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Submitted by
Paul
a Racer
from Louisville, KY
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Purchased At: | various | | Strengths: | I currently have 4, in the past destroyed 2 (Incidents with a tree, and a boulder). Low profile. Large display, Posi-click buttons, simple screen navigation and installation. Quick and easy to find the most pertinent information. Three main views - Time, Speed, Distance. Cadence/Gear inch option. Relatively waterproof. One of my favorites. | | Weaknesses: | Cadence fails in the slightest rainfall. Wired. Battery life. Wired pick up sensor doesn't fit modern frames. | | Similar Products Used: | Cyclosport, Specialized, VDO, Cateye | | Bike Setup: | yeah,whatever... multiple: road, mtn, CX, you get the drill. Several bikes... No wife or kids. | | Bottom Line: | No computer is perfect. I bought my first 45tt back in '94? Whatever, whenever they first came out. Wiring harness was designed for steel framed road bikes.
Positioning the pick up on the frame/fork can be challenging. I've had to be a little creative in mounting both the magnet and pick up sensor - especially on the TT bike. Hub mount magnet works with bladed spokes - need accesories for disc/TT wheels.
Most computer speed/distance errors are because of magnet/sensor positioning. I haven't had CPU errors like other reviewers, but I've owed 6 units - 4 current, 2 destroyed by impact related incidents. (My collar bone is fine, thanks for wondering). Most of my problems have been rememidied by replacing the wired pick up, or adjusting the sensor position.
Yes, the computer says use the 675 Zinc/Oxide battery (2 year life - hah!) - but the waterproof computer doesn't allow enough oxygen to pass to the 675 battery - so you have to use a 357. I replace batteries on Jan 1, and again in July.
While becoming less easily available, it's still my favorite. Yes it lacks some of the data available on newer computers - it's simplicity is why I still use it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anthony
a
from Riverside, Ca
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Solid feel, If you get a good one, it will last forever. | | Weaknesses: | Inconsistent quality. | | Bottom Line: | I originally owned an Avocet 25, it lasted about 2 years with no problems whatsoever. After it was damaged in an accident, I purchased an Avocet 35. It lasted about 2 months before it died. It was soon replaced through warranty services with an Avocet 45, which consequently lasted about 9 months. The "45" was then replaced through warranty services with a "45tt", which only lasted about 3 months, at which point, the warranty was up.
In the meantime, my neighbor up the street has used a "45: for 2 years without any problems. This makes me wonder about their quality control. If you get a good one, it may last forever, but it seems like the odds of this happening are slim.
Buyers proceed with caution! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Northern, Ohio
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Mail Order | | Strengths: | Compact Design, Large disply for compact Design, Mounting hardware | | Weaknesses: | I had two and both worked for a short time and both simply stopped working. This is with new a battery. | | Similar Products Used: | Many | | Bottom Line: | There are simply too many options when it comes to cycle computers. Avocet worked will at first, but simply malfunctioned at the end. DO NOT BUY! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Zhang
a Weekend Warrior
from Shanghai, China
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$115.00 | | Purchased At: | San Francisco | | Strengths: | Accurate, lots of features, small size and pretty | | Weaknesses: | Eats battery, LCD display is not reliable | | Similar Products Used: | Avocet 15 | | Bike Setup: | Moutain Bikes | | Bottom Line: | Since one of my US friend gave me one Avocet 15 as a gift about 10 years ago, I'm in love with it, I rode my bike to work for several years just because of it. I bought my current Avocet 45tt in San Francisco about 7 years ago, compairing the prices you guys paid, I found $115.- is way too high! But it's much better than the 15! I like its accuracy and dual display (Current Speed with Avg. Speed, for example, is my favorite combination).
Since I bought my first car about 5 years ago, I left my Avocet alone for about 5 years, meanwhile, the battery leaks, and the computer was almost dead when I found it in my drawer 2 months ago (missing / random LCD or sometimes totally dead), but my Avocet 15, whose' battery also leaks, worked immediately after I installed a new battery.
