intence

I was wondering how many people out there are using a wired computer, and how they find the performance to wireless?

I've been looking at some entry level computers (don't need cadence, and not ready to drop the cash on a Garmin yet). I was going to go wireless, but it looks like the sensors on the wired versions are actually smaller?

Except for the single wire, is there any downside to wired vs. wireless?

idcruiserman

Interference and extra battery (for wireless).

10 Wheels

I use these:
$10 at walmart

https://www.pakayas.com/schwinn-17fun...-comput17.html

AngryScientist 

i use a specialized wired computer. for the price it has a nice big screen readout, and i only have one battery to worry about. once the wire is routed, you can just forget its there completely. and yes, the sensor is smaller because it doesnt contain a battery.

kimconyc

I use wired on one of my bikes (ciclosport, don't remember the model number but it's the most basic unit). I actually like it better than one of my wireless units because of reliability (one battery and it just works). All I really need is a clock, total distance, current speed. I really don't even care about average or max speed and other stuff.

One of my wireless computers (Trek model with cadence and HR) has an integrated HR monitor and a host of other novelty functions like temperature, altimeter, gradient, etc., and that's pretty cool and all except there are three batteries you have to keep switching out (one for the computer itself, one for the wireless unit, and one for the HR strap).

The best wireless computer I have used is the Cateye Micro Wireless. It's around $35 online so it's not terribly expensive, it's a small unit but very easy to read, and it just works (signal doesn't drop, etc.).

Stay away from Sigma.

https://www.bikeradar.com/gallery/art...news%2Farticle
Picture 18 shows Tom Boonen's bike. He actually uses a wired computer.

max power

whoa thats insane i thought everybody used a power meter in the peloton

gregf83 

Wired pros:
- Fewer batteries
- Don't need to 'wake up' after start
- No potential for interference

Cons:
- Looks, if you care about an extra wire

macwild

I still use an old Nashbar wired computer I've had for about 10 years. When it dies I'll probably switch to wireless.

cotatrials

I am not sure what you mean by a entry level computer, and for the life of me, I can not see why someone would want or need a Garmin GPS mounted on their bicycle (I can think of a lot of better ways the cost of a Garmin could be used)........

I use a stem mounted, wired cateye strada (white)............ since I have never used a wireless I can't comment on the difference, ....(although the wireless does weighs a few grams more)...... The strada provides all the information I need and is reasonably priced........(mine was 14.00 on eBay)

roccobike

I use wired on all my bikes that have computers. I bought a wireless about a year ago that sits in the basement because the other riders in our group that have wireless have had interference problems.

iareConfusE

I use a Cateye Enduro 8 on a Mity 8 sensor bracket. I like the thinner wires of the Mity 8's bracket, and I also had the Enduro 8 on another bike which I've since sold, so now I just combined both from both kits.

Vinci

I have a wired Cateye Strada Cadence on one bike and a Strada Wireless on another. Both work fine. I have not had any interference on the wireless Strada, and it works as well as the wired version, in my experience. If I were to do it again (and my soon), I would go wireless on both. With separate speed and cadence sensors, the wired Strada I have puts a lot of zip ties on my chainstay, and I'd rather just simplify it.

Keep in mind that most basic wireless computers will require you to use a fork-mounted wireless sensor. This won't do you much good on a trainer, if that's a concern. Cateye's wireless cadence models combine both the speed and cadence sensors into one unit and put them on the chainstay, so you can use it on a trainer and forgo having zip ties on your fork.

exRunner

For me it is convenience (or laziness, take our pick). Turn it on, snap it in, push the button, and forget it. Get home, unsnap it, plug it in, look at everything in pretty colors and graphs, then clear it and put it back on the bike for next time.

I have one battery to worry about, the cadence pickup, and if it dies I don't really care because I stopped looking at that data a long time ago. No wires. No pickups (as long as you don't care about cadence like me). No surprises.

curiouskid55

Wired on my race bikes, wireless on my plush bike.

pabuck

All four of our bikes have wired Cateye computers. One is the original computer from '89, another because I wanted cadence and was too cheap for wireless, and a third to get a rear wheel pickup for trainer use. Fourth non-cadence was cheaper than the wireless non-cadence model.

Boudicca

I gave up on wireless after several different computers insisted on telling me I was riding 99km/h when I was standing at traffic lights, or crossing the streetcar tracks. Cateyes on two bikes, and no computer at all on the Friday. There's something quite refreshing about having no clue at all how far or how fast you are riding.

cooleric1234

One more con:
- Difficulty of initially mounting

I have always used wired for cost, I recently bought a wired cadence computer and both speed and cadence mounts were on the left rear chainstay. Just this morning I battled it for longer than I care to admit, trying to get it mounted just right, figuring out how to take up the slack in the cables but make them reach as far as they need to, etc. It took WAY longer than it would have with a wireless computer. However, as others have said, for the most part it's a one time affair. I won't have to deal with it again.

Kai Winters

I use a wired Bell F20 that I got at Kmart or Wally World for $15.00. It is nearly 2 years old and still works perfectly.
Someone else on a forum said they found the same computer in a clearance bin for under $5.00.
I have used so many wired and wireless computers during my 27ish...still remember the very first electronic computer lol...I can't remember them all. This little Bell model is as good and better than most and they were all much more expensive than this little beauty is.

robncircus

I have a wired Cateye Velo 8 on my bike. Got it for free for xmas last year. Works great. I would like to find a wired computer with HRM for my next one.

Rob

mrbUSA

Using a wired setup would not allow me to be as fastidious with cleaning my fork.

I must go now and vacuum out the cracks on my driveway.

msincredible

I also gave up on wireless because of interference problems.

I have a VDO wired on my road bike and nothing on my folder.

OBXCycling.com

I have a wireless Blackburn 4.0 that I'll trade ya for a 3.0 wired (with cadence).

My MagicShine light (soon to be MagicShines) interferes with the wireless too much.

banerjek

Also, faster response.

I use only wired computers and will continue to do so as long as good ones are available.

Reynolds 

Wired Strada here.

rydaddy

Started with wireless and switched to wired because of interference with my commute light, among other things.