New computer: speedtrap compatible, or Cateye Strada...?

[mrmacmusic]

Technically I don't have a speedtrap sensor, but the fork on my new Trek has the blank so I could fit one... I'd like a new computer, partly because my old one's been playing up a bit so I don't want to fit it to the new bike, and also because I'd like to add cadence.

From what I can tell, the speedtrap is only compatible with Bontrager's "Node" computers (or possibly other ANT+ computers), which might be a bit limiting. Plus, I've only got a blank in the fork, so I'd need a second sensor for cadence. By the time I've bought the sensor(s) and computer it's going to work out quite expensive

I've spotted the Cateye Strada Double Wireless which seems to do what I need, and uses just one combined sensor on the rear chainstay to transmit both speed and cadence (which I believe is included in the price!) but is this computer reliable and easy to use? Are there any other options I should look at?

 

[smokeysmoo]

I've had a couple of Strada Double Wireless and it's a great little computer TBH.

My only gripes were the small screen, (I'm not getting any younger), and I always found the computer a bit rattly in the mount.

I've also used the Strada Double Wired and the standard Strada as well, and found them all a bit rattly as well.

Other than that, IME great computer.

I use a basic Garmin now, I used to like the cadence feature but then the novelty wore off so I don't bother with it, hence the Garmin.

 

[defy-one]

Never measured cadence or hrm. Don't see the need.
Garmin 200. No wires,no mess,no problems

 

[david k]

Never measured cadence or hrm. Don't see the need.
Garmin 200. No wires,no mess,no problems

theres a lot to be said for their simplicity

i have the 800 with hrm, which i use occasionally just to add some more data to keep me interested

 

[mrmacmusic]

Never measured cadence or hrm. Don't see the need.
Garmin 200. No wires,no mess,no problems

Well, I'd quite like cadence, but I'm not really fussed over HRM.

Never considered a Garmin before, but how would the 200 differ from just sticking my iPhone4 on the handlebars (other than presumably the Garmin is waterproof!)...?

 

[mrmacmusic]

I've had a couple of Strada Double Wireless and it's a great little computer TBH.

My only gripes were the small screen, (I'm not getting any younger), and I always found the computer a bit rattly in the mount.

I've also used the Strada Double Wired and the standard Strada as well, and found them all a bit rattly as well.

Other than that, IME great computer.

I use a basic Garmin now, I used to like the cadence feature but then the novelty wore off so I don't bother with it, hence the Garmin.

Thanks My old Trek incite is a bit rattly in the mount too! Interesting that you've progressed onto a Garmin too.

 

[smokeysmoo]

It's true you can get all the same info from the various apps on an iphone, but the Garmin is obviously designed for one purpose, and it does what it does brilliantly, including guidance via a crumb trail route.

It also eliminates the risk of battery failure with a phone on longer rides, (unless you have a battery back up of course, I don't).

The Garmin is also extremely well made, and designed for the environment it excels in, where as I wouldn't fancy a phones chances if it bounced off the bars art 40mph, or if you stacked the bike on a bend for example.

I also like the fact you don't have to mess about with sensors, everything is via GPS, and you get two mounts with it as well, So I have one mount on both my bikes and I can just twist the Garmin onto which ever bike I'm using in a second.

Lastly the Garmin Connect software is a breeze to use as well. I used to have Bryton Rider 35 and found it was a nightmare to do anything with on a computer. Easy to use, but horrible to upload, download, update etc. They may be better now I don't know TBH, but the Garmin is a doddle to use in every sense

You could even go for a higher model, (eg: the 800), and you'll then have cadence and HRM and full colour navigation too, but for what I do anything more than the 200 is overkill, (and I can't afford them either).

 

[mrmacmusic]

Thanks again smokeysmoo sounds like I need to look into the Garmin a bit more... clearly it's one of those "does what it says on the tin" products, with the added advantage that it does it well.

What's the battery life on the Garmin like?

 

[defy-one]

The 500 will give you ANT+ , so you can pait your sensors to it.
I have the basic 200 and the battery will last a full day of riding with no issues.
I usef to use it on my commute which was 90 mins each way and could do 2 days plus before it needed charging

 

[bicyclos]

I decided to purchase a Navibe mercury 100 which is in the same vane as a Garmin 200 from Amazon this weekend. Read a couple of reviews,what it can do and price (£63) swayed me. Bought it with my o/t money this month. I will post a thread when I get it. I use a Garmin E-trex legend hcx and an Etrex H plotter now and again as I can use them for cycling and walking and upload to memorymap to view and save the files.

 

[mrmacmusic]

Well, I decided that the sensible option was to just go for the Garmin 500

Pricey, but it would appear to be worth it IMHO – I'll get lots of data (including cadence and HRM which could be an eye-opener), and more importantly in red and carbon it'll match my bike Charging it now, so hopefully will get the chance to set it up later!

 

[Rob3rt]

Garmin Edge 500 is a brilliant tool. You won't be disapointed. I have been using this device for 3 years now and have not really desired an upgrade yet. The 800 is nice for the added mapping, but the 500 is great in it's own right and I use it to navigate.

As for cadence and HR data, it depends on your riding, personally, I do really like having the feedback. It will come in particularly useful when training for racing and even during a race etc but if you are just commuting it is not likely to be of much use, although you might find it interesting to look at the averages every now and then. I'd love a power meter, just so I could give the impression that I was a much better rider than I am in reality when posting on the internet

 

[mrmacmusic]

Garmin Edge 500 is a brilliant tool. You won't be disapointed......

Cheers Rob

As you say, the cadence and HRM will come into their own as I start training, whatever that is... (40mph headwind anyone?!). Whilst I've been quite happy with the 140 miles or so a week I do just simply commuting, I do want to enter my first Sportive and bag my first century next year, so whether I'm training on the commute (headwind, remember), or out for a weekend run, I'm looking forward to analysing all that data!