In addition to the most common cycle computer functions, the Astrale offers one of the most useful measurements a cyclist can have - cadence. Cadence is the measure of your revolutions per minute - how fast you are pedaling. The Astrale will let everyone form the seasoned racer to the novice rider monitor their cadence, and excellent indicator for proper gear selection.
Submitted by
dudevf1
a Cross Country Rider
from SoCal, USA Date Reviewed: December 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Anything where Equestrians are prohibited
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
None. It is completely worthless
Weaknesses:
It is flimsy. It is very difficult to align the sensors, which are not able to sense things. The number of buttons to push to set functions is ridiculously long. There does not appear to be an option to set km/h or mph without re-setting everything. In a world of user friendly devices this is a total P.O.S.
Bottom Line:
Do not waste your money on this alleged product. It is cheap Chinese junk.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nathan
a
from Pasadena Date Reviewed: March 8, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Easy to use and read, nice design and has the basic function you need as a cyclist.
Weaknesses:
Stopped working after about 6 months. Computer was still working but the wires are not robust - i've only used this on the road and in one ride the cadence went, then a few miles later the speed. There was no visible problem with any of the wires. Performance swapped it for a new one free of charge though. Also, you can't switch between km/h and m/h without reseting odemeter.
Similar Products Used:
n/a
Bike Setup:
decent road bike
Bottom Line:
Not a bad computer and has nice easy to use basic functions but at $30 you are getting what you pay for in terms of longevity. The product would be a lot better if Cateye would buff up the wires a bit so they don't go bad easily.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Amy
a Weekend Warrior
from Riverside, RI, USA Date Reviewed: May 30, 2006
Favorite Trail:
East Bay bike path
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Cadence with simple display and buttons. Price. Small size. Durability and battery life pretty good. Works extremely well for me, mostly on bike path in all weather including pouring rain and snow. (Note: original model)
Weaknesses:
Getting the speed sensor close enough to the wheel magnet. On one bike I was experiencing speed fluctuations (dropping to a fraction of actual speed), and correspondingly less distance on odometer: swapped another main unit in, same problem--a more powerful magnet fixed the problem. No backlight. Having to replace wires occasionally when I wear them out (may have installed without enough slack for turning handlebars relative to rest of frame over long term).
Similar Products Used:
Other Cateye models, Sigma, Cateye and other brand wireless.
I like the original Astrale so much I have four of them (on different bikes). I really like its simplicity and reliability. Since I use mine primarily on bike path, vibration is not an issue for me, but they have worked prefectly in crummy New England weather for me for years. Original model is hard to find now but I want to keep compatible between bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gilbert Cunanan
a Cross Country Rider
from Paranaque City, Philippines Date Reviewed: October 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
All trails in Montalban, Rizal (Philippines).
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
cadence, looks good, easy-to-read digits, good contrast
Weaknesses:
rear-mounted sensors easily misaligned, especially the cadence sensor
First and foremost, the cadence function is very useful. If RPM is useful for car engines, it is 100-times more useful for "human engines". Helps maintain discipline so you conserve your energy and focus on proper shifting. The result: more efficient transfer of precious energy to the ground. I think this is even more important than speed/distance since these two don't factor out coasting.
If you also use an indoor trainer, the next most important feature is the rear-mounted sensor (plus the cadence). Front mounted sensors simply don't work. For me, the speed/distance/cadence is a good motivational tool for training indoors in place of the feel of real biking.
Just find a way to secure the sensors well, specially if you ride on rough and muddy terrain. Careful too when you wash.
Even just standing still, the computer unit looks really cool and easy to read with large clear digits. It adds to the overall aesthetic value of my cheap bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian Channing
a Weekend Warrior
from London streets Date Reviewed: November 26, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Thames Embankment
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Evans Cycles
Strengths:
Cadence. Cheap. Rear mounting sensors. Relatively simple installation. Better sensors than the cordless I tried. 3000 miles quality service.
Weaknesses:
It will stop working in heavy rain. In the end it got one soaking too many and died on me. Not very clear display - could do with back light.
The Astrale doesn't appear to be designed to suffer the abuse of off-road. As a road computer this is excellent. The cadence is really useful for improving road speed - and subsequently reducing commuting time. Also any cycling training book will refer to cadence so you really need it to make use of them. The rear mount is useful as you are more likely to remove the front wheel when locking your bike, so no wires to get in the way.
As I said it survived 3000 miles and did the job well. Shame it died, I'll be replacing it with the new Astrale 8. Hopefully its more sturdy, it looks like the Mity now...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bert
a Racer
from Israel Date Reviewed: August 22, 2004
Favorite Trail:
sansana
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
branford bike
Strengths:
Accurate, aesthetic, legible display, easy to install and operate, great customer service.
Weaknesses:
Displays data even when not completely secured to mount.
Bike Setup:
Kestrel 200 SCi 58 cm
Bottom Line:
I live in Southern Israel (semi arid region) and average about 200 km a week. Astrale 8 provides me with all the essential information I require to measure my progress during actual training and over the long haul. The parameters are all very accurate and I had no problems installing the system. Recommend pushing start/stop button before going out on ride. Good value, quality and excellent company service.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago, IL Date Reviewed: August 9, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Nice Display. Easy to navigate.
