Computer recommendations based on what I need...

Superbalicious

I've done plenty of searching on here and the net in general and there is a wealth of information available regarding computers, but I'm struggling to find something which suits my needs. This is what I'm looking for:

1. Wireless
2. Cadence
3. Speed (inc average, max, etc) although see below
4. HRM (inc average, max, etc)
5. Distance
6. Odometer
7. Altimeter (min, max, total climbed, etc)

Ok, basic stuff so far but here's the next lot...

8. The ability to plot a ride on the pc and download to the computer (I often go riding without an actual destination/distance in mind and I think this takes the edge of the enjoyment. It's also less safe if I am injured in some way).
9. The ability to upload rides to an account on a pc, but also the ability to share the info, such as via facebook.
10. The ability to let my missus track my progress real-time via the pc (I tell her it's for safety... But it's so that she can have the kettle on for when I get home)
11. GPS - which I suppose is a given considering the list above, hence a specific speed function (as in a spoke mounted magnet) may not be necessary
12. The ability to ride the same route on different occasions and be aware of how my progress, real-time, varies to a previous ride. I suppose this is a bit like a ghost rider - I tend to ride alone which can be boring enough, so at least this would make the ride more interesting.
13. On screen maps - hmm, I'm not sure if I really need the ability to view maps on screen so this might come down to affordability rather than an actual requirement. I've read posts where by people seem to rate full mapping, as opposed to the 'bread crumb' style display, quite highly.
14. A clear display, there's no point having the info if I can't read it.

There's probably something I've missed, so the list might be updated, but I think I've covered the main things. Another point is using a turbo trainer with gps computers as I wouldn't actually record any distance or speed... I guess it would just be recorded as a 'duration' with cadence and heart rate info. I guess this would be sufficient though for training/maintaining a level of fitness when I can't actually get out and ride.

Options I've been looking at so far are the Garmin 500, 800 (very costly) and the Bryton 50t although I can't work out whether any of these have features along the lines of 9, 10 and 12 in my list.

So, any options, comments would be gratefully received, especially from owners of any of the above, or other suitable computers.

Calpol

Garmin Edge 800 for on screen map or Edge 500 which still does a crude sat nav but perfectly acceptable. i have an Edge 500 and think its an essential piece of kit. Does everything you need apart from the map display on a colour screen. I have my phone if I get lost and need to check a map.

richa

A phone in your back pocket (w/Google lattitude) for #10. A garmin 500/800 for all else.

Superbalicious

Thanks for the replies. I'm leaning towards the Edge 500 or 800 but I have a question regarding Virtual Partner. For the 800 it appears, from copious amounts of searching online, that the VP will track your progress on a predetermined route based on your actual speed on a previous occasion. In other words it will slow down on ascents and speed up on descents. To me, this is much better than just setting the VP to a fixed average speed. What I can't work out is whether this works the same way for the 500.

Also, if I was to get an 800, which maps would be best for uk cycling as I think I've seem 'full euro' road maps but also a version with GB trail maps?

maddog 2

what the hell is #10 :roll:

luv2ride

I just got one of these:
http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/t ... dence.html
cheaper than Garmin and pretty easy to set up to be honest. Not used in anger much yet but good, clear customisable screens and good map display. Has a virtual partner capability, but not used mine yet. very easy to plot routes and then import Into the unit via the pc.

redvee

maddog 2 wrote:

what the hell is #10 :roll:

AKA under the thumb

Superbalicious

redvee wrote:

maddog 2 wrote:

what the hell is #10 :roll:

AKA under the thumb

Ok, maybe a little, but if it means I can be out riding for longer, with less grief from the missus, then I see it as a positive (and as yet I have not come home to a freshly made cuppa...!)

Right, I've made the decision and ordered, rightly or wrongly... the Edge 800 with the full euro mapping, HRM and cadence/speed sensor :shock: :twisted: 8) (the sequence of emoticons mimic my state of mind during the ordering process). I'll be picking it up this evening, having a play with it tonight and hopefully putting it to use on a new short training route I devised yesterday. I've got a feeling the 800 will be complete overkill for what I 'really' need, but then if it helps me develop my fitness and find and enjoy new rides then I'm happy. Just don't tell the missus...!!

Thanks for all your replies

StillGoing

You'll more than likely find yourself using the additional features. Wise choice for anyone that can afford one, but it is a big outlay for some. You can get them anywhere between £200 and £300 if you shop around.

smidsy

Superbalicious wrote:

redvee wrote:

maddog 2 wrote:

what the hell is #10 :roll:

AKA under the thumb

Ok, maybe a little, but if it means I can be out riding for longer, with less grief from the missus, then I see it as a positive (and as yet I have not come home to a freshly made cuppa...!)

Right, I've made the decision and ordered, rightly or wrongly... the Edge 800 with the full euro mapping. Just don't tell the missus...!! We won't need to she tracked you all the way and knows exactly what your up to

Thanks for all your replies