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Submitted by
Chris
a Racer
from Ft. Collins CO
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | can't remember, been a long time | | Strengths: | been working for 7 years | | Weaknesses: | ? | | Bottom Line: | I'm not sure what type of moron can't get this computer set up correctly. I've had mine mounted for 7 years without any problems. Breaking rubber bands? What are you wrapping them around? Seven years and the same bands are still mounted onmy bike. The only problem I had with set up was mounting the magnet to my Ksyrium wheelset. Had to modify the magnet to fit the flat spokes. I've never had a problem with the sensor nor picking up the magnet. Maybe you people need to take some kind of class for morons or something. Computer works great | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Monica, CA USA
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Easy Set Up, Simple to Use | | Weaknesses: | Rubber bands! Unrealiable | | Similar Products Used: | Cat Eye, Vetta | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Big Sur Hardtail | | Bottom Line: | Piece of *^$#! Don't waste your time. Completely unreliable sensor. Many times i would hit a tiny bump and would have to stop to readjust the sensor. It just decided to stop working on me after a few weeks of use. Also, the rubber bands are ridiculous. I had one snap on me a day after i put it on. You get what you pay for don't bother with this thing. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeep_Nut
a Cross Country Rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Functional bike computer that hasn't broken off my handlebars after crashes. | | Weaknesses: | The little magnet on the spoke does need to be properly in place for the sensor to pick it up. I reset my computer and check the mag before each ride. | | Similar Products Used: | Jeez...it has been a while but I tried a Specialized, a Cat Eye and a few others quite a few years ago. | | Bike Setup: | The bike this is on is a 2001 Chameleon built w/XTR. | | Bottom Line: | I do not ask much from my computers, current speed, max speed (for downhill runs), distance and a clock.
What I like about my 800 (which is quite a few years old) is the computer saddle and the sensor mount are both held on with big O rings. I wreck, hey it happens. All of my other computers died in a wreck, usually the computer got ripped off the mount when the handlebars made contact with the earth. One time my knee followed into the bar after the computer came off, giving me a huge gash.
When it comes time to buy another computer, if Sigma still uses the same O ring idea, I will go with Sigma.
I rate the Value at 5 because it was cheap and has lasted a long time and the overall at 4 because of the poor magnet mount idea. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from College Park, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Easy to mount with rubber bands, large size speed indicator | | Weaknesses: | Sensor is really underpowered and moving it by even 1 mm may cause the computer to not detect anything at all, no average speed mode (RRGHGH!), no start/stop button | | Similar Products Used: | DB 4LW wireless computer | | Bike Setup: | Trek hybrid | | Bottom Line: | The cheapest computer REI had for sale. It works reliably once you set it up right, but has no average speed mode, which bugs me a lot, since what I'm usually interested in is making sure I'm keeping up a good pace.
I used to use a DB 4LW wireless computer on my mountain bike, got it for $25 at performance. This was a much better choice: large font 4-line display and much less finicky sensor. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adik
a Cross Country Rider
from Moscow, Russia
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Strengths: | BIG digits of speed indicator. The biggest speed idication I've seen yet on cycling computers. | | Weaknesses: | Extremenly unreliable cadence detector (the part on your fork that detects the magnet on your spikes). Magnet doesn't fix dead on the spokes. Computer post is weak, esecially on new generation of Sigma computers. | | Similar Products Used: | CatEye Velo8 | | Bike Setup: | Transmission - Alivio
Hubs - XT
Rapidfire - Acera | | Bottom Line: | The only thing that makes me use Sigma BC800 is the biggest size of speed indication digits of all cycling computers. The most unreliable part is surely cadence detector. It can go out of action upredictabely. It can be a really big problem when you're on a bike travel abroad, because sometimes carefull navigation is a question if not of life and death, then at least of comfort for the nearest night.
A small relief is that Sigma sells Repair Kits for computers, which contain cadence detector (5$). So you've got to carry one spare detector with you all the time.
Another weak moment - the magnet is fixed flexible on the spokes, that's why if something hits your wheel, your magnet can move from the right place and the computer won't operate. You'll have to stop and restore the position of the magnet.
Finally, those new posts for computers (square, with round jack for the computer) are very weak. That square plastic thing just rips off the part, which holds the rubber.
