Cyclometer recommendations anyone?

I have a Cateye Velo 2, a very inexpensive $20 computer that measures:
speed
avg. speed
trip distance
total distance (odo)
trip time
time of day

It has one big button that's easy to find and push. It's small and
lightweight, with simple connections. The battery will be cheap to
replace and easy to find, unlike the batteries in wireless computers.

It's been rained on three times without a problem. Nothing else I've
found combines the ease-of-use, features, SIZE, and great user's
manual. Plus, it's always on sale and has been quietly flying under the
radar for years.

Sorry, you wanted to know if they were all the same...

I think anything beyond the basic functions is unecessary. It's nice to
have more trip functions for training, I guess.

Wireless is unnecessary. It's like having a remote control for your car
stereo. Wires are easy to run and pretty unobtrusive. Their only
downside is looks, but they have many upsides. Wired computers are
cheaper than wireless, both now and down the road. They're more
reliable.

This anecdote sums it all up: during the Minnesota MS 150, I saw a
woman talking to the SAG mechanic about how her wireless computer
wasn't accurate. Turns out the battery in her sending unit was dying.
Did he have a spare? Nope, this size was uncommon, a photography
battery. He didn't have any in the truck, but he did have button
batteries used in most wired computers.

Get a wired one.

"jes.sandiegoca" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:54tte.1972$Lr4.748@fed1read03...

Quoted message said:

Are they all pretty much the same?

Similar. Decide if you want cadence or not. (your pedal speed) That'll
narrow down the field. Some models have a "cadence option" - you add a
sensor/wire if you need it.

I've owned a few computers ranging from expensive Cateye's with cadence to
cheapo-Chinese off-brands. They all seem to work pretty well. These aren't
rocket science - they have the computational horsepower of a pocket
calculator.

I wanted a wireless for my latest bike.
Two reasons: 1) aesthetics 2) my current bike folds and cables could be
damaged in the process.

I've heard batteries last *years* in a cordless and I carry spares just in
case. I wouldn't let that affect your choice. Go wireless if you like it's
advantages - carry spare batteries just in case.

http://snipurl.com/fpcx

Filzer dB4LW - *wireless for $22 Canadian* - about $18 US. That's cheaper
than most wired models and it's been working flawlessly since I got it
(about 100km ago 😉 It came with a multi-segment articulated mount far more
flexible than any I've owned (the Cateye-cadence model I had was "one
position only" - chincy)

Actually, I like the functionality of this model better than my last Cateye.
It seems to display more info and adds a few features. (clock, for one)

Oh! One way to determine if you're going to like the features: download the
instruction manual.
Here's a link to the Filzer:
http://www.filzer.com/images/dB/4LW-instructions.pdf

I'm sure Cateye and others also have PDF manuals on their websites.

Good luck and post back with any other questions!

Chris

Quoted message said:

Filzer dB4LW - *wireless for $22 Canadian* - about $18 US. That's cheaper
than most wired models and it's been working flawlessly since I got it
(about 100km ago 😉 It came with a multi-segment articulated mount far more
flexible than any I've owned (the Cateye-cadence model I had was "one
position only" - chincy)

Actually, I like the functionality of this model better than my last Cateye.
It seems to display more info and adds a few features. (clock, for one)

I just started a thread about my two computers, including dB4LW,
showing the max speed as negative numbers. Yours doesn't do that?

jes.sandiegoca said:

Are they all pretty much the same?

I'm just starting to get into biking, so I bought a cheapie $20
computer from Target. It kept shorting out over bumpy road, so I
crammed some little pieces of paper behind the battery. Still no
good.

I then did what I should have done in the first place--went to my
local bike shop and had them install a $20 Cateye Velo 5. Same price,
much better computer (very simple with very few functions), and a
professional installation that looks a lot better than the goofy way I
installed the cheapie.

It is wired, and very basic: Odometer, time, miles for this trip,
MPH, and max MPH. I've only had it for a week or so but it's much
easier to operate and has been much more dependable than the first
one.

