The Schwinn 20-Function Bike Computer is a tool to be had by any workout enthusiast! For an incredible price, the mini machine that will motivate your workouts can be yours! This bike computer attaches snugly to your bike handlebars, so there are no worries as to where to put the device; it is completely hands free. It is kind of hard to believe that such a small computer tracks so many different aspects of a biking workout. Everything from the calories burned, the miles pedaled, and how quickly you are pedaling to get there.

So many people are enticed to do more and go that extra mile when a visual is placed in front of them. Traveled 5 miles today on your bike? What’s an extra mile going to do? Make it 6! The motivation that this tool will bring you is insurmountable! Other features also include speedometer, trip meter, maximum speed, clock, freeze frame memory, speed comparative tool, speed tendency, and temperature (check latest prices at amazon.com).

Small but Fully-Functional

This mini bike computer is a perfect gift for a casual cyclist or a seasoned biker. No matter which end of spectrum either yourself or the one receiving this gift is – there is just a bit of everything for everyone all combined in this mini bike computer package. For someone trying to lose weight, this device is such a tool, and for those who work out as a hobby, this bike computer couldn’t be a better pick. Seasoned bikers and amateurs alike can see where they stand as far as mileage and speed and try to beat their best times/averages.

Features

If cycling is being done in different types of weather, there is a handy temperature feature that can be referred to. It adds such luxuries to the already enjoyable sport of cycling. There’s more than just motivation involved as a perk; this little computer has a screen that is equipped with a back light. So no more squinting and moving your device around to try and see if you burned off those 500 calories from the mocha latte you guzzled down this morning! The back light will come in handy for both very sunny conditions and of course at night when it can be difficult to see devices that are not equipped with such amenities.

Simple and Durable

Some people may be worried that something so small may crumble if it lands in not so gentle hands – but no fear in that regard when it comes to this resilient product. Made out of a sturdy plastic, this product should be just fine for people of all ages and stature. Schwinn backs this product with years of experience and is known for offering exemplary customer satisfaction.

Since 1895 Schwinn has been making quality products for cycling enthusiasts. As mentioned earlier, the device sits attached to the bike handles, and to explain furthermore, there is a wire that runs from the device to near the wheel that has a magnet at the end of it which allows for the tracking of speed and distance to commence.

If you are an all-weather cyclist, this bike computer is for you. The Schwinn 20-Function Bike Computer is water resistant and serves the avid cyclist with much use. Once the device is affixed to the bicycle, this little computer is ready to serve faithfully for years to come! There really is not much thought that has to be put into purchasing this bike computer. As small as it may be, it is packed with features that will both entertain and delight those of all ages and experience levels. Besides, with a name like Schwinn backing this bike computer up, you really can’t go wrong. We award the Schwinn bike computer 4/5 stars.

A Convenient and Easy-To-Use Biking Computer

The Protégé’ 9.0 biking computer gives you valuable information about your bike ride for training, keeping track of miles ridden, to improve speed and distance, and to help you keep records of your biking trips. It is small enough to fit on your handlebars, yet the LCD display is large and clear enough to easily read the display while riding. The LCD screen presents 4 lines of information which can display up to 5 pieces of data at a time, giving you the information you need at a glance. The computer automatically starts recording information as soon as you start moving, and stops when you stop so there is no need to manually start and stop the device.

Great Features Packed Into a Small Device

The Protégé’ tracks various useful information such as your current speed, how much time has elapsed so far, your current trip distance, your average speed and your maximum speed, current temperature and time, and it has a dual odometer. The dual odometer is useful if you have a second bike. You can set the wheel size for each bike and simply swap the computer from one bike to the other. There is a button on the back to allow you to switch between bikes before you ride (see latest prices at amazon.com).

Easily Track Your Performance

Among the data displays listed above is the speed comparator. This indicator compares your current speed to the speed of your previous bike tour allowing you to push for better speedd in different situations and push yourself for better performance. It’s also useful for when you are attempting to maintain a particular speed through a course. In the upper left-hand corner of the screen you will see an arrow. When the arrow is pointing upwards you are going faster than your previous speed and if the arrow is pointing downward you are moving slower than your previous speed. A quick glance is all it takes to see how your speed compares with your last trip.

