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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
(store and analyze ride data on your PC)
- 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...
Cycle Computer, Bike Computer, Bicycle Electronics Selections..
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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.
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