Submitted by
bagz007
a Racer
from Ontario Date Reviewed: November 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Jensonusa
Strengths:
-Wireless - very neat and clean looking
-Able to remove computer part when washing the bike with simple clip design
-Accurate when set up correct
-Great features and functions
-Cheap replacement batteries
Weaknesses:
-backlight sucks, but works
-resetting functions to zero a bit tricky (need to press two buttons at the same time) especially on the go.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper
Bottom Line:
Great accurate product. Fairly easy to set up.
The magnet piece that gets mounted on the spoke seems like it may fly off during a ride. But it hasnt happened yet after 250 miles so I dont think it will be a problem.
Here is an important tip for better computer accuracy: when setting up the computer and entering wheel circumference, ignore the cross reference chart in the instructions. Instead, manually measure the circumference of your front wheel with your tire mounted with a flexible measuring tape, and input the number into the computer. The reference chart is not very accurate as various companies vary their knob sizes, design etc.
Overall great product for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
PMATCH
a Weekend Warrior
from Valley Park, MO Date Reviewed: October 28, 2009
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Maplewood Cyclery
Strengths:
Ability to use on two different bikes. If you stop to rest, this Cateye goes to sleep but when you start riding again, it picks right up where you left off as soon as you start peddling. It also has an easy-to-read display. Easy to set-up instructions.
Weaknesses:
None that I could detect. Generally goes through one battery per year, but at $3 - $4 at Wal-Mart that not a problem.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Trek 7200 Multitrack and Trek Pilot 2.1 WSD
Bottom Line:
This is the best cyclometer for the money, especially for someone just starting out. Since it can be programed to two bikes, you have the ability to start with one bike and then move up to a better ride. The display is easy to read and the operation is simple to understand. I had a friend that bought a different cyclometer but he had problems with it every time he stopped for a rest. The other brand would go to sleep after a couple of minutes and reset the stats to zero. This model doesn't do that. This was one of the best investments in equipment for cycling other than my road bike itself. A DEFINITE MUST BUY!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mcap
a Weekend Warrior
from Doylestown, PA Date Reviewed: October 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Wissahickon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Very easy to use, pretty accurate, nice functions for use on a Mountain bike
Weaknesses:
Setting it up is easy, but the fork sensor needs to be VERY close to the the spoke mounted sensor, like less than 1/2". I never use the light, but I suppose a complaint will be that it's useless. Very dim, lasts like 5 seconds
This is a great little computer. Dialed in right it is very accurate. Being wireles is great and looks nice mounted on my stem. I use all of the functions on my rides and it's really nice to know distance, avg speed, max speed, MPH, and actual moving time while on a trail system. Very helpful. A no brainer for the money
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
photocastle
a Weekend Warrior
from Minneapolis, MN, USA Date Reviewed: August 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Lebonon Hills
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Penn Cycle
Strengths:
It works.
Weaknesses:
Difficult to setup computer. Poor instruction manual. Small buttons. Short battery life. Difficult to scroll through menu while riding.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized wired bike computer. Great unit!
Bike Setup:
Trek 6700
Bottom Line:
I will not purchase any cateye products again. I will look for a more suitable MTB bike computer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Snappye
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA, USA Date Reviewed: July 31, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Reliable, battery still fine after 1 year
Weaknesses:
Doesn't have a setting for my 26 x 2.25 Rocket Rons.
Bike Setup:
2009 Scott Scale 30
Bottom Line:
I ride using a set of Schwalbe Marathon Supreme slicks for on-road use and Schwalbe Rocket Rons for off-road. I bought this computer partly because it can switch between two tire size settings. However, it doesn't have a setting for a 26 x 2.25 tire size, which is the size of my RRs - it goes straight from 2.125 to 2.35. Product is working per the specs - just wish I'd known about the gap before I purchased.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
s30.hybrid
a Cross Country Rider
from SF Bay Area, CA Date Reviewed: July 4, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Very easy to use and easy to read while riding. Seems pretty accurate when compared to marking on local trails. So far it has been very reliabel too.
