irpheus

Hi,

I have been searching for a bike computer that has these specifications:

Rugged and durable
waterproof
long batterytime (rechargeable?)
with wire, i.e. NOT wireless
speed, distance etc.
altitude
temperature
backlit display
easy and intuitive to use

I've found that the VDO MC 1.0 has almost all this:

(https://www.cycleparts.de/en/produkte...10/funktionen/

- but maybe you know of an alternative?

Greetings,

Jesper

Cyclesafe

You know what you want and I wouldn't presume to tell you differently, but I feel compelled to tell you that the barometric altitude sensor found on bike computers needs to be recalibrated so often that it is not very useful for multiday touring. You'll get a number, but it will likely be an inaccurate number and you will have (IMHO) wasted the much higher cost of the premium computer you are describing. A toy that you will ignore after just a few rides.

NeilGunton

Some of your requirements seem contradictory - long battery life does not usually go hand in hand with backlit display or altimeter. I don't think rechargeable would be very good for a bicycle tour, personally, do you really want to be tied to electrical outlets?

My favorite bike computer is the Planet Bike Protege 9.0. I like it because it's very simple, just about everything you want is on the one screen - very little need for pushing buttons (actually there are no buttons - you push the entire unit to change screens). It also has a temperature reading, which is not very useful on hot sunny days since it heats up in the sun. It's very reliable and the battery lasts a long time (months, if not years), and its wired (but no backlit display, unfortunately). Quite reliable too. The only issue I've had with bike computers (wired ones in particular) has been in heavy rain, when they sometimes lose contact with the base. I have read that a bit of vaseline around the contacts can take care of that, though I haven't had the chance to test this yet. But that's about it - otherwise, these things are very reliable in my experience.

https://ecom1.planetbike.com/8002.html

I get altitude from my Garmin eTrex Vista HCx, which uses AA batteries and so is easy to power (Energizer Lithium disposables are best - cheap and they last a long time, 1-2 weeks of everyday use).

Neil

Doug64

Actually I have a computer with all the features you described (Vetta 110A). I really don't like the 110. I got it because I have had a very low end Vetta wired computer for 15 years and it is still working. However, I tend to agree with some of the thoughts here. The extra features are not worth the hassle. Altitude is pain to calibrate, not very accurate, and needs a lot of adjustment using barametric pressure or known elevation. Because of the color and location on the bike (directly in the sun) the temperatures are not very accurate either. When I built my new bike last year it stayed on the old one and the the new build got a new computer with just the basic features.

Newspaperguy

You could go with a GPS unit. That way you'd have the information you want and the navigational capabilities as well. You should be able to find some of the Garmin eTrex models at good prices. A GPS will not require any wires because there is no sensor required on the bike.

irpheus

Hi,

- Appreciate your considerations and experiences. Given what you say I will stick to a cycle-computer with less features, yet still rugged & durable and with a wire.

Thanks again :-)

Jesper

imi

Cateye Enduro 8 may thus fit the bill

SBRDude

As far as barometric pressure is concerned, I find it to be pretty unreliable on rolling hills (lots of them around here) and completely useless in the rain. I have used my Garmin for so long that I couldn't live without knowing the grades of climbs! Before Garmin, I always had good luck with Cateye Astrale and Micro 2 models. Still have them both and their batteries are still running even though they've been in a drawer for years (just checked).

brawny

+1

Good computer. I usually change the battery every year at the beginning of the bike season. I use one computer on two bikes (mountain and touring rigs), and its simple to switch, and handles both wheel diameters. Of course I had to buy a second sensor/wiring harness, but it wasn't particularly expensive. Been using the same setup for at least 5 years now without any issues at all.

Hope this helps!

irpheus

Hey all - just bought one with a good reputation for ruggedness so my need is covered :-)

Thanks again for reading & considering ...

Jesper

NeilGunton

What did you end up getting?

Pscyclepath

What you're asking for is much more of a GPS unit. Otherwise, I would recommend a Cateye Enduro, which is pretty much bullet-proof as far as a basic cyclecomputer. When I need altitude, temp,. etc, I'll usually pack along my Garmin Vista, or more commonly now, just use my iPhone to check it out.