Easy Setup and Maintenance

The Protégé’ Bike Computer fits a wide range of handlebars from 25.4mm to 31.8mm, and the magnet fits up to 4mm bladed spokes. It comes with an 82cm wire mounting kit for the front wheel. Its case size is 40mm x 47mm with a height of 27mm with the bracket, and weighs 57 grams with the bracket and sensor. Battery removal and replacement is easy, simply use a coin to twist open the battery door and flip out the battery. It uses a cr2032 coin battery which is an average battery you can buy from most any variety store. The biking computer can be easily programmed for metric or imperial measurements by pressing the “mode” button and then the set button. You can also program the computer to match the wheel size of the bike you intend to ride. This is important because different wheels sizes will give differing speed and distance readings.

The computer’s mounting bracket attaches to the handlebars using zip ties, and the computer unit slides in and out of the mounting bracket. You should find a convenient section of your handlebars on which to mount the computer so that you can make display adjustments easily with a finger or your thumb. The magnetic sensor is strapped to your front wheel and sends speed and distance information to the computer attached to your handlebars.

Easy to Use While Riding

Changing display modes on the computer’s screen is quite easy. Rather than a row of buttons you would have to push, which may distract you from traffic and other safety hazards, you can change modes by simply pushing the computer upward in its bracket. You can easily reset the computer’s data display by pushing the computer upward and holding it for 3 seconds.

A Good Biking Computer for Enthusiasts

The Protégé Biking computer is most useful for bike commuting, moderate training and all-around riding. While the Protégé may not be the best fit for the professional athlete, its ease of use and large display are handy for the average biking enthusiast. We award it 4/5 stars.

If you are in the market for a cycling computer, the Garmin Edge 800 GPS-Enabled Cycling Computer is quite possibly the one for you. Once you use it, you may never look back.

Touchscreen GPS Cycling Computer

A cycling computer is a convenient t and easy way to keep track of your cycling progress. The 800’s GPS function also ensures you never get lost! It is an incredible investment and will allow you to enjoy the sport of cycling even more than you already do. With the Garmin Edge, you don’t have to worry about going off the beaten path while riding. You can enjoy your surroundings and you can explore new places without worrying about getting back home. The battery life is 15 hours, so you don’t’ have to worry about your device dying while you are experiencing the great outdoors on your bike.

The greatest thing about the Garmin Edge 800 is that it’s touchscreen. In fact, it was the first touchscreen GPS bike computer on the market. The screen is sensitive enough to respond to taps through gloves. You can pan and zoom through maps with simple taps. The color display can be seen even in bright sunlight. This is a high end option for the serious enthusiast and is by no means cheap (check latest prices at amazon.com).

Track Your Ride with the 800 Edge

The Garmin 800 Edge records your location distance, speed, and ascent and descent. You can also use it with a heart rate monitor to track your heart during your bike wor out. For those of you who mountain bike, the Garmin Edge 800 is built to withstand even the roughest rides. It’s even waterproof (to IPX7 standards).

The body of the device is made out of carbon fiber. It comes in blue or white. There is a small mount you place on your bike stem or handlebars. The unit is securely locked in place but you can easily swap it between bikes with the reusable bands. The standard mount comes with the Garmin 800 Edge, but other mounts can be purchased from Garmin.

Garmin’s Exemplary Maps

So how does the navigation system work? The device comes with a built-in base map that shows all of the major roads and cities. You can also purchase Garmin microSD cards that have even more street and topography maps. You can use the Garmin Edge 800 to track you via the maps functions, or you can enter a destination and receive turn-by-turn directions and navigation prompts on the screen, just as you would in a car or when walking.

Cool Route Functions

One of the best-loved aspects of the Garmin Edge 800 is its ability to guide you along routes that other cyclists have recorded. There is a Garmin Connect website that allows anyone to upload routes. There are millions! You can set the navigation to guide you through these routes and you can even attempt to race the times set by others or yourself.

You can use the device to create your own route and upload it. This is great for group training or training for a specific course for a specific race. Alternatively, you could mirror elevation for an upcoming race in a different state or country. You can prepare a route on your computer and upload it to the 800 for route guidance and navigation. There are several websites that make it easy to draw out routes for your area.

The GPS function is ultra-sensitive so it stays on even under dense trees. It even adjusts automatically for the time zone you are in! For most beginners, a lower cost bike computer would be a more suitable purchase. However, experienced riders would be best suited by the Garmin Edge, as its features blow other competitive models out of the water. It earns a solid 4/5 stars.

