So my wired computer just died last night. The computer actually still works but the sensor must have crapped out since it's getting no readings. I'm thinking about wireless but I've heard that they aren't as reliable as the wired ones are. Also I'm only looking to spend around $30.00 + or -. Any opinions on wired vs. wireless and also any opinions on a good one in my price range? My old one is a Planet Bike 9.0 (maybe, can't remember and my bike is at home), which I really liked and it did a good job for me too.
Wired vs. Wireless: Which is better.
brianyzf
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So my wired computer just died last night. The computer actually still works but the sensor must have crapped out since it's getting no readings. I'm thinking about wireless but I've heard that they aren't as reliable as the wired ones are. Also I'm only looking to spend around $30.00 + or -. Any opinions on wired vs. wireless and also any opinions on a good one in my price range? My old one is a Planet Bike 9.0 (maybe, can't remember and my bike is at home), which I really liked and it did a good job for me too.
Wireless (vs Wired Computer) Cons:brianyzf said:
- Frame interference sometimes prevents reception by the receiver.
- Other electromagnetic sources will sometimes throw the receiver off. (Your speed / distance readings will either be too high or too low.)
- Two batteries are needed, one for the transmitter, and one for the receiver. A wired computer only requires one.
- Doesn't start automatically when you start rolling. Usually, you need to push one of the buttons at the computer / receiver end in order to see your speed or have your distance / time recorded. This can be particularly annoying if you stop on the trail for a while. In contrast, most wired computers will display your speed (and perhaps other information too) as soon as you start rolling.
- Cable routing is easier / less messy because there's no computer wire.
- Removing the fork for maintenance is easier because there's no computer wire.
In spite of all of the cons, I use a wireless computer. I've settled on the Topeak Panoram V12. I've been able to work around any interference problems with my bike frame. (Frankly, I don't recall having any with the Panoram, but I have had problems with several other computers that I've owned.) When I first bought the unit, I recall that the distance would sometimes increase slightly after the bike was stowed (with front wheel immobile) which would suggest electromagnetic interference from other sources. I haven't seen the problem recently though. The Topeak Panoram does require that you press a button in order to get it out of clock mode. It has a fairly long timeout though before going back to clock mode. I rarely exceed this timeout when stopping on the trail. I've had this problem though with other computer models. I've gotten good battery life out of the Panoram too. I recall having to replace the manufacturer supplied batteries fairly soon (perhaps 6-9 months after purchase), but I haven't had to replace them for roughly 2 years now.
Thanka for the info. I like the fact that the wired computers start recording automatically when you start rolling. I could definitely see myself forgetting to restart it after a break. I sometimes forget to start mine at the beginning of my ride but I am getting better. And even though my breaks are relatvively short I'm sure I would forget more often than not. That being said I think I am leaning toward wireless just for the ease of install and the cleaner look. How much did yours cost and where did you buy it, online or LBS?
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215 Posts
My CS100 (wireless) does have an autostart function that works perfectly.
I too would forget it all the time without that function.
Or do you mean you don't have to start (turn on) the wired computer, as it comes on automaticly when you pull the bike out of the garage and start riding?
My understanding of autostart is when you take a break during biking, leaving the computer on. It stops recording when you stop and continues when you remount and start moving again.
I too would forget it all the time without that function.
Or do you mean you don't have to start (turn on) the wired computer, as it comes on automaticly when you pull the bike out of the garage and start riding?
My understanding of autostart is when you take a break during biking, leaving the computer on. It stops recording when you stop and continues when you remount and start moving again.
The only thing I have to do with my wired computer after pulling the bike out of the garage is remember to reset it. Otherwise it picks up where I left off from my previous ride. So I never have to actually turn it on before riding.
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3,483 Posts
I'm really happy with my Cat Eye Micro Wireless, picked it up for $35. I won't be going back to wires.
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61 Posts
Probably a dumb question, but did you check the sensor adjustment? I thought mine (PB 5-function, wired) had died, but not so - it had got bumped somehow and was barely off-angled, just enough not to work. A tiny adjustment fixed it.brianyzf said:
(I like wired because they're not finicky - wireless have transmission-range limits which constrict where you can install the readout. I'm all for convenience and reliability rather than 'cool')
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