Question by Lewie Bum Bum: How do you turn of this damn cycling computer?
I brought a new blackburn delphi 4.0 cycling computer, doesn’t say how to turn it off. it goes into sleep mode after about 30 mins, and then i left it for 3 hours and still doesn’t. When i take out the batteries, the settings all re-set…

Any help please?

Best answer:

Answer by slucke
I have never seen a bike computer that you can turn off. The older ones I’ve had just stayed at the last setting they were on. I have a specialized computer that has been in my bike parts drawer that shows 0 MPH and the odometer setting when I took it off the bike 3 or 4 years ago. My new ones seem to just switch to a time clock until the wheel spins again and they wake up. As this one is a wireless it probably has an algorithm to check for radio signals so it is never really totally off. I wouldn’t worry about it unless you are eating batteries every few months. I think most wireless computers are good for about a year with their batteries.

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How Do You Turn of This Damn Cycling Computer? is a post from: Cycling Computers Reviews

A post from: Projectors for Home Theater

Not content with producing the brightest front led on the market, cateye complement the EL-500 with the TL-1000, the ultimate rear LED for riders who value their visibility above all else. Cateyes patented Opticube technology is used for the first time in a rear light, combined with 10 ultrabright red LEDS for unparalleled brightness. With 2 LEDS on each side, the TL-1000 also offers unrivalled sideways visibility. Each row of LEDS is independently controlled by a side mounted switch and features 4 different modes, for a total of 16 different combinations. This will surely be the rear light to have this winter. Runtime: 15 hours constant. Batteries: 2 x AA.

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars GREAT when it works. But does it have a design flaw?
When it’s working properly, the TL-LD1000 is unarguably the BEST rear bicycle light available. I know because I’ve tried quite a few, including other Cateye models.

The light is essentially two very bright, independently controllable, 3-LED taillights in a single package. So, for example, I set the bottom triad of LEDs to blink and the upper triad to strobe back-and-forth. Both of the independently controllable lights are readily visible throughout a wide vertical and horizontal axis.

But note that I’m on my second TL-LD1000. And so I now find myself wondering if the light suffers from a fundamental design flaw.

The first TL-LD1000 I bought lasted a bit less than a year of regular use before it begin to spontaneously extinguish itself in response to normal road bumps. For a while a sharp slap would restore the light to operation, but the condition deteriorated: The light remained operational for a shorter period after each slap.

In response, I tried new batteries. I tried cleaning the battery contacts with a cotton swap and alcohol. I tried wrapping the batteries with some stretchy foam to help hold them tightly in place. None of those steps helped.

So after an email exchange with Cateye, I sent my malfunctioning light in and the company promptly replaced it with a new one.

I’ve used my second TL-LD1000 for just a bit less than a year, and now it too is spontaneously extinguishing itself and I’m once again slapping it to restore it to operation.

So, I would encourage other TL-LD1000 users to report on how reliably their light has worked and for how long.

As I said, it’s an EXCELLENT tail light when it works. But from the standpoint of the light’s long-term reliability, my experience has been zero-for-two…

2 Stars Great at first then becomes nearly useless
I was impressed by the brightness of this light and also liked the fact that there was some illumination on both ends. The problem was that after a couple months of use, the light would stop working in the middle of a ride. Since it is a tail light, it is hard to stop and monitor it all the time, so for significant amounts of time I would be riding with my primary flasher not functioning. NOT GOOD. Since the other reviewer had the same problem with 2 units, that I had with mine, it does seem that they didn’t get the bugs worked out of this product before selling it.

In addition, if you mount the light on the seatpost horizontally, it is wide enough your legs will probably strike it. Mounting it vertically is difficult unless you have other brackets available.

I’d recommend you pass on this light.

2 Stars Same issue as others, it stops working
I have the same issue as the other reviewers. I like the idea of the side light. I like the brightness of it. I like the length of the battery life. However, it quits while riding, and I ride to work prior to dawn in the spring and fall. I still have this light on my bike, but I have resorted to putting a much cheaper clip-on on my back pack, so that I remain visable.