It took me 2 weeks to repair my 45tt, first I tried some electronic contact cleaner (spray), but it only worked for several days before it died again, then I suspect the rubber conductor between the PCB board and the LCD failed, but it was not - I installed the suspected rubber into my 15, and it worked (in fact, one rubber conductor works well even after I tore it apart accidentally). But just before I was about to throw it away, it worked again after I carefully cleaned every possible short-circuits on the PC board and the contacts to the rubber conductor (both on the PCB and LCD panel), You could imagine how happy I was! (it would be a pain to go back to the old Avocet 15 if you've tried a 45tt)
Now I noticed the battery life issue, the old manual recommends 675 Zinc-Air batteries, but it's usually for hearing aids and it's hard to find (it's a 600mAH battery), and no wonder I didn't noticed this when my 45tt is new with it's Avocet 675 battery, and I noticed that the new manual don't recommend this type of battery any more. The common alkaline LR44 or A76 batteries most common here in China (110mAH) only last for 1 month if you do not set the 45tt to SLEEP after each use, and you lost your calibration and total distance! A SR44 or 357 Silver Oxide (165mAH) should be a littel bit better. The 2 year battery life on the manual could be misleading unless the hardware is different now.
But if you're a serious rider who require that kind of accuracy (accurate even at 5KM/H) and all those riding information (average, max speed, riding time), the 45tt is great, the battery life is an issue, and be sure to write down your total distance and calibration number often, you'll need this when the battery dies again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven Fisher
a Weekend Warrior
from Bothell, WA
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Strengths: | Simple interface, small, decent price. | | Weaknesses: | After about a year the left button stopped responding 75% of the time making use fairly difficult. Of course the cadence also has reliability issues in the rain. Lack of dual bike support is a pain. | | Similar Products Used: | Vetta VT100. | | Bottom Line: | Reliability seems to go down pretty quick, starting out with problems in rain and eventually the left button wouldn't work no matter what. The 45TT would be a good value if the cadence worked, but for a little more money products like the Vetta VT100 have a *lot* more to offer. Hopefully it'll also be more reliable. Anymore I can't think of a good reason to buy this. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
G Man
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | The Avocet 45 is a wonderful cyclometer. It has lasted me for years and years and functions well beyond what'd I'd expect for such a small package. It is pretty weatherproof (this is Seattle), rugged (I've smacked it, dropped it down stairs, etc), cool looking, has a great display, and is easier to use than a doorbell. | | Weaknesses: | I have noticed that I need to replace the battery about once a year, perhaps more often. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Gary '98 Hoo Koo E Koo (best bike in the world, ever, period). | | Bottom Line: | It don't get better than this. Functionality, value, performance, looks (it's sexy on your handlebar). Besides, it's a great way to find a date (Soooo, what's YOUR cadence?) | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven Fisher
a Weekend Warrior
from Bothell, WA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Strengths: | Simple interface, replacement parts (like for a second set of wheels) are cheap, buttons have a solid feel. | | Weaknesses: | Every time it rains, the cadence stops working for me. The rear wheel speed sensor can be difficult to mount on full suspension bikes. | | Bottom Line: | It's simple and affordable, but since I can't get the cadence to work in the rain I'll probably end up ditching it. As long as it's not raining it's pretty reliable. It would also be nice to have 3 statistics at once instead of just 2 and the ability to use a heart rate monitor. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Costa Mesa, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Carbon Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$85.00 | | Strengths: | Great altitude - it's always right on! | | Weaknesses: | Auto shutoff - mine stays on all the time & EATS batteries. I'm lucky to get six months on a pair. | | Similar Products Used: | Earlier Avocet models | | Bike Setup: | Front-suspended Giant ATX 870, then moved up to a fully-suspended K2 Proflex three years ago. | | Bottom Line: | Great computer, except for the battery issue. It's the best computer I've had. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Royal Tannenbaum
a Cross Country Rider
from San Mateo, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | The only computer I know that mounts to the rear wheel hub. This is important for me because I also have a bike trainer and like my computer to be functional whether I'm on the trail or using my trainer. | | Weaknesses: | Battery Life - if you don't plan to use it for several weeks or months - you should put it in sleep mode.