To summ it up, Sigma BC800 will only be useful for those, who need big-scale indication. Otherwise, buy CatEye. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | Ted's Bicycles | | Strengths: | Flashy, yet simple design
Easily readible display
All the simplistic features you need | | Weaknesses: | Docking station on the bike is reliable, just have concerns for the future
Rubber-band (more like o-ring) fasteners | | Similar Products Used: | Bell Speedometer (from Wal*Mart) | | Bike Setup: | Diamondback Coil '04
Stock everything | | Bottom Line: | My first impression of this computer was good. I enjoy the simple design and ease of use when riding. Very easy to reset the travel distance, time traveled, etc.
I've been looking for a simple computer like this for weeks, and Sigma has provided just the thing I need. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a
from Dresden
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$15.00 | | Strengths: | good computer for it's price; excellent readability; buttons work; twistlock is the best attachment mechanism I know | | Weaknesses: | no average speed!?! | | Bike Setup: | CUBE LTD1 | | Bottom Line: | I basically write these line because I got excellent support by Sigma when the wire was (internally) broken. They sent a new socket without any hassle. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vic
a Cross Country Rider
from Moscow, Russia
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Strengths: | Decent machine for its price, most the functions needed are here. | | Weaknesses: | Hard to mount on RockShox forks (need to slide almost all the way down). No avg speed, lacks stopwatch, no gear indicator... but, hey, for just $20 it rocks. | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano FlightDeck | | Bike Setup: | GT Avalanche 1.0, XT, LX, blah-blah-blah... | | Bottom Line: | Nice thing. Compared with FlightDeck it lacks avg speed, stopwatch and controls are not that comfortable, but, man, its 1/5 of the FlightDeck's price. What really sucks is sensor setup, it has poor compatibility with different forks.
Anyhow, nice value. Have enough bucks for FLightDeck, go for it. Less - try upper Sigma models. No need for stopwatch and advanced functions - go for that one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Racer
from Arlington, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | any fast singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Cheap, no tools required for installation!!! Easy to use and set up. Can mount on stem to save space on handlebars (screwdriver required). Lightweight magnet, great for road racing. | | Weaknesses: | Magnet can rotate on spokes when you brush against it. I replaced magnet with one that is held in place by a screw. No average speed. | | Similar Products Used: | cateye, avocet, vetta | | Bike Setup: | Yeti mtb, Cannondale road bike, Barracuda mtb (for commuting) | | Bottom Line: | Easy to set up and use! Holds up well, several rides/races in mud/light rain/snow with no problems. Computer twists off instead of pushing straight on, so much less chance of accidentally bumping it loose (lost my Vetta this way). On carbon fiber road bike forks it can be tough to fit sensor and magnet between fork and spokes -- buy a rear-wheel cyclometer instead or use wireless kit. *** TIP - on mtb forks you need to use two of the mounting bands to hold it on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tongue
a Cross Country Rider
from Schweinfurt, Germany
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Höchberg | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$13.00 | | Purchased At: | Schauer | | Strengths: | Simple to instal, Customer Support, Size, easy to read and figure out, double sided tape on mount and sensor. Haven't had any problems with the wire even after bushes and crash. | | Weaknesses: | O-ring for front fork is a little small. Broke the first one in a week (stretched it too much). Went back to the place i bought it and they gave me a couple free of charge. Needs larger o-ring to compensate for front shocks. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | 99' Iron Horse G-out | | Bottom Line: | Good product bought because it was inexpensive and had all of the functions I wanted for a bike Computer. No problems with autostart or stop. Computer stays on a little bit longer than I want it to after I get done riding, but no big deal. Then button to change the functions also pushes a little bit harder than I like. I would recommend it to anyone who has never bought a computer and would like something that is simple to instal and use. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Almoe
a Weekend Warrior
from Encinitas CA
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | road=Elfin Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$15.00 | | Purchased At: | Nytro | | Strengths: | Simplicity compared to other computers. Value. Good basic info for the money. Have had no real problems with the rubber band straps - easy to remove base/fork unit for cleaning. | | Weaknesses: | Would recommend only for Roadies. I wouldn't put it on my mtn bike. Sensor can pop loose at times. | | Similar Products Used: | Vetta wireless that died in 2 weeks, Cateye. | | Bike Setup: | road = Klein Quantum Race | | Bottom Line: | Decent basic unit with few problems. Great value for the money. Don't have to pull out the manual too often. Over 4k miles on it and still ticking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank
a Weekend Warrior
from San Luis Obispo California
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$15.00 | | Purchased At: | nashbar | | Strengths: | The computer worked. | | Weaknesses: | RUBBER BANDS TO HOLD IT ON??!!! You've got to be kidding. The fork sensor is held in by gravity and of course, a rubber band. The release button is so light you can't tell when you've unclipped the computer. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Blur with nice stuff | | Bottom Line: | When I got it I thought it was a joke. Yeah, I'm going mountain biking with a component that is held on by rubber bands. So I zipp tied what I could and hoped for the best. Well at the end of the second ride the computer was gone. Probably lost it while portaging over a creek. This computer is a waste of time and money. They're cheap for a reason. Don't bother. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alden
a Cross Country Rider
from Hinsdale, IL
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$18.00 | | Purchased At: | where it's cheapest! | | Strengths: | I have several of the BC800's and Targas on my bikes. I have had a water logged problem after getting poured on while touring. The computer did condensate. Had a few problems with the wireless set up too, but all of these problems were easily and quickly fixed by Sigma's customer service dept. They have awesome support and stand by their products. I got rid of my very expensive Flight deck cuz I could not stand it stopping all the calculations if you bumped the button on the shifter. The mounting systems is great! MTB will have problems with the rubber band type straps but for roadie's this is super!
