Article by Robert Deans

You must have seen different bikes with bike computers. These computers are normally added in these bikes genuinely but if you have a bike that is not enabled with a computer then you can easily install a computer on it very easily. It is very easy to install a computer on your bike and there are many uses of installing these computers as well. Below in this article, different useful ways are described in which you can use these computers. Read below in detail to find out more.

Speed Control:The biggest advantage of these bike computers is that they show speed on them. So, you can say that they work as a speed meter as well. If you have installed a computer on your bike then you will see a speed measurement in front of you. With the help of this speed measurement you can easily get to know at which speed you are riding at the moment and what your maximum speed was. This monitor will also tell you about the least speed at which you were riding at any time. There are different other uses of these computers that are described below.

Bike Condition:One of the great features that these bike computers contain is that they can easily tell you about the condition of your bike. They have different sensors installed in different areas of your bike and if there will be any problem in that particular area of your bike then you will be notified on that computer’s monitor. For example; a pressure sensor is used in your tires and they are connected with that computer. Once the air pressure in any of your tire will reach to a minimum level, you will be notified with the help of a beep or an alarm.

GPS Navigation:If you have installed bike computers on your bike and they don’t show GPS navigation then there is no use of that computer. It is better for you to install a new computer system on your bike. There are so many computers available for bikes in the market. You can use any of those computers but if your motive is to use a computer that will show you maps and GPS navigation then you should look for an advanced computer for your bike. These are a few things that you must keep in your mind when you will be looking for a bike computer.

Listening to songs:If you are driving a car and you want to enjoy yourself then what would you want to do? I would want to listen to my favorite songs but what if you are riding on a bike? Do you think that you can listen to your favorite songs while riding on a bike? Well, if you have installed bike computers on your bike then you can do this but if you haven’t installed any such thing on your bike then it will not be possible for you to listen to songs.

How to Install a Bicycle Computer: As part of www.performancebike.com How To video series, this video will walk you through the basics of setting up your computer. These are steps that will be appropriate to the vast majority of computers and if you keep these steps in mind you will avoid the most common pitfalls.

The Use of Bike Computers is a post from: Cycling Computers Reviews

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The VDO Series-C digital wireless transmission DS is the definitive departure into a new generation of wireless technology. The DS system is equipped with a mini-computer within its transmitter. Features: Current speed ; Trip counter; Trip ride timer; Average speed; Clock; Total odometer; Total odometer bike 1; Total odometer bike 2; Comparison of current and average speed; 2 wheel sizes (bikes) selectable.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars VDO is the only way to go
works perfectly in any kind of weather.It’s easy to install and I don’t get any false readings from other electronic waves in the busy streets of New York City .Excellent product.

5 Stars Excellent Bike Computer!
I needed a bike computer that fit on my rear wheel, since my front wheel is fitted with an electric motor. This wireless bike computer fit the bill! Works flawlessly…wish it stored Maximum Speed though.

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VDO C1DS Wireless Bicycle Computer is a post from: Cycling Computers Reviews

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For the cyclist that likes to track climbing feet even if it’s small rolling hills, it still adds up. Cycling functions include: current/average/max speed, ride time (total bike 1/bike 2/bike 1+2),Trip (total bike 1/ bike 2/ bike), 2nd programmable trip distance and stopwatch. Altimeter functions include: Current, maximum and average altitude and gradient. Current temperature, maximum altitude, total feet climbed (total bikes 1/bike 2/ bike). Also, home altitude is adjustable with a quick recalibration feature. Additional features include auto start / stop, a service interval indicator (programmable), 5 Year warranty.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Compact unit, lots of info
I got this computer to replace my recently-defunct Avocet 50, one of the earliest bike computers with an altimeter. The Avocet had a single display with big numbers and only two buttons: it was quite simple.