Cadence magnet mount is fragile. It mounts to the crankarm. I lost it after about one month of use. I must have scrubbed it off with my shoe while pedalling. | | Similar Products Used: | Nashbar wireless piece of crap, Old Paramount/Schwinn computer (that was great until I broke it) | | Bottom Line: | The loser who made the review below obviously doesn't realize that computers don't work without power. You can't fault a computer for poor performance if the battery dies.
In my experience, the Avocet 45tt is a pretty reliable computer. Despite the weaknesses stated above, it has all the functions I need (Max, Average, Current speed, Time, Estimated Riding Time, Countdown stopwatch, Cadence meter). It also only requires one battery to work (some require two) and the Avocet has a good display despite its small size.
Again, the best feature is the fact that it is a rear wheel mounted computer. This is handy if you have an indoor trainer and want the computer to work while training at home. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Loder
a Cross Country Rider
from North Royalton
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Appeared durable and worked fine at first. | | Weaknesses: | After the battery went dead, the computer went dead. This happen on two Avocet 45 Computers. | | Similar Products Used: | Planet Bike, Cat Eye, & Specialized. | | Bike Setup: | Two Mountain bikes. | | Bottom Line: | You pay a premium for this computer and then it takes a dump after the battery goes bad. Seems like the biking industries first disposable computer. DON'T BUY. LOOK ELSEWHERE. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan Zook
a Racer
from Aurora, CO USA
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Pro Peleton | | Strengths: | Great form factor and easy to use. Easy to setup, and great looking. Not at all bulky. | | Weaknesses: | Computer flaked out when the battery started to go bad. Would read really high, then really low speeds in an instant. Finally went dead. I replaced the battery, but the issue continued. I have now sent it back to Avocet for warrantee repair/replacement. I'm awaiting its return. | | Similar Products Used: | Avocet 40, Vetta, Cateye | | Bike Setup: | Custom steel frame w/campy record | | Bottom Line: | I'm a bit disappointed with the unit based on the issue above written in the "Weaknesses" field. I really like the look and feel of the Avocet, and have used their products a long time. I have gone back to my Avocet 40 on the bike, but w/o the sleep mode, the battery drains quickly. It continues to work flawlessly, so I'm hoping the 45 will do the same.
I will give the replacement a chance to enlighten me again to their products, but if it continues to fail, I'll look elsewhere. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Kaprun | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Excellent computer and good visible screen | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Koga Miyata,Campagnolo Chorus | | Bottom Line: | I have this one from 1991 and he is still running, that you will have to change the battery is normal after during 2 years. It still works great. This is a review about the Avocet 40!!! I have also the 25/45 on other bikes and they work great as well. The mounting is good enough for rough rides in trails. Maybe i am a lucky guy but i don't get it that many riders loose their Avocet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john
a Racer
from boulder, co
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Strengths: | easy to have different mounts and different wheel magnets
for different bikes and set ups.
| | Weaknesses: | The display "flakes" out. I have had several of them over
the last 6 years and every one of them has at one point
given me a problem. I have sent each one of them back to
get "repaired" but they all flake out eventually. New
batteries and "bleeding" off charge (which are recomended
solutions) don't work. Right now, the computer isn't even
on my bike and it says I'm going 39 mph and that I've ridden over 100 miles since lunch even though my bike's just been sitting here. The only reason I keep getting the
45TT is that I have multiple bikes/wheels and it's easy to
always have a computer from bike to bike. | | Bottom Line: | The computers seem to suffer quality control and are way overpriced for only lasting a year or two. I used to think
that I just got the lemons, but now I think it's rare to get a good and reliable one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carlos Velez
a Cross Country Rider
from Quebradillas, PR, USA
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Purchased At: | Colorado Cyclist | | Bottom Line: | This is a good computer for all kinds of bikes. It’s very easy to set up. It makes a lot of functions very useful for recreational use and for racings. It is resistant to all kind of abuse. You can use it in downhill, in raining days and in salt water. The cadence kit work perfect!