| | Weaknesses: | Like any computer, these too will have a few problems. | | Similar Products Used: | Avocet, Flight Deck, Cateye, Trek, Axiom, & Vetta. | | Bike Setup: | Trek 5500, Fondriest, Bike Friday, Trek R-200, Trek Fuel 100 | | Bottom Line: | You will not find any better customer service in this industry than Sigma! Look for the new RDS wireless coming out - very cool! If you can find it on sale all the better. Found the wireless set-up at Performance for $12.99. A while back Performance had the RCS wireless set-up and BC800 for $27.99 - what a deal! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Weekend Warrior
from Oak Lawn, IL USA
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Swallow Cliff and Maple Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$23.00 | | Purchased At: | Evergreen Park Schwinn | | Strengths: | Can't say there are any. | | Weaknesses: | Lots... Oh-where to begin? Ok, the rubber strapes. They could of had made better ones... Also, I went on a ride... it worked perfectly fine. The next weekend, I went for another ride. It did not work. I checked out the battery. perfectly fine. Never worked again. I am very disapointed, especially after all the revies friends/people gave me. | | Similar Products Used: | Cateye | | Bike Setup: | Gaint: Yukon, stock | | Bottom Line: | I'm not sure wether to say buy it or not. I cant say much more than, it wouldnt work, even w/ a new battery. So, if u decide to purchase one, good luck! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$47.00 | | Purchased At: | W&S | | Strengths: | Fast install (20 min), Easy set-up and program, Wireless, Removes from base easily. Auto start and stop works perfect. Very accurate, and easy to read display. | | Weaknesses: | I was a bit nervous about the tie wraps for the receiver base mount, and thought I would at the very least have to replace with a set having a metal pawl. I haven't needed to yet.
The rubber band mount design for the sender is shameful.
I used this installation technique for the initial set-up, and then secured it properly with two 5/16" wide nylon tie wraps with metal pawls. Seemed to do the trick, it no longer moves or vibrates. I do plan a more serious fix this winter. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Trek 4900 base with a few updates | | Bottom Line: | Excellent product.
I really put it through some wicked rooted and rocky downhill trails in northern WI, and it never skipped a beat. Its a hard tail bike, so this unit can take a real pounding without failing (so far).
I have the distance from the magnet to the sender at about 3/16" with no problems. Sometimes the base slides about the bars while re-installing the computer (those darn tie wraps!), but it continues to work fine, so its not very fussy on mounting position.
Bottom line: I am very pleased with it so far, and would buy it again. Just note the mounting issues and simple fix.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Weekend Warrior
from greenville,sc
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Tour de dump(southside park) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepoint | | Strengths: | inexpensive | | Weaknesses: | functions poorly, very weak system to hold computer onto handlebar | | Similar Products Used: | cat eye wireless | | Bike Setup: | Jamis Dakar comp, Marzocchi z3, Avid disc brakes | | Bottom Line: | I have 2 major complaints with this computer. I bought the Sigma BC 800 with the wireless upgrade kit. The computer itself probably works fine, but the wireless system never worked properly. It fit easily onto my bike but despite all efforts, it would only receive transmission intermittently(yes the battery was ok and all angles and distances were within range). In fact, i took everything off the bike and placed the transmitter and sensor next to each other and still could only get it to sense the wheel/spoke magnet occassionally.
Also, the thin cable ties that hold the receiver and computer to the handlebar broke before I ever even made it to the trail! This alone would prevent me from ever recommending this product even if it functioned properly.