To restart the light, I simply twist the section where the batteries are inserted, then twist it back. It always restarts. However, the light does not provide the safety I expect of it.

Like others here, This is my second one with the same problem. It is a design flaw I am sure.

4 Stars 3 years and still going strong!
This little light has worked great for me for over three years now — has nice front and side flashers, but like one of the other reviewers commented, it’s definitely a bit on the bulky side.

Buy/More Info

Cateye TL LD1000 LED Bicycle Tail and Safety Light Red is a post from: Cycling Computers Reviews

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New segmented, color-blocked screen improves your ability to quickly extract critical data. Lap function provides the ability to track both speed and cadence of intervals. Fully adjustable center mount bracket holds computer in front of the handlebar. Includes a coded transmitter that eliminates “cross-talk” interference.

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star Save your money – nice idea, poor execution
I wanted a combination HRM /computer for my bike and this seemed to fit the bill. It is a waste of money. First, the HRM is completely erratic. I use electrode cream and keep the strap fairly tight with the electrodes positioned properly. When I get a HR signal – it can go from 45 -> 70 -> 150 -> 60 -> 0 all in a few minutes. I thought maybe they had programmed in a random number generator the way it was going. Totally useless. Most often it just cuts out totally and goes to 0 for 15 – 20 minutes for no obvious reason.

The display itself is the other problem. It is VERY dim and impossible to read if you are in shade with sunglasses on. I’ve been able to read many other bike displays under the same conditions, but this one seems very dim, with no contrast. It reminds me of how other LCDs look right before the batteries die. Except the batteries I have in it are brand new.

The SLEEP function does not work. It is NOT automatic. You need to manually put it to sleep when you want that. There is a description of how to do this on Cateye’s site in the knowledge base. This is ridiculous. Supposedly it goes to sleep if there is absolutely no RF signals in the atmosphere. So I guess if you bike in Antarctica or somewhere desolate like that it might work, but not where most of us ride.

Finally the mounting is clever, but you MUST mount it where Cateye wants you to or forget it. You must mount it to the right of the stem with the unit in front of the handlebars. So if you have aero bars it won’t mount properly.

And Cateye has no real tech support. They only accept email, however those are not answered. (Believe me, I’ve sent them several). So there is no one to talk to or to try to fix things. I’ll NEVER buy Cateye again.

2 Stars Auto-shutoff doesn’t work
This computer has nice display that will show all of the information I’m interested in. However, the sensors are much more prone to interference than the other products I’ve used. The heart rate monitor is very sensitive to power lines — the big lines on the metal towers mess up both this unit and my Polar watch/HRM, but this unit fails in many other places where my Polar has no problems. Also, the sensors hang from the chest strap and get unclipped too easily. The wireless signal from the wheel sensor is also a problem — there are two places on my normal routes where this computer loses the signal for a while. I’ve never had that problem with my other (much cheaper) wireless computer.

A stem mount would have been nice. With my aerobars clipped on to my handlebar, I’ve got nowhere to mount my computer properly.

Finally, the biggest frustration is with the auto-shutoff. Like every other computer I’ve had, this is supposed to turn itself off after several minutes of inactivity. Unlike every other computer I’ve ever had, this one simply won’t shut itself off 9 times out of 10. I’ve tried taking it off the mount and storing it other places, thinking that maybe there’s some source of interference in my garage that’s keeping the computer on, but nothing seems to help. I’ve resorted to removing the batteries at the end of a ride.

Buy/More Info

Cateye HR200DW Double Wireless Heart Rate Bicycle Computer is a post from: Cycling Computers Reviews

A post from: Projectors for Home Theater

For cycling enthusiasts who want a bigger picture of their cycling performance. The RT288L includes all the functions of the RT233 & RT255 and adds wireless transmission and NiteLite with SmartLite. Wireless transmission means easy assembly and no wires to wrap and tuck.

