Re: [RBW] Re: suggestions for a bike computer?

2014-09-19 Thread Steven Frederick
I'm starting to think a Garmin might be a valid choice for me and my multiple bikes/different wheelsizes too. Is the 200 a reasonable choice? I'm not interested in the calories burned or heart rate, fitness or cadence features of the higher end ones, but I do think some of the map/routing

[RBW] Re: suggestions for a bike computer?

2014-09-18 Thread Anton Tutter
I use a Garmin 310XT GPS watch with the optional handlebar mount (get one for each of your bikes!). I love it. It's pretty much the lowest model you can buy from Garmin, but it's just what I need. No maps, no route loading, no turn by turn navigation. Just a normal sized cylo-computer with

[RBW] Re: suggestions for a bike computer?

2014-09-17 Thread Sean Cleary
+1 for Garmin 200. It's amazing how well it works in all conditions. I used it all last year including fat bike riding in temps ranging between zero and 20 degrees. No problems. I primarily bought it to eliminate having to recalibrate computer every time I switched tires. Plus, I ride 6 bikes

[RBW] Re: suggestions for a bike computer?

2014-09-16 Thread Neil
Thanks, everyone, for the varied responses! Patrick, what you are saying resonates deeply. I'm a lifelong map guy, and have not yet embraced the use of electronic devices in the field, apart from occasional consultation with Google Maps on the iphone. Partly because I am comfortable relying on

[RBW] Re: suggestions for a bike computer?

2014-09-16 Thread Geir Bentzen
Are you sure you need a cue sheet? Your smart phone may give you a map function with your position. In most cases it should be enough to check that when you are in doubt about where to go next, or you know you are so lost and out of time or acceptable weather that a return route must be found

[RBW] Re: suggestions for a bike computer?

2014-09-16 Thread Lynne Fitz
the beauty of a cue sheet over a smartphone-based navigation system is that the cue sheet is always on, and easy to view/read while moving. It never runs out of battery power. Stopping to check the navigation on a smartphone is... stopping. On a brevet, which the OP is planning to do, one

[RBW] Re: suggestions for a bike computer?

2014-09-16 Thread Bill Lindsay
The beauty of this comment is that it highlights one I wish they'd make that product. A cuesheet/map/navigation/GPS Brevet APP for the Kindle paperwhite. Ideally the device with the paperwhite display would also have a camera so you could submit your receipts or proof of passage

[RBW] Re: suggestions for a bike computer?

2014-09-16 Thread RJM
I see the speed jumps while I am cycling if I look at the speed page but they don't really show up on GarminConnect after I download the ride, not that I have noticed anyway. The average speed doesn't seem to be affected either. Personally, I handle the speed bouncing around because I like

[RBW] Re: suggestions for a bike computer?

2014-09-15 Thread Andrew Marchant-Shapiro
I can't find the model I own anymore on Cateye's site, but--IME--Cateye makes good computers. I never considered wireless until I was dealing with a mess of wire for my lighting system, but I'm glad I did. Although I did ultimately switch to using the handlebar mount, for a long time I left

[RBW] Re: suggestions for a bike computer?

2014-09-15 Thread RJM
I use a Garmin 500. It gives me gps routes of the rides I have done on garmin connect.com and shows all these health parameters/speed/elevation gains and losses ect. Kinda neat. But, the best part of this computer is that I don't have to put one single sensor on my bike. No cadence or speed

[RBW] Re: suggestions for a bike computer?

2014-09-15 Thread Garth
In the past I disliked all sort bike computer thingy that relied on some sort of calibration and all that, but now if I was going to get anything, it would be Garmin GPS thingy . As stated, no wires, no calibration just turn it on , granted the UI is easy to follow . . . lol. -- You

[RBW] Re: suggestions for a bike computer?

2014-09-15 Thread Scott G.
Note on lights and wireless computers, my Light Motion Urban 550 light will sometimes cause the Cateye wireless to stop recording. cateye digital wireless CC-RD410DW and strada double wireless will stop recording. They both work ok with BM dyno lights. -- You received this message because you

Re: [RBW] Re: suggestions for a bike computer?

