Best Wired Bicycle Computers

Bicycle computers with cables have been around for decades, and we have been getting used to wireless everyday life for years. However, wired bicycle computers are not obsolete, because they offer many advantages: they are easier to use, do without unnecessary tand, the battery life is longer and there is no failure of the radio connection – so interference signals do not play a role. Furthermore, wired bicycle computers are cheaper to buy, so that also plays a role. The installation takes a little longer with the cable, but it is not really complicated and the stable data rate is definitely worth it.

One of the most important functions of the bicycle computer is the automatic sleep mode. The bike notices when the tour starts and the computer switches off after a short rest period. This protects the battery and compensates for human forgetfulness. The measured values that are recorded include the current speed, the average speed (of the day/tour), the maximum speed, the kilometres covered, an altitude measurement function, the cadence and a calorie display. Athletes can confidently do without the calories burned because this value is highly individual, a digital display only provides orientation values. Without a heart rate measurement (and this is usually done wirelessly via a heart rate monitor), athletic stress is hardly measurable anyway. More relevant are precise values for speed and distance covered, because these values are objective and offer the best comparative values on tours or when working at one’s own pace. It goes without saying that the time should also be programmable. If the bike computer is specifically designed to improve speed, buyers should ensure that it has a stopwatch function and that laps can be saved. Another important factor is the display, which should be large and rich in contrast. This enables cyclists to read the most important values at a glance, even on faster journeys, regardless of the lighting conditions. In addition to standard LCD displays, bicycle computers with color displays have long been available, but these consume significantly more battery power than their “simple” counterparts. An attractive alternative to the black-on-white screens can be the white-on-black display, which can also be read very quickly in the dark. Function keys should be large, non-slip and smooth-running so as not to distract while driving. The last, essential purchase criterion finally is the simple attachment of the bicycle speedometer to the pedestal. This should engage quickly and uncomplicatedly, each movement only provides predetermined breaking points and expensive replacements

The bicycle computer allows easy measurement of speed, distance and many optional values. This does not have to be complicated or technically highly demanding, even simple models offer sufficient functionality for most journeys and drivers. Wired systems are also highly robust and have been tried and tested for decades. There are no shaky radio connections and the system is a cheap alternative to the wireless bicycle speedometer.