In comparison, this VDO has a wealth of information, but to display it all requires much smaller numbers and three buttons. So of course there are pluses and minuses: the small numbers can display a lot of info at once but are hard to read when the light is dim (I ride a lot at twilight). It’s hard to remember which buttons to press to find the display you want. And two of the buttons are side buttons, which IMHO are much less convenient than buttons on the front (top) face.

Another minor plaint: the documentation is unnecessarily printed in micro-type, and is not especially easy to follow.

But overall, it’s a positive: the gradient feature is nice even if it may not be too accurate, and the ability to switch between two bikes obviates the need to have two computers.

The altimeter function increments by one meter at a time (the Avocet’s minimum step was four meters or ten feet) which suggests rather incredible resolution in their barometric strain gauge, but it works. The unit appears to be well made.

5 Stars Highly Accurate VDO Cyclometer
I’ve had this unit for about 6 weeks and have found it to be very accurate for all of the usual key metrics: Distance, Ride Time, etc.

I really bought this unit for the altimeter functions. It took me a while to learn my way around the unit and find all of the features. Based on riding a marked and measured century in San Diego County on my 2nd ride, I found distance, elevation gain, incline %, max. elevation, and actual elevation at several marked locations on the ride to be extremely accurate (elevation within 4′).

My only complaint is that there is so much data jammed into the display that I can’t really see some of the smaller type. I usually wear reading glasses, and can still read everything if I am stopped, but “at speed” you don’t want to be studying the display too closely, lest you run into something.

Based on my research, the price at BikeSomewhere was the lowest by quite a few dollars. I bought directly from their website (sorry Amazon, I found out later that you had the link too) and shipping was free. Now, I’m going to buy a 2nd mounting bracket and sensor so I can set it up on my MTB bike as well. Which reminds me that the unit allows you to preset 2 bikes and keep track of mileage and elevation gain separately for the 2 bikes.

4 Stars All was as expected
All was as expected from the seller. As far as the product goes, I wish it had a better mounting system.

5 Stars Cyclecomputing,…… with an altimeter!
I’ve used an Avocet 50 for about the last 15 years. It still works but the new VDO altimeter is much more sophisticated. I can recommend it.

Pros: Lots of functions, works well, easy to mount and use. The mileage to 2 decimal places,.. hundredths of a mile is great! But,…

Cons; I’m seldom interested in my speed, usually I already pretty well know it. As a tourist, I watch mileage very close. The speed is in big numbers but the mileage is difficult to read, numbers at the bottom of the screen are too small!

And the operation using all the keys to do one thing is too complex. Seems like another key and a simpler sequence would have been easier.

But,.. overall it does seem to be a good computer, I’ve already got about 250 miles on it and it has worked with no problems!

2 Stars Don’t like this computer
I’ve had several bicycle computers over the years, Cateye, Avocet,and Now the VDO. I’m very disappointed in the information the VDO gives. The current speed only gives 1/2 mph increments, and the average speed is in 10ths. Even my old cheap cateye had 1/100ths average speed and current speed in 10ths of a mile per hour.

The main problem is there doesn’t seem to be much information on the web about what the resolution of any of the computers on the market, It doesn’t even tell the resolution in the book so it was mounted on the bike before I knew what the score was.

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VDO MC1 0 Altimeter Cycle Computer is a post from: Cycling Computers Reviews

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Introducing the new VDO Z-Series Heart Rate Monitiors! The Z2 PC-Link is a cycle computer with integrated heart rate monitoring, cadence, calorie consumption, data storage, PC-interface, fully digital wireless transmission for speed, heart rate and cadence. All VDO computers are backed by a Five Year Warranty. Current Speed; Current Distance; Total Distance Bike 1 (resettable); Total Distance Bike 2 (resettable); Total Distance Bikes 1 + 2; Current trip timer (Range 0-24:00:00), Total Ride Timer Bike 1; Total Ride Timer Bike 2, Total Ride Timer Bikes 1 + 2, Average Speed, Real time comparison of actual and average speed, indication by arrows showing speed difference of +/- 1 km/h, Maximum Speed; Second, individually programmable distance counter; either forward or backward counting possible (NAVIGATOR); Bike Service-Interval-Display (Service-Interval presettable individually for bike 1 and bike 2), Cadence Data (optional, with cadence, Sender equipment installed), Current, cadence, Average cadence, Maximum cadence, Two presettable wheel circumferences.