Weaknesses:
Mounting brackets suck. Sensors not sensitive enough.
Similar Products Used:
Avocet.
Bottom Line:
The computer itself is great. I like having the cadence, and the functionality is fine. However, the mounting brackets are very difficult to install properly, and both the cadence and primary sensors keep slipping out of position and require constant adjustment. I've tightened them a number of times yet they keep slipping. My next attempt is going to be to tape it in place with electrical tape. Perhaps a stronger sensor wouldn't have to be so close to the magnet to get a reading. Overall, I rate it 2 and a half stars for this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Holland, MI Date Reviewed: May 17, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
Ebay.
Strengths:
Cadence, Speedo accuracy, mounts are compatible with other cateye computers.
Weaknesses:
No 2nd Trip Distance, Odometer is NOT setable, Takes lots of button presses to scroll through important information. Thin wires.
Similar Products Used:
Mity 3/Enduro 2 series
Bike Setup:
Road bike.
Bottom Line:
The astrale series of cyclocomputers have most of the same features as the Mity3/Mity 8/Enduro2/Enduro8 series of cyclocomputers such as Speed, Distance,Odometer (NOT setable), Ride time, clock, average speed, maximum speed, selectable auto/manual start stop. The only bonus features an astrale has over the mity 3 is a 4 digit tire size (more accurate distance calculations for those who need it) and cadence. The features it does not have compared to the Mity/Enduro series are pacer arrows (not a big deal), dual tire settings, setable odometer, 2nd trip distance (Argh! I loved that feature), and the ability to swap the top and bottom lines (a less than useful feature really).
The new astrale 7 is functionaly identical to the original astrale. It merely has a redesigned case, display, and button arrangement.
The astrale's user interface is primitive and it it's biggest downfall. The microchip inside was designed way back in 1993 and is the oldest still in current production for the cateye line. No effort was made to minimize the number of button presses needed to acess the most vital information. It takes up to a maximum of seven button presses to scroll to the information you want to see. The mity/enduro series is much superior since it divides the data into 3 different groups, with the most important information (Distance/Average Speed/Elapsed time) listed first. So with the exception of the odometer, all ride data is at a maximum of 4 button presses away, with the most needed information at a maximum of 2 button presses away. I would rate the Astrale's user interface 3 times less efficient than that of the the mity/enduro series. Cateye should have designed a new microprocessor for the astrale when they revamped it's look.
The astrale will work (minus the cadance) in any non cordless cateye computer mount and any non cordless cateye computer will work in the astrale's mount. It's good to see that cateye keeps their parts somewhat universal! The sensor wire in the astrale's mounting kit are extremely thin. Durability has been sacrificed for discrete mounting. I didn't have any trouble installing it, but cateye should include black zip ties to match darker colored bikes.
Unless you really want cadance, steer clear of this cyclocomputer. There are many tradeoffs in using this rather antiquated design. For a cyclocomputer that costs more, the features, durability and interface are less. The mity/enduro series is still the best value there is.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Racer
from Greendale, WI, USA Date Reviewed: February 23, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$37.00
Purchased At:
Emerys Super fitness and Bicycle
Strengths:
Cadence moniter, Rear wheel mount sensor makes it useful on a trainer. Ease of installation.
Weaknesses:
Cadence sensor mounts on Crank arm with zip tie. It has a tendency to slip. Use electrical tape to keep it in place.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Trek 8000, with stock setup.
Bottom Line:
Seeing that this is my first computer I have no real basis for comparison. I can say that it was easy to mount and very easy to use. The odometer is very accurate as I rode a closed course then measured the same distance in my car. It was right on the money. A defenite good buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken Bessler
a Weekend Warrior
from Aurora, Colorado, USA Date Reviewed: September 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Colfax blvd
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bicycle, Denver, CO
Strengths:
Simplistic design, ease of use
Weaknesses:
Light duty wires, outboard position of crank sensor
Similar Products Used:
Mity 3
Bike Setup:
Bianchi 12 speed road racer
Bottom Line:
It's a good computer. I have my GPS (Garmin Etrex Vista) mounted on the right handlebar and the Astrale mounted on the left handlebar. The main control on the computer is the left button so mounting it on the left means you can control the computer with your left thumb, never taking your hand off the handlebar! The controls also have a light touch - much lighter than my Mity 3. Yes, the wires are light duty - Cateye refined the older design by replacing the wire tape with zip ties but now they are so strong they can crush the delicate wire! I solved the problem of exposing the wires to abraision by mounting them on the inboard edges of the frame.
Now the crank sensor is different - the crank is outboard of the frame so the sensor is outboard, too. This exposes the sensor to possible damage. IMHO there is nothing that can be done except maybe to mount the crank sensor to the right side of the frame where the chainrings will protect it a bit.
My Bianchi has a 50cm frame and the wires in the kit were about 6" too long - I just folded them back on themselves and secured them with zipties...... The wires are the same size as those with my Mity 3 but they are more flexible and delicate. Still - they work and with a carefull install should be alright in even the roughest use.