The only problem that I found is the fallowing: if you have a big impact in your hand bar you can miss all your information including the miles. I really don’t care because I know the constant of my tires so if that happened to me; I just set up my computer and continue my ride. But if you are a “bike marathoner” you have to ride careful.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bish
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Accuracy, ease of setup, wheel magnet design | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Other Avocet products | | Bike Setup: | Stumpjumper, custom-built by me: Avid brakes, GripShift | | Bottom Line: | Avocet is the first, and only, brand of computers I have used on my bikes. I have had several, on various bikes, staring with the 30, and moving up the line. I have never had any problems with them. I've ridden over almost every kind of terrain, wet, dry, hot, cold, in the rain, no problems. They are easy to install, and (the newer models) easy to calibrate. The only bug I've encountered is with the top speed function. Sometimes, when stopping really hard, the top speed will give a ridiculous number (65mph, 82mph, e.g.). Bottom line: I wouldn't use anything else. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clark
a Racer
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | One thing that’s great about Avocets in general is the positive click of the buttons. While I have all but given up on finding a cyclometer that actually displays the data I want on a single screen, the Avocet 45tt isn’t bad. Three clicks and you’re back where you started. It’s easy to do without your eyes on it, too. | | Weaknesses: | While my problems have not been extensive, I have had some issues. I initially purchased an extra mount kit, which was DOA. The wires looked like an angry dog had had them. So I returned it. The display on the 45tt is, in my opinion, difficult to read in overcast conditions. I remember my ancient Avocet 20 was easy to read in all conditions, the 45tt’s display is much more faint. The max speed feature has at least one gone berserk on me, flashing all sorts of outlandish numbers. The cadence feature is a bit finicky. The manual says a clearance of 1-5mm is required at the sensor. In my experience, the magnet can be no more than 1mm away from the sensor or the cadence stops functioning. And today, in the rain, the cadence stopped altogether. I can’t get it working at all, and will have to get a new mounting kit. Which is just what I wanted to spend twenty dollars on. | | Similar Products Used: | Avocet 20, Avocet 21, Avocet 30 | | Bottom Line: | This is probably more rant than review, but I’m ticked. I’ve owned three Avocets over the years, and have consistently found them to be superior to all other cyclometers. But I’m less than impressed with my fourth, an Avocet 45tt.
All things considered this is a potentially great cyclometer but suffers from either some design flaws or poor workmanship.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allan M
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, Tx
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Ant Hills (closest anyway) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Memorial Schwinn | | Strengths: | THIS REVIEW is for the AVOCET 40 --it doesn't have it's own category ...must be discontinued.
Longevity, Intuitivenss. Can get extra transmitters for your other bikes easily. | | Weaknesses: | Cold weather killed it; Plastic faded over the years. | | Similar Products Used: | Many | | Bike Setup: | who cares | | Bottom Line: | NOTE: I'm taking about the Avocet 40 ...assuming the 45 is the "next generation"
Up until last weekend, this computer and a Chris King headset were the only original parts left on my 91 Yo Eddy Team Fat Chance. Never had any problems at all and I'm really, really hard on equipment. The computer was working fine when I put it on the roof rack Saturday morning, but 10 minutes later it was died (Dead-on-arrival). It was about 35 degrees outside ...I think the weather killed.
My wife has one from 92 on her bike that it still ticking. Although she still thinks it was a mistake to get the fuscia color. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Red Rover
a Racer
from Marin County, CA
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Accuracy, ease of use. | | Weaknesses: | RELIABILITY, RELIABILITY, RELIABILITY | | Similar Products Used: | Vetta, Avocet 30, Cateye Enduro. Polar wireless | | Bottom Line: | After having six (6) Avocet computers fail. I'm about through with them. I've used them for a number of years, and have consistently had problems with their long term reliability. In fact two of the more respected bike shops in my area have stopped carrying them because they are tired of dealing with constant replacements, and customer returns.
On the positve side, Avocets have about the most accurate speed measurement of the cyclocomputers I've tried. The hub mounted wheel magnet displays speed changes instantly and accurately. The display is nicely laid out and easy to use.