Buy a Cateye wireless. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ric
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Walnut Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle360 | | Strengths: | Simplicity. For the price you got what you really need. | | Weaknesses: | Rubber mounts | | Bike Setup: | K2 Attact 3.0. Factory no modofications. | | Bottom Line: | I like this bikecomp but the problem is its auto/start/stop never worked. Its always on since I got it. I'm ready to toss it back to the store as soon as I can. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Mallardi
a Weekend Warrior
from Tampa
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Simplicity!
Customer Service
Accurate and easy to use
Chi Chi of wireless set up | | Weaknesses: | Finicky sensor/magnet set up.
Buttons on display make clicking noise over bumps.
A bit too delicate for hard off road riding.
Rubber Bands?!?!?!?!? | | Similar Products Used: | Avocet
Cat Eye | | Bike Setup: | GT i-drive team.
All XTR | | Bottom Line: | When I purchased this wireless comp. it was the only wireless unit that did auto start/stop.
Set up was easy but soon found that the clearance between the magnet and the sensor has to be VERY close to get a signal. Have to readjust sensor everytime I take wheel off or hit a HARD bump. Overall I would do a wired unit next time.
Sigma Sport has the BEST customer service I have experienced in the bike business.
This would be a great product for roadies...less so for downhillers..and about right for XC.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave winter
a Racer
from london, united kingdom
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$19.00 | | Purchased At: | mail order | | Strengths: | I had the wired version first and i hated it, all those loose wires mad me very nervous. Now I have the upgraded wired version and I love it, it is small, light, easy to set up and very easy to understand. | | Weaknesses: | Wouldn't buy the wired version, wires a weak and will break. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Giant OCR2 ext pro bars. | | Bottom Line: | If u spend that little extra on the wireless, a flawless product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William Brave
a Weekend Warrior
from Spain
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | everyone with no asphalt on it | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | Decathlon | | Strengths: | Easy to read
No wires to break
Price | | Weaknesses: | Very difficult to find the accurate spot around the fork for the sensor
The rubber strip that supports the sensor breaks easily under the strain of the wide forks of mountain bikes (one month in my case) and was told by the dealer that that particular issue wasn't covered by the guarantee.
Do the factory mounts uncharged batteries? When riding with cool weather (0ºC or so) on shadowy hills it doesn't work (it displays crazy speed or no speed)??? | | Similar Products Used: | Cateye miti 2 | | Bike Setup: | Scott Boulder stock except pedals (Shimano M-747) | | Bottom Line: | Good price for a product that could be great solutioning a couple of little problems like unsecure instalation of the sensor and the 2nd hand batteries that it seems to bring from factory | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee Kreutz
a Cross Country Rider
from Savannah GA U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsali | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$18.00 | | Purchased At: | Qualily Bike, Savannah | | Strengths: | Reliable, accurate and easy to use. | | Weaknesses: | Accessories may not hold up to hard riding. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Specialized FSR | | Bottom Line: | I have had this computer for over 3 years. It is very durable and dependable. The display is very easy to read and instantly lets you know if you are above or below your average speed. I broke the wire mount and upgraded to a wireless mount. The wireless transmitter broke after 7 months. I contacted Sigma customer support via E-mail to accquire replacement parts. They asked me to return it to them, which I did. I received not only a new wireless system but also a new wire mount as well! Great customer support and affordable price make the BC800 a great choice for any type of rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anders Eliasson
a Cross Country Rider
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Strengths: | Washing machine proof and I suppose also waterproof. Easy to use. | | Weaknesses: | Not so easy setup on your bike. | | Bike Setup: | GT Aggressor 1.0, stock. | | Bottom Line: | It's definitely waterproof, mine has just been travelling around in the washing machine for half an hour, works properly and is very clean. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Racer
from Cincinnati, OH USA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | KY 10 & 22 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$23.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bicycle | | Strengths: | This thing is sweet! It has been on my bike for 3 years, rain, washing, racing, original batteries, no problems. It has good top speed capability (saw 156.7 this weekend)! | | Weaknesses: | Wires a little thin. I had worn through outer sheathing once due to continual rubbing. I put a layer of heat shrink over the spot and problem solved. I'd like to be able to reset each of the values individually, but that is available on their higher models (BC1200/1400). | | Similar Products Used: | None - first chioce was this one due to recommendation and price. | | Bike Setup: | 93 CBR900RR, TBR full pipe | | Bottom Line: | I am totally impressed with the ease of use and the accuracy of this Sigma product. I have had this on my bike for about 8000 miles and vibration, moisture and a really good high-side have not affected it at all. I just ordered a BC1400 to put on my Giant Rainier SE (due to individual value reset capability). I bought a different brand for my son's birthday bike (last minute purchase)and bought what was available - I should have given him a raincheck for a Sigma. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Downhiller
from Augusta
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Canal | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | Andy Jordans | | Strengths: | NONE | | Weaknesses: | EVERYTHING | | Bike Setup: | Giant Rainier SE different tires | | Bottom Line: | This product sucks. If you mountain bike at all DO NOT BUY IT. It mounts with a rubber band, and two whimp wire ties for the computer mount.
