Cycling computer is it worth?

GSJ

Title basically says it all, currently I'm using MapMyRide on my mobile phone, then carrying my backpack with me on rides, which also has other supplies. I'm wondering would a computer that's on my stem make me work harder? for example if I'm cruising along at 13mph I might see that I'm going 13 and step it up a notch..
Have your computers helped you whilst riding, as in making you a stronger rider? if you have one..

alihisgreat

Its just nice to be able to see basic stuff like current speed, time elapse, time, distance covered, odometer etc.

There isn't really an excuse not to as they're so cheap...

dw300

What value of computer are we talking about? £10 or £300?

GSJ

Well, I wouldn't want to spend over £30 for one, but even that seems a bit expensive, so anything below that.

Herbsman

Distance and speed are of no interest once the novelty wears off. It might be cheaper to buy a watch and strap that to your stem

dw300

Herbsman wrote:

Distance and speed are of no interest once the novelty wears off. It might be cheaper to buy a watch and strap that to your stem

I'd kinda agree with this. It's what you do with the data that determines the value, which means more data (a more expensive computer) can be better value.

But if you're taking a smartphone along then you've got all you data there. I'd use Strava over MMR personally. My bike computer doesn't show my speed, it's set for Heart Rate, Time and Average Speed, and to be honest, all I'm really looking for is the HR.

You might be best getting a HR monitor showing that and the time for £15 from Decathalon to decide whether it's of value to you.

Herbsman

Obviously a watch would be at 90 degrees so hard to see. I use the time on my Sigma BC1109 STS computer to time my efforts out on the road - and unless it's a hill I usually can only ride for a max of 5 mins before reaching traffic lights or a junction. Also useful for knowing when to turn around and go home! You can get them from Decathlon for under £30. Tommy Voeckler uses one, so they must be good ;-)
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/bc-1109-sts- ... 36254.html

markwb79

Herbsman wrote:

Distance and speed are of no interest once the novelty wears off. It might be cheaper to buy a watch and strap that to your stem

Not sure I agree though, speed and average speed have kept me motivated for years. Love the challenge of finishing a ride with a average speed higher than xxkmph

Herbsman

Yeah, it's good motivation if your goal is to ride really fast for the whole ride. I do like going for a blast and seeing more than 19mph average. But for example, on a ride where I am specifically doing hill climbs, I will have rode as hard as I could up the hill numerous times, but the average speed for the whole ride might only be 13mph.

wacka

I've a Cateye V3 and I swear by it. My main interest is cadence and heart rate, although I do note my overall average speed as I'm keen to increase it.

t.m.h.n.e.t

Wacka wrote:

I've a Cateye V3 and I swear by it. My main interest is cadence and heart rate, although I do note my overall average speed as I'm keen to increase it.

This

GSJ

Also, what would be better, wireless or wired in terms of accuracy and do they both have pros/cons?

patchy

Herbsman wrote:

Obviously a watch would be at 90 degrees so hard to see.

Not if you strap it to the handlebar...

Herbsman

GSJ wrote:

Also, what would be better, wireless or wired in terms of accuracy and do they both have pros/cons?

Some wireless computers (for example the Sigma one I recommended) are affected by some lights. Mine will not pick up the signal when my Knog lights are on, but is fine when my Energizer torches are on....

yeachan153

I got Aldi wired computer for £5 during their promotions last year. Done 1700 miles on them through rain and pretty much anything.

Still working, it shows: time, speed, av speed, distance, total distance, fat burnt, calories, temperature.

If you want a bog standard cheap computer reckon this ones up there as the best value