wireless cycle speedo

Katykat

Are these things any good? I have heard 1 person say his never worked, but I dont know if that was just his speedo. I dont want to buy one if its not much use. Any comments???

Sput2001

I've got a wireless Cateye Vectra and it's fine.

I've never had a problem with it, and the wireless aspect is very convenient.

TMFTP

Likewise. Can't testify how accurate they are - unless you spend a lot of time working out EXACTLY how far up the spokes to fit your kit, you're going to be a wee bit out for things like speed / average speed. But in terms of giving you an idea of how fast you're going over time, when you're starting to slow down, what pedalling rate suits you, etc - it's great.

Donnie

How far up the spokes??

Clearly that shouldn't matter, since the function is only to measure a revolution of the wheel.
To maintain accuracy, one should pump the tyre up to a specific pounds to square inch measure. The intended rider should then make a chalk mark on the tyre and then cycle on a surface that allows the chalk to leave an impression. Measuring from chalk mark to chalk mark will allow you to enter a more accurate circumference figure.

Sput2001

Donnie wrote: »

How far up the spokes??

Clearly that shouldn't matter, since the function is only to measure a revolution of the wheel.
To maintain accuracy, one should pump the tyre up to a specific pounds to square inch measure. The intended rider should then make a chalk mark on the tyre and then cycle on a surface that allows the chalk to leave an impression. Measuring from chalk mark to chalk mark will allow you to enter a more accurate circumference figure.

The position on the spokes doesn't matter, except it may cause problems with the wireless signal if the sensor ends up too far from the main unit, in which case it might be best to place it nearer the hub than the rim.

But you're right, the sensor's job is to indicate when a revolution has been completed, and in that respect its position on the spokes is irrelevant.

Part of the initial setup with the Vectra is to enter the wheel's circumference. The computer then simply multiplies the number of revolutions by the circumference to get distance travelled.

basmic

I've had a wireless one before, and it used to chew through batteries fairly quickly.

I also found in very cold weather, it was unreliable.

In a word, stick to a wired speedo if you can help it.

Katykat

Mmmmm. Still undecided

Donnie

NickMidgley wrote: »

The position on the spokes doesn't matter, except it may cause problems with the wireless signal if the sensor ends up too far from the main unit, in which case it might be best to place it nearer the hub than the rim.

But you're right, the sensor's job is to indicate when a revolution has been completed, and in that respect its position on the spokes is irrelevant.

Part of the initial setup with the Vectra is to enter the wheel's circumference. The computer then simply multiplies the number of revolutions by the circumference to get distance travelled.

Erm... unless you have a Penny Farthing, it seems unlikely that the transmitter will ever be too far from the main unit.

The sensor only needs to be in close proximity to the magnet, in order to record a complete wheel revolution. So as you wrote, closer to the hub is best.

I've only ever used CatEye, wired and wireless. I would choose wireless these days.

No reason why it shouldn't work. It's quite a simple premise. Maybe your friend wasn't competent.

AirCooledHeaven

Katykat wrote: »

Mmmmm. Still undecided

http://www.totalbike.com/reviews/category/Computers/

Strider590

It's all in the setup.... If your a numpty who can't calculate simple things like wheel circumferences, expect problems. Also They operate using a magnetic hall sensor, this must be located correctly for operation.

I've got an old Cateye Mitty II (wired), its got to be 15 or more years old and even that still works perfectly. It's clocked up more than 5'000 miles in its time too (on several bikes).

Wireless one's simply require regular(ish) battery replacement.

d900

mine works fine just make sure its close enough to the sensor