Cycling Computers Reviews

SIGMA BC1606L CADENCE DTS Double Wireless Bicycle Speedometer

Sigma’s top model…the BC 1606L DTS wireless provides a better overview of the essential information during a ride by hiding the total accumulated functions and cadence if not installed. The backlight gives optimal readability of this information even in the dark. An integrated storage chip prevents the loss of set values during battery change as features such trip section counter, timer, and second wheel size are programmable. The complete set is equipped with a digital radio sensor and wireless cadence set. The receiver is integrated into the bike computer. Low battery indicator – on-time battery change reminder. Integrated storage chip – pre-settings and total values are retained during battery change. Active mode without total values – total values faded while riding to enable better focusing on the necessary functions. Bike 2 Sensor – total values faded while riding to enable better focusing on the necessary functions. Backlight – optimal readability even after nightfall. Water resistant.

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars Problems getting started! Save $ and aggro and go with a Cat Eye
I purchased this computer despite the negative reviews and got bit. Installation is relatively simple for anyone who can change a battery, but the instructions are horrific, diagrams only and very unorganized. Installed the cadence transmitter, speed / spoke magnet and computer in a few minutes, but I had difficulty getting the speed sensor to align on my Cinelli’s ovalized fork and the magnet to stay secure on my bladed spokes. It just never appeared to sit well on the fork, so I used double sided foam tape and heavier zip ties than those provided and epoxyed the magnet to the spoke.

I experienced the same “battery” issues (2 DOA) and installed 4 fresh batteries so I wouldn’t have to mess with it later. I also had a real problem with a defective speed sensor, which necessitated a return. The customer service rep was friendly, helpful, recognized that the manual s&%$ed and sent anew sensor and revised(?) manual diagram for the speed sensor install within 2 days. I guess you get what you pay for! Thoma59

1 Star Great Design, But Performance is Challenging
I bought this based upon bike store recommendation after having 3 Cateye’s fail in the past 3 years. Installation was very easy once I figured it out (the manual is only marginally helpful). I really like the display – very easy to read for those of us over 40. The O’rings do not hold the speed and cadence sensors very secure – they tend to move out of alignment while going over bumps. I trashed the cadence sensor when it slipped into the spokes after going over a bump during a ride. The speed sensor periodically cuts out, then restarts after a minute or 2. Overall, I am dissapointed.

4 Stars roduct is super
This product has a clean display, works very well. Only gripe is that the rotating magnet(that is fixed to the spokes) has to be very close to the sensor that is attached to the front fork. It cant be more than 5 mm at the most. the specified 20 mm is imaginary. wont work.

But otherwise, the product is a great buy. no regrets.

1 Star Invest in something better – this doesn’t last!
I was looking for a wireless computer with cadence, an easy to read display and easy to use while riding. This did pretty well at first. I got “blank outs” on speed and distance every few miles, but they didn’t last more than a minute or so. The computer then “guesses” at the distance missed and your distance suddenly increases. This adds up over time to an inaccurate reading on a long ride. I was slightly irritated with this quality, but lived with it. Now 7 months after I got it, it’s got a mind of it’s own. It works perfectly for a while, and then can’t find the speed or distance (but can do cadence!) So on a 20 mile ride I’ll come home with it reading 4.8 miles. (Yes, I’ve replaced the batteries, no change.) The odometer reads 35,182 (that happened after I passed the 1,000 mile mark). It’s so irritating and frustrating now, that I just use it as a clock and will be looking for a longer lasting replacement. You get what you pay for. Invest wisely.

1 Star The bad reviews are true
Well, you get what you pay for.

After reading the reviews and seeing how this is supposed to be mounted I made extra sure to get an industrial strength double sided tape and mounted the unit.

It lasted 3 rides, then I hit a bump and the unit flew of my bike, after it hit my spokes.

Do not purchase this product.

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Sigma BC1606L Bicycle Speedometer with Rear Wheel Sensor Kit

Sigma Sport BC1606L Computers feature 16 functions with 2 numeric and 1 text line display. Features programmable trip section ideal for touring and adventure racing , Cadence functions include current, average and maximum , 16 functions with 2 numeric and 1 text line display , , , ,

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Sigma BC1606L with rear wheel harness
I just bought this item. It includes two harnesses. One for the front wheel and one for the rear wheel. It also includes the optional wired sensor to measure cadence and of course the bike computer itself. I am please with the unit so far and I installed it on the rear wheel of my bike that is on a Kurt Kenetic trainer. It works well for both speed and cadence. Now I can judge the kind of effort I am using and can up my game as time goes on. The only problem was that the install instructions leave a lot to be desired. I figured it out but it took about an hour for the install. The package also does not come with a list of items included in the box either which was a little frustrating. These were not really big problems but Sigma should address them for the future. I recommend this unit to anybody who wants a bike computer with a wire rear wheel sensor.