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VDO Z2PC Link Heart Rate Monitor and Cycle Computer With PC Syncing Cable and Training Analysis Software is a post from: Cycling Computers Reviews

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Have a spare transmitter on hand in your car or gym kit or throw the elastic strap in the wash with your jersey and shorts so they are clean you are never without! VDO’s Z Series offers the latest high frequency, digitally coded technology available so that much more of your ride data can be measured simultaneously without interference. VDO have been making cycling speedometers since before the automobile. While VDO are widely recognized around the world for producing the majority of German Luxury and Sports car instrumentation, VDO’s cycle company only make devices for bikes and are focused on offering the cyclist uncompromising product that is cycling specific so it is easy to get the most out of the device during the ride. German precision engineering and reliability: 5 Year, industry leading warranty.

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VDO Z Series Cycling Computer Heart Rate Transmitter and Strap is a post from: Cycling Computers Reviews

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Introducing the new VDO Z-Series Altimeters! The Z3 is a cycle computer with integrated heart rate monitoring, altimeter, cadence, calorie consumption, power measurement (WATT), fully digital wireless transmission for speed and cadence. All VDO computers are backed by a Five Year Warranty. Current Speed. Current Trip Distance. Total Distance Bike 1 (resettable). Total Distance Bike 2 (resettable). Total Distance Bikes 1 + 2. Current trip timer (Range 0-24:00:00). Total Ride Timer Bike 1. Total Ride Timer Bike 2. Total Ride Timer Bikes 1 + 2. Average Speed. Real time comparison of actual and average speed, indication by arrows showing speed difference of +/- 1 km/h. Maximum Speed. Second, individually programmable distance counter; either forward or backward counting possible (NAVIGATOR). Bike Service-Interval-Display (Service-Interval presettable individually for bike 1 and bike 2). Cadence Data (optional, with cadence Sender equipment installed). Current cadence, Average cadence, Maximum cadence. Two presettable wheel circumferences(wheel sizes).

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VDO Z3 Altimeter Heart Rate Monitor and Cycle Computer is a post from: Cycling Computers Reviews

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The CS300 is a cycling computer and fitness monitor all in one, providing valuable feedback on or off the bike. Wireless speed, distance and heart rate provides for proper pacing during training, or cardio-focused workouts. Calorie expenditure, fitness test, and automatic target zones based on how the body feels each day makes the CS300 the perfect solution for cross-trainers, beginner tri-athletes, and fitness cyclists looking to stay in shape.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Perfect Gift
I bought It for a friend and he is very happy with this Polar Monitor. He said tha is a very good piece of technologies.

5 Stars Great HRM for Cycling and Exercising
I feel I really have to write a review… after all, I felt I took a bit of a gamble on this product given some of the negative previous reviews. Yet this HRM had all the features I wanted – an HRM that can be used to keep track of cycling exercises and could also be used independently of the bike at the gym or when running.

I’ve used this product for about 3 months now. I’ve biked close to 400 miles and have completed over 40 exercises with it (both biking, gym, and running). I am very happy to say that it has functioned flawlessly in all conditions… it has been used:

- in the rain

- in freezing conditions

- in the city

- in the gym

The watch has not frozen or restarted. I was very afraid of this from a previous review.

I have confirmed the distances it has calculated by GPS – and have used it on 2 of my bikes. Each time after setup it worked well.

I have also used this HRM with the optional cadence sensor which has worked fine as well.

So the roundup:

*** PROS

- Has worked flawlessly in all conditions and during all workouts

- Provides all features as documented

- Intuitive and easy to use interface

- Free Polar web software to track exercises and stats

*** CONS (all minor)

- Wireless data transfer can takes time to setup – It took me a while to get it to work with my laptop. I think I spent about an hour futzing with it, but once I got my setup it works every time.