2014-09-15 Thread Tim Gavin
I use cheap Cateye computers. A wired Velo 9 (VL820) on my Riv, and an Urban Wireless (VT220W) on my KOM. They both work great, with all the basic functions. The Urban Wireless is just a wireless version of the Velo series; I don't know what makes it urban. :) Wireless computers have an extra

[RBW] Re: suggestions for a bike computer?

2014-09-15 Thread Deacon Patrick
I'll make an argument for heeding your historical resistance. Grin. Map and compass and the increased awareness of distance that comes from not relying on gadgets. I realize this is what you've been using, but I would encourage you to keep using it. I understand cue sheets are written

[RBW] Re: suggestions for a bike computer?

2014-09-15 Thread Jon in the foothills of Central Colorado
I use the Garmin Edge 500.Living in the no flat road zone it's fun to check the altitude gain and like RJM said ..no sensors.They give you a couple of mounts to use on multiple bikes and the computer is easy off ,easy on when switching to a different bike I will say the Heart Rate monitor has

[RBW] Re: suggestions for a bike computer?

2014-09-15 Thread ted
Patrick is making good points here. In fact I think that though cue sheets are often provided with gps route files now, they are much older than bike computers and intended to help you follow a route with a map. I think I read in one of Jan's blog posts that he never uses a bike computer. That

[RBW] Re: suggestions for a bike computer?

2014-09-15 Thread Bill Lindsay
Many people choose whether to use or not use navigation aides based on their relative willingness to be lost. For some people, the risk of getting lost is a big part of the fun. For others, getting lost would ruin it. Some people love the calming familiarity of a well-known route. Others

[RBW] Re: suggestions for a bike computer?

2014-09-15 Thread 'Chris Lampe 2' via RBW Owners Bunch
I love my basic Garmin 200 for speedometer, time riding, avg. speed and the mapping feature. It doesn't do heart rate, cadence or any other fancy stuff and it's cue sheet ability is quite limited. But, for about $100, it was worth it. On Sunday, September 14, 2014 10:39:48 PM UTC-5, Neil

[RBW] Re: suggestions for a bike computer?

2014-09-15 Thread lungimsam
1. I like SIGMA wireless computers. Only prob with wireless is sometimesyour battery powered headlight will interfere with computer functions in the light is close enough to the computer. 2. There is also the option of using iPhone/other device with Biologic Bike Brain app/other bike apps

[RBW] Re: suggestions for a bike computer?

2014-09-15 Thread Lynne Fitz
I use the Sigma Rox 9.1. Wireless, probably more features than you might want. Many features that I haven't even explored. For ME, the wonderful thing about it is the docking station/computer interface. Not only downloading/tracking my rides, but the EASE of setting the wheel diameter. My

[RBW] Re: suggestions for a bike computer?

2014-09-15 Thread Benz, Sunnyvale, CA
Although it is true that the Garmins do not require anything more than a quick charge, the speed reading without the optional speed/cadence sensor tends to jump around. While I don't believe this impact average speed much, I can't stand the lack of precision from such a measuring device

[RBW] Re: suggestions for a bike computer?

2014-09-15 Thread ted
I have never noticed the speed reading jumping around on my Garmin 510, exepct when I hooked up a speed cadence sensor and didn't set the wheel size. I this erratic speed reading you speak of a feature of all Garmin units? Is it limited to those that don't use GLONASS and GPS? Is it all the

[RBW] Re: suggestions for a bike computer?

2014-09-15 Thread Benz, Sunnyvale, CA
I'm not sure if it is specific to my 500 or includes other units. Certainly, the jumps are small but they are noticeable and consistent, even when under clear skies and constant speed on a straight road. They do disappear abruptly when the Garmin sensor is installed which gave some a clue.

[RBW] Re: suggestions for a bike computer?

2014-09-15 Thread ted
Certainly agree with your reasoning and conclusions. There is a lot of computation involved in just getting a gps position fix. All the derived stuff the gamins provide (speed, distance, vertical rate, grade, feet climbed, etc.) involves more computing. Plenty of room for errors. Could be

[RBW] Re: suggestions for a bike computer?

2014-09-14 Thread ted
though you can probably get a nice basic unit for 1/100 the $$, the garmin 510 is nice. Being gps it needs no wires or wheel magnets or pickups. It can be mounted on your bars or just thrown in a pocket or bag. You can load routes to it and have it beep at you when turns are coming up. you can