Today's Bike Computers or Cycle Computers offer much more than just bicycle speedometer and bicycle odometer functions.

A good bike computer is one of the most useful and fun accessories that you can have on your bike. Most cycle computers will include a bicycle speedometer, bicycle odometer, trip meter, the date and time, riding time vs elapsed time and often much more. Many are now available with GPS options, for location, ride history and downloads too!

At About-Bicycles we've done quite a bit of research (online and offline) into bike computers and bike computer features in addition to bike computers with GPS functions. Below are some references to our favorite bike computer brands and some great online resources followed by some helpful information on cycle computer features and bike electronics.

Bicycle Speedometer, Bicycle Odometer, Cycle Computer Online Suppliers

See Bike Electronics for a great collection of Cateye, Sigma, Polar, Vetta and Garmin bike speedometers, odometers, GPS, etc. They have also recently added a fantastic comparison feature to the Performance Bike cyclocomputer (bicycle speedometer...) pages.
www.performancebike.com

See Bike Computers at Amazon for a great selection of inexpensive bike computers as well as high end bike computers from Cateye, Sigma, Schwinn, Garmin and more.
www.amazon.com

See Cycle Computers for Cateye, Sigma, Blackburn and Garmin cycle computers (speedometers, odometers, GPS units) in addition to tons of related biking accessories at great prices.
www.nashbar.com

These little devices monitor and record an incredible amount of information. In addition to the standard bicycle speedometer, bicycle odometer functions above, most have settings for mile or kilometers, and wheel sizes (they all fit just about any size bike) and many have options like stopwatches, averages, peak speeds, riding and elapsed times, settings for multiple bikes (for the same cycle computer), cadence and even altimeters and heart monitors.

I typically reset mine at the beginning of each riding season and attempt to break my mileage record each year! My best year so far has been 2182 miles and I generally try to at least break 1,000 miles per season.

Below is a summary of most common bike computer functions and some comparisons of the price ranges for the various features, to give you an overview of what is available and help when you are browsing (online or offline).  Browse the recommended suppliers above for more specific information on select models.

Basic bike computer, cycle computer features and functions

These cycle computers usually range in price from about $15.00 to $50.00 (for wired models)

• (Basic) Standard bike computer, cycle computer features and functions
• Current Speed
• Average speed
• Maximum Speed
• Odometer
• Trip Distance
• Total Time
• Ride Time
• 12/24 Hour Clock
• Wheel Size Settings (inches and CMs)

Deluxe (but still fairly common) bike computer features and functions

• Temperature, Min/Max Temperature
• Dual Bike Memory
• Speed Comparison (current speeds to average speeds)
• Intermediate Distance
• Stopwatch
• Auto Start/Stop
• Energy Saving Sleep Mode

Wired vs. Wireless

Most of the higher end cycle computers these days are wireless, but it really doesn't cost that much more for a wireless bike computer. The wireless models usually start at about $50.00.

Advantages of wireless

• Easier to install
• No more problems with tangled or broken wires (especially good for mountain biking)
• Clean (no wires) look on your bike

Disadvantages of wireless bike computers

• More expensive
• Can have minor interference problems
• Additional battery or batteries to replace

Advanced features and functions

These cycle computers usually start at around $150.

• Cadence. Your cadence is your bike "RPM". It is the speed at which the pedals turn, measured in Revolutions Per Minute.
• Altitude
  
• Heart Rate Monitors
  
• Integrated GPS (See Bicycle GPS for more information)
  
• Data Download Options. Include options to download the recorded data (usually via USB) to your PC
  

See Cycle Computer Features and Comparisons for more information.

Misc. Personal Bicycle Odometer, Speedometer Stats...

FYI: Just for comparisons, if you are interested, I generally average about 12 mph on my bike on flat land with little or no wind... The fastest speed that I have clocked myself at was 39 mph! As I said, this is just for comparison purposes... To some this may seem like a snails pace and 39 mph is no big deal... to others it may seem like racing... I am a 40 something year old, so for all of you girls and boys out there in your 20's these numbers should be real easy to beat :-)

One little note on the 39 mph... I ride a lot, but am a very casual rider (I'm not into racing at all). This is my record going down hill (a moderate hill) and with a very strong wind! I don't know what my fastest speed is on flat land with no wind... (I haven't checked... but I'm sure it's not 39mph).

I have taken quite a few very long rides in one day but only one 100 miler or "century ride". If you work up to it it's not all that hard but it does take most of the day (at my speed anyway).

Anyway, it can really be a lot of fun to track your stats so select the bike speedometer, odometer (bike computer) that works for you and have fun!

The Ride is the Destination