Cyclocomputer

[PeteStaehling]

I have done a lot of road touring and one thing I got from crossing the US multiple times is a dislike for wireless cyclocomputers.  I found that they gave phantom readings, sometimes saying I was going 200+ mph, or logging mileage while parked near a neon sign.  I have seen these problems with a variety of models and brands.   That said I have a new bike with a front suspension and it sure would be nice to not have to deal with cable routing or worry about damaging cables when bashing through overgrown single track.

So I have a few questions:

• Have wireless cyclocomputers gotten better in the last several years in a way that eliminated these problems?  Or should I just resign myself to a wired cyclocomputer?
• Are there particular models that are not subject to the problems I mentioned?  I don't need much in the way of features since I mostly use it as an odometer.  I do appreciate an easy to read display though.
• Do you have any hints for the best cyclocomputer setup for trail riding and bikepacking.

I could use my cell phone or handheld GPS, but on long trips would like to be able to turn them off to save battery life.  So something that I can just leave on all the time while riding for weeks or months without worrying about the battery seems like the way to go.

[THE LONG RANGER]

I personally haven't had the issues you're listing - my wireless is a few years old and is only used as backup - it was a CatEye Strada Wireless (or something very similar) - nothing super-duper fancy. The Etrex 20 seems to do a whole lot more, these days, though! Nice though, that it runs on two battery watches.

[PeteStaehling]

I personally haven't had the issues you're listing - my wireless is a few years old and is only used as backup - it was a CatEye Strada Wireless (or something very similar) - nothing super-duper fancy. The Etrex 20 seems to do a whole lot more, these days, though! Nice though, that it runs on two battery watches.

I have a feeling that most folks don't notice the things that bug me.  The phantom readings are short duration and seldom show up.  The readings from neon signs are easy to not notice if you aren't looking for them or comparing trip mileage with companions, but on a multi month tour where I really wanted a reliable mileage count it was pretty annoying to come out of a store and find that I logged 10 miles while we were in the store.  I own an etrex 20, but would like to have a smaller lighter less battery hungry odometer and use my phone when I want to use a GPS, at least for some trips.  My phone actually has a lot more features GPS wise than the etrex 20 and I take it anyway since it is my phone, audiobook reader, gps, internet appliance, email appliance, and camera.

[THE LONG RANGER]

I used this cyclocomputer for 2 Tour Divides - it was never off enough to mess me up (I on the other hand, made many mistakes!) I got into the habit of zeroing my trip OD every few miles, to be honest as the wheel circumference I put in wasn't 100% correct and differences do crop up.

But, I mean, it's a magnet, right? The sensor reads a magnet zooming around the wheel. Any magnet will do, so I could see how incorrect readings could happen, either with just some other magnet, or an improperly shielded something-or-other

[PeteStaehling]

But, I mean, it's a magnet, right? The sensor reads a magnet zooming around the wheel. Any magnet will do, so I could see how incorrect readings could happen, either with just some other magnet, or an improperly shielded something-or-other

Maybe, but I never noticed any issues with my wired computers giving flaky readings.  I have had them stop working altogether when the sensor got knocked out of whack or the cable was damaged though.  I think all the flaky readings I observed with wireless were probably RF interference.

Unless I find more reason not to, I may spring for the Strada.  Do you have to manually start the Strada after it goes to sleep?  If so does it go to sleep during a lunch length break?  One of the models that my daughter had needed to be manually started after longish breaks and it was a nuisance when she forgot to start it.