Blackburn Delphi Computers

steveoath

I'm looking at getting a Delphi 5.0 (or 6.0) and was hoping some kind soul on here could give me a bit of advice.

1) My last computer was an Echo XR from the mikedyason.com site (which is a great wee device - HRM + Cadence + usual trip/speed etc). Unfortunately on changing to my new Specialized Roubaix Comp I've found that the front wheel sensor and magnet overlap and can't be used as they bash each other - no matter how I try to align them they don't work. Does anyone know how much room between the fork sensor and spoke magnet is required for the Delphis? Or has anyone got one installed successfully on a ROubaix?

2) As far as I can tell the only difference between the Delphi 5.0 and 6.0 is the Altimeter on the 6.0 - is it worth the extra cost? atm I'm not sure I'd even care about altitude!

Cheers for any help at all.

Steve

talltree007

Bear with me as I am a begineer, but I hope I can help.

I have a Spesh Roubaix Elite, and I invested in a Delphi 6.0 when I bought the bike. The manual states that the magnet and sensor needs between 1 and 3 mm between them. I managed to install it on my Roubaix without any problems, however, I have had a few niggling problems since. I took my bike to the Lakes over Xmas, and something must have got nudged in transit because it would only give me intermittent readings. I tried everything to get it sorted, inckuding changing the batteries when I knew that they were not the problem. I eventually got it sorted last week-end, and I still don't know why it went funny. In essence, I think the both are compatible though, I am sure my problems had as much to do with my lack of intelligence as the kit!!!!

I have a great love for climbing, so I thought hte extra for the altimeter would prove useful. If you are not that interested yourself, I would not bother. If you think you will develop a interest, I would not bother as I find it is SO inaccurate, I never even bother using it anymore. The gradient percentage is ok, and gives a rough guideline, but I would not really trust the accuracy of this either.

I find the Delphi itself to be very good, although having never had a different computer I have nothing to compare it to. It gives lots of information, and despite reading in reviews that some of the displays are small, I have never had a problem. If you need reading glasses, this might be something you need to take into consideration. Sorry about bleating on, but to sum up:

1) Yes, I have one successfully installed
2) Definately NOT worth the extra IMHO.

steveoath

Thanks! I think I'll be having a look at the 5.0 - the altimeter isn't really a "must have" for me.

Much appreciated,
Steve

campagone

Ive just bought a 6.0 off ebay, it cost me £72.49 new. I've fitted it to my best bike so haven't had a chance to try it out yet. I've gone from a trusty Cateye which I've always used, so don't know how I'll like the Blackburn but on first impression I'm not too keen on it, seems a bit complicated but that's probably just because it's quite different to the Cateye.
I went for the Delphi because of the altimeter and intergrated heartrate monitor, but if talltree says that it's not very accurate then it doesn't look good. Also I'd asumed that being a hrm it would have a calorie counter, (something I like to use with my current Polar hrm) but it doesn't, and I can't use my Polar and Blackburn together beacause they both use chest straps so now I may end up buying a hrm that doesn't use a chest strap, then again It might end up back on ebay

bazza59

steve
I have a delphi 4 on my carrera vanquish and use a polar f6 as my hrm.
This doesn't address your specific question but if you go the delphi route may save time.
I noticed during a ride that my cadence reading had disappeared and spent a good 30 mins adjusting things to try and get a reading. Turned out there was a little corrosion between the contacts on the monitor and the mount. A quick wipe of the contacts and there was cadence again. Moral of the story - always remove the computer from the mount and wipe down the contacts...
baz

steveoath

Cool - thanks for the advice. I think I'll take a look at the 5.0 as Ribble has a decent deal on atm.

Steve