Lauri in WA, lurker and new biker

I like my email spamless

jes.sandiegoca said:

Are they all pretty much the same?

Well . . . no.

BUT . . . you can't go too far wrong with the Cateye Mity 8 for a
little over $20.

Here it is: http://snipurl.com/e0ro

Here's where it can be purchased:

http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=cateye+mity+8

Do you need the cadence feature? Some like it. If you're just out
riding your bike, it may be an easy place to cut costs (cadence is an
extra wire and some extra $$).

If you like the cadence feature, how 'bout the Cateye Astrale 8

http://snipurl.com/fphw

It can be bought (for about $35) from:

http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=cateye+astrale+8

Good luck!

Neil Brooks said:

BUT . . . you can't go too far wrong with the Cateye Mity 8 for a
little over $20.

Quoted message said:

If you like the cadence feature, how 'bout the Cateye Astrale 8

I have both of these and agree they work well. I've had the Mity 8 for
years and it's given me no trouble. However, I broke the clip that
holds the computer in the bracket last year when I tried removing it
when it was cold (it was sitting in the garage in the winter). I blame
myself and not the cateye, and I still use it, as it appears to stay in
without the clip.

We put the Astrale on the back of our tandem last year. My wife (the
stoker) has the cadence displayed almost all the time when riding, so
I'm guessing she'd say the cadence is worth it. We bought it for the
cadence feature; I was trying to encourage her to pedal faster, as per
the recomendations of this group. It's worked; we now ride at about
75-80, up from 50 or so.

Of note, the Mity allows you to "set" the odometer (or reset it to a new
value). The Astrale does not.

Rich

Neil Brooks said:

jes.sandiegoca said:

Are they all pretty much the same?

Well . . . no.

BUT . . . you can't go too far wrong with the Cateye Mity 8 for a
little over $20.

Here it is: http://snipurl.com/e0ro

Here's where it can be purchased:

http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=cateye+mity+8

Do you need the cadence feature? Some like it. If you're just out
riding your bike, it may be an easy place to cut costs (cadence is an
extra wire and some extra $$).

If you like the cadence feature, how 'bout the Cateye Astrale 8

http://snipurl.com/fphw

It can be bought (for about $35) from:

http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=cateye+astrale+8

Just to add to the list, the Planet Bike Protege 9.0 has been
available new on ebay for at least the last year with a BIN price of
right around $20 and reasonable shipping. I have bought two of them,
I don't remember if they were from this seller or another:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=30108&item=7163576241

I have a cateye mitty 3 too, but I like the Planet Bike better for its
multi-line display, lack of buttons, and ease of resetting.
I'm not sure I believe the thermometer most of the time though.

jes.sandiegoca said:

Are they all pretty much the same?

cjs

As has been mentioned, it's not complex tech, so look for the features and
the styling/mount type that you think is swish.

Personally I'd just get a basic Cateye since I've been buying their stuff
since the 80s and it's always smart looking, durable, and well designed.
But I like riding without one so I can be more hyperbolic about my
speed/distance claims. YMMV.

:P

"Lauri" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

....

Quoted message said:

Lauri in WA, lurker and new biker

Welcome to the group Lauri! Glad to have you here. 🙂

"maxo" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

On Sun, 19 Jun 2005 23:09:10 -0700, jes.sandiegoca wrote:

....

Quoted message said:

But I like riding without one so I can be more hyperbolic about my
speed/distance claims. YMMV.

LOL! Nice. ;p

BTW: I didn't mention but the Filzer computers do a few things I couldn't do
with my older Cateye:
you can restore the odometer after a hard reset and it has a clock
(12/24hour selectable)

C.J.Patten said:

"Lauri" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

...

