What are the common Cycle Computer Features and Functions? What are some of the less common or advanced features?

There is a wide variety of Cycle Computers (bike computers, cyclecomputers, bike electronics) available today with a large selection of features and functions. Here's a summary of some of the most common Cycle Computer functions and some comparisons of the price ranges for the various features and functions, to give you an overview of what is available and help when you are browsing (online or offline).

Since a cycle computer is one of the most useful, fun and interesting accessories that you can have on your bike, you want to find one with the features that are best suited for your own specific needs. Even if you are looking for a very simple and inexpensive bicycle speedometer, odometer, trip meter, etc. you are still going have a huge selection to chose from and it could take a little time to sort it all out.

If you are interested in some of the more advanced or novel features and functions, it is going to take you even longer to sort it all out and make your decision (I know this because I just went through this exercise, in the process of upgrading my own cycle computer).

Cycle Computers and GPS Units

Bicycle Electronics, Features, Functions and Comparisons.

OK, let's start with the basic features that most cycle computers will have. I am using the term "Standard" here for the common features and functions although there is really no set standard for all manufacturers, of course. These cycle computers range in price from about $15.00 to $50.00 (wired models)

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)

Additional features and functions (still fairly common)

Some manufactures will also include these features with their standard (mid range) cycle computers.

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.

Some of the advantages of wireless are obvious. I have repaired the wires on regular "wired" cycle computers numerous times (on my kids bikes mostly). A wireless cyclocomputer becomes more of a necessity if you are going to use it mountain biking. Sticks, bushes and broken branches are just a few of the things that can get caught on, and damage, cyclecomputer wires.

One of the disadvantages of wireless bike computers is that the transmitters (required for wireless) also require a battery (in addition to the battery in the main unit). This is not a big deal, but it is something that you do not have to deal with when using a wired model.

Advanced features and functions

Many of the higher end cycle computers will include one or a combination of the options below and are usually wireless. 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. When you get the a cycle computer with a cadence option, you will have another unit (to monitor your cadence) that will need to be installed on your bikes crank arm (this is not difficult). With the cadence option, you get:

Current Cadence
Average Cadence
Maximum Cadence

Altitude:

Max. altitude
Total altitude gained
Current, average, maximum grade percentage
Current altitude
and more...

Heart Rate Monitors:

Current heart rate
Average heart rate
Max heart rate
Recovery heart rate
and more...

Bike Computers with integrated GPS: (See Bicycle GPS for more information)

Most include the advanced cycle computer options
Heart Rate Monitors are usually and optional feature
Street maps and topography information is available
Most have data transfer options
Race against a virtual competitor (some models)

Downloadable Options: This is the ultimate!

Some of the high end cycle computers (usually starting around $200) include options to download the recorded data (usually via USB) to your PC for the following options.

Graphic representation of recorded altitude, speed, grade, watts, cadence and temperature
Downloadable PC-evaluations
and more...

Recommended .

Cycle Computer, Bike Computer, Bicycle Electronics Selections..

Ready to Buy or Browse Online?

See the selection of bicycle electronics from our recommended merchants at Cycle Computers or Bicycle GPS. These pages will give you a selection of online merchant links for a huge selection of bicycle electronics all in one convenient location.

The Ride is the Destination