FYI I don't use the speed function - my GPS gives me that. All I need from the computer is cadence. I use the cadence and riding time display. My GPS gives me speed, tripmeter, odometer, average speed, max speed, rate of ascent, descent, altitude, heading and a moving map.....nice but expensive ($339.95)!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chi
a Cross Country Rider
from San Mateo, CA, USA Date Reviewed: July 31, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere away from everything
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
All the basic stuff plus cadence.
Weaknesses:
Wiring harness, wire too short or too long for frame, number of simultaneous function displays.
Bike Setup:
Trek 7000 MTB
Bottom Line:
I have used this computer for more than 6 months now and it's a bargain for me so far. With the cadence function, it gives me an idea of how I am performing, esp. when power output is high and I need to reach a certain RPM to avoid hammering my knees. I ride my mountain bike on the road a lot. Since it's water resistant, I haven't had any problems with water. The most stringent test I took it on was a rainy trail up this hill in mud and dirt. The two buttons got stuck, but I was able to clean it out with some very unorthodox methods. It works great now.
Like a previous reviewer said, being able to reset this computer with one hand is a plus.
But the sensors and wiring seem flimsy, esp. the cadence sensor, due to this position. I have broken the sensor twice (repaired it once) on the commuter train, and I finally threw the clamp away and resorted to some zip ties to maintain the sensor's position.
Crank and wheel magnets are mounted very securely. The manual mentions that the wheel magnet will not be able to mount on bladed spokes, and that a adapter is available for such setups.
Like I said before, I've taken it off-road, and it does perform. I'd appreciate a larger insulation for the wire, but so far I haven't had problems. The display window only displays two functions on my model, but I think the new '04 model displays more functions at once.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aram
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: May 5, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Still looking
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Small, Cheap, CADENCE!
Weaknesses:
Lightweight. Not for off road use. Crankarm sensor attachment was a joke...
Similar Products Used:
None yet
Bike Setup:
Street Trail mutation
Bottom Line:
I spent an hour setting up the sensors when I realized that the crank arm sensor was never going to stay in place and would be a constant source of anxiety. I threw in the towl right then and never took it out for a ride. I will return it as PB has an excellent policy on returns. I am considering the ENDURO instead, and giving up cadence. I'll just have to count!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Holland Date Reviewed: December 7, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Egypt Valley
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
velo city cycles
Strengths:
Has cadance, and rear wheel capability. Excellent for trainer.
Weaknesses:
Crappy display. You can only see MPH and one other item. I have yet to figure out how to set the odometer to the bike mileage. Didnt like the magnet mount for the crank either. The whole setup was a royal pain on my 2001 M4 frame. But in all they seem to work just fine afterwords. Very touchy when there not very close to the magnet
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Computer (Use for Trail Riding)
Bike Setup:
2001 M4 Comp with alot or S-Works and XTR upgrades.
Bottom Line:
Trainer use only. I cant not see myself using only two options for display when only one is changeable. Speed is fine however I like to Review Speed, and Avg Speed to conferm where I am currently riding at. On a trainer RPM is more of the Key. Due to the crappy Rear wheel and crank wiring setup I dont think I would trust this on the trail. There is to much going on to get caught up. And with a short magnet to pickup you have to be carefull let alone they mount to the bottom of the frame.
All in All if you have a trainer I recommend this cheap unit. But buy on ebay or cheaper. I wanted to ride my new trainer that day so a local bike store was a little expensive. But everything there is. But hey I wanted it then so i cant complain to much.
You cant find cadence at a much cheaper price.
NOT FOR TRAIL USE..SUCKS FOR TRAIL
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christopher
a Cross Country Rider
from Valley Cottage, NY Date Reviewed: October 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Hook Mountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$29.00
Purchased At:
1UpUSA.com
Strengths:
Cadence
Weaknesses:
Took a little time to mount the two sensors to my bike
Similar Products Used:
Cat Eye Cordless
Bike Setup:
Giant Sedona
Bottom Line:
I replaced my Cat Eye Cordless 2 with this computer which costs less, and unkike the Cordless 2 it works with my headlight system. The added cadence feature is a real bonus.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Larry
a Weekend Warrior
from Long Island, NY Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Cadence, time riding and being able to see both cadence and mph at the same time. Mounting system to the holder is much better than my old Specialized computer.
Weaknesses:
back sensor is easily bumped out of alignment.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized computer, don't recall the model. Broke after 900 miles of use.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Hardrock
Bottom Line:
Love this computer, plan on getting a new bike and will get another one. Have already put on 1,500 miles on this one, but want a second one for the new bike. I don't want to go through the hassle of resetting for each bike.
I couldn't find another computer for the price with all of the features that this one packs into it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bigcat
a Weekend Warrior
from USA Date Reviewed: May 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
CADENCE!
Weaknesses:
lcd a little small
Similar Products Used:
Mity3
Bike Setup:
Trek
Bottom Line:
This thing rocks! I wasn't sure if I really NEEDED the cadence function, but after using the Astrale for a few days I can say for sure that it's improving my ride way more than spending hundreds of dollars on bike upgrades! Now I'm able to evaluate how fast I'm spinning the cranks and make improvements over time. So, if you want to improve your performance, then get the Astrale!