Reading through some of the raving reviews I tend to think that these computers perhaps haven't seen heavy use by their users. (Someone will no doubt flame me on this one. For the record I commute daily by bike, have several bikes, and log about 8000 miles per year).
Avocet's albatross is the reliability of their product. A few people have phenomenal luck with them, but the majority of people I talked to have had reliability problems. I did a week long supported bike tour not long ago, and in the parking lot (assembling the bike), three people commented to me that they had 3 or more Avocet computers fail. I've had two Avocet 45s for a couple of years now, one stays on the mountain bike, and the other gets switched between the road bike, touring bike, and fixed gear.
A short history of my Avocets:
#1 Died randomly at Napa Valley World Cup mtb race after two months on the bike. Avocet rep at the race wouldn't warranty the product on site. Took 3 weeks to get it back from Avocet service.
#2 (Actually the repaired #1). Display faded and was returned to Avocet service. They returned a new one this time.
#3 Bought with a new bike. Display faded after 2 days. LBS exchanged it.
#4 (Actually the replaced #2) This was my most reliable one to date. Worked for about a year and a half. Then three weeks ago I rode off a curb on my touring bike to have the computer explode, spewing the innards into traffic. Literally the computer came apart, but the back was still firmly attached to the bike mount. Dodged cars to retrieve the pieces from traffic, lost the battery though. Bought new battery, but computer is dead.
#5 (Which is actually the LBS warrantied #3) Died after a few months. Returned to Avocet service for repair. Avocet Service took 5 weeks to repair the computer. Then, less than two months after getting it back from Avocet service, the top half of the display died. So now I have a half working computer.
#6 Yet another Avocet death. Went for a long mountain bike ride. Had to ride in the rain for two hours to get back home. Computer died. Took the back off and left it by the heater for a couple days to dry it out, but to no avail.
Bottom line- Bike computers by nature are fickle creatures that take lots of abuse. Failure is bound to happen somewhere along the line. If you lof alot of miles, consider an alternative to Avocet. After sticking with their computers despite numerous failures, my faith and patience is finally gone. Even two of the the most respected bike shops in these parts (the ones where serious cyclists shop and go for advice) have stopped carrying Avocet computers because of reliability problems. Enough is enough | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Louie
a Cross Country Rider
from Half Moon Bay, CA
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria Bike, Colorado Cyclist, Excell | | Strengths: | easy to install, easy to calibrate, works great, accurate, good customer service | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | specialized, trek | | Bike Setup: | Moots YBB, Moots Vamoots, Giant SC1, Giant Team Once, Diamond Back Ascent, Trek 930, Cannondale RC600 | | Bottom Line: | Have purchased nine of these computers for myself and friends, not one problem, all easy to set up, all worked and are still working, batteries are $1.98 at Radio Shack. As long as they make them, I will recommend the 45 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Walter
a Weekend Warrior
from Okinawa Japan
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Hansen to JWTC | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Colorado Cyclist | | Strengths: | All the parts are replaceable. Avocet has a great web site that you can purchase any part you may need. I've had this computer for a long time - more than 6 years and believe me, it is worth every penny. | | Weaknesses: | The cadance does not work in the rain. I sometime want a wireless set-up, but the cadance is required when I ride the trainer. (Get a copy of "Reoch-Zonneveld Indoor Winter Workout Program" from VeloPress. It is a great book and will make you stronger regardless of what time of year you use it.) | | Similar Products Used: | The only other computer I've used is the Cateye Solar. (no longer manufactured) | | Bike Setup: | Custom MarKus road bike painted by Cyclart (the best paint shop on the planet) with Kestrel fork and campy 9 record | | Bottom Line: | This computer does what it should--works. The good thing about it is when you change batteries, it will retain the memory long enough for you to put the batteries in. Believe me, I have used this computer for more than 6 years, and you can not beat the value. Very easy to maintain and set up.
