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After having a bunch of issues with my other computers† I came across the Sigma BC 1609, a well-featured wired computer that comes with an optional (and thus detachable, as its not useful for mountain biking) cadence sensor. Costing roughly $35 at a local shop I’m really happy with it thus far and anticipate it performing well for a while. Beyond the online computer emulator/simulator which let me get a feel for the device’s UI and the standard speed / clock / elapsed time / odometer / average / trip computers, here’s what sold me on it, in no particular order:
· Wired.
· Thermometer.
· Weatherproof.
· Bike 2 Cradle Available. (Auto-switching to other wheel size.)
· Stopwatch. (Easy ad-hoc segment timing.)
· Count-down Timer.
· Quality Backlight. (Toggle it on, then it illuminates briefly at each button press.)
· Nicely small wheel sensor.
· Wheel magnet is very