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star Didn’t work- but have had prompt help
I’ve been cycling for years- and have installed plenty of these kinds of gadgets on a multitude of bikes. This one didn’t work.

After carefully reading the manual and buying and changing the batteries, and reinstalling multiple times I came to the conclusion that the sensor was not working. Have emailed Vetta and the retailer. Both have replied; Vetta sent some information and the seller has offered to send me a new sensor at their expense. I rate both for getting back to me promptly, and I hope this fixes the problem. Overall a but frustrating, but gratifying that they are actively helping fix the problem.

4 Stars Good budget wireless bike computer
I bought this computer because it is wireless and you can see MPH, odometer and time all at the same time. The wireless works well. I question the accuracy of the computer. It seems off at high speeds. Also, the readout has a 3-4 second delay. So when you change speeds, the computer takes a few seconds to update the display. My wired cateye does not seem to have this problem. For a serious competitor, I think you would want to spend a little more. But for recreational biking it works fine.

4 Stars Good stuff
The product is outstanding. The installation instructions are as you would expect… not thorough! But I love it anyway.

Buy/More Info

Vetta RT288 L SmartLite Wireless Cycling Computer is a post from: Cycling Computers Reviews

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POLAR?RS800SD RUNNING COMPUTER W/ FREE IRDA KIT :: The Polar RS800sd is the ultimate running computer with the most advanced analysis software available. It tracks heart rate, cadence, speed, distance and pace. The RS800sd helps you improve running efficiency, average stride length and regulate your running cadence. Includes comfortable WearLink chest strap transmitter and s3 Stride Sensor foot pod, and USB adapter to download run data to your computer.

Add GPS functionality with the G3 GPS sensor (CIU1011) to pinpoint your location for improved tracking of speed and distance over any terrain.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Excellent Acquisition
RS 800 is really a complete device offering all the important information during and after training. It is really better than I expect. It is possible to have information of pace, distance, calories, etc. You can keep data on memory and can go back and verify how was your training in the previous day or week.

I really enjoyed the product.

1 Star Don’t waste your money
This is one of the worst products I have purchased in the last 5 years. The one I bought never worked properly. The heart monitor would not pick up, the stride-pod never could be properly calibrated, the watch could never seem to connect with the computer and when it did the software was defective because it would not let you adjust the downloaded workouts to fix errors in distance recorded by the defective stride-pod. On top of everything else, the thing eats batteries like they were candy. I finally gave up and just tried to use it as a $400 stopwatch. Putting in a new battery for the fourth time in less than a year, I got a “error” with a code 169 on it. The Polar site user site says to send it in for service. I’m going to send it to the trash can instead. This is an expensive piece of junk. Save your money and buy something else

2 Stars I love polar – just too many problems with this one
Polar heart rate monitors have helped keep me in shape (and get me back in shape when I fall behind). I like the data this product collects, but the battery dies too quickly and the IRDA/Vista problem is just too much to rate this product highly. IRDA works fine with XP, but once I went to Vista, I found myself fighting with the watch to transfer the data. It never seemed to transfer on the first try (shutting down the program, restarting – even restarting the machine was required). I have a great computer (so that’s not the problem) – just Vista…

Also, whenever I left data in the watch too long, the battery died. Also, the Stride Sensor (W.I.N.D.) also had battery problems — it should last much longer than it does.

So, I will have to get back in the market for another product (I just wish that, for the price, I had purchased a HRM that would last longer for me).

4 Stars Very Satisfied
I have this product for three weeks now and I am still using mostly the heart rate monitor function alone. Last week only I synced it with my laptop and transfered all the workout information. It took me a while to connect to laptop but the transfer was seemless. I would recommend this product if you are seriously planning to work on a training schedule otherwise this is way expensive for any other purpose.