Let me use a little space to talk about Cyclart. I sent them my frame in 1995, and the paint job is still very nice today. They are really the best-- can do anything you can dream up. You can find them at cyclart.com. Truely a custom paint shop. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr. G
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | A trail of two cities | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | The 45 rocks. It works great, is relatively cheap, durable, dependable, looks cool, and is 100% quality gear. Also, it accurately tracks speed to 1/10 a MPH, and distances to 1/100 a mile. | | Weaknesses: | I guess it kinda goes through batteries a little fast. I replace them about once a year. Also, I dropped the thing once on a cenemt floor and it reset on me. My bad. Just took the battery out, popped it back in, and recalibrated. No big deal. | | Similar Products Used: | Generic POS. | | Bike Setup: | Giant Rincon, and now a Gary Hooey '97. | | Bottom Line: | I love the thing. It pops on and off with ease, it's small, build pretty tough, and I just love the thing. Having a cyclometer makes you push your limits--still trying to break that 39.6 MPH barrier. Instalation is easy, too. Great for recreational riders all the way through road splat speed junkies. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Lynchburg, VA
Date Reviewed: July 25, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Very water resistant. Cadence optional.
Ride time and total time. Good price. | | Weaknesses: |
None identified yet. | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek radar. | | Bike Setup: |
Trek 2120 Road bike | | Bottom Line: | I purchased this computer to replace a Trek Radar unit. The Trek totally died every time it got wet. I have literally soaked the 45tt many times with no problem. The compact size and many features make this a great computer for the money. This is a great road bike computer - I don't know how it performs off-road. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trent
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
lots of features | | Weaknesses: |
pain to use
breaks! | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek Sonic
Schwinn SC-13 | | Bottom Line: | When my first computer got stolen, I got this one with the insurance money. It was supposed to be better, but I liked the trek more. The cadence function in the computer (NOT the pickup) broke after one day. Had it replaced and the new one only lasted a few weeks before the cadence broke again. A friend had one too, he managed to exchange it because of broken cadence around a dozen times before the LBS told him to send it to avocet! Navigating between the different functions is also a pain compared to the other computers I've tried. My schwinn cost half as much and has laster over a year with no problems at all. It can also display speed, cadence and distance at the same time. In order to switch between cadence and distance and back again on the 45, you need to spend about 20 seconds pushing buttons. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
UKMatt
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: July 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
China Camp | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Good range of features including Cadence | | Weaknesses: |
Difficult to install (see below)
Eats batteries
Falls apart
Generally a bad idea | | Similar Products Used: |
Various models over the years | | Bike Setup: |
Gary Fisher Big Sur standard set up | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line: If you want to go off road, don't buy this computer.It was tough to install on my standard Fisher Big Sur (I had to build up a huge shim by gluing together cuttings from a spare inner tube). The wire is only just long enough for my large size frame.Once I got it fitted, I rode it for about four weeks and the batteries ran out (way too expensive if I have to purchase a battery every month!)The final straw was that the wires pulled out of the rearmost sensor and although the fit back on, they aren't a very tight fit and so come off each ride.To summarize, a joke, useless, do yourself a favor and get another brand if you go off road. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andy
a Weekend Warrior
from bay area, ca
Date Reviewed: May 3, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
works flawlessly, easy to read | | Weaknesses: |
no backlight | | Similar Products Used: |
vetta | | Bottom Line: | I've had the 45tt w/ cadence for a few months now. it is super easy to read and the buttons make a nice _click_ when you push them. countdown odometer is a nice feature if you're racing. cadence is a must have. the only thing i would like added is in indiglo backlight. purchased at LBS for $45 + tax | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simply Grateful
a weekend warrior
from Silicon Valley, CA
Date Reviewed: December 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I own two 45tt's ( both have cadence ). One is for my hybrid Trek 7300 and the other is for my Full suspension mountain bike ( Specialized FSR Extreme ). I'm just getting back into riding bikes again. I've had the both computers for approximately 3 months now. I was concerned at first that the cadence mechanism would have problems on my mountain bike, because of the swing arm. I had the bike shop leave amble slack in the cable and haven't had any problems yet. I later taped all the exposed wiring under the frame to protect against rocks, and other objects...I'm completely happy with this product; however, it would be nice if there was a way to have back-lighting so the LCD could be seen at night. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Wilber
a weekend warrior
from NY
Date Reviewed: October 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I installed an Avocet 45 on my bent. It worked great for a while, but then
started flaking out -- showing speeds well below the actual speed. I got a
replacement at the bike store and it immediately started flaking out in the same
way. Finally I got smart -- I replaced it with a cheaper Trek Sonic which
worked just fine. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phillip Weed Tucker
a cross-country rider
from Reno, Nevada
Date Reviewed: January 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Excellent, The Best of the Best, Top of the Line, Numero Uno, The Mother of all Computers......................................................................