- Polar website is slow and doesn’t export data to CSV or Excel.

- The buttons feel a little cheap (but hey, they work fine).

1 Star Dont waste your money
I received my fourth, yes my forth replacement watch from Polar yesterday, and I’ll be sending it back tomorrow. The first one, the one I bought, worked fine except that the sonic link tones it produced were so low it could take 45 min. before you would get a successful upload to the website. When I called Polar I was told that they had had a problem with a batch of watches and that they would fix it. I sent it in, got a new one sent to me which did the exact same thing. I called them again, explained the problem again and was told they had sent me one of the bad watches by mistake. The third one was fine, for about two weeks. While on a ride the speed stopped displaying. Then it would start again but the cadence would quite. Then the heart rate would go nuts, the speed would quit, the cadence would go nut, the speed would go nuts also, and on and on. I called back, they sent me another one, my fourth, which I received yesterday. I went for a ride this morning, got back, went to upload my data and nothing. Not one chirp from the sonic link. I have had it with this thing. Time to get my money back and find a monitor that is NOT made in China.

2 Stars CS300 Polar Heart Rate With Cadence
I have had this Polar CS300 watch for almost two years now. It does keep track of the vital information after a ride is complete. I use it every weekend all year long. So I get plenty of use out of it. At times it will loose connection with the watch for Heart Rate and Cadence. The numbers will go to Zero. Then all of sudden kick back in. I have replaced the battery in heart rate strap. Didn’t make a difference.

I have been only able to update to the web site once. Polar support stinks. I have contacted then more then a few times. The reason I had purchased this watch was to keep a log of my exercising with out me having to keep a spreadsheet. The weblink software just doesn’t work properly.

The next time I purchase another cycling Heart Rate monitor I will look at other products before considering another Polar product. A lot of the cycling clubs in Miami / Fort Lauderdale area recommending the Garmin products. You get a lot more useful information while you are riding and easier to read when getting bounced around on the road.

5 Stars Polar CS300
Is an excellent HR and trainer, The connection [...] to upload the data stored is very easy and simply, Just place the PC microphone 5 or 6 cms from the back of the Polar, The beep’s are packet and upload one week of exercise in less than 1 minute. Great

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Polar CS300 Cycling Computer and Heart Rate Monitor is a post from: Cycling Computers Reviews

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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.

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

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The VDO C1 has full text display in 7 (selectable) languages. Easy Menu Structure. Service Interval Indicator. Auto Start/Stop. Sleep Mode (display shut-down). Programmable odometer. Twist-Click Mounting. Wired Computer. Functions: Current Speed; Trip Counter; Trip Ride Timer; Average Speed; Clock; Total Odometer; Total Odometer Bike 1; Total Odometer Bike 2; Comparison of current and average sped. 2 Wheel Sizes/Bikes Selection.

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VDO C1 Wired Bicycle Computer is a post from: Cycling Computers Reviews

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The VDO Series-C digital wireless transmission DS is the definitive departure into a new generation of wireless technology. The DS system is equipped with a mini-computer within its transmitter. Features: Current speed ; Trip counter; Trip ride timer; Ride Timer Bike 1; Ride Timer Bike 2; Total Ride Timer; Average speed; Maximum Speed; Forecast km/mi with countdown activated; Remaining km/mi with countdown activated; Manual Stop Watch; Countdown timer; Timer 1; Timer 2; Timer 1+2 (combined timers, suitable for interval training); Clock; Navigator � second, individually programmable (counting upwards / backwards) trip counter for following trip maps (Moser Guide / Road Book); Total odometer; Total odometer bike 1; Total odometer bike 2; Comparison of current and average speed; 2 wheel sizes (bikes) selectable.

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VDO C4DS Wireless Bicycle Computer is a post from: Cycling Computers Reviews

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