What is the best cycling computer?

Question

I wanted to get something that does all the basics, but I also wanted to measure power as I have read this is a valuable training tool.

Answer 1

Cateye make affordable computers with loads of functions. Don't bother going wireless, not worth paying extra just to *not* have a bit of cable, plus I've heard a few things interfere with the signal.

Answer 2

Get a PowerTap hub to measure watts, and get a matching cyclocomputer.

Answer 3

It really depends on your definition of basics...

At the very least, you'll want something that measures current speed, average speed, trip time, max speed, trip distance and odometer. On top of this, functions like average / current / max cadence could be very useful.

The wired / wireless option is up to you - I've had no problems with wireless and it makes it easier if you have to adjust things, but whether or not you want to pay extra for it is up to you.

Personally, I tend to stay away from upper end Sigma computers - I find that their mounting isn't the most sturdy, their receiver needs to be very close to the magnet to work and that they're generally quite pricey. In addition, all of the Sigma ones that I have used have only measured to the nearest .5 of a kilometer per hour, which can be  a nuisance for really specific stuff. Otherwise, I would suggest that you just look for a speedo with everything you want, then worry about brands after. If possible go for the most reputable brand, but not at the expense of the functions you want - I'm riding a brand that is not that common (UNION-XT) at present, and I'm delighted with it.

In terms of training tools, you are right in that the ability to read power is very valuable. However, power meters are very expensive, If you're looking for something to measure power, there are a few systems available. There is the PowerTap, which is where you have a wheel built up using a special hub that measures power for you. I've ridden one of these and found it to be good, the only downside being that if you want to race with it, you would want to build it into a fast wheel, but when you train with it, you don't want a wheel that is fast but not strong. In general though, I've found them to be good.

Another option for measuring power is the SRM crankset, but these are hideously expensive (well into the thousands). It's a special crank, which measures the power that you are putting through it. Apparently they're really reliable and I would say the best power measuring option out there, but they do come at a hefty price.

There are other things which measure power also ... The accuracy of some of these other systems isn't great, but if you're after something cheaper, then they may be worth a look. Try Googling "cycling power meter" and see if you can find something that you like.

The alternative to using power as a training tool is to use the cheaper heart rate monitor option. Your heart rate can be used to determine where you are at in terms of difficulty, and are far more common than power meters (mainly because of how much cheaper they are). Some bicycle speedos have this feature built in (you have to wear a chest strap for cycling heart rate systems), whereas you can also get stand alone heart rate monitors in the form of a watch. The watch idea would be great if you wanted to measure heart rate off the bike as well. Unfortunately, heart rate monitors have some disadvantages. It can be hard to compare your present readings to past readings, because things like the temperature can affect your heart rate. Heart rate monitors can be unreliable at times, and the strap may have to be adjusted during the ride,  depending on how tight you have it. Also, it is a very good idea to record your heart rate every morning and night in bed, because this will help you determine how well your body is coping with the load.

Power meters sometimes have heart rate monitors (things like the PowerTap does, and it takes the place of a regular speedo), so if you have the funds, something like this would be ideal. If you're more just getting into cycling, I would suggest going for a heart rate monitor / cycle computer combination for your cycling needs.