Functions well but not worth a damn if you do any type of bike riding. I took it and threw it on the counter at the store and said TRASH CAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Campbell
a Cross Country Rider
from Cleveland, Ohio
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Oho Canal Towpath | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | Tim's Cycle, Middleburg Hts. Ohio | | Strengths: | It is very easy to operate and to view---big, large numbers and only two large buttons. | | Weaknesses: | None so far---although after reading other reviews, I don't understand how some people would have such serious problems with the BC 800. I do wish that I would have purchased one with a cadence on it. However, I have been very satisfied with the BC 800. | | Similar Products Used: | A Cateye on another Bike that I have sold. | | Bike Setup: | I use it on a modified Raleigh C200. I usually put at least 100-120 miles a weeek on the bike. | | Bottom Line: | Very good---it has all of the things that I need---except for the cadence. Other than that, it is very eay to operate and to install. I use it almost daily and have had no problems with it. It would be a perfect cycle computer for somebody who wants a large, easy-to-read dial and just the basic system requirements. If you are into really flashy computers, this isn't for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ruud van der Ham
a Weekend Warrior
from Rijswijk, The Netherlands
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | local dealer | | Strengths: | No frills: just the functions you want.
Standard accessories for the complete Sigma line. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Cateye | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale F600 (CAAD3 frame) MTB | | Bottom Line: | This is just one of those plain vanilla products that really works and has no frills. It does just what you want it to do and it does that perfectly.
With the optional radio link, it even prevents wiring.
All accessories are *really* cheap and standard for the complete Sigma line. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ethan
a Cross Country Rider
from New York
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | $20 bucks and it's yours ;-P | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Some mail order company | | Strengths: | Easy to install/use, provides useful info, the best customer service ever! | | Weaknesses: | I have good hands and half a brain, so this product has no weaknesses! | | Similar Products Used: | SuperGo cycle computer | | Bike Setup: | Klein Mantra with all the necessary goodies. | | Bottom Line: | I've used this little gizmo on my motorcycle for a year, on my older bike for 9 months and my current ride for about 4 months. No problems setting it up on any of them. When I had a problem that I caused, I contacted customer service to get advice as to where I can find a replacement part. Instead of getting info, they send me the needed part. This is by far superb customer service. To anyone that tries this item and has a problem with it, as some people had (read a few of the older reviews), let Sigma make it right. Nobody's perfect, but they've got me for life simply because they care. Just give them the chance! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Mtn Home Idaho
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | Georges cycle and fitness | | Strengths: | easy displays and very easy to install | | Weaknesses: | no pace setter | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Big Sur | | Bottom Line: | Let me tell you about customer service. I bought this computer from a bike shop 60 miles away. The next day I installed it on my bike and the computer had a faulty set button. I wasn' wanting to make the 120 mile round trip back to the bike shop so I called sigma sports and talked to a lady on the phone. She trouble shooted with me and she also said I had a faulty button and suggested that I either return it to the bike shop or mail it in for a replacement. I told her there was one problem. I am a cop and need this damm thing on the bike the next day for work. She said no proplem we will overnite it. I thought ya right no company really cares anymore and would never do this for a 45.00 computer for a bike. Well folks I am here to tell you at 11:00 UPS was at my door step with a small box from Sigma Sports. This is the type of Customer Service I would have never thought was possible. I suggest any of the models from Sigma Sports that will work for what you need, I will never think about buying from another company so long this Sigma Sports is around...
