Cycling Computers - The Least Expensive Cycling Coach Ever

Cycling computers are small calculating devices that measures, in real time, several important indicators. For example they will typically measure distance ridden (for today’s ride), average speed, elapsed time, pedal cadence and maximum speed.

The main or receiving unit mounts to your handlebars with the magnets mounted on the spokes of your wheel and crank arm. The sensors are mounted on the frame to read signals sent by the magnets. These sensors are connected either by small wires or wirelessly to the main unit mounted on your handlbars. Wireless cycling copmuters are neater (no wires) and more elegant. Naturally they are more expensive.

In the beginning I did not do anything with the new information. Just mentally noted it at the end of each ride. After a while, I started to write down a few facts about the day’s ride in a spiral notebook. You can keep a more formal diary or log about your rides. (look here for more information on keeping a diary)

When purchasing your cycling computers you should consider purchasing one that has the magnets and sensor mounted on the rear wheel. When your cycle computer is mounted this way and you are forced to ride indoors by rain, cold or time constraints (and you will no matter how tough you are) you can still track your stats while riding your indoor trainer.

And a final tip. Put a repeating reminder on your calendar (I have it in my Palm) about 3 days before January 1st each year. You can purchase a new battery to install on January 1st. You enter the year with a fresh battery.

It is not fun to have the batteries in your cycling computers die in the middle of a century ride in the middle of July. You will be really bummed.

Also this tip will allow you to begin each year with zero miles on your odometer. You can track your miles ridden from year to year. This is good for bragging rights.

This will be more accurate and simpler than adding up the miles in your riding diary/log, if you are like me and (occasionally) forget to write down the details of your day’s ride. I know that I forget now and then. It is happening more and more the busier (and older) I get.

Cateye CC-CD300DW Cyclo-Computer with Cadence Double Wireless!! Cateye's exclusive coded wireless Cadence Computer provides interference free operation. The single transmitter (mounted on the left chain stay) not only gives wire free installation, it simplifies battery replacement. The computer display unit shows your performance on 4 data readouts on 3 backlit information windows, simultaneously. Functions include; Speed, Max Speed, Average Speed, Trip Distance, Total Distance (Odo.), Elapsed Time, Total Time, 12/24 hr Clock, Wireless Cadence (Current Cadence, Average Cadence, Max Cadence, Cadence Zone and Total Pedal Revolution) 50 Lap Counter with Lap Timer, Split Timer, Lap Distance, Lap Average Speed and Lap Average Cadence. Alarm, Auto Start/Stop, Odo. Manual Set, LED Backlight, Pace Arrow, Dual Tire Size, and an Auto Power Saving Mode.