As for installation, it was very straight forward. I don't know what the other comments about difficult installation is about; everything mounts together in a logical way. If you're struggling to install this device I can't see how you could do any bike work yourself! The hardware is all high quality. The wheel magnet is a million times better (even one blade spoke mountable) than the magnet that's provided with Cateyes other popular computer, the Enduro/Mity3. The unit itself is also far superior to the Enduro -- button placement is flat on TOP and easily pressible, quite the opposite with the Mity3 where the buttons were underneath and hard as hell to press. Plus, you can actually reset the unit with one hand, something you can't do with the Mity3.
If there was only improvement I would make, I would ask Cateye to make the LCD panel a little larger to see. Not that much larger, but a 25% increase in size would help a lot. Otherwise, this is a fantastic product!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from Pleasanton, CA Date Reviewed: May 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Saragota Gap
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Great for indoor training because of rear speed sensor. Not made for mountain bikes. Who really needs cadence on a mountain bike?
Weaknesses:
Very thin sensor cables. Small letters M, A, S, D, O identifying selection. Could be larger.
Similar Products Used:
Specialize, Axiom
Bike Setup:
2000 LeMond Zurich with Rolf Vector Comps
Bottom Line:
After reading some of the reviews, I had some agreements and some disagreements. It does take some time and care in routing the cable and mounting the sensors. The best approach would be first to tape the sensors to their ideal locations first and then route the cable up the down tube up to the bars. This is actually my second one because my wire did get pinched while performing some maintenance. They have a heavy duty wire kit which you can purchase sparately. It really should come with the computer. I never had any bad experince with the sensors falling apart. I usually don't ride in the rain but the times I did get got caught, I didn't have any problems with my computer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Germantown, MD, USA Date Reviewed: April 11, 2002
I upgraded from my 1989 Cateye Vectra to my first Cateye Astrale in 1993. My reasons were as follows:
I purchased a trainer so I wanted a rear-mount with cadence for training purposes. I got tired of forgetting to START/STOP my computer, and accidentally stopping it.
My wife's bike got stolen (11/01) with her Cateye Vectra on it. When we replaced the bike, I bought another Astrale to go on hers. She loves it too, for the same reasons mentioned above.
I have had zero problems with this computer. I have not yet even replaced the battery in my 10 year old Astrale!
I have seen complains about problems in the rain here. I learned early on with Cateye computers (only brand I have used) to keep a tuck and close sandwich baggy (not a zip-lok) and rubber band in my saddle-bag. When it rains, I just slip the baggy over the computer, smooth it out, and wrap the rubber band around it, and WALLAH...no computer problems.
I have never replaced the wiring harness on my 10 year old Astrale.
My wife or I have never had any problems with either of our Astrale's on the trainer, and I think mine is magnetic resistance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek
a
from Cedar Springs, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: January 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Smiths cycle
Strengths:
Cadence, Classic look
Weaknesses:
not suitable for off road
Similar Products Used:
a number of cyclocomputers
Bottom Line:
I'm a mountain biker who mostly trains on the road. I purchased this computer mainly because it has the cadence funtion. The hook up was time consuming (about 1 hour to do a decent job) but I made a cup of tea, read the instructions completely and took my time. The Cat Eye has a nice look to it, and the buttons have a positive feel to them. I would not however recommend this computer to anyone who plans to use it in serious off road situations as the cadence hook up and sensors are a accident waiting to happen. Also the wire is of a thin nature for a rough and tumble mtb. I have not really had the chance to get to much use from this product yet but just wanted to offer information to potential buyers. Good luck. Bottom line: Nice computer but keep it on the road bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, TN 37148 Date Reviewed: October 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any long, smooth piece of asphalt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Sun & Ski Sports
Strengths:
Dual function display and cadence.
Weaknesses:
Very tiny wires. Rear wheel mounting instead of front wheel or at least a choice. The sensors are VERY fragile.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first cycle computer.
Bike Setup:
2001 LeMond Zurich, full Ultegra group, Rolf Vector Comp wheels with Michelin Axial Pro's and Profile Design aerobars.
Bottom Line:
As mentioned earlier, this is the first cycling computer I have owned. At first I was estatic about the computer, especially the cadence moniter. This happiness was short lived because within 700 miles of use the housing of the cadence sensor came off exposing the inner circuitry and shortly thereafter totally broke off. The rear wheel sensor does not want to stay in place even after double and triple checking the tightness of the rear sensor mounting bracket. And the most recent complaint involves the rear wheel magnet. Lately the magnet does not want to stay attached to the flat spokes of the Vector Comps. Also, the computer head unit seems to have a little trouble maintaining contact with the mounting bracket causing the unit to quit functioning until I apply some "fine tuning." (a.k.a. smacking the unit to regain contact) One additional note........I contacted the folks at Cateye and explained my problems and the spokesperson insisted it was a installation error but was told they were sending me a new installation kit free of charge. This was weeks ago and I have yet to see ANY kit. If you are looking for a good cycling computer I would check out some other brands first.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christopher Paton
a Racer
from Edinburgh, Scotland Date Reviewed: August 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Roadie: Any quiet road...
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
[Came with bike, second-hand]
Strengths:
Cadence, good manual, rear speed sensor
Weaknesses:
Trouble with sensor, rain!