If you are in the market for a cycling computer, look no further than the Garmin Edge 500. Cyclists new and old benefit from using a computer while cycling. The advantages are many. You can keep track of important information and continue to progress as a cyclist. Here is why the Garmin Edge 500 may be the bike computer for you.

The Garmin Edge 500 is ultra-lightweight, coming in at a mere 2.1 ounces. It is also water resistant, so you don’t have to worry when riding in the rain. It runs off of one lithium ion battery (which is rechargeable), which is included with the device. The battery lasts 18 hours, so you don’t have to worry about it dying when you are out in the wild. The device is available in three colors – neutral (black and gray), regular (blue and gray), and special edition (black and red).

Tracking your Ride

You can use the Garmin Edge 500 to track your distance, speed, time, location and elevation as you ride. It is equipped with a barometric altimeter that tracks changes in your climb and descent. The device is equipped with both a clock and a timer. You can use the Garmin with other devices, such as a heart rate monitor, to track your physical output and calories burned. You can also use the heart-rate monitor to train in a certain heart-rate zone in order to get the most out of your workout. You can actually define which statistics you want on each screen. Other statistics include grade, gradient, air temperature, minimum speed and maximum speed. It also has a total odometer and can tell you your average pace and current pace (both in real time).

As you ride, the Garmin Edge records your data for your review after your workout. It also works with third party power meters (ANT) and can display you power output wattage as you ride. You can use this data specifically to determine how hard you are working in spite of condition affecting your ride, such as weather, hills, and traffic. This allows you to train better and smarter (check latest prices at amazon.com).

Using the Garmin Edge 500

The Garmin Edge 500 attaches to your bike stem or your handlebars on the mount that comes with it in the box. There are two bands that keep the mount in place. Once attached, it’s ready to be used. It’s easy to pick up a GPS signal with its high-sensitivity GPS receiver with HotFix satellite prediction. The screen has a 128 X 160 resolution that can be seen even in the bright sun. There is also a backlight function, so that the device can be seen and used during the night. The device is used through a side button; the device is not touchscreen. There are six different pages that you can configure to show the stats of your choice. You can change between the screens during your workout.

Check Your Improvement with Courses

Another great addition of the 500 is the Courses feature. Using this feature, you can compare multiple rides over the same route to determine your improvement. You can create your own courses and upload them from Garmin Connect. The Garmin 500 Edge connects to your computer with a USB cable, which is also included with the device. (The device does not have any Bluetooth capability.) With your device you can connect to Garmin Connect, a website filled with cycling data from users all over the globe. On Garmin Connect, you can see other routes in your area, and upload these routes to your device. This makes it easy to train for a race or ride in a new area.

Overall, the Garmin Edge 500 is a solid cycling computer with advanced GPS features. It is awarded 4/5, and makes for a great all-rounder.

The CatEye Strada Cadence Bicycle Computer CC-RD200 presents with promising features for the biker who wants accurate speed and distance readings. Although there is speculation about the safety of using lithium batteries, the lithium battery included with the product gives the customer a solid 2 years of life with easy replacement. This means they can ride longer without having to worry about their cell phone battery running dry while they’re running GPS, back-lighting and a speed/distance app.

Durable Touch Screen Bike Computer

The CC-RD200 is also less fragile under the elements as opposed to smartphones. The specs basically give the biker the feeling that “the sky is the limit”, with very generous mileage and speed that would attract Olympic athletes to consider. The screen is a liquid crystal display that consumes less electrical power than other screens, and therefore emits less heat and lasts for a longer period of time without needing a replacement battery. On the other hand, the limited viewing angle causes variations in color, saturation, and contrast and brightness when the rider changes his riding posture.

Bikers may have an issue using the touch screen capability if they’re wearing gloves given that capacitive touch screens read the electrical impulse from our fingers, as our skin is conductive, whereas material in gloves are not. The biggest positive of the screen on the CC-RD200 is the larger symbols on display (check latest prices at amazon.com).

Simple Design, Easy-to-read Display

Small and light-weight, the CC-RD200 is simple in its design. The CC-RD200 shows only the most important numbers on display at all times for easy reference, allowing the biker the ability to concentrate more on the road and less on a screen. This is not only convenient, but it’s safer, as a biker is less likely to have accidents from trying to study a screen with small symbols and numbers. There were common complaints of the symbols of previous models of other brands being too small and hard to read.

