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If you have used a wireless computer, did you like it?

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View Poll Results: I have tried a wireless computer, and...
... I am still using it.
92
90.20%
... I switched back to a wired computer.
7
6.86%
... I like it, but not enough to use it on all my bikes.
3
2.94%
Voters: 102. You may not vote on this poll

If you have used a wireless computer, did you like it?

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Old 02-22-11, 06:54 PM
  #1  
HigherGround
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If you have used a wireless computer, did you like it?

I'm curious how many people have tried a wireless computer and liked it, compared to those who tried it but went back to a standard wired unit. Please mention the wireless model(s) that you have had first hand experience with, along with any specific problems.

I am interested in a computer for basic functions such as speed and distance, rather than fancier features such as GPS mapping, power meters, etc. The Cateye Strada is one model that I am especially considering. Thanks, in advance, for your feedback.
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Old 02-22-11, 07:03 PM
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I have used wireless computers from Cateye, Specialized, Topeak, Polar, and Garmin. I am very happy with all of them. The last wired computer I used was a Powertap and the only reason I had the wired version of that was because I purchased it before they were available wireless, my second and third powertaps have been wireless.
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Old 02-22-11, 07:18 PM
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I am curious to see how this turns out. I have been looking at the wireless Cateye's too, in particular the Strada Double Wireless. Any thoughts on that model or comparable models appreciated. How is Cateye cadence technology?
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Old 02-22-11, 07:19 PM
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I'm using the Bontrager Node2 wireless. I like it, and there have been no problems whatsoever. I've used wired Cateye n the past and have no reason to go back.

One item I did look for in a wireless computer was ANT+ compatibility to allow the use of other wireless ANT+ devices like the Powertap, for instance.
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Old 02-22-11, 07:21 PM
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I have the Bontrager Trip 4w on my Cannondale. Have had no problems with it. Never going back to a wired computer.
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Old 02-22-11, 07:25 PM
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i use a wireless
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Old 02-22-11, 07:28 PM
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Strada is awesome. No complaints.
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Old 02-22-11, 07:31 PM
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eh, yer poll needs to allow multiple choices: I'm a #1 and a #3.

I got a CatEye CC-CD300DW Double Wireless 5 years ago. I really like it. Just a couple weeks ago I moved it from the bike where it's resided these past 5 years to my new S&S coupled bike, because it's been suggested that the fewer wires running to the handlebars the easier it'll be to pack that bike for travelling. I hope I can get at least 5 more years use out of it on this bike...and if I can't I'll probably look for something similar or close to it to replace it.

In general, I really like the clean lines of wireless units. I suppose if money were no object, all my bikes would have wireless units.

But money is an object. My two other bikes have a very simple Sigma BC906 wired computer, and whereas I say "I really like" the CatEye wireless, I can unequivocally say "I love" the Sigma BC906. It is unbelievable simply to use and easy to read, and it has absolutely no features I don't absolutely need and all the ones I do.
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Old 02-22-11, 07:36 PM
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Used a Serfas computer wireless

worst POS ever.

candence will not read half of the time, the sensor is rubbish because signal drops because of it's out of range on my 54 compact frame even with fresh battery(LOL, yes)

oh yeah, interference on group ride, end up throwing it to the trash and picked up a cateye wired cadence, which works great.
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Old 02-22-11, 07:41 PM
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my first wireless was a cateye v2c (for sale btw) i liked it but i have 3 road bikes. got a garmin 500 (the bonus is ant + hr etc.)
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Old 02-22-11, 07:54 PM
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The nice thing about wireless is you need only one computer for multiple bikes.
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Old 02-22-11, 08:12 PM
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Bontrager Node 2 - Using it on both my Madone and my Circuit. Have no real problems with it. Once sensors and magnets are set up right all is fine. Have no desire or need right now to use anything else.
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Old 02-22-11, 08:14 PM
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I went through 3 or 4 models of wireless computers (I don't remember the specific make and models) but I was always a bit disappointed by the sensors. It was hard to get them to stay in place. I'd often find that if I went over a small bump or hit a tiny pothole, the sensor would move and the computer would stop working. I got the Mavic Wintech with skewer sensor and I love it . It's a well-designed solution. I was disappointed in the altimeter on the computer, though. It was really inaccurate.
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Old 02-22-11, 08:17 PM
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Garmin 705 and polar cs200. Both excellent and never any issues other than the odd HRM drop out you get with any HRM. I wouldnt bother considering a wired computer and hevent done for about 6 or 7 years now
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Old 02-22-11, 08:20 PM
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The new ANT+ based wireless setups are much more reliable than the old ones. Garmin and the *****trager Node computers are ANT+ among others.
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Old 02-22-11, 08:23 PM
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By null at 2008-11-09

Use both. The batteries last much longer in wired.
And if you can do a clean job wrapping the wire, it can look okay.
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Old 02-22-11, 08:24 PM
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I have a cat eye strada wireless, and love it. It is simple to use, easy to install, and it works perfectly.
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Old 02-22-11, 08:27 PM
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Garmin 500, but I don't like the heart rate monitor chest strap. The electrodes are too close together and I get a lot of errors reading my HR. Does anyone know if I can use another HR strap with ANT+ for the 500?
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Old 02-22-11, 08:47 PM
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I had an old wired of some type from the early 90's that worked fine. But about 5 years ago I started cycling regularly again and got a Sigma 1606L wireless with cadence. I know others have had trouble with these, but it worked great for me. The only times I ever had an issue was running it next to a head light, but then again you can't see it much then anyway. But I now regularly use multiple bikes so I got an Edge 500 because I like being able to quickly throw it on whatever I feel like riding. I do have the speed/cadence sensor on one of my bikes, but like most people after a while you learn to go by feel for cadence and I find the gps speed accurate enough for my purposes.
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Old 02-22-11, 08:53 PM
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I used a planet bike wireless computer for awhile until i bought an Edge 500, i had no complaints with it. Sometimes i would get false speed readings, one time it said my max speed was in the 80 mph area. I bought the 500 due to the wealth of information i get out of it along with being able to track all my rides with garmin connect. So really i had no problems with the planet bike computer, i just wanted something better.
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Old 02-22-11, 09:08 PM
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Shuke
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Garmin Edge 500 with premiuim HR strap. I love it. Never have any issues with the HR or speed/cadence sensor. I've read that some people have problems with the premium hr strap but i haven't had any.
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Old 02-22-11, 09:10 PM
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I have one of these. Works like a champ. We use wireless cell phones, cordless home phones...don't know why you would use a wired cyclometer.
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Old 02-22-11, 09:22 PM
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Garmin 800 with premium HR strap. Had a couple of problems with battery life in the beginning, but tweaked controls and now it works well.
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Old 02-22-11, 09:30 PM
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Sigma 1606wireless works great for me. EXCEPT running a high power light next to it, or a "minty boost" battery extender for the Garmin, causes interference. and no reading.

But I've had it years and am happy.
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Old 02-22-11, 09:42 PM
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I've been using a Cateye Micro Wireless for 4 years. It has worked flawlessly. When this one dies, I will probably get a Cateye with cadence.
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