Quoted message said:

Lauri in WA, lurker and new biker

Welcome to the group Lauri! Glad to have you here. 🙂

Thanks! I'm amazed at how much fun I'm having riding my bike. I'm
trying to work up the courage to join a local bike club. I'm at the
point right now where I can ride maybe 6-7 miles and I don't how well
that would fit into a cycling club mentality. I don't have any of the
"fancy gear", either, and not sure how much of that is necessary...?
Right now, I'm just having fun in my shorts, tshirts and tennis shoes
(and helmet!).

Lauri in WA

I like my email spamless

"Lauri" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Thanks! I'm amazed at how much fun I'm having riding my bike. I'm
trying to work up the courage to join a local bike club. I'm at the
point right now where I can ride maybe 6-7 miles and I don't how well
that would fit into a cycling club mentality. I don't have any of the
"fancy gear", either, and not sure how much of that is necessary...?
Right now, I'm just having fun in my shorts, tshirts and tennis shoes
(and helmet!).

I'm with you on ALL of that.

I'm not doing any more than 6 miles at a time at a leisurely pace and in
nothing more than a pair of micro-fiber Bermuda-shorts, cool-max T-shirt and
jungle moccassin shoes. NONE of the gear is necessary but it's fun to try
out new toys from time to time.

I don't think my local club has a ride for
"out-of-shape-overweight-slow-20-somethings-biking-to-get-in-shape" ... 😉

Lauri said:

Thanks! I'm amazed at how much fun I'm having riding my bike. I'm
trying to work up the courage to join a local bike club. I'm at the
point right now where I can ride maybe 6-7 miles and I don't how well
that would fit into a cycling club mentality. I don't have any of the
"fancy gear", either, and not sure how much of that is necessary...?
Right now, I'm just having fun in my shorts, tshirts and tennis shoes
(and helmet!).

Lauri in WA

Hi Lauri, Claire can probably give you some good info on local clubs.
Do a search for your local clubs or look for flyers at the LBS.

The two local clubs[Milwaukee WI] that I am interested in, post their
schedules, online. At the beginning of the season the one club had a
few rides around 19-20 miles, but nothing shorter.

So, you may want to work on your distances, before joining. And before
joining, most clubs will let you ride along, as a guest. I did that a
few times, already, this year.

Fancy gear, isn't necessary, you may want some cycling shorts, when
your mileage goes up. All most require, is a helmet.

If you can ride 6-7, soon it will be 10. My first year, after not
riding, for 25 years, I worked my way up to 10 and then finally 14
mile rides, for a total of 732 miles for the year. My second year back
I almost tripled my total yearly distance and got up to 20, with some
rides in the 30 mile range.

Now in my fourth year back, I have been averaging over 100 miles a
week, doing lots of 25-30 mile rides. So it just takes some time,
effort and enthusiasm.

For me riding is rewarding in many ways, and it's big fun;-)

Life is Good!
Jeff

Lauri said:

Thanks! I'm amazed at how much fun I'm having riding my bike. I'm
trying to work up the courage to join a local bike club. I'm at the
point right now where I can ride maybe 6-7 miles and I don't how well
that would fit into a cycling club mentality.

My wife and I road with a local club once. We have an inexpensive MTB
tandem and were pulling a kid trailer. They were fast (we could barely
keep up and it was billed as a "family" ride. I got the impression
they really didn't want us back again, so we just bike by ourselves.

So if by chance they don't seem to receptive of you, don't take it
personally. And if they are receptive, then that's great.

Rich

On Mon, 20 Jun 2005 23:47:55 GMT, Jeff Starr <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Hi Lauri, Claire can probably give you some good info on local clubs.
Do a search for your local clubs or look for flyers at the LBS.

From reading Claire's posts, I can see that she's about 120 miles west
of me. I'm in central Washington state, on the banks of the Columbia
River.

Quoted message said:

So, you may want to work on your distances, before joining. And before
joining, most clubs will let you ride along, as a guest. I did that a
few times, already, this year.

Yeah, that's my plan for now. I do wish that I had someone to ride
with but it's also kind of nice to be able to go my own pace, stop and
drink water when I wish, etc.

