Should i buy a wired or wireless cycle computer?

Question

my normall routes have powerlines by them, i cant be doing with wrong imformation, it is essential that i have correct imformation,

i also have suspension forks

thanks

Answer 1

Sorry Marksjett but you are wrong!

I can tell you from experience, that there are areas where interference is common, radio masts and power lines are  such areas.

There is even a set of traffic lights about 40 miles from where I live that interferes with my bike computer.(presumably it has a RADAR type emitter that detects traffic flow?)

If I could find a decent wired one, then I would get one!

btw. Your theory on the battery overcoming induced voltages is way off the mark and signals of a different frequency can affect others in many ways (ever heard of harmonics??)

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Answer 2

Power lines won't be a factor unless you happen to bump against one.  I'm an electrical engineer from Georgia Tech who has worked for an Electromagnetic Radiation lab.

The wireless is tuned to a specific frequency so it ignores power lines, cell phones, TV/Radio towers, but it may pick up another cyclist's signal.  

The wired computers are a little more sensitive because the wire acts like an antenna, but the induced voltages are over-driven by the computer's battery.  The induced voltage may be significant during a lightning strike or a nuclear blast, but in those cases, you've got other things to worry about.

If you need to mount the pickup on the wheel with suspension, you may find it worthwhile to spend the extra money for wireless.  It is also possible to find wired computers that have a cable that reaches the back wheel.  

Answer 3

The wired type is better, and cheaper too. The powerlines won't have any influence on the wired computer, but ground level transformers will (such as at Union Station in Los Angeles). You won't find any large ground level transformers along normal routes. The wired type is not affected by the R.F. generated by H.I.D. headlights you might put on the bike- but a wireless computer will be totally useless with that light on.