Weaknesses:
The instruction manual is difficult to understand. Backlight is a bit weak but better than nothing.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Frame, two wheels, oh and a seat, of course!
Bottom Line:
I'm really liking this little computer. It is my first bike computer and I have no major complaints. It is extremely reliable which is nice for a wireless. Some folks don't like the zip ties for the install but I actually appreciate this "feature" becasue I managed to snap one while off road once and guess what, I had some zip ties with me. Just buttoned it up and kept on riding. The trick is you have to carry spare ties with you, but I usually do this anyways. I've put it through some XC dirt use and it's held up. The broken zip tie was caused by me yanking on the tie with some pliers, otherwise the unit has performed flawlessly. I will buy another once I get a second bike! I do wish the instruction manual was easier to understand but once I figured out the controls it's no problem at all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KMAN
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston Date Reviewed: May 5, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$39.00
Purchased At:
amazon.com
Strengths:
Big display, has a bunch of features, seems durable and water resistant
Weaknesses:
Installation is somewhat of a headache, owners manual is not very helpful at all (you feel like you are decrypting ancient Egyptian writing)
Similar Products Used:
First bike computer
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 80, Bontrager everything
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is that this really is a great and useful product. The installation is a little bit of a hassle because the owners manual is not very helpful, so you have to sit there and figure it out yourself. It would probably be easier for other people as this is my first bike computer. The thing looks great, and has a bunch of great features. Outside of the installation when you figure it out its quite easy...and is solid on the bike. I dont see any reason not to have a bike computer as it can really help training, and at the minimum let you know the time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Montytian
a Cross Country Rider
from England Date Reviewed: April 13, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
Strong and reliable.
Weaknesses:
back light is sh*t.
Similar Products Used:
many cateye computers.
Bike Setup:
Orange Evo2
Bottom Line:
I use it in raining, dusty weather, doing am, xc, no problem at all, it's on my bike for 200 mile so far. looks fine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
StompinStu
a Weekend Warrior
from Baton Rouge, LA Date Reviewed: March 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Comite
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Pedal Play
Strengths:
Size, features
Weaknesses:
Installation instructions, usage instructions
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Vassago Bandersnatch
Bottom Line:
Just got it, was a pain to install due to the cryptic instructions. Toyed around the neighborhood with it and it seems to work fine, now I am tring to figure out how to reset it between trips. Once again, with better instructions I could do this easily.
Looks like my LBS is mighty proud of this product compared to other vendors. This is why I am giving it a slightly lower value rating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
LanceJ74
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs, Co Date Reviewed: March 5, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Palmer Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$27.00
Purchased At:
Fezzari Bikes
Strengths:
Works well, Wireless, Current Speed, Max Speed, Pace Arrow, trip time, trip distance, Odometer (useful for knowing approximately when I need to change cassettes, chain, bottom bracket bearings, etc.)
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Cateye Velo 5
Bike Setup:
Fezzari Cascade Peak All Mountain
Bottom Line:
This computer works great in all types of conditions. I have used it on some pretty hairy trails without fail and always know how fast I am going. This computer is great not only for road riders but also for us avid moutain riders, and without the wire from the transmitter, you don't have to worry about branches and twigs ripping a wire out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jonbyron
a Cross Country Rider
from Jackson, OH Date Reviewed: January 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Lake Hope
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Cyclepath
Strengths:
Accurate, doesnt seem to lose its conversation with the magnet.
Weaknesses:
none for this price range, but lacks cadence, temperature, heart rate, etc.
