cable, looks quite good like that. I did once try a specialized wireless one, and it worked fine just spinning the wheel by hand indoors, but it didn't work outside - can only assume it was too cold for it, that's no good then really.
I had a sigma sport BC1601L wired, but it stopped working and so I have sent it back to sigma and am awaiting the replacement which they have promised me, so I would still recommend it as if they are willing to replace it then it must be quite rare for it to just suddenly give up the ghost.