New Bike Computer

[RShea]

Want to get a new computer (road bike) and looking for recommendations. Wants: basic cycling computer (not GPS or something tied to smart phone)- wireless would be nice only if it works reliably, speeds- average, max, etc.- they all do this even the $10, temperature- must have this, cadence would be nice also, battery friendly, easy to read display- do not need 8 different things on the main display that can't be read anyway, want something that has a display w numbers that can be read. Rear wheel compatible would be first preference but not the most important thing.

What I do not need - GPS- Garmin type unit, something that will be unreliable (wireless sensors not picking up etc.), I have a smart phone, but do not trust battery life always would rather use the phone as a stand by in case of emergency and be able to call if something happens. Not looking to spend more than $75 or so (which should be doable from what I am seeing out there.)

Temperature narrows down many brands and models from searching- Sigma, is leading the way- but which model? Any other brands out there recommended- Blackburn, VDO?

PS: I did search on some old threads.

[BDKeg]

Sigma BC 16.12 - has temp + cadence but no altitude
Sigmas BC 14.12 alti - has temp + altitude but no cadence

Both are available wired for reliability and under $75
I think the big difference is the 14.12 alti has a battery life of 2 yrs vs. 1 yr for the 16.12. Can't go wrong with either though, Sigma is the way to go in my opinion.

[mntlion]

I have had VERY good luck with Sigmal, and the few times I needed parts, info etc, the customer service was top notch too.

[RShea]

Sigma BC 16.12 - has temp + cadence but no altitude
Sigmas BC 14.12 alti - has temp + altitude but no cadence

Both are available wired for reliability and under $75
I think the big difference is the 14.12 alti has a battery life of 2 yrs vs. 1 yr for the 16.12. Can't go wrong with either though, Sigma is the way to go in my opinion.

I spoke with Sigma, the first model that has temp, cadence, and alti is the Rox series (5 and up) and also adds heart rate monitor to the line.

[jamal]

You can get a garmin edge 500 (old model) for like $180 now, and that does everything, but the speed/cadence sensor and HRM are extra.

I have an edge 510 and use it across 3 bikes with different screens for each. Speed/cadence sensor picks up through ant+ every time with no problems when I get on the road bike. Battery lasts at least 15 hours straight. Also it auto uploads rides through my phone with bluetooth, shows the weather report, and will follow a .gpx track.

[RShea]

You can get a garmin edge 500 (old model) for like $180 now, and that does everything, but the speed/cadence sensor and HRM are extra.

While I appreciate the comments and info, I guess the main points you missed in my post: What I do not need - GPS- Garmin type unit and Not looking to spend more than $75 or so.

So by the time I do the cadence sensor, I am way over the budget- even used probably. Plus it takes up much more real estate on the handlebars- even if you mount it out over the stem. I have a light mounted which would have to be moved. For a few minutes I considered the Garmin 200 series, but really do not need GPS or .gpx track stuff.

[::: :::]

I was going to say Cateye Strada Double Wireless...great unit, can probably find it on sale for $75, works off rear wheel so it works on a trainer, but no temperature

I had a VDO once and it was decent, but not always reliable...wireless would cut out (not too often, but waay more that the Cateye...Cateye has been very reliable)

[RShea]

I was going to say Cateye Strada Double Wireless...great unit, can probably find it on sale for $75, works off rear wheel so it works on a trainer, but no temperature

I had a VDO once and it was decent, but not always reliable...wireless would cut out (not too often, but way more that the Cateye...Cateye has been very reliable)

Yes, I have had Cateye before, and Vetta unit too. They last forever as basic computers, as long as you switch the batteries and do not crash and break something. Some of the new Cateyes have hard to read displays with way too much going on. My goto Local Bike Shop handles the line and I have looked at them and many on other riders handlebars. However I think I'd miss temperature- since the car I drive now does not have any temperature showing on the gauges.