Great job lady from Sigma Sports you have a customer for life................. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bloke
a Weekend Warrior
from Suffolk, UK
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | It's easy to use and relatively easy to set up. | | Bike Setup: | Stumpy hardtail, Cross-max, XTR bits with the standard Strongarm cranks | | Bottom Line: | Its a good computer as far as it hasn't given me any real problems to speak of. Had the thing on my bike for over a year and haven't had to replace the batteries which is a good thing. The only thing that bugs the hell out of me is a never ending rattle coming from the reciever unit. Not enough agro for me to replace the thing, just enough to keep me from buying another one when this one gives up the ghost. It was cheap and worth not having to worry about having all those freak'n cables all over my bike. If not for the rattle, I would be completely happy with it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rex
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson,AZ USA
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$24.00 | | Purchased At: | Full Cycle | | Strengths: | Has the basic functions I need and was easy to install. | | Weaknesses: | None yet. | | Bike Setup: | old heavy Schwinn | | Bottom Line: | It looks like many other reviewers aren't impressed by this unit and maybe I just got the one that is ok, but I like that it's easy to use and gives me what I need and so far has worked perfectly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin
a Weekend Warrior
from Brussels, Belgium
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | starts from my garage door | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$18.00 | | Purchased At: | Best Bike | | Strengths: | Easy to mount, easy to set up for wheel diameter, easy to use, easy to read, all the functions I want. Works in rain, too. Helped in the beginning to make me go faster to and from work each day. | | Weaknesses: | I've managed to pull the wires from the docking module three times now, just about each time I crash in fact. The repair only takes a few minutes, but you need a minuscule screwdriver. Another weakness: this thing is almost completely unnecessary - but it's fun. | | Similar Products Used: | None, this is my first gadget of this kind. | | Bike Setup: | Schwinn Moab 3 with some additional stuff. | | Bottom Line: | You will like this gadget if you this is the kind of gadget you like. It's one of those great little "toys for boys". Two women have independently told me that this is not the sort of thing women would ever want, but I like it.
Who should buy it? If you want to keep track of the progress you are making, the distance you are riding, or your top speed down that mountain (I clocked 65km/h once!) then treat yourself to a great little friend. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | every trial and any trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$10.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike and hike | | Strengths: | never failed me for the past 2 years+++ works well under any and all kinds of condition. as you people might know Singapore is a "oven". this country is so hot, any kind of computer u use will be destroyed in no time... my cateye mitty 2's screen turn black after riding for only one month. so i must say that sigma makes good stuff man | | Weaknesses: | the cord linking the computer to the sensor is slightly too thin. might break off easliy | | Similar Products Used: | cateye mitty 3, cateye komos xc, specailzed comp(this sucks big time) | | Bike Setup: | mrazek fx, blah blah blah.... | | Bottom Line: | you will never regret using this computer... probably you might wanna try their higher end model which provides more function... if you are just a leisure cyclist, this will be just nice for you... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eddey
a Racer
from Netherlands
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Strengths: | I've used this computer for about 5 years now. And it worked everytime. No problems with rain, cold or heat. Easy to use, and the display looks fine. My computer still runs on the origional battery (the manual says to replace it after approx. 2 years)!!! I used it for about 20.000 km now, and I'm very satisfied about this thing | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Recumbent | | Bottom Line: | The only thing I'm missing is a cadence function (maybe I'll buy the BC1400 in the future)
See www.sigmasports.com for more info about these computers | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jochen
a Racer
from Freiburg, Germany
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | up into the black forest | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$17.00 | | Purchased At: | local bikeshop | | Strengths: | price, big display, functionality | | Weaknesses: | no cadence kit | | Similar Products Used: | Sigma BC 500 | | Bike Setup: | older Pinarello frame, Ultegra triple, Mavic Cosmos | | Bottom Line: | Definitely a good product for road use.
I use the BC 800 on a race-bike (NOT the wireless version) and it works just fine. It is very accurate, the display is easy to read and gives all the important information. Energy consumption is also good - I'm still on my first battery.
I don't usually ride in heavy rain, but the occasional shower has not caused any problems. The o-rings still work fine after some 30 months and 10.000 km.
Yes, the instrucitons manual isn't too good, but the table of diametres is very helpful.