Quoted message said:

If you can ride 6-7, soon it will be 10. My first year, after not
riding, for 25 years, I worked my way up to 10 and then finally 14
mile rides, for a total of 732 miles for the year. My second year back
I almost tripled my total yearly distance and got up to 20, with some
rides in the 30 mile range.

Sounds good. Right now, I'm kind of circling my small little town
(sometimes with repeats along the route) in order to get the 6-7
miles. I wonder if people are a little nervous when I repeatedly ride
past their house. 🙂

Quoted message said:

Now in my fourth year back, I have been averaging over 100 miles a
week, doing lots of 25-30 mile rides. So it just takes some time,
effort and enthusiasm.

For me riding is rewarding in many ways, and it's big fun;-)

I agree. I'm really digging it and I've lost a few pounds, which is a
nice bonus! I really like the way I feel when I come back from a
ride...like an athlete! I can't imagine how I'll feel after a 30 mile
ride--can't wait!

Lauri in WA

I like my email spamless

On Mon, 20 Jun 2005 18:55:43 -0600, Rich <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Lauri said:

Thanks! I'm amazed at how much fun I'm having riding my bike. I'm
trying to work up the courage to join a local bike club. I'm at the
point right now where I can ride maybe 6-7 miles and I don't how well
that would fit into a cycling club mentality.

My wife and I road with a local club once. We have an inexpensive MTB
tandem and were pulling a kid trailer. They were fast (we could barely
keep up and it was billed as a "family" ride. I got the impression
they really didn't want us back again, so we just bike by ourselves.

So if by chance they don't seem to receptive of you, don't take it
personally. And if they are receptive, then that's great.

Yeah, I'm a little worried about that. Apparently there are two local
clubs; one for the people who do lots of racing and century rides, and
then the other club. I'm really just looking for someone to ride the
local "loop" trail with. It's 11-12 miles and crosses the Columbia
river twice. There are a couple of areas that are unsafe for lone
female riders (transients and ne'er-do-wells), so even just one
biking buddy would be great. Till then, I'll keep biking around town.

Lauri in WA

I like my email spamless

On Mon, 20 Jun 2005 18:55:43 -0600, Rich <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

My wife and I road with a local club once. We have an inexpensive MTB
tandem and were pulling a kid trailer. They were fast (we could barely
keep up and it was billed as a "family" ride. I got the impression
they really didn't want us back again, so we just bike by ourselves.

So if by chance they don't seem to receptive of you, don't take it
personally. And if they are receptive, then that's great.

Rich

The club I rode with twice, just didn't seem to care, one way or
another. I ended up riding the second ride, first with a couple on a
tandem, who had just joined and didn't know anyone. Then with a young
lady, who was not a member, either.

The first ride, I rode with members, and one guy was real nice, but
the second ride, his girlfriend was there and they were fast. So, I
never did get a chance to talk to him.

I know that I have lost interest in joining this year.

Life is Good!
Jeff

Lauri said:

C.J.Patten said:

"Lauri" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

...

Quoted message said:

Lauri in WA, lurker and new biker

Welcome to the group Lauri! Glad to have you here. 🙂

Thanks! I'm amazed at how much fun I'm having riding my bike. I'm
trying to work up the courage to join a local bike club. I'm at the
point right now where I can ride maybe 6-7 miles and I don't how well
that would fit into a cycling club mentality. I don't have any of the
"fancy gear", either, and not sure how much of that is necessary...?
Right now, I'm just having fun in my shorts, tshirts and tennis shoes
(and helmet!).

What causes you to stop after 6-7 miles? Unless you are really
exhausted, almost anyone can do far more than that, especially on
level ground. My club (the 5 boro bike club) has many smiley face
rides (marked with the smiley face in the newsletter), which are meant
for folks who like to mosey along. They tend to be 20 miles or so but
there are frequent stops and a sedate pace.

I rarely go on the club rides anymore because I started commuting by
bike and my weekend riding is usually just to the stores or around the
local parks.