Cycling UK Forum

I really like my Boardman computer. It's easy to use and reliable. I have a Garmin 20 too which I use in a second bike. The computer is easier to use and better.

Often it's the cheapest ones that are the best.

I have a couple of old VDO's that are wonderfully simple and easy to use but maybe they have overcomplicated it/gone upmarket for no good reason more recently - as so much else has.

I didn't even know about the garmin 200 - checked it out, but yes, OP, you are right to shun built in rechargeables. The work of the devil.

I myself have, somewhat to my surprise, gone down the gps route the last few years so various computers have been retired. Maybe you should consider the etrex 20. Uses AAs, rechargeable or normal - available pretty much everywhere on planet earth i believe.

Thank you everyone for your inputs.

I have decided to 'practise' more with my Micro - I played around with it for 10 minutes today before going for my short ride - with a visit to a friend en route (that's when I do want the trip meter to stop). Managed to get it to do what I wanted with no more than three attempts - and, more importantly, I didn't accidentally reset it to zero or switch to an unwanted menu/function.

I really do like the simplicity of a small computer that is accurate and with a battery life measured in years - the accuracy of the wireless unit is giving me a little concern - mostly with distances but I think I might be overplaying the variance in my mind (it might be +/- 0.1 mile in 4.7 miles of a regular route) which could be down to cornering lines . I need to find a relatively straight 'measured mile' to test and retest

I do like the idea of GPS but as a separate aid to the cycle computer. I have the original 'high sensitivity' etrex that I use when walking - but that is used for getting a grid ref (much quicker and easier than compass bearings and triangulation) and for downloading to google earth when I get home (so that I can see how wrong I went on my intended route )

I have Osmand on my phone and I intend to use that together with online route planning for some overnight journeys. I have a waterproof smartphone wallet that attaches to the top of my handlebar bag and a big powerbank for battery emergencies (I intend to eventually get a charging solution via my dynamo hub).

If the Micro proves to be too inaccurate, then I will most likely replace it with something wired like the cateye Velo 9 or the Sigma 12.12 and forego the meaningful trip times/averages.

Hi,
Can anyone recommend a full auto start computer.
I have some old very reliable "Tripro" now defunct? they are twenty years old and still work perfectly, you don't need to remember to activate when starting after a stop, all the cheap wireless ones don't auto start after a few minutes rest

bikes4two wrote:Easy to use ....... cycle computer - you win the prize for the oxyoron of the week me thinks

None of them are especially simple - but maybe someone will come along with just such a beast?

Lucas Milometers are great.

NATURAL ANKLING wrote:Hi,
Can anyone recommend a full auto start computer.
I have some old very reliable "Tripro" now defunct? they are twenty years old and still work perfectly, you don't need to remember to activate when starting after a stop, all the cheap wireless ones don't auto start after a few minutes rest :(

I get on well with my Specialised Speedzone Sport Wired (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/speedzone-sport-wireless-computer-ec027060 but available all over the place). Not a cheapo one but works reliably, has basic functions (incl. auto start/stop). I suspect it is "nothing special" just a standard reliable one that does what want (speed, av speed, trip, time ODO) But I have not yet found any wireless ones I would recommend (and I've been through a few most of which were returned but think I've still got a digital one in the cupboard. All the wireless ones I've tried (incl. digital ones) have been subject to false readings and inaccuracies often quite ludicrous ones).

Ian
Edit: Corrected link to the cycle computer (rather than a petition ... ooops)

I use a cheap £5 or so ebay computer - has been on the same battery now for 2 years about. very simple and can leave on the bike without fear of any one stealing it. Has been very reliable. The only issue has a few times the battery cover coming loose and the battery disconnecting so a reset happened. so get a cheap but well made one.

NATURAL ANKLING wrote:Hi,
Can anyone recommend a full auto start computer.
I have some old very reliable "Tripro" now defunct? they are twenty years old and still work perfectly, you don't need to remember to activate when starting after a stop, all the cheap wireless ones don't auto start after a few minutes rest

If you can find one, there's the Sigma BC600 that I use on my Brompton: records total mileage, current trip distance, clock, speed and very little else. It resets itself after an hour or so. Checking the web I see that mine dates from at least 2000! In general I think that the bike computers of yore were much easier to use than now. Amongst my collection on various bikes I have 2 original Cateye Astrales (speed and cadence) and an original Cateye Mity which is far neater and easier to use than the one I got a few years ago.

I did add a Garmin Edge 810 to my collection last year but I like the wired bike computers as an individual record of how far each bike has gone. The speed reading is also a lot more reliable than that obtained by GPS alone.

I never really understand the validity of the live seed readout on my etrex 20 since i had the impression that the thing only updates at intervals, at least judging by a certain tardiness in instructions when approaching roundabouts. Can anyone enlighten me?

Ps - in case anyone who is wondering - i generally think the etrex 20 (and doubtless 20x) is brilliant.