Bike Computer

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by dhk2 [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

I use a Cateye Mity 8, which is hard to beat for "bang for the buck". Cost about $25, bulletproof reliability, and the battery lasts for several seasons of riding. It stays on the bike at all times, no attention or battery-charging needed.

Hey, alfeng, dhk2, and I all agree on something.

I used a Cateye Mighty 8 for about four years, until the cable started shorting out. Great computer for something like 30 or 40 bucks. I can't handle more than 8 features/functions wihle I'm riding, anyway, and if I start uploading data to a computer it'll only distract me from more important activities, like riding more, fixing up around the house, or posting on this forum.

As I said, the cable was shorting out so I upgraded to a Cateye Strada Wireless. Pretty much the same functions, one fewer button, more compact package, and no wire to short out. Takes two batteries, though. Oh well. The Strada boasts improved battery life. 60 bucks at your local bike store.

DC, Awesome!

Now...if they can incorporate a weapons sight, fire control system and...

And his wife has a nice bod!

Lessee...7 LED's for heart rate...60 LED's for speed...Route turn arrows...Tire pressure monitoring...Altitude arrows and readout...Pace arrows...Inclination angle/percentange...Ambient temperature...Map display...Mileage and Odometer...I hope there's still room on the glasses to see thru.

I can totally understand his trip/face plant.

Be honest now...how many of you data freaks have pedalled right off the road?

DHK2,

How accurate is your Timex altimeter when compared to your Garmin/Nuvi? I thought about getting a decent Ironman or Casio G-Shock w/barometric sensor, but for the price I'm almost up to a Garmin Edge 500.

And I agree, the constant charging of the Garmin units seems like one more of life's pain in the ass ideas. But, until Obummer issues an executive order mandating Solyndra solar panels on all bicycle displays, I guess I'm stuck with staying on the grid.

As I said, the cable was shorting out so I upgraded to a Cateye Strada Wireless. Pretty much the same functions, one fewer button, more compact package, and no wire to short out.

OBC,

That's the setup I'm using on my daily driver. My only complaint is that the function changes only roll thru in one direction with no reversing. I like to flip back and forth between time and distance so it's six clicks...six clicks...six clicks...

I think I'm gonna take the Garmin plunge. I heard it survived an entire Tour De France on Tyler's bike, so it's got to be durable.

Does the 800 have restaurant reviews?

Hard to answer that CB. If temps are constant, and it's calibrated it in the AM to a known elevation, it often reads within +/- 20 ft of a highway marker. EG, calibrate at the campground for 2050 ft, ride up first climb, and it's right on the money at 2660 ft; same on subsequent climbs. But if the weather changes during the day, as it often does in the mountains, it can be off by 100's of feet. (Every 0.1" drop in the barometer is about 100 feet). Plus, my low-end Helix watch doesn't seem to be temperature-compensated very well. If I set it in the cool of the AM, in the shade, then don't re-calibrate later to a known highway marker when it's sunny and hot, it's off, again it can be off by a 100-200 feet or more. Suggest if you buy an altimeter watch, look for one with good temp compensation.

Eelevation readings on the Edge 705 vs the watch while on the bike can be within that +/- 20 feet, but while on the move in hilly terrain the different time lags make comparisons difficult....plus having to remember to look at the road while twisting the arm to see the watch with one eye and the Edge with the other challenges my multi-tasking capability.

I deal with the rechargeable batteries for my Dinotte taillight, which I use for daytime rides on the road here. The light will last up to 8 hours on slow flash mode, but the 4 AA batteries self-discharge in about 10 days. Kindof a pain to keep up with the re-charging, but if it helps even a little to alert the negligent/impaired/texting drivers here, figure it's worth it.

Thanks, dhk2! I'm still leaning towards Towards a Garmin unit at this point. It has a much easier to read display.

It would have been nice to know how many vertical feet of torture climbing the kids put me thru yesterday.