4 Stars RS 800
So far a good product both on and off of the treadmill. I run about 30-50 miles per week. I enjoy using this product and I have had no problems with the recording of my exercises. The program is very similar to old polar programs and it was easy to start using the program from my previous polar watch. I do have one button that does not work well it is the light button. Not sure if I will send it back to have this fixed or not, but a little annoyed that I enjoy the product but have this glich that should not be there.

Buy/More Info

Polar RS800sd W Free IRDA Monitor Kit is a post from: Cycling Computers Reviews

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New segmented, color-blocked screen improves your ability to quickly extract critical data. Lap function provides the ability to track both speed and cadence of intervals. Fully adjustable center mount bracket holds computer in front of the handlebar.

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars Beware if you use a heart rate monitor…
Overall, it works good. The cadence, speed and distance all seemed accurate and are generally reliable. But it does have several big limitations:

1) Doesn’t work with a heart rate monitor: The signal from a heart rate monitor interferes with the computer’s wireless reception. So if you are using a heart rate monitor, the computer doesn’t work. Since there’s a good chance you use a heart rate monitor if you are willing to spend this type of money on a bike computer, I consider this a serious limitation.

2) The menu system is definitely not the most user friendly. In terms of when you’re on the bike, most of the info is easily accessible. But you definitely need to break out the manual when you want to adjust any settings.

4 Stars Pretty good computer but some drawbacks
This computer is expensive so my expectations were rather high. What I like about it is that the speed pickup is on the rear wheel so I can use it on my trainer. The cadence capability is also nice. I like the fact this computer is wireless but I got some interference between my Polar monitor and this wireless computer initially that made it impossible to use both the HRM and this unit at the same time. But with my new Polar monitor, that problem has gone away.

I’m not really keen on the display either. I want to see my distance, average speed, actual speed and cadence all at once, but you have to change screens to see this data. Battery life is ok but just. You’ll need to replace batteries on this unit much more quickly than you have to on other Cateye computers and when you do, you’ll have to redo the settings. So keep your instruction book handy because it isn’t a very intuitive setup.

5 Stars Good computer
I put this computer on my new road bike and it’s perfect for “spinning” or riding on the road. It’s probably not good enough for serious riders, but I’m a weekend warrior and I’m riding short rides (30-40 miles). The numbers are big enough to read for the critical functions (time, speed, distance and cadence) and I tend to leave the computer alone while I’m in the saddle. I could see it as a little difficult to press the ‘enter’ button (bottom edge) while riding since it’s close to the bar/neck on my setup. [...]

For “spinning” with a stationary trainer and video, the cadence is really handy (although the LED segments are a little small) since most of the videos say “90 rpm for this segment”. I have an Enduro 8 on my mountain bike and both are very easy to setup, use and get data from while riding and after the ride. The only thing this is missing is the heart rate monitor, but you could get a polar or similar monitor for that if necessary, however I’ve heard that it might cause RF interference with this model (non 2.4Ghz) of bike computer.

Installing the computer on my bike was very easy, the hardest part was mounting the handlebar clip since I didn’t read the instructions so I didn’t extend the clip before trying to screw it tight, otherwise it took about 15 mins, including setting up the screens/units. It was set by default to my tire size (700).

3 Stars Great wireless feature, poor battery, resets easily
Like many of the other reviewers, I had high expectations for this unit. The battery life is relatively short compared with other computers I’ve had in the past. Resetting the computer has become a part of my daily routine, so it isn’t the most reliable device I’ve ever had. If you wear a heart rate monitor, I do not suggest it either. You can reset the signal ID so it doesn’t conflict, but again this has to be part of your daily routine.

If your handlebars are crowded like mine (i.e. brakes and a lamp mount). Be aware that there isn’t a stem mount available so I had to attach the mount itself to my stem using quickties.

