Cheap cyclocomputer with cadence?

[Dr. Crash]

I don't hate being a JONG

I want to get a bike computer with cadence, and not spend much at all since I think I may get a Polar s720i at some point. I've ben looking at the cheapest and so far I can find, both for $25:

- Last year's Cateye Astrale 8. Pros: can display cadence in big numbers in automatic mode. Cons: need a fine point for resetting, and a reset to switch from miles to km.

- This year's Axiom A08C (Performance brand). Pro: two bikes setup, can switch units without fuss. Cons: the Performance guys don't recommend it based on how crappy the previous one was.

WWMD?

drC

[snow_slider]

I have the Axiom 08C and it's been fine for me going on three seasons now. No issues with it whatsoever. Granted, it's on my road bike and that doesn't see much abuse at all - just a lot of miles.

[Viva]

This Sigma unit is currently selling for $33. I like Sigma cyclometers. Have had the same one for many years.

[Dr. Crash]

Edit. Found it. Sigma 1600, cheap at Performance bike ($29 including the cadence kit). I'll see if my local shop stocks it. I like the display. Doesn't look like you can put the cadence on top in big numbers, though, right?

drC

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

sorry for the hijack, but I guess this Q is slightly related...


Is there any use in knowing cadence if you train with a heart rate monitor?

edit: just got into a discussion about this with a buddy of mine over the weekend. As he uses both and I'm thinking that just a good HRM and knowing how to use it trumps the cadence.

[mushmouth]

Cat Eye Astrale is ~$40 and is very simple.

[snow_slider]

Shoe - Cadence monitoring isn't "crucial" to good training, but it's one more piece of information to track.

I do some great workouts on the bike that deal with extremely high cadence (hits fast twitch muscles) and very low cadence (power), so it's good to have a cadence monitor.

As long as you have a heart rate monitor, you have all the info you really need. I just like having tons of info to track - it gives me something to check while our pedalling and it helps reduce the boredom of hitting the same stretch of rail-to-trail over and over again.

I've even considering getting the Power Tap system to track wattage:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech/?id=...views/powertap

One thing I will say about bike computers with cadence monitors - DON'T get wireless cadence monitors if you use a heartrate monitor (such as Polar). The wireless signals screw each other up in a BIG way.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Originally posted by snow_slider
Shoe - Cadence monitoring isn't "crucial" to good training, but it's one more piece of information to track.

I do some great workouts on the bike that deal with extremely high cadence (hits fast twitch muscles) and very low cadence (power), so it's good to have a cadence monitor.

As long as you have a heart rate monitor, you have all the info you really need. I just like having tons of info to track - it gives me something to check while our pedalling and it helps reduce the boredom of hitting the same stretch of rail-to-trail over and over again.

cool.

yeah, I've always kinda been taught that on any given day your legs could feel strong or weak or anywhere inbetween and this can skew your perception of how hard you're working out....hence my question. My triathlete buddies are always preaching to me that with a HRM you always know exactly how hard you're working, and if you're in "that optimum training zone", regardless of how strong or weak your legs feel.

besides, I'm trying to get less info to track.

[comish]

I have had an astrale for a bunch of years. Like it. I basically show the cadence in big numbers and the speed in little one's but you can flip flop that pretty easy.

I think Cadence and HR is looking at different aspects of training. Snow_slider basically has it. You are training different muscles and in different ways with a different cadence. Wow, too many differents in that sentence.

I find it interesting, but can't say I track it.