The parts for the bike appear to be on the lower end of quality, for example only being tethered to the bike with plastic zip ties, albeit this making it very easy to use and assemble the CC-RD200. The instructions and manual are excellent, a far cry from the organizational mess like most manuals written for these devices. The pictures make sense, and the instructions are written in a logical order with visually pleasing lettering.

The only other concern a biker might have is the device suddenly being set off by what appears to be random wiring when stored (at home). It appears that the device will respond to similar frequencies, as it does not contain its own unique code. The orientation of magnet may throw off the speed readings, but this is usually an issue if one does not read the instructions on how to set it up thoroughly and accurately. Otherwise the margin of error should not exceed 2-3%, and the device should give accurate velocity readings with no problems.

Can Be Used Indoor and Out

Diversity is another key feature of the device. It’s meant for outdoor bikes, but it can be used for indoor cycling as well. This is ideal for bikers who want to switch it up or would prefer riding indoors due to inclement weather- this means that they don’t have to take the day off because of Mother Nature.

Overall, the CC-RD200 is a very classy piece of technology made by a company that revolutionized accurate bike performance monitoring. Although it is easy to set up, install, and use, it’s an advanced device that will enable bike riders to carefully monitor their performance with a hands-free experience, coupled with long battery life that a smartphone app cannot offer them. The CC-RD200 earns 3/5 stars.

Easton-Bell Sports once again proves to be a leader in sports equipment by presenting cycling enthusiasts with this smart and durable 12 function bike computer, the Bell Dashboard 100. Track important biking statistics while getting in shape. Enhance future training adventures with many great features and benefits without breaking the bank. It seems like a great proposition.

Simple Components to Get Started

The Bell Cyclocomputer comes with the following components: computer unit, mounting bracket (with sensor), magnet, computer battery (1.5 volt/LR1130), and 4 cable ties. This system is not wireless like some more expensive offerings, instead there is a magnet and sensor relaying data to the computer. Simply attach the provided magnet to the outside of the front wheel. After securing the magnet, place the sensor on the right fork and use 2 cable ties to secure. Lastly, install the mounting bracket and computer on the handlebars while securing with the 2 remaining ties. For optimum results, ensure the main unit is placed directly over the sensor.

Multi-Function Technology for the beginner

Bell has loaded this cycling CPU with a ton of value through 12 important functions. Functions include: your current speed, your average speed, maximum speed, odometer, trip distance, trip timer, 12- and 24- hour clock, kilometers and miles per hour, auto start/stop, scan, and distance. While the feature set may not be the broadest out there, it is more than adequate for basic needs (check latest prices at amazon.com).

Setting the Computer Is Simple

First off, set the wheel value based on the size of your tire. This is a 4 digit code that can be found in the user’s manual. Once the proper value has been found, press and hold the left and right button for 2 seconds. The pre-set value of “2124” should appear with the “4” flashing. Press the right button until the flashing digit is at proper value. Press the left button to move on to the next digit. Repeat the sequence until the correct number has been entered.

Next up, choose between kilometers or miles. Use the right button to choose preferred denomination and then the left button to lock it in. Time of day is always nice to know when cruising. To set time press left button for 3 seconds to get a flashing “24” hour symbol. Press the right button to choose between civilian and military time. Press left to finalize selection. Again, use the right button to select hour, left button to confirm and repeat for minutes, lock in with the left button when complete. Programming is now complete. Test the computer by spinning the wheel, which should activate the speed tendency icon in the top left corner.

Easy Troubleshooting Tips

In the rare occurrence the computer does not appear to function correctly, finding the problem at hand is quite convenient. If there is no data reading it may be a simple case of replacing the battery or making sure the magnet and sensor are properly aligned. A slow data response could be the victim of too much hot or cold weather. Safe operating temperatures will fall between 32-140°F. In most cases the culprit for improper performance will be a battery issue or incorrect sensor alignment.

Compatible with a Variety of Bikes

Whether your preferred beast of choice is road, mountain or stationary bike, the Bell Cyclocomputer has it covered. Road bikes tire sizes can range from 20-28″. This allows for many different body types. Mountain bike tires typically can be accommodated from 24 to 29″, allowing for flexibility in diverse terrain. Most stationary bikes will work, but make sure the cycle you are training on has spokes. Due to the magnet/sensor placement, this is imperative. Without a spoke it will be difficult to mount the magnet.

For under $15 you cannot really go wrong. For value and satisfaction, Bell-Easton Sports delivers every time. It may not be the most extravagant cycling computer out there, but it deserves a solid 3/5 stars.