This is by far the best little gizmo I have on my bike.
Maybe in five years we will have... well, just imagine what we'll have.
I have to meet the 50 word min. thing, so blah, blah, blah.
Avocet 45tt, keeps tracked of everything, don't leave home without it.
cinco chili's | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a weekend warrior
from Tucson, Az.
Date Reviewed: January 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Finally, I have managed to mount this computer on my 97 Stumpjumper Pro.
It is in fact a fine computer and is working as it should.
I am very impressed with this computer and the available functions.
Accessing the available functions is very easy once learned.
It appears to be a well built little unit, and most of the components can be replaced individually. I did beef up the wiring harness with shrink tubing to protect it against rock strikes.
The 45tt does it all, I am very pleased with mine. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lawrence P.
a
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: January 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
All the functions you could need and very durable. Mine has been driven through driving rain storms at 70mph (bike on roof rack) and continues to work perfectly. Good buttons though I sometimes find that my 45 doesn't zero (requires pushing both buttons at once) easily. Numbers are readible. The only improvement I can suggest would be the ability to show different functions simultaneously (e.g. be able to show current speed along with odometer. Currently current and average speed are paired). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Barry A. Scott
a weekend warrior
from Connecticut
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have three Avocets; two 40's and a 45. I have one on my Marinoni road bike, one on my Nishiki hybrid and one on my GT mountain bike. Best computer in my opinion. I have never had any problem with it. If you go out in the rain, tie a Baggie around it to prevent any moisture from getting in. The buttons have an excellent tactile feeling to them. The display is large and it is very easy to cycle thru the functions. If I could change one thing it would be that d****d pace arrow. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon Wong
a cross-country rider
from San Luis Obispo, CA
Date Reviewed: July 31, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Model: 45I own a cadance model on my road bike and a regular one on my mountain bike.
The two of them have been problem free since day one. I could not figure
out why other people were having problems wiht them. The 45 has all the
functions, though it seems the pace arrow is not needed for all
recreation type people, and it's easy to read and operate (except
for trying to reset while hill climbing =).Great product! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Julian
a cross-country rider
from Chula Vista, CA
Date Reviewed: July 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I love my avocet computer. It was easy to install and align. I thought the magnet would come off easily but i have abused the computer and it has survived. I ha ve gone through water and it still works. Props to Avocet for building a quality product. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kimo
a weekend warrior
from Lodi, Ca
Date Reviewed: July 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I think I must own the oldest working Avocet computer. It's around 12 years old and still going strong - never a problem! It was mounted on my road bike for 11 of those years, but is now on my Klein mtb and has been thouroghly abused! No complaints.....would never buy anything other than a Avocet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lawrence
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: July 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Avocet Model 45.
