Hi all! Newbie to Road Cycling

matagi

Yep, quite happy with my Sigma ..... only problem I've noticed is that when riding in wet weather (which I try to avoid) the cadence goes a bit funny - obviously the sensor doesn't like getting wet.

flipper

I've been using a Sigma BC1606L for quite a while now... best computer I've used to date (can only compare it to a few different wireless Cateyes and an old Velo thing)

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"I think the only rule is that if someone is a big fat bastard its fairly safe to assume they aren't going to be pwning anyone on a climb" ~ classic1

Flavzz

Ok thanks for that. This model certainly seems like very good value for money but i have bad images of wires going everywhere. I might consider the same computer but in wireless guise. its about 80 bucks more tho for no wires which sucks. I dont really want wires spoiling the look of the bike. Im a bit of a perfectionist with stuff like that i guess

matagi

The wire running back to the cadence sensor is easy to run neatly - you just run it along the bottom of the downtube. The wire going to the speed sensor, which sits on the front wheel, is a bit more of a challenge to do neatly.

flipper

Both of my Cateye cordless computers died (well, the sensors did)
You'd have to look twice to notice the wiring on my bike... I haven't gone out of my way to make it disappear or anything, just kept it tidy.
I'd rather have a few wires and accurate info...

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"I think the only rule is that if someone is a big fat bastard its fairly safe to assume they aren't going to be pwning anyone on a climb" ~ classic1

Flavzz

I did wonder about that as well. Cheaper and more accurate to have wired version then... Would you stay clear of cateye then? Or is it just the wireless ones..

jamesc

I have the Cateye Astrale 8 wired version with cadence with the speed sensor on the rear wheel and cadence sensor on the crank and the wire from the handlebar runs underneath the downtube next to the shifter cable, therefore you don't really notice it. I will always prefer wired over wireless as there are less batteries to replace and no issues with signal pick-up. And its cheaper, especially on ebay.

James

Flavzz

sounds good james, i think ill go with a wired version to start with and see how serious i get then maybe get a polar or something. thanks man

Wilchemy

I've got the Cateye Astrale 8 (wired) as well, and have found it to be good.

If you are looking for HRM and computer in one, a mate has one of the Polar CS models (maybe the 200 I think) & is very happy with it. Quite a bit cheaper than the full S720i jobbies too.

thomas_cho

I have used the Cateye Astrale 8 and the Sigma BC1600/BC1606. They are both as reliable, but the Sigmas have a larger display, and I found that I could easily see the primary line (speed) and the secondary line (cadence, etc) easily.

I found the display just a tad too small on the Cateye, and sometimes could not make out the data on the secondary line.

flipper

I think they make good stuff, but after the problems I had, I'd just avoid wireless.
Cateye Australia (can't remember the company responsible for them here) were pathetic to deal with when I spoke to them... so were Cateye Japan.
Cateye US were fantastic... sent me 2 new sensors no questions asked (they also admitted having had a lot of problems with the sensors)

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"I think the only rule is that if someone is a big fat bastard its fairly safe to assume they aren't going to be pwning anyone on a climb" ~ classic1

mikeg

Echowell F2 with cadence

has long lead for speed sensor on rear wheel


and

Topeak Comp 140 with cadence

mike

Rhubarb

http://www.torpedo7.com.au/products...NN1W&contentId=

I have a friend who has been using one of these for about 4 months with no problems, and is very happy with it. It seems to do everything that much more expensive computers do.

That said I do believe you get what you pay for, so YMMV.

Maybe another option for you to consider. If it craps out after a year or so maybe then you can go and buy your Polar.

Flavzz

yeah good call mate thanks for all your help guys. Thinking at this stage I might go with a wired Sigma bc1606L with cadence, can get around $60 on ebay.

Also i'm considering getting the Giant OCR1 instead of the OCR C3. Went and looked at one today and they are cheaper with better group set, better wheels and still carbon rear, fork and seatpost. Seems a smarter option for sure. Super Elliot's in town can do me one for $2000 with shimano shoes, bell helmet and netti knicks. Seems a goer, what do you think?