Computers

I'm in the same boat. One criterion that is important to me is a big viewing screen. You can certainly get units for less than $100. In your price range you can afford a Garmin with GPS.

I'm veering away from those because a) I don't want it to get stolen and b) I don't want so much hardware on my handlebars.

In that budget you can probably get a Garmin Edge 500. If I hadn't already bought the 705 I would have gotten one. I wouldn't get the 705 again (and I'd probably steer clear of the 800 too) simply because the added bulk and clunky navigation system that they have over the 500 just isn't worth it.

The other main player in the high end market would be Polar, but they're playing catch up at the moment.

74extiger, I'm not sure what you're trying to say: The Edge 500 is not a huge computer by any means (and normal non-GPS models have been growing in size anyway). And the Garmins can easily unclip from your bars if you plan on parking the bike (as should any decent computer).

Anyone know whats out there for I Phone Apps. I will be upgrading to an I Phone in the Fall and was thinking just maybe I could use it for something cycling related.

I am also considering the Garmin 500.

I have always had good luck with Cat Eye products. Although they are kind of small they are reliable.

Tafi, in real life, I end up dropping my bike about once a month. Fortunately, most of the time I'm on grass when this happens. The weight of the larger computer models scares me, for that reason.

But I do like a big screen, and don't need a moving map. My long rides are all on the Pacific Coast Highway, so navigation and GPS are a non-issue. You can travel north or you can travel south. Always in a straight line.

My bicycle club has about 500 members and I asked a question about computers on our chat room. From the experiences I heard, I prefer something lightweight and simple to read. (I'm averse to too much technology. My background is in Flight Training at an airline. I've had my fill of gadgets.) But everyone's interest level and geography would dictate something different from my preference.

I toured a good part of europe on my touring bike with a $25 Cateye and a paper map in a handlebar bag. By the way, the computer I plan on getting — one recommended by a few guys in my club — is the Mavic Alti. I do a lot of climbing and by keeping stats on that I encompass a few stats about exertion-level, power output and my strength. And I am aware that this model computer has shortcoming and crappy documentation. They all seem to.

Thanks guys i think I am going to get the garmin 500. A little bit more than I wanted to spend though.

Garmin 500's are the best way to go. IMO, they are even better than the much more expensive 800's. Unless you're frequently riding in areas you aren't familiar with, no need for an 800. And make sure to upload to Strava to increase the fun.

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I bought a Sigma 1200 Wireless Computer. I dont ride much more than 25 - 50 miles at a time. I live near a bike path that runs 20 miles each way so I do not need GPS..... Is this computer any good for my situation? I paid $40 so wasn't a big set back.

Quoted post said:

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

Anyone know whats out there for I Phone Apps. I will be upgrading to an I Phone in the Fall and was thinking just maybe I could use it for something cycling related.

I am also considering the Garmin 500.

I have always had good luck with Cat Eye products. Although they are kind of small they are reliable.

I used this one a few times:

www.strava.com

It does lots of stuff and there is a pay version which does even more I think.