Bike Setup:
Peugeot Competition 300
Bottom Line:
The Astrale is a simple, easy to use computer which I would highly recommend, especially to first-roadies. The fact it uses a rear wheel sensor makes it good for using on a turbo, although there are problems: The lack of waterproofing results in an incorrect speed reading in poor weather, and additionally the sensor needs to be very close to the magnet to work - just a small misalignment results in no speed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Listerman
a
from Edgewood Kentucky Date Reviewed: August 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
I'm a roadie...don't need no stinkin' trails!
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
All the functions you will ever need
Weaknesses:
Doesn't work in the rain. Wires are flimsy - that's why Cateye makes a replacement harness kit. I've replaced my wires onc
Similar Products Used:
Several others...
Bike Setup:
Colnago Ti, Campy Record 10sp, Speeddreams
Bottom Line:
Great functions when it works. Forget it when it gets wet. The wiring harnes is flimsy - it will break on you eventually. (replacement:$20). For the price, its' a good deal becuase I try not to ride in the rain. Would I buy another one?? Probably not due to the 'rain' problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wayne Bird
a Weekend Warrior
from Loveland, CO USA Date Reviewed: August 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
Easy read display, cadence, very long battery life
Weaknesses:
Clock stopped keeping accurate time after 5 yrs of use, replaced tape to secure wires with tie-wraps
Similar Products Used:
Cateye Solar
Bike Setup:
Mongoose Hilltopper SX, City Slicker road tires
Bottom Line:
An excellent computer. The cadence function is very nice to have. It's a nice compact unit. I'm purchasing a new road bike and debating whether I put on an Astrale or Flight Deck. It's hard to change from something that has worked so well for 5 years. I've had no problem with the wires being too thin. Anyone looking for a quality computer with cadence will surely find this to be the one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Staten Island, NY USA Date Reviewed: August 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hartshorne
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Peddler
Strengths:
CADENCE
Weaknesses:
A little tricky to install and align properly, the wire is a little on the flimsy side.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Univega hardtail, Marzocchi XC 600 fork
Bottom Line:
Cadance in a unit that costs less than $50.00!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis, MO Date Reviewed: July 6, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Touring Cyclist
Strengths:
Cadence, and rear mounted. Auto stop/start while on rides.
Weaknesses:
Cables are way to thin hold up to any kind of trials of the road. They need to use ties instead of tape to hold on the wires.
Similar Products Used:
Cateye Micro, Avocet 30
Bike Setup:
Giant road bike.
Bottom Line:
I mainly use it for training while inside, but when I take it outside it works sometimes. The sensor in the back came off the bracket and I have had to readjust it ocassionally. It would change speeds, (ex. 20 mph - 7 mph while going at 20 mph). I have had to replace the harness due to the cheap design for the wires. It needs to be much thicker and be able to handle the rough terrains of the road and weather. I haven't had any problems with the display going out, but haven't worked with it in the rain yet. It is good for using inside for training due to nothing else interfering with the ride.
I wouldn't hesitate buying a Cateye again. They are a great computer, but needs a little help.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
maverick
a
from m'sia Date Reviewed: May 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
1. cadence 2. dual display for easy reading
Weaknesses:
1. not waterproof 2. difficult to install
Similar Products Used:
cateye vectra
Bike Setup:
steel with shimano
Bottom Line:
works well when dry. lousy in rain, mine died regularly. can never fix the problem unless you place a baggy to cover the unit.
overall: good features but poor rain performance
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
The Slack Ass
a Weekend Warrior
from Dundas, Ontario Date Reviewed: May 4, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
The cadence feature is great if you're doing any real training, it has essentially all the features I need
Weaknesses:
Extremely cheap wire...it's weak and it's only a matter of time before it breaks. The sensors are very finicky, the magnet has to be very close or it doesn't work.
Similar Products Used:
Sigma Targa (for my mountain bike...nice thick wire, but no cadence)
Bike Setup:
F.Moser frame, Ultegra grouppo, Syntace aerobars w/shimano bar end shifters, mavic wheels
Bottom Line:
It was on my bike when I bought it, but seems like a bit of a hassle to set up if you had to. Once it's on, it seems to do the jo though. I don't know how it will handle in the long run, as I haven't had it very long. I give it 5 value chili's because it's got all the functions you need for relatively cheap, and 4 overall chili's because of the uber-cheap wiring.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Racer
from Dallas,Texas Date Reviewed: April 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
All of Them
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
I like the cadence feature of this computer because I use primarily for indoor training.
Weaknesses:
The cadence and speed functions go haywire when I drip sweat or I doing intervals on the trainer. I think because of the location of the pickups being in the rear they could be picking interference from the magnetic resistance of the trainer??? Anybody else have this problem???
Similar Products Used:
Vetta, Sigma Sport, Mity 3
Bike Setup:
2001 Trek 5900 full Dura Ace and Zipp 303 tubulars
Bottom Line:
Cateye has always made reliable products. I'm currently using their CS-1000 computer trainer which gives me all the info I need including power output and all I really use the Astrale for is the cadence feature. So it really sucks when that goes haywire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred
a Racer
from Kent, WA, USA Date Reviewed: March 26, 2001
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Center Cycle in Renton, WA
Strengths:
One of few cyclometers that has Cadence. Uses less energy so battery seems to last forever so you're not constantly changing it and loosing your data. It's durable. I've dropped the computer several times and it just keeps on ticking.
