Heart/BP Monitors

Advantages: Size; simplicity
Disadvantages: Large transmitter; Easy to accidentally reset

...for it was this tiny Cateye Strada Wireless. I hadn't intended on spending so much on a computer (£39.99) but the small size of the main unit (about 2cm x 3cm) sold me with its simplicity. Fitting: Without a wire to fiddle about with this could hardly be an easier computer to fit. The cradle for the main unit can be mounted in the normal fashion on the handlebars, or in the centre on the stem, with the unit able to slip into place in one of two ...
...read. The cradle is attached by means of a sturdy plastic 'belt' which screws tight easily and ensures a secure fit. The computer unit sits in the cradle in a 'rocker'. This is because there is no actual button on the front. Instead the button is on the back, and as the unit rocks forward when you press it the button on the back is depressed. This might seem an odd way of doing things, but it has a couple of advantages. Firstly, with no small button ... Read review

Advantages: cheap, relatively easy to install, has many uses
Disadvantages: rather small display, not as many functions as other products

I've used my vectra quite a bit now and i would reccomend it to any budding cyclist. It is small and relatively easily to install, ensuring that no unecessary mass is added to your bike. Yes, it has its disadvantages which include a lack of functions (such as a heart rate monitor) and during rain or sunny weather it is rather hard to read the display. However overall it prevails. It is a neat bit of kit and is especially useful for those longer cycling ...
...where you are. It is also a good tool for anyone trying to improve their fitness as it is an easy way of ensuring that you complete so much exercise each week. But finally i found the odometer the best function as it can be really satisfying to know that you have cycled over 1000km ... Read review

Advantages: one button does all
Disadvantages: Fitting it was a bit tricky for me

...one. The Raleigh Echo W1 is a 9 function cycle computer that can tell you your current speed, riding time, total riding time, Average speed, trip distance and Maximum speed. As well as these functions there is a clock and an odometer and a speed pacer. And all these functions are available at the touch of a single button. It comes with a handlebar bracket and a wireless transmitter and a LR44 battery is included. Fitting it is easy, firstly put ...
...on your bike. Then you should concentrate on setting up the wireless transmitter, this is fitted on the front forks by a rip tie. Once in place you must then put the metal clip provided on to your spokes ensuring there is a gap of around 5mm. To set up your wheel circumference you must measure a complete turn of the wheel. The best way to do this is starting at the tyre valve and marking it with a piece of chalk the roll the tyre forward until it ... Read review

Advantages: Simple to use, sturdy and reliable, great value for money
Disadvantages: A pain to set up

It is imperative to know how far you've gone, how long it took and what your fastest speed was and the only way to do this is with a cycle computer. It is a must have bit of kit to ensure that you are actually improving. Computers can be wired or wireless. Off road it is important to ensure that the amount of things that can get tangled up in hedges, branches etc is kept to an absolute minimum and the only option, therefore, is a wireless computer. ...
...through the Evans Cycles site. The selection is vast and the functions, and prices, vary greatly. I only required the basic functions - the amount of calories I burn off, what my heart rate is etc doesn't really bother me. The Vectra is the most basic wireless computer that Evans sells, however, it has all the functions that I require so I bought one. As with all my Evans purchases to date the transaction was very easy, smooth and the delivery took ... Read review

Advantages: small, easy to use, cheap
Disadvantages: not accurate

After buying a mountain bike over a year ago, I must admit I hardly ever use it. This year I've started making a few changes to my life and one is to start some form of exercise to become slightly fitter - so I bought a cycling computer ! No it won't make me fit but I thought it would act as an incentive to get me out and about because its a new gadget for me to play with but obviously have to travel far to test it properly. Oooooookaaaaaaaay you're ...
...little place called ebay for £5.99 and thought what a bargain. Similar computers with only 9 functions cost about £15 in the shops and do less. So it arrives typically on a day I have to go to work and can't use it :(. When I get home from work I read the booklet - yes us men can read booklets its just half the time we choose not too. The instructions seemed straight forward so I got to work on it. The package consisted of everything you need to ... Read review