Its continued working through 8 months of crashes, rock gardens, rainstorms, commuting etc.. in other words, typical mountainbiking. No complaints, except that sometimes it refuses to zero a function (requires both buttons to be pushed simultaneously) while I'm riding. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil Brand
a racer
from ringwood NJ
Date Reviewed: June 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have always used the Avocets and they always worked great. I had one problem with the Avocet 45, called up Avocet and they solved the problem over the phone and told me what to do and it worked. So they make excellent computers and back it by outstanding customer service | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a cross-country rider
from Durham NC
Date Reviewed: April 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have used a lot and this is the best in terms of weather proof. If you ride
in the rain or wet conditions, you will want to buy an Avocet. I would buy the
cheap one if you don't need all the features. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Wang
a cross-country rider
from Berkeley, CA
Date Reviewed: April 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the 45 and I think it is EXCELLENT. See my review for the Cateye Mity2 and you'll see everything thise computer is not.The display and the way they cycle is well thought out. Each feature is individually resettable (Timer, Avg Speed, Max Speed, Trip Odometer, Total Odometer, and of course clock).I've found most computers to be accurate, so that's not really an issue. The one thing the Cateye has over the Avocet is the mounting of the wires to the actual computer. The Cateye is fully removable, but the Avocet you have to snap on and off and evetually it'll wear. This particular problem matter to me because I live where people will steal anyting and I like to take the computer with me in my pocket.Still, a great little piece of electronics. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a racer
from PA
Date Reviewed: December 16, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Models 15,45The Model 15 is used on my MTBs (one unit switched between 2 bikes) and the 45 is used on my road bikes ( one unit switched between 2 bikes ). They both work very well. I've had a little trouble with the wheel sensor on one of the road bikes. However, this is on a set of Specialized composite wheels and is unique to the installation. As far as durability, the units are great ! I lost the 15 during a MTB training crash and found it 2 weeks later in the creek. (It's red ) I'm still using it and it performs as advertised. I had one of the original (Model 10 ???. big, black monsters) units and it worked to the day I retired it from the road. I've tried several different brands over the years, but always return to Avocet because of reliability and the ability to easily purchase extra mounts/sensors etc. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Connelly
a racer
from Palo Alto, CA
Date Reviewed: December 13, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
model: 40 on my road bikeproblems: previous pick-up resulted in inconsistent calibration.
replacement of the pick-up solved the problem.
A splotch appeared on my LCD -- cosmetic problem only
Strong power-lines can generate EM interference and make
it read false high speeds
likes: it is robust
it is water resistent (I have never had problems in the rain,
unlike with Cateyes I have used)
it is less subject to false max speed readings than reed-switch computers I have used (Cateye)
the buttons have excellent tactile feedback and are easy to find
(I have had problems determining if I actuated the switch on
Cateyes without looking at the display)
component parts are readily available (such as extra wheel magnets)
computer is small and light-weightP.S. I look forward to seeing the 55 when it is out in late winter.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee Murray
a cross-country rider
from Reno, NV
Date Reviewed: November 30, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Worst computer I've ever owned. Could never get my wife's calibrated to work right. When mine finally died, I happily threw it as far as I could. Cateye makes the best computers. Don't waste your money here. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Brandt
a weekend warrior
from Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: October 15, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Avocet 45:
This has been a very good product for me. I have used it for 3
months and it has worked flawlessly. I have put 550 miles on it and been
through a couple of rain storms. Ths cadence feature is great!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik Su
a weekend warrior
from Ithaca, NY
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
model: avocet 45
I used to think all cyclo-computers were the same, given the same functions.
However, after a miserable experience with the Avocet, I know that some brands'
quality control leaves much to be desired. When I first bought the Avocet, it
didn't even turn on. Upon closer inspection, I found that the contacts were not
consistenly hitting the battery. I returned it to the store for a replacement of
the same model. This did not have the same problem, and worked fine for a short
while. Soon, though, the display would sometimes spontaneously go haywire, I
can't describe it very clearly, it would display seemingly random patterns on
the LCD. Then it would resume to normal operation. I decided to just live with
it until it finally stopped working altogether. Fed up, I decided to buy a Cateye
instead. Lo and behold, there were no problems whatsoever. Don't buy an Avocet
if you value your money. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Arbogast
a cross-country rider
from Randolph, MA
Date Reviewed: June 15, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been using an Avocet 45 computer for about three months now. Its has all
of the standard functions, avg. speed, max. speed, distance traveled, time,
etc. It was easy to install, even on my Judy fork leg. The LCD stopped working
after about a month and a half, but it was replaced free of charge at the LBS
were I bought it.
| | Overall Rating: |
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