Weaknesses:
Set-up. You need a little patience. But have a lbs do it for you.
Similar Products Used:
Avocet.
Bike Setup:
2001 Litespeed Tuscany, durace, velomax ascent wheels, ritchey wcs bar/stem, look hsc 3 carbon fork, ti seat post.
Bottom Line:
If you want something reliable and that works, buy this computer. I have three of them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard Seaton
a Racer
from Bowling Green,Ky Date Reviewed: March 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$36.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Love the cadence feature,auto start/stop don't haye to remember to turn it on, large display. Lithium battery last about 2 years.
Weaknesses:
A little dificult to wire, but just take your time you only have to do it once, so make it neat. A pace arrow function would be nice. Speed sensor is a little finicky, needs to be real close to the magnent.
It's a full feature computer, programs about like the rest out there. I recently replaced it with a MSC 3DX Cateye heartrate monitor, only for the dowloading features and the heart rate monitor. NIce computer but ahe pace arrow would be appreciated. I'd buy one again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dean
a
from Monclova, OH Date Reviewed: March 20, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Perfomance & LBS
Strengths:
Cateye support. Ease of use. Functions.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Various Vetta models
Bike Setup:
Landshark w/Chorus 10. Open pro w/Chorus hubs
Bottom Line:
Great computer and customer support from Cateye. I just purchased my second Astrale for my new bike. The clip that holds the computer in the bracket was broke. I called Cateye and they are sending a new one. The computer has held up for 2 years with no problems. Have one on each road bike and would buy another.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shad
a Weekend Warrior
from West Point Date Reviewed: February 16, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Bike Setup:
Tri bike
Bottom Line:
I've been using this thing indoors on my rollers and have had a heck of a time. When I drip sweat on it, the speed starts to go wacky oscillating from one speed to another about every 2 seconds. It only happens when I drip sweat on it though. When I stop and take the computer off of the mount it's just a pool of sweat. I gotta believe that's what's causing the interference. Basically, the thing is worthless after about 15 minutes of riding. I think others have had a similar experience. Maybe this will go away when I get outside and the sweat blows back off the handlebars but until then I can't give this a good rating. Anybody have any suggestions about preventing this? Somebody recommended a baggy. Can you see through this?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Acworth, GA USA Date Reviewed: December 1, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Cadence on a budget
Weaknesses:
Stock wire tape is cheap Wire seems thin and flimsy Display could be larger
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
GT Saddleback Mountain Bike
Bottom Line:
An excellent computer for the money. It's on my mountain bike, but I don't take it off-road much. It also works well when on the trainer. My LBS did the installation, but I had to reprogram it when I changed wheels. I'm a computer programmer, so the programming didn't seem tough to me. However, I did scratch the case, making it harder to read when I had the bike upside down to change the wheels. The cadence sensor seems to get "outta whack" with some frequency, but nothing a little adjustment won't fix. I also did some extra wire taping with some reflective tape. I heartily recommend this computer, but buy it from your LBS and have them install it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee
a Cross Country Rider
from Sterling, VA Date Reviewed: September 22, 2000
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
LBS and Nashbar
Strengths:
Cadence, easy to read display and auto on/off.
Weaknesses:
Not good in rain, but if you cover it with plastic wrap and a rubber band, problem solved. Clear tape ties suck, give us a few zip-ties boys.
Similar Products Used:
Cateye Enduro
Bike Setup:
2001 Cannondale Jekyl 3000SX
Bottom Line:
When I saw the overall rating on this computer I was shocked then realized people are putting this on a mountain bike and expecting it to last. This computer is not designed to go on your mountain bike, it is a road computer, thus the flimsy wires. I use it on my mountain bike beacause of its rear wheel installation. My Lefty fork is computer unfriendly. I have 2 road bikes both equipped with Astrales and they have worked flawlessly, except for rainy days(see above). Try the Cateye Enduro, it's got beefier wires and sets up in ten minutes on the fork but you lose the cadence option.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Harpe
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, Colorado, USA Date Reviewed: August 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Walker
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Cadence, price, overall function. Unlike other reviewers I have had no problems with this puter aside from the timely installation. As for other ppls problems with the puter, well it really depends a whole lot on the quality of the installation and were you place the sensors.
Weaknesses:
installation and the weak "sticker type wire mounts".
Similar Products Used:
avocet
Bike Setup:
Trek 7000
Bottom Line:
This puter is great for the money and can function well on a mtb if installed well. I beat the crap out of my bike on a regualar basis on some of the most gnarly trails in the US of A and I have yet to have a single problem with its function or durability. There is the remote possibility that it could die in the line of duty but mine has not. Cateye makes em the right way! Oh yeah, I have gotten many speeds over the 45 mph mark and mine works just fine over that speed. I recomend this puter if you have what it takes to install it. I have yet to use it in the rain, but it has held up to several bike washings and still functions. There is none better out there for the $ with the functions it has. I give it only 4 flamin turds on overall just for the timely installation and cheap wire thingys.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Toby
a Weekend Warrior
from DesMoines,IA Date Reviewed: July 6, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Full featured
Weaknesses:
Contacts susceptible to water. Flimsy wire harness & sensors. Spring contacts on mount weaken if computer left in place on mount for long periods.
