harris@uiucdcsb.UUCP (09/14/84)
I can second the endorsement of the Cateye Solar. I have had mine for about 2 1/2 months, and I've put about 500 (505.3 to be more precise) miles on it. Some comments, in no particular order: I particularly like the average speed and cadence features. I never use the alarms. I rode in a heavy rain with it for about 15 miles once, and had no problem with fogging or any other symptom of water leakage. (I now carry a baggie with me in case I get caught in the rain again, since they say its not designed for continuous immersion.) The one reset button resets all of the displays except the total mileage. This turns out not to be a problem, since I just want one set of figures for the whole ride (eg. average speed for the ride, trip distance, etc.) and not for individual segments of the ride. The magnetic sensors are inaudible--no annoying click-click (It is possible to hear it if you pick up the front of the bike, spin the wheel, and listen very carefully). I would suspect that the cadence sensor would conflict with a kickstand, though you might be able to get around this problem somehow. The instruction booklet seems quite complete, though it is not always easy to understand (it looses a little something in the translation). Since I store my bike in a dark place, I remove the unit and leave it on a sunny windowsill between rides. Its too soon to tell how effective the solar cells are. Last, but not least, Bike Nashbar has them for around $55 now - the cheapest price I've seen anywhere. Jon Harris harris@uiuccsb
schwager@uiucdcs.UUCP (09/15/84)
. Regarding bike computers: Another vote for the Cateye Solar. I've found the alarm feature to be very useful when I ride with friends. We usually end up forming a paceline, especially into a headwind. I have my alarm set to go off every mile. So when a mile rolls around- "Beep-Beep-Beep!" I shout out, "mile!", the guy in front pulls out and drops back, and the next person leads the pack. It's really handy. I've had one problem in my 1200+ miles of riding so far- one of the leads shorted out (flimsy coax cables) and I had to fix the thing myself- but not before I found out that there are no replacement parts easily obtainable around here. Also, the main unit is the only thing that's warranteed (and you have to send it to Japan for service!). I don't expect any more problems with the sensors and wires- they're really quite simple, so don't let that deter you from buying the unit. Just thought I'd inform you of any pitfalls. -mike schwager (...ihnp4!uiucdcs!schwager)