The only weakness is that the BC 800 has no cadence kit, but I guess I should have thought of that before buying it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darren
a
from Overland Park, Ks USA
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$39.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike.com | | Strengths: | Wireless? Computer has good display (if you can get it to function!) | | Weaknesses: | Wireless. I hooked it up and couldn't get it to work no matter what I adjusted! | | Similar Products Used: | Sigma BC 500 | | Bike Setup: | Stumpjumper M2 | | Bottom Line: | I wish I would have read these reviews before I wasted s/h buying this hunk of crap. I mounted right - didn't work. I adjusted it-didn't work. Tested transmission (lights blink on both send and rec. units when operating correctly). Both were blinking still no read out. So I boxed it up after hours of messing with it-called Bike.com and they said to return it and they'd give me a full refund. The first Sigma I had would have survived WWII - don't understand why this didn't work. Is Sigma owned by Firestone? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from MS
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | today? Backyard Bootleg | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Big display. Big buttons work with full-finger gloves. Wireless. Has the right data -- avg speed, stuff like that -- without a bunch of road-geek options. Head unit snaps into mount and is relatively secure. | | Weaknesses: | Rubber-band mount on sending unit (zip-ties fix this). Das confusingdirections wur writen not by Englishspeeking peoples. Water entry problems (warrantee fixed this). | | Similar Products Used: | Cateye a long time ago, Trek Sensors | | Bike Setup: | STP w/GripShift, C'dale road | | Bottom Line: | Everything else I've tried had wires that snapped in off-road use, or the head unit didn't lock into its mount and would go flying off at the slightest involuntary dismount. Stupid stuff that shouldn't happen on a well-built product aimed at off-road use. So two years ago I bit the bullet and bought 3 mounts and 2 heads for my two mtbs and 1 road machine. Standardization, yeah.
These Sigmas do everything I want and need, and nothing else. No wires to break, and it mostly stays on the bars. (In one bad crash, my knee hit the head and sheared off parts of the plastic snap-in mount. Oh well. Not the product's fault here.) Managed to squirt water into the thing a couple of times while washing the bike (doh!), so I opened up the battery door and let it dry out for a week. This worked the first time, but the next time the shop warranteed it (even after I'd told'em what I'd done and tried to pay for another -- good LBS). And after a year, the rubber band on the road bike's sending unit snapped, so it's now secure with zip-ties. It's easy to take off the head mount when switching bars, you just need to buy some bitty zip-ties to put it back on. That sticky tape they put under the mounts is nonsense; a little square of inner tube rubber or duct tape gives some grip whenever parts need re-installation. Finally, the sending unit's batteries need replacing every year or so.
To sum up, this cyclometer reminds me of Time pedals. Not perfect, but there are no stupid, fatal flaws that almost every similar product has. It works and keeps on working in real off-road conditions. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al Dorow
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, Wa
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | any single track | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Good looking, techy specs | | Weaknesses: | Doesn't work for me. Mount lacks flexabilty, handlebar mount lacks flexibility to move and adjust once the adhexive tape is applied to bar and the zip ties are snugged up. Poor mounting design. | | Similar Products Used: | Avocets, Cateye, Vetta and Performance owned 9 different ones all worked great | | Bike Setup: | Klein frame, king hus, raceface cranks and headset, synchros stem and seat post, avid brakes and manitou SX-ti | | Bottom Line: | See my earlier post in this section. This is a postscript. I am sorry it is no better. I guess is worse as the manufacturer sent me a new unit and said this one was good. They need to set higher standards. Previously I had sent the other unit back and got a warranty replacement. This one worked once for a couple of seconds in the shop. Believe me it wasn't easy to get it to work for those few seconds. Set and reset. I found this unit needed the sensor and the wheel magnet to be placed within 1 mm of each other to work. Not 5 mm as per the instructions. This is really a narrow gap. I found the the weight would not stay within the 1mm just wheeling the bike out to the front of the house. I cannot recommend this unit to anyone. Not only can I not get the unit to work now I do not think the mounts are very well thought out. The wireless unit is balky both at the handlebars and the fork. Also, the wheel magnet had to be slid out to the rim end of the spooke where the spoke had a larger diameter as my DT revolution spokes where to thinnext to the hub or the mid sections for the weight to grip. This hurts when you built a light wheel and you have to put the weight out at the rim where the rotational weight is felt the most. I think they put the auto on and off in the unit so you can get off and fiddle with it and not recognize how much time you spend iwth the unit. I am sorry for being so criticalof this unit but it has cost me six hours and about $50. This is not a unit you should buy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bones
a Weekend Warrior
from North Queensland, Australia