Similar Products Used:
Echowell J12
Bike Setup:
Okay, but lots of wire.
Bottom Line:
I've tried two different samples of this computer, with the same experience each time. It works fine for awhile, with a nice display, but after some rain and hard use it gets flaky. Speed drops to 0, e.g. requiring wriggling the computer in the mount, drying/cleaning contacts, etc. I wish someone would charge me $10 more for something bulletproof..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shane
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA, USA Date Reviewed: April 25, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
cadence price
Weaknesses:
poor rain performance
Bottom Line:
Good computer. Good features. Cadence is very nice, especially for the price. HOWEVER, in addition to somewhat tedious set-up(which isn't too big a deal, it just takes a bit more time), mine died in the rain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, ON, Canada Date Reviewed: March 27, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Cadence works great, many features.
Weaknesses:
Impossible to get the time of day on it. The sensors slide out of place on the bike frame, especially the one for cadence. Too much wire & soft/weak wire.
Similar Products Used:
Cateye C20
Bottom Line:
Good product if you want cadence for your road training. Once you hit the trails the sensors are going to be all out of alignment. The only once for a reasonable price with cadence, something I will not go without for on road training after trying it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark kidd
a Racer
from London Date Reviewed: February 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Yorkshire Dales
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Cadence, seems pretty accurate
Weaknesses:
Wires, wires wires. Set up
Similar Products Used:
Trek
Bike Setup:
Reynolds 653 with Campag Veloce/Athena
Bottom Line:
As a roadie, I would feel that cadance is a bit more important than mbring, where it is difficult to maintain a steady rhythm on an undulating trail. It's a pity that the display is so small then, making it difficult to assess cadence as well as speed at the same time.
The worst thing is the wiring - they must have provided enough with the thing to wire up a bike set up for an 8 foot's giant with a long wheel base recumbent. I'm all for all inclusive products which cater for the whole cycling market, but I suppose there is a limit when you see more wiring wrapped around your bike than you see bike frame.
Still, it was nice to realise that I was doing about 110rpm around the cranks. I've tried to push higher gears to get it down to about 90 (I'm at about 105 now) but maybe I've got weakling's legs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick
a Weekend Warrior
from Lubbock, TX, USA Date Reviewed: February 5, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
The computer has a good display, and the buttons that you use are nice, big, and easy to hit. It has cadence.
Weaknesses:
Just about everything else. The wires are weak, the setup is fairly tedious, the strips they expect you to use to hold the wires down are laughable.
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Moab MTB
Bottom Line:
I bought this product strictly because the computer used the back wheel to record your speed. I did that so i could use this computer with my indoor trainer. It is obvious that Cateye has the right idea, but they need to make the product more stable. I actually take the sensors and computer off when i go MTB riding (which is tough), cause i am afraid to loose the peices that came with it. I would not recommend this product to any mountain bike rider. It just won't hold up. I am gonna switch this one over to my wife's bicycle, she isn't as hard on her equipment as I am, and maybe it will last longer!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario Date Reviewed: December 1, 1999
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
great user interface, made a nice gift (that's how I got it)
Weaknesses:
NOT for mountain biking! The wires are exposed and flimsy. The fact that you have to route the computer down to the back wheel adds a lot of headaches, and forget about cleaning your bike once this thing is installed.
Similar Products Used:
Vetta
Bottom Line:
good computer for bike touring (off-road too), not good for hard off-road riding.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
archie
a Cross-Country Rider
from broussard Date Reviewed: June 17, 1999
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
awsome quick reading accrate
Weaknesses:
few
Similar Products Used:
c20 trek radar
Bike Setup:
c'dale judy dh
Bottom Line:
get one or two its great
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glenn
a Weekend Warrior
from Burnaby, BC Date Reviewed: May 16, 1999
Favorite Trail:
SFU
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Cadence on a budget, easy to use
Weaknesses:
sensor locations, attachment tape
Similar Products Used:
Vetta C15
Bottom Line:
This puppy packs a lot of features for the buck. The sensitivity is much better than my old Vetta C15, and the speedo registers even when I'm walking my bike. My Vetta was still going strong, but it only had a single display. Dual display is a MUST if you're interested in more than one function. The sensor is more fiddly than my old Vetta, but if you tighten it good it will stay in place. Just make sure the notch lines up with the magnet and they pass within 1mm of each other. The clear strips they supply to attach the wiring are a joke as they show it. Run the strips across the wires and maybe it'll stick, but the instructions show it parallel. Anyone know how to program the odo? The box says it has odo memory function - does this mean it saves the reading or you reprogram it after changing batteries?
