Good wireless bike computers?

[Wookiee]

I'm looking to upgrade my basic bike computers. The present ones are aged and they're just basic models. I'd like a wireless model with cadence.

Anyone using a wireless bike computer that's NOT a Garmin? I don't want to spend that much, but I'd like the next best, if possible.

How are they in terms of ease of set-up, dependability in wet weather, errors/timeouts during rides, ease of use, durability, etc.?

Perhaps others can give me some advice. I've done a bit of searching on-line, but the reviews for almost all wireless models were so mixed that I'm left a bit confused. Should I just choose wired computers and wait till better wireless ones are developed?

I'd prefer one computer with two sets of sensors and transmitters and if possible a computer that will have odometer functions for Bike 1, Bike 2, and perhaps Total Odometer to keep all my stats in one place.

Which brand / model would you recommend? Or should I just forget about it and shell out the cash for a Garmin?

Thanks.......

[urodacus]

VDO MC1.0+

done me well for years.

no GPS, but altitude is reasonably accurate (pressure-based so needs resetting to your home altitude when you start a ride). comes with an optional second bike kit, just what you want.

the mount is the only weak point, so don't twist it on and off willy nilly. if you must, carefully support the frame mount portion and the head unit as you separate when needed.

PS just broke my left thumb, so wires and pins for thrre months means no bloody riding agin this season. bugger!


oh, and no capital letters, so suck it up.

[Wookiee]

Thanks for that H! Will check it out.
Bummer, huge bummer abt. your injury.
So you use your thumb to work the shift key then, do you cross your hands?

[urodacus]

i never pretended to be a good typist!

i suppose i can sort of tap the shift key with my cast...

[irishstu]

Sorry, Wookiee, can't help you with this, although I am interested to hear you want to measure your cadence. Have you already been doing this with your current setup? Up until I upgraded my computer recently, I was using a cadence meter, but I dropped the option this time around cos I feel like a couple of years with it has taught me to know how fast I'm pedaling (if that makes sense).

urodacus, that's a real bummer with the thumb. Hope it gets better soon. Maybe you can use a fixie till it gets better?

[urodacus]

Oh, he said cadence and I missed that.

The MC1.0+ doesn't do cadence, though I've never ridden to cadence metering and don't see the point ... I have ridden a single speed for too long, perhaps. i can tell if I am spinning faster than you, though.

[Wookiee]

On my touring bike there isn't a cadence sensor as the gearing is low enough for me not to worry about pushing too hard at low RPMs to cause problems for my knees. On the road bike, with the higher gearing, I find it very helpful to have the RPM info readily available. I know I can calculate it based on the speed and the gear combination, and I could even have a chart taped to the stem, but I'd prefer to have it displayed.

[irishstu]

On my touring bike there isn't a cadence sensor as the gearing is low enough for me not to worry about pushing too hard at low RPMs to cause problems for my knees. On the road bike, with the higher gearing, I find it very helpful to have the RPM info readily available. I know I can calculate it based on the speed and the gear combination, and I could even have a chart taped to the stem, but I'd prefer to have it displayed.

In that case, I can totally see why you'd want one. Sorry I don't have an answer, but do post here if you find one. I wouldn't be surprised if I end up looking for a similar solution sometime down the road.