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything with lots of bumps | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Easy to install, compact unit that displays all the information you need at the touch of a button. Gives a perfect reading every time I get on the bike | | Weaknesses: | Like some of the other reviews here I'm a bit worried about the rubber O ring that attaches the transmitter to the fork but if I start having serious doubts a zip tie could probably do the job. Dosen't have an auto power off like some models so the batteries could take a pounding - mine still works strong after six months of being on though. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Avanti Montari Comp factory setup | | Bottom Line: | I was quite a novice at bike computers when I was looking to buy one and was originally going to get the Cateye Enduro 2 untill my local bike dealer suggested I go with the Sigma cordless and I'm glad I did as it hasn't let me down yet. Besides the tiny weaknesses it may have it is a great unit. Finally just in response to the reviewer who couldn't get their's to work when he spun his wheel, you have to press the little test button on the receiver unit prior to each ride to kick the computer into action otherwise it dosen't produce any readings. Maybe they did this to conserve battery life who knows. 5 chilli's overall a great buy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al Dorow
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Winthrop area | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Best Strength is when you can say I don't own one | | Weaknesses: | Didn't work ever and mount on the sender is very very flimsy. Breaks easily | | Similar Products Used: | Vetta, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Klein, Manitou,Avid brakes, XT shifting, Race Face cranks and headset, Synchros stem and post, King Hubs and Mavic
no computer now | | Bottom Line: | Mounted on my bike brand new this week. Could not get the blessed unit to work in ny shop. Spun the wheel till my arm hurt. I rereviewed the instructins umpteen times. Moved the sending unit al least 5 times. Spent two hours one night and an hour the next. Then I was put out of my misery. About the fifth time I reset the wireless unit the plactic unit mount broke into three little pieces. Didn't just break but broke like it was frozen. Very bizarre. Do yourself a favor. Look elsewhere. This is the "Fiat" of wireless units. One Chili for staying in business. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lasse Räsänen
a Cross Country Rider
from Finland
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Rubber band installation
Ok amount of actions
Durable | | Weaknesses: | Buttons (over time)
Some problems with water resistancy | | Similar Products Used: | Sigma Targa, Echo3 | | Bottom Line: | The buttons loose a bit over hundreds (or thousands?) of presses.
I've had no problems at all with the rubber band installation. The bands don't seem to get weak and they've stayedon the bike.
In the beginning I rode in some heavy rain several times and after this I sometimes got some wicked top-speed readings. But since the moisture got out after a while everything has been fine.
It's taken a bit of a beating in the Finnish winter: rides in -15C and lots of water & half-melted snow on the computer and the sensor. No problems whatsoever. I think maybe the computer keeps the water out if you don't press the buttons during rain? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Allen
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton Alberta Canada
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Edmonton River Valley | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Easy to use, Stable, Stays on bike preaty good with the rubber O-ring thingys | | Weaknesses: | I dropped it on the floor an one of the buttons broke. They should make the buttons outa rubber or something because they are fragile. | | Similar Products Used: | Cat Eye | | Bike Setup: | Norco Custom Rebuilt Road bike, TRC Road winner tires, kool Stop brake pads, Specalized BG Seat, Dia-Compe brakes, Suntour 7 Drive train | | Bottom Line: | Really impressed so far becides my being an idiot and dropping the computer on the floor. I figure it should be able to take some bumps though. The rubber o -rings makes installation easy and it stays in place. The sensor stays in place. I have my doubts about the o rings though. how long will they last before they dry out and crack and fall off? Over all though for the price I am impressed. It is quite stylish! Oh yea, a little crazy glue works really well in fixing the broken button.
I do have one question though, why don't manufacturers make all computers with built in back lights? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike G
a Weekend Warrior
from Wall
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Allair Trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | It can Come off | | Weaknesses: | It CAN fall off! | | Similar Products Used: | nuthin | | Bike Setup: | Mongoose MGX D50i | | Bottom Line: | The wireles sux... The non wire less kit if good.. keeps trp, avs, stp, max, dst, and the Time....
This is good if u dont ride everyday
I give it 4 hotdogs on fire | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Napalm
a Weekend Warrior
from Madrid, Spain
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
It´s a cordeless computer | | Weaknesses: |
It uses 6 litium batteries. | | Similar Products Used: |
Another computers brand ACME | | Bike Setup: |
Scott 99 Timber modified | | Bottom Line: | It´s a cordeless computer, you don´t need to roll cable on the fork or handlebar. I´ve submerge the remote unit and it survived. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Burrito Bob
a cross-country rider
from Belford, NJ
Date Reviewed: September 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought this computer with the wireless unit. It sucks!
- First ride out, got caught in the rain, and the unit got wet inside!
And I didn't press any buttons (some units are water resistant unless
you press buttons).
- The wireless unit died after about 100 miles of use.Overall, buy something else. | | Overall Rating: |
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