5 Stars best bike speedometer
Great product with lots of features. It’s a little tricky to get the cadence monitor attached just right, plan on spending a bit if time with that, but it tracks flawlessly once you do. Instructions are many since it does so much, but again, once you spend a little time with it and it’s set up, you’re set. Very easy to read in any light. Accurate, checked it against my GPS for mph and distance. The display is firmly attached to the handlebar, but nice that it easily detaches from the mount so you don’t have to worry about it when you lock your bike up. Highly recommended.

Buy/More Info

Cateye CD300DW Double Wireless Cadence Bicycle Computer is a post from: Cycling Computers Reviews

A post from: Projectors for Home Theater

From the brilliant minds at Cateye comes this super bright, universal mount tail light. It has 10 red LED’s that are bright enough to be seen even during the day, 15hr run time, 3 flashing modes and constant on. Opticube lens technology and high water resistance makes this the perfect light for commuting or hitting the trail. 2AA Batteries included.

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars Same issue as others, it stops working
I have the same issue as the other reviewers. I like the idea of the side light. I like the brightness of it. I like the length of the battery life. However, it quits while riding, and I ride to work prior to dawn in the spring and fall. I still have this light on my bike, but I have resorted to putting a much cheaper clip-on on my back pack, so that I remain visable.

To restart the light, I simply twist the section where the batteries are inserted, then twist it back. It always restarts. However, the light does not provide the safety I expect of it.

Like others here, This is my second one with the same problem. It is a design flaw I am sure.

2 Stars Great at first then becomes nearly useless
I was impressed by the brightness of this light and also liked the fact that there was some illumination on both ends. The problem was that after a couple months of use, the light would stop working in the middle of a ride. Since it is a tail light, it is hard to stop and monitor it all the time, so for significant amounts of time I would be riding with my primary flasher not functioning. NOT GOOD. Since the other reviewer had the same problem with 2 units, that I had with mine, it does seem that they didn’t get the bugs worked out of this product before selling it.

In addition, if you mount the light on the seatpost horizontally, it is wide enough your legs will probably strike it. Mounting it vertically is difficult unless you have other brackets available.

I’d recommend you pass on this light.

3 Stars GREAT when it works. But does it have a design flaw?
When it’s working properly, the TL-LD1000 is unarguably the BEST rear bicycle light available. I know because I’ve tried quite a few, including other Cateye models.

The light is essentially two very bright, independently controllable, 3-LED taillights in a single package. So, for example, I set the bottom triad of LEDs to blink and the upper triad to strobe back-and-forth. Both of the independently controllable lights are readily visible throughout a wide vertical and horizontal axis.

But note that I’m on my second TL-LD1000. And so I now find myself wondering if the light suffers from a fundamental design flaw.

The first TL-LD1000 I bought lasted a bit less than a year of regular use before it begin to spontaneously extinguish itself in response to normal road bumps. For a while a sharp slap would restore the light to operation, but the condition deteriorated: The light remained operational for a shorter period after each slap.

In response, I tried new batteries. I tried cleaning the battery contacts with a cotton swap and alcohol. I tried wrapping the batteries with some stretchy foam to help hold them tightly in place. None of those steps helped.

So after an email exchange with Cateye, I sent my malfunctioning light in and the company promptly replaced it with a new one.

I’ve used my second TL-LD1000 for just a bit less than a year, and now it too is spontaneously extinguishing itself and I’m once again slapping it to restore it to operation.

So, I would encourage other TL-LD1000 users to report on how reliably their light has worked and for how long.

As I said, it’s an EXCELLENT tail light when it works. But from the standpoint of the light’s long-term reliability, my experience has been zero-for-two…

4 Stars 3 years and still going strong!
This little light has worked great for me for over three years now — has nice front and side flashers, but like one of the other reviewers commented, it’s definitely a bit on the bulky side.

Buy/More Info

Cateye LD1000 10 LED Tail Light is a post from: Cycling Computers Reviews

A post from: Projectors for Home Theater