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
9Gturns
a racer
from Utah Date Reviewed: January 4, 1999
Bottom Line:
I don't know why people are complaining about the wiring on these outstanding computers. Between my seven bikes I've got five Astales and before I settled on the Astrale I had tried just about everything else out there. If you tack the wiring down well with plastic ties they should last a long very long time. All of mine have their original wires including the ones I bought years ago. Outstanding product. Cateye rarely gets it wrong.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don
a cross-country rider
from Tucson, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: September 9, 1998
Bottom Line:
Like everyone else, I like the electronics of the Astrale and Cateyes in general. I have had Mity2's, the Enduro and other older models in addition to the Astrale. Got it for my road bike figuring the cadence was important. The problem with all Cateyes (except the Enduro, so far) is that the wiring harness wears out, and like one guy said above, they're awful to try to re-solder. The new mounting kit costs $22.99 from Performance, and the whole kit with computer was about $30 from Nashbar. Why? And why bother? If I could figure out a way to make the Enduro harness fit the Astrale I would, but I won't be buying another Astrale or an Astrale mounting kit as it stands now. The harnesses self-destruct- even on a road bike!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eboos
a racer
from Santiago, Chile Date Reviewed: August 15, 1998
Bottom Line:
I hated this thing. I only had it on my bike for about 2 weeks, then it went to the parts bin. The set up was a pain in the rump. Those things that they laughingly call sensors could not sense a thing. Rear mounted and too much wiring. On the plus side, the cadence did work.Get a Polar X-Trainer Plus with a cadence sensor. It costs a butt load, but it has everything you need in a HRM and cycling computer.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a cross-country rider
from Ontario Date Reviewed: August 10, 1998
Bottom Line:
For road use this computer behaved exceptionally well. However, once the terrain changed from asphalt to dirt, logs and rocks, performance went down the tubes. First the sensors managed to be knocked out their effective positions, no big deal, but when my cadence sensor stopped working and I took the time to find out why (after the ride) I noticed that it was gone, no where to be found. At this point I took off the computer and all of its little peices except one, the sensor in the spokes, two weeks later, it too was gone, apparently another casualty of central Ontario's hardwood abyss. Am I too hard on my equiptment? I don't believe so. After all, the only other thing on my bike I have managed to damage is a rim (potatoe chipped, nasty crash...) No, I think that the problem in this case is a shere lack of off road suitability, too many dangling bits to get caught on forest floor dwelling fauna, ie. sticks. Now, all of this wouldn't be that big of a deal if I could get replacement parts. When I first started losing parts, I immediately went to the local bike shop to order replacements. They placed the order right there in front of my eyes two weeks, they said. Two months later, nothing not even a sorry, these parts are no longer available. So now I have a $50 computer stashed some where in my shop, not quite sure where. I guess this brings the disappearances to an end, there's nothing else to lose. 3 stars.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dennis
a weekend warrior
from Commuting in Dallas Date Reviewed: July 7, 1998
Bottom Line:
I got an Astrale and a C-20 at the same time about a year and a half ago. I put the Astrale on my bike about two weeks before RAGBRAI. The wires didn't make it through the weeklong festival of spin. The electronics on the Astrale are solid, they offer more features than the Vetta, are faster than the Vetta, and more acurate than the Vetta. But the Vetta has more robust wires. And these wires are a real b*%#(& to solder. A replacement wire harness is available from Performance at about the same price that I paid for the whole deal from Nashbar. I need a way to protect the wires, cause even on my road bike I frequently find my self in rushing water deeper than the sensors. I would by the Astrale again, on sale
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darren
a weekend warrior
from Austin,Tx. USA Date Reviewed: May 5, 1998
Bottom Line:
Bought one due to the cadence feature, even though its for my MTB, it's been working great, except for the fact that if you go over 40mph on a downhill, it starts freeking out...it recorded a maximum speed of 98.2mph! I don't think so! I was a hero at the local bike store however. I traded it in for another one, and it does the same thing. Do they all do this?
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Air Ace
a cross-country rider
from Super Canuckville, USA Date Reviewed: April 18, 1998
Bottom Line:
Recently, I bought the Astrale for my road bike after a lot of research. It's great. All of the standard functions plus cadence for $40.00. (They've even addressed the previous problem of inputting your odometer reading after you've changed the battery).While this computer is perfectly at home on my road bike, I'd think twice before mounting it on a mountain bike, especially if you ride anything other than fire roads or smooth trails. The sensors are just too vulnerable.This is the first computer that I've used that is totally intuitive to operate. The buttons also have a great tactile feel. Overall, a great design and it's waterproof too! Highly recommended for the road.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Javi
a cross-country rider
from Virginia Date Reviewed: March 24, 1998
Bottom Line:
I bought this one about 1 year ago. It works fine and I like the cadence feature a lot. The only problem I've had was that because the sensors are mounted at the rear of the bike, on my mountain bike, I already destroyed two sensors when they got run over by some of those branches that always seem to find their way into the sprokets. I wish they could come out with something better for this.It works fine (for obvious rasons!!) on my road bike though.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a weekend warrior
from San Antonio, TX Date Reviewed: January 1, 1998
Bottom Line:
Cateye Astrale: I bought this at a great price from Nashbar about 1.5 years ago, after having problems with wireless computers. The Astrale is perfect. I have had no problems whatsoever and I recommend it to anyone. It has all of the regular cyclocomputer features, plus cadence (which I now rely on). At the price of $22, it can't be beat.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ralph
a weekend warrior
from Fair Haven, NJ Date Reviewed: January 14, 1997
Bottom Line:
Bought the Astrale model from Nasbar at a great price, $22. Can't get the speed to calculate correctly even after multiple resets. Wire tape is lame, better off with wire ties. Alot of good features, but no good to me if it's not accurate.
Overall Rating:
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