Similar Products Used:
avocet 30, various cateye
Bike Setup:
monocog 29er, jones bars
Bottom Line:
nice computer. pretty durable too. personally ive gone over the handlebars on many occasions leaving my bike a flipping and tangled mess behind me and the computer has held up fine. i also like the mounting brackets, they keep the sensor right where it should be. no movement
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russ
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin Date Reviewed: November 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Lake Georgetown Northside
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
It's a cycle computer. Being wireless saves about ten minutes of installation time. Reasonable setup but not as intuitive as other models.
Weaknesses:
5mm Maximum clearance. This means that if the magnet distance is more than 5 millimeters (0.19 inches) away from the sensor, it will not register. What I found was as soon as I hit a good bump or medium drop, the natural wheel flex knocked the magnet out of alignment. At that point, the computer stopped recording the ride. Even on reasonably simple trails, I was not able to get this bike computer to register an entire ride.
Similar Products Used:
Trek's wired computer worked well and never failed me.
Bike Setup:
RIP Niner. Maxis wheel set.
Bottom Line:
If you put this on a road bike, you should be fine. If you are going to get this unit to work on your mountain bike, you need to mount it close to the hub to minimize flex-related contact and knocking the magnet out of alignment. However, the disadvantage of setting it so low is that you'll need to loosen and move the sensor to remove the wheel (for transportation, etc).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joe4702
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: August 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Commute by MTB
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike (on
Strengths:
Price, ease of installation, auto-start feature, just plain works.
Weaknesses:
User manual is a bit hard to follow.
Similar Products Used:
Cateye Mity (wired)
Bike Setup:
2008 Cannondale F5 hardtail used for 12 mile RT daily commute.
Bottom Line:
This is the first wireless cycle computer I've owned. I was hesitant to get one due to concerns about interference and/or intermittent operation. However, the sale price and ease of returns at Performance Bike prompted me to try one.
So far, this Cateye has performed perfectly. It was quick and easy to install mechanically. While the set-up instructions are a bit clunky, it wasn't all that difficult to get the unit configured with the time & wheel diameter. With the auto-start feature, I never have to fuss with it - just start riding. No problems in 500 miles of street riding. While it doesn't have cadence or other advanced features, its a great unit for the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
the haro master
a Weekend Warrior
from tucson, az Date Reviewed: August 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
fantasy island
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Easy to read, easy to use, looks good mounted to bike, and the wireless is nice theres no cables to ziptie down the bars and forks so it gives it a very clean look.
Weaknesses:
I agree the back light is a bit of a bummer I bought it thinking that the light would stay on while riding at night but it only stays on for about 5sec, but it is bright.
Bike Setup:
Haro Escape 08
Bottom Line:
over all very nice works grate display is easy to read and functions are more than enough, the wireless is very clean. It's cool to see your doing 37mph down a hill knowing you could wipe out any time, IT'S ALWAYS GOOD TO BE ABLE TO PUT A NUMBER WITH YOUR CRASH. :D
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bobby Abernathy
a Weekend Warrior
from Aubrey, TX Date Reviewed: April 15, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$32.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Shows your typical information, i.e., Min/Max/Avg Speed, Odometer, Time, Time Elapsed, Autostart, etc. Wireless. Small and compact. Includes batteries. Backlight. Has rubber pieces that go between the transmitter and fork and receiver and handle bars, so they stay in place.
Weaknesses:
Backlight is a little weak, but good enough to see the information at night. I suppose it could use a better mounting system, instead of the included zip ties, but they work just fine.
Bottom Line:
For $32 online including shipping, I thought this was a good deal for my first computer. It's smaller than I expected. Mounting it only took a few minutes. The instructions have been a common complaint on this model, but it's not complicated to install or use at all. You can use it on two different bikes with its 1 or 2 mode, but I use this to compare two different ride times/distances.
Overall, I think it works just great, considering I have nothing to compare it to. Since it's wireless, I suppose my only concern would be battery life, but it will notify you when the batteries are going low, plus I don't think it will go low until at least 1000 miles or so. For anyone looking to get a basic wireless computer, I think the Cateye Micro Wireless is great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
