The MSC-3Dx is the latest in Heart Rate monitor and cyclocomputer integration. The second of CatEye's Multi Sport Computers. The 3Dx has all the features of the 2Dx with the addition of cadence function. CatEye's Multi Sport Computers are designed to be used off the bike just as easily to capture heart rate while working out or competing.
Submitted by
jim
a Cross Country Rider
from pontiac mi Date Reviewed: March 31, 2004
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
can purchase several wiring units and switch computer between several bikes. have done several endos,computer stays locked on. 4 hr zones.
Weaknesses:
bought download unit and have never got it to work. i just write it into log book. chest strap batt only lasts one year,easy to change though.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
sc superlight x,bianchi veloce,debernardi zona
Bottom Line:
i love this computer. cadence works great, even on full suspension bike. love the four hr zones. i transfer the computer between all my bikes so its great to only use one computer. i wish that i didnt waist my money on the computer download thing. the top and bottom speed readouts are a little small but the hr readout is large. i would buy again unless i wanted wireless.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Berkeley, CA Date Reviewed: March 17, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Joaquin Miller & Redwood Regional Combined Loop
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$139.00
Purchased At:
www.lifestylesport.com
Strengths:
Cadence, Heart Rate, and speed sensors all work well. Cadence is included with unit, no addition parts (as well as costs) needed. Batteries for both the the main unit and the Heart Rate Transmitter can be changed by user. Light weight. Easy to setup for two bikes, can get precise with wheel measurements for accurate readings. Although made of plastic, main unit is quite durable; it has survived a couple of crash with just some scratches. Download unit is useful although not as elegant as could be.
Weaknesses:
Mount can be a little fragile. Had to replace it twice, but that was after the previouslt mentioned crashes, so I can't complain. Backlight shuts off too quickly, Alarm can be a little low. Download unit only has a serial interface, USB would be cleaner and could provide power. No average Heart Rate reading
Similar Products Used:
None
Bottom Line:
THe product is great for training, provides all the useful data needed and is a great value. I would recommend to anyone. Download unit could be improved, but does what it is suppose to. The MSC 3DX uses basic Excel files for data transfer, so you can manipulate the data even further than what the software allows (such as averaging all your rides for a month). Great Product!!
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Submitted by
Russ
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: February 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Galloping Goose Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$139.00
Purchased At:
www.lifestylesport.com
Strengths:
The light is great to have. Ability to wear it on your wrist as a heart rate monitor is a big bonus. Ability to download to computer and graph speed, cadance, & heart rate is very useful.
Weaknesses:
No temperature readout. Either my heart periodically flat lines or the heart rate monitor is a bit flaky at times. (I'm guessing the later). The heart rate monitor seems much more reliable when cycling than running (I guess the extra movement of running causes problems). The downloader unit could have been a better design if they had put more time into it. It takes 4 AA batteries and runs off the serial port. If a USB version was made, batteries would not be required.
Similar Products Used:
Ohter models I used did not have near the features this one has.
I chose this product because I wanted a bike computer with cadance and a heart rate monitor and with wired speed and cadance sensors. Since I have HID headlights, I was concerned about interference if it was wireless. (Besides, I really don't see the point of going wireless. The sensors and the bike computer stay in one place when you're riding and it gives you a couple more batteries to replace.) Of course the heart rate monitor is wireless but I find it still functions when my headlights are on. Aside from the disappointment with the reliability of the heart rate monitor and an old download unit, I am happy with this model.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RB
a Cross Country Rider
from Netherlands, Utrecht Date Reviewed: September 29, 2003
Favorite Trail:
any fast technical single track
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
Bike2Build.nl
Strengths:
Fair price... Easy switching through menu's
Weaknesses:
Absolutely useless without the expensive pc-download kit..
Similar Products Used:
polar S710i
Bike Setup:
XTR, front magura martha, rear magura elite, fox rearshock, cannondale fatty ultra, mavic crossmax
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent watch if you're not too demanding. Great for starters. Unfortunately it has some big disadvantages: - the cadence-meter does not fit on a full-suspensionbike - the meter is not wireless - You have to buy an expensive kit to load data into the Mac. - The heart rate sensor is quite big - and once mounted onto the bike, it is a hell of a job to get it off
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tang Song Giin
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore Date Reviewed: October 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Bukit Timah
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$138.00
Purchased At:
Gee Hin Chan & Co, Singpoare
Strengths:
Value for money. Compact and nice color. LOTS of function and can down load training date to computer. The battery for the heart beat transmitter can be change easily and it cheap!
Weaknesses:
NOT cordless (for speed and cadence sensor). Back light is dim and alarm is really soft!
Similar Products Used:
-
Bike Setup:
Dean with XT & XTR groupo. 2002 Atom race. Mavic 517.
Bottom Line:
This monitor is really value for money as compare to others market well known brand. Setting up was easy and have been stay true so far (after 3 months of use on MTB bike). I think it is a best product for those who want to try out heart rate training on a bike but do not wish to burnt a hole in their wallet.
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Submitted by
Mike Garfias
a Weekend Warrior
from Albuquerque, NM Date Reviewed: March 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
dunno
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
can't remember
Strengths:
The mount is pretty damned solid, I don't worry about the unit coming off the bike.
Weaknesses:
switching between the tire size modes is a pain the backlight seems to stay on for 1.2 sec when you need it as someone else mentioned, the cadence is touchy, but not that bad (I have to readjust about once a month)
Bottom Line:
This was an update of an earlier review.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jorge
a
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: March 8, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Strengths:
HRM works well, as does the basic bike computer functions.
Weaknesses:
Cadence is TOUCHY. If either the sensor on the crank or the pickup sensor on the bike move even a smidge you won't get cadence. Either save your money and buy the model without cadence or invest a little more and get a Polar.
Similar Products Used:
Polar A5, Protrainer XT
Bottom Line:
Buy the cateye without cadence, and save some money. Backlight is incredibly convenient for travel in the dark.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike garfias
a Weekend Warrior
from albuquerque, nm Date Reviewed: March 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
dunno
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Strengths:
Lots of info, cadence feature is great, two bike setup is nice too.
Weaknesses:
should have several zone alarm settings, one for easy training, one for hard training
Similar Products Used:
old ass cateye thing from 1988
Bike Setup:
98 specialized fsr sport
Bottom Line:
good computer, lots of cash
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick Davies
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellingham, WA Date Reviewed: February 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
All of em
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
This has a big viewing area. You have many options in which you choose to view all the data.
Weaknesses:
Zone alarm is hard to hear. Very spendy.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Kona (explosif)
Bottom Line:
If your looking for a training tool that has more data to offer this will do the trick.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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