A good computer... - cougarguard.com — unofficial BYU Cougars / LDS sports, football, basketball forum and message board

The_Tick · 07-26-2006, 07:46 PM

So within the next two weeks I am going to bike into work for the first time. It is 12.5 miles each way. And only 110 degrees. I can do it in under an hour each way. (I am fat, so give me a break.)

I want to get a computer for my mountain bike that isn't going to break the bank. I don't want to spend a ton of cash on it, but I don't want it to fall apart either.

Any ideas?

MikeWaters · 07-26-2006, 07:50 PM

I have a cat eye where the sensor is on the back wheel. this is useful because then I get readouts on my trainer.

I also have cadence. I really like having cadence.

Quisqueyano · 07-26-2006, 07:51 PM

You will get the best deal off Performancebike.com or bikenashbar.com.
You need to decide what information is important to you before you decide what is the price range.
You can get a decent computer that shows trip and total distance, tot. ride time, time of day and speed for around 25 bucks.
If you feel you need a pace counter, average speed, heart rate, wireless etc. the price grows from there.

MikeWaters · 07-26-2006, 07:53 PM

I have a polar HRM, which allows me to wear my heart on my sleeve.

in the form of a watch.

bluegoose · 07-26-2006, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

I have a cat eye where the sensor is on the back wheel. this is useful because then I get readouts on my trainer.

I also have cadence. I really like having cadence.

I've also got a cadence sensor (currently broken), but when it is working I really like having it. Its definitely not necessary and it will quickly drive the price of the computer up, but its a nice way to pass the time, especially on long climbs.

CatEye makes a good computer for a decent price. Often you can find a simple unit that should last for awhile for even less than $25. I've seen them on sale at Performancebike.com for as low $14 recently.

creekster · 07-26-2006, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

I have a polar HRM, which allows me to wear my heart on my sleeve.

in the form of a watch.

Computers are pretty cheap and comaprable. Just get whatever looks good to you. Perfromance is haveing a 10% sale this weekend, try them. I use a Cateyte Enduro II on my mountain bike and it has served me well for about 5 years or so. It was only about $30.

creekster · 07-26-2006, 08:00 PM

Cadence sensors can be useful but add cost and complication. Peronally I irelaly like them, but I find on my bikes wihtout a sensor it is just as easy to count my rpm over 10 seconds and multiply by 6. Plus, when on the flat, I can usually tell within 4-5 rpm what my cadence is without even checking. Like BG said, you should look at the features and decide what is most important to you. Basic computers can be had for 15-25 bucks.

Archaea · 07-26-2006, 09:34 PM

We use the Garmin computers but also use CatEyes as back ups. There is a new wireless, sensorless computer that's cool. It has a special mount up front. I want to call it a Power Bike or something like that.

SteelBlue · 07-26-2006, 10:39 PM

Tick, pick up a $25 cateye. It's all you need.

MikeWaters · 07-26-2006, 10:47 PM

Let me add that you can support the site by clicking through this link to get to performance:

http://cougarguard.com/bikes.htm

07-26-2006, 07:46 PM	#1
The_Tick Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 626	A good computer... So within the next two weeks I am going to bike into work for the first time. It is 12.5 miles each way. And only 110 degrees. I can do it in under an hour each way. (I am fat, so give me a break.) I want to get a computer for my mountain bike that isn't going to break the bank. I don't want to spend a ton of cash on it, but I don't want it to fall apart either. Any ideas? __________________ Spooooooon

07-26-2006, 08:00 PM	#7
creekster Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: the far corner of my mind Posts: 8,711	Cadence sensors can be useful but add cost and complication. Peronally I irelaly like them, but I find on my bikes wihtout a sensor it is just as easy to count my rpm over 10 seconds and multiply by 6. Plus, when on the flat, I can usually tell within 4-5 rpm what my cadence is without even checking. Like BG said, you should look at the features and decide what is most important to you. Basic computers can be had for 15-25 bucks. __________________ Sorry for th e tpyos.

07-26-2006, 09:34 PM	#8
Archaea Assistant to the Regional Manager Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: The Orgasmatron Posts: 24,338	We use the Garmin computers but also use CatEyes as back ups. There is a new wireless, sensorless computer that's cool. It has a special mount up front. I want to call it a Power Bike or something like that. __________________ Ἓν οἶδα ὅτι οὐδὲν οἶδα

07-26-2006, 07:50 PM	#2
MikeWaters Demiurge Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 36,365	I have a cat eye where the sensor is on the back wheel. this is useful because then I get readouts on my trainer. I also have cadence. I really like having cadence.

07-26-2006, 07:51 PM	#3
Quisqueyano Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Lehi Utah Posts: 320	You will get the best deal off Performancebike.com or bikenashbar.com. You need to decide what information is important to you before you decide what is the price range. You can get a decent computer that shows trip and total distance, tot. ride time, time of day and speed for around 25 bucks. If you feel you need a pace counter, average speed, heart rate, wireless etc. the price grows from there.

07-26-2006, 07:53 PM	#4
MikeWaters Demiurge Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 36,365	I have a polar HRM, which allows me to wear my heart on my sleeve. in the form of a watch.

07-26-2006, 10:39 PM	#9
SteelBlue Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Norcal Posts: 5,821	Tick, pick up a $25 cateye. It's all you need.

07-26-2006, 10:47 PM	#10
MikeWaters Demiurge Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 36,365	Let me add that you can support the site by clicking through this link to get to performance: http://cougarguard.com/bikes.htm