5 Stars Works Great!
We’ve had this a few weeks. I purchased for my wife’s bike so she could use it with the indoor trainer. This was one of the cheapest ones I could find that would work for the rear wheel. It also has the cadence monitor. Pretty easy to understand, not too difficult to set-up. It has a back-light on it, so once you press a button it will light up for a few seconds. Probably could have used a couple more zip-ties with it, but I had some.

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SIGMA BC506 5 Function Topline Wired Bicycle Speedometer

The most affordable Sigma topline wired bicycle computer, the Sigma BC 506 is extremely easy to handle and features a crystal clear display with easy to read especially large digits. In addition, the automatic function scan (auto scroll), with self-explanatory icons, can now be switched on or off and the menu settings are accessible without tools, together resulting in an easy-to-use bike computer.

General Functions:

• Watertight design
• Self-explanatory icons
• Automatic function scan (auto scroll)

Bike Functions:

• Actual speed
• Trip distance
• Total distance

Time Functions:

• Clock
• Riding time

What’s in the Box?
BC 506 bicycle computer, two-piece spoke magnet set, bike sensor/receiver/mount with wire, 3-volt CR2032 lithium battery, 42mm O-ring, 32mm O-ring.

Manufacturer’s Warranty
Five-year warranty on defective parts or products.

About Sigma Sport
Sigma Sport represents German technology at its highest level, combining innovative design with precision engineering. Sigma tests all their products in their in-house laboratories to withstand the harshest conditions, ensuring quality continually throughout production. All Sigma Sport standard lights conform to the stringent German traffic standard, and all Sigma Sport products are CE-approved.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Cyclometer just what I wanted
I am please with this meter. It is easy to use. (I bought a different model first and sent back as too difficult to work) I am happy with the item and the customer service.

1 Star Died after 3 rides
My Sigma BC 506 inexplicably died in the middle of riding through Central Park NYC. It was the third ride I had used it on. The computer still functioned but it behaved as though the bike was not moving. At home I detached the sensor from the frame and it would intermittently give false readings (like 127 mph) which makes me think that the cable went bad. I installed it as per the instructions and the cable did not at any point experience any unusual amount of strain. Very shoddy construction.

Beyond that, is it so difficult to have two buttons instead of one? It would make using it much more intuitive and would add a trivial amount to the cost of production.

5 Stars works great
Once you get by the confusing instructions, you have a item that does what it says it does. The 42mm band did break the first day, but you can easily replace it with a rubber band.

4 Stars SIGMA BC506 5-Function Wired Bike Speedometer
I just recently purchased the meter and put it on my motorized bike. Some of the meters that I looked at had too many functions or too many that I wasn’t interested in. Five is manageable. I’m mainly interested in the time of day, speed, trip and total miles. I mounted it very close to the center of my handlebars so that I could look at it with little head or eye movement. The type font is large enough for me to see easily. Probably the only negative comment that I have is that the instructions weren’t easy to understand. I like easy because I don’t want to spend a lot of time figuring it out.

5 Stars Basic meter that works
I have three of them. Bought the first one for my commute bike, the second for may daughter’s bike and the third for my race bike. The first two stay on the bike even when outside in all kinds of weather. They never fail. They do what is told and do that good. The use is very intuitive, one wonders how other makes can make it so complicated. This one is easy to read and self-explanatory.

The last one I bought every now and then reset itself, which was very annoying. After some time I bought the 906 instead because I calculated the average speed with the race bike anyway.

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SIGMA BC1106 DTS Wireless Bicycle Speedometer

The BC 1106 with its diversity of functions is the right choice for the athletically ambitious biker. The integrated storage chip prevents loss of pre-settings and total values during power losses or even battery changes, with low power scenarios announced in due time by the low battery indicator. Two wheel size settings are possible, which can be recognized automatically with an optional Bike 2 Sensor, allowing riders to use their BC 1106 interchangeably between any combination of two bicycles.

Digital Transmission explained.

A peek inside the BC 1106 DTS’ box.

Digital Transmission System (DTS) Explained
With 2-channel radio transmission (km/h and pedal frequency) and 100% digital encoding without data loss, the DTS system guarantees 100% data security of current speed and pedal frequency values during wireless reception. It does this by calculating all relevant data, encoding it and transmitting it in data packets to the integrated receiver in the bike computer. Disturbances such as power lines or mobile phones are no longer a problem as transmission is carried out over the so-called low frequency. A double security system also ensures that only the data packets from your own transmitter are evaluated by the receiver. This means that group rides are no problem.

A further security measure is redundant data transmission so that no data can be lost. The size and quality of the receiver has also been optimized by a specially developed SIGMA chip (ASIC) and integrated into the bike computer which also saves on battery life.

General Functions:

• 7 language settings, Dot matrix LCD readout, watertight design
• Low battery indicator
• Backup function/through saving chip
• Two wheel sizes adjustable
• Clock and model name in standby

Bike Functions:

• Actual speed
• Average speed
• Comparison of actual and average speed
• Maximum speed
• Trip distance
• Total distance bikes 1+2

Time Functions:

• Clock
• Riding time
• Total riding time bikes 1+2

What’s in the Box?
BC 1106 DTS bicycle computer with built in sensor, DTS speed transmitter, power magnet, twist-lock handlebar mount, 3-volt CR2032 lithium battery, 42mm O-ring, 32mm O-ring.

Manufacturer’s Warranty
Five-year warranty on defective parts or products.

About Sigma Sport
Sigma Sport represents German technology at its highest level, combining innovative design with precision engineering. Sigma tests all their products in their in-house laboratories to withstand the harshest conditions, ensuring quality continually throughout production. All Sigma Sport standard lights conform to the stringent German traffic standard, and all Sigma Sport products are CE-approved.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great Computer
Easy set up and directions and great functionality. No problems what-so-ever picking up the wireless signal.

2 Stars Not very good, Blackburn is better
This one actually made me truly appreciate my Blackburn Delphi 4.0, even for all its own issues, it was so much better than this one. This one takes forever to sync after going to sleep and sometimes never does, almost always have to hit a button to wake it up. I’ve tried adjusting the sensor distance and gap, that’s not the issue. What is really awful is the accuracy and slow pace of updates. This reads ONLY IN .5 MPH INCREMENTS! That means accuracy is +/- .5 mph or AS MUCH AS A FULL 1 MPH! Furthermore, updates seem to be infrequent, as is obvious when braking. I’ll be at a dead stop for 3-4 seconds before it reads 0 mph. If you are a cyclist who seriously uses a cyclometer for feedback, this one is useless. There is no good way to tell if the gear change or extra effort you just put in are getting you any acceleration… things that are almost intuitive with the Blackburn, which reads to .1 mph and seems to update real-time. Oh, and those godawful rubber bands for mounting… Sure they are easy… until you screw up and one goes flying never to be seen again… And when you are done, the head unit swivels around the handlebars requiring adjustment constantly. This is really only a good cyclometer for casual users and kids. I would never recommend it to anyone who has a serious need for real-time and accurate performance feedback. I will be buying a Blackburn Delphi again soon. Even if it dies again after a year (note, a year for me is 8000-10000 miles, so expect yours to last longer), it’s a better deal because it does the job I need. This one is just a waste of handlebar space.

2 Stars Not weatherproof
At the begining this product was working perfectly, to my surprise because this computures usually give you a hard time. This was until I went to to a trial with losts of water and lots of rain, and some water must have gotten into the trasnmiter, because it wont work anymore. The display turns on fine, but wont receive any signal. I believe, these wireless computers are not worth it, for this reason. It worked fine about 3 or 4 times. Lost my money.

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SIGMA BC906 9 Function Topline Wired Bicycle Speedometer

The BC 906 has everything a bike rider needs. Next to standard functions this all around computer is equipped with average speed. The computer is easily programmable with click buttons. If the battery is running low, a reminder alarms the bike rider before it is too late.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great speedometer
Easy to install, works great, easy to read and the quarter turn mounting and dismounting is great

4 Stars must read again and again
Easy to install, that’s easy, but I could not get it working, read the manual over and over, still did not work. I then gave up, took a break for a few hours. Then I reread page 1 and did the 90 degree twist then it worked for me! and the Sigma Logo must face the front of the bike as stated.

programming it was easy to do, setting the wheel size it was easy, but you must read it over and over to understand what they are trying to tell you.

as in if you have 27 x 1.4 tires your wheel size is 2.199

5 Stars BEST ON THE MARKET!
I have tried a variety of bicycle speedometers and Sigma is the best by far. Instaltion is not a problem if you follow the directions or have prior experience installing other bike speedometers. The display is large, clear, and flawless. The power cord from the speedometer to the wheel area is larger than the Bell’s and less prone to breakage. What I like most about the Sigma is its accuracy. I would recommend that you use the wheel size instructions in the directions booklet as a starting point and then check your settings over a known distance. You can then tweak your numbers for the extreme accuracy you desire. The best thing I can say about this unit is that it is quality at a reasonable price!

5 Stars Very dependable and accurate
I purchased the Sigma Bc906 because the Bell unit that i had installed

was very erratic. After mounting the Sigma to my motorized bike it was

very accurate and dependable. I tested it by riding towards a roadside

radar display, and the Sigma matched the speed shown on the radar display.

I did have to reprogram the wheel dimensions twice, but after that it was

right on the money! Can’t beat it

Fred G

Alpharetta, Ga

3 Stars Track car speedo
I have a small track car (Lotus 7) that does not have a working speedometer. The transmission itself does not have an exit port for the cable. The Sigma speedo was epoxied in place, the cable was lengthened and now it is ready to be used.SIGMA BC906 9-Function Topline Wired Bicycle Speedometer

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