The problem I have with an existing computer is that the distance between the fork and the spokes is too far away for the sensor to pick up the signal.

 

Yeah, I was wondering if that wouldn't be an issue... I suppose the dished wheels put spokes closer to a sensor on the one side than symmetrically laced wheels do on either side - and I have a symmetrical front.

 

A garmin edge at about $125 solves the issue--ok, I know, a bit more expensive than bike computers, but it does eliminate the whole "wheel sensor" issue, and can be used on multiple bikes . I move mine with me between my hard tail, fat, and I take it when I XC ski.

 

+1

I went through the same process. Plus whatever tyre pressure you use can radically change the effective diameter of the tyre, so you'd have to reset an ordinary speedo for tyre pressure changes.

The disadvantage of the Garmin is it can lose signal and needs frequent recharges.

 

No problems with my cheapie Specialized wireless computer.

 

No problems w/my cheap Sigma wireless computed either...except that its sensor now lies somewhere in the woods...meaning that the small rubber band that kept the sensor in its place broke :/

 

If you dont mind spending some $$$

I have just bought the new Garmin 810 with the topo maps package, have yet to use the HRM and will never use the cadence sensor but as far a fatbiking goes, the topo maps on the big screen is awesome for exploring, it shows roads and tracks that i would have found otherwise, you can also download other peoples rides/tracks from Strava, Garmin connect ect then start navigation turn by turn like using your car GPS.

Awesome unit but a bit on the exy side.

 

I have just bought the new Garmin 810.

+1 for the Garmin 810

I have 3 bikes with three mounts and just take the Garmin from bike to bike. So the price tag compares to 3 regular computers.

It can record the heart rate even from a (Garmin) fitness watch. You get really interesting data showing speed, altitude, heartrate etc. in the same diagram.

 

I run CatEye Strada Wireless CC-RD300W on all my bikes including the fat bike. No problems at all.

 

I am with the Garmin crowd, Edge 500. I snap it on whatever bike I am ridding that day, go home and download all the data on my pc.

 

I use a planet bike computer with a ton of spacers on the fork so the sensor can read the magnet. It gets in the way every time I have to change my tire but it has a thermometer which is rad for winter.

 

I second this... use them on all my bikes. Lots of info on one screen, and the temp is nice. Wireless. Reliable. Cheap. Accurate. (sorry but GPS isn't anywhere near as accurate as a wheel mounted computer).

Another nice design feature is that the entire computer is the button... it does a little click on it's base. Definitely a must-have design for winter fatbiking with gloves.

PROTEGÉ 9.0 WIRELESS

 

Garmin... No magnets, no wires, no problem.

 

These computers you speak of have a setting large enough for the diameter of a fatty? Even a bud?


"You're like a Ferrari engine driving a dump truck"

 

These computers you speak of have a setting large enough for the diameter of a fatty? Even a bud?...

You don't need to set that with the GPS versions.

 

Ive been using a bontrager node 2 on mine. I calculated the rollout myself but do realize that I am off slightly with different air pressures. Comparing my distance covered to my friends other computers, I am usually off only .10/mile so I can live with that.

 

I use my Garmin watch... Forerunner 405, I can take it anywhere!

 

This is very helpful! I don't know that I'll go the GPS route yet, but will check on the Specialized, CatEye, Bontrager, and Planet Bike (I like the button feature) options.

 

Garmin edge 605 here....love it. Not only for the no-sensors-wires etc, but uploading my rides & keeping track of distance, climbing, hours etc. Plus uploading other routes when you are in a new area helps with spider-web type trails. Find a route you like & send it to your device.

 

Garmin foretrex 301 for me. Runs on AAA lithiums. I can move it easily from bike to car to backpack, no issues with recharging. Is more accurate, no wires or sensors, and I don't get lost.

 

Sorry to dredge up an old thread. I am trying to mount a wireless on my rigid fatty. As noted by others the spokes are a long way from the fork. I appear the have the option of angling the sensor in towards the spokes or trying to mount the sensor down nearer the hub. In both cases with the fork being round and tapered I am not over confident that it will stay in place and not end up getting mashed in my spokes. It's been so long since I last mounted a computer on a bike it more or less pre-dates wireless (affordable at least) but I don't recall having any concerns on MTB or a roadie in terms of secure sensor mounting. Any flashes of brilliance would be much appreciated.

 

I appear the have the option of angling the sensor in towards the spokes or trying to mount the sensor down nearer the hub. In both cases with the fork being round and tapered I am not over confident that it will stay in place and not end up getting mashed in my spokes.

Either is fine.

 

Wouldn't something like Strava get you the same info and be bike agnostic?

 

Yep, just launch phone tracking app, put it in pocket, and then review speeds/times/records back at home. Not sure why speedometer thing is really needed on the bike these times.

Sent from my SM-G900F

 

garmin 305 | eBay

Dirt cheap these days.

 

I decided to go the phone route. Galaxy S5 in a RAM mount.

 

Which app did you choose to use with your phone?

 

Strava, map my ride, ride with GPS, osmand+, MTB project, Wahoo fitness. That's the cool part, lots of options.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

For rigid forks, maybe you can epoxy a magnet to the side of the rim to bridge a sensor gap.
Haven't tried myself since I just use Mapmyride app.

 

Maybe powerful magnet will do the work too. I have seen Scwalbe selling valve cap with a magnet (for computers), because its not close to the fork too I guess its covering the gap with a power. But fat bike gap might be too much for that magnet.

Sent from my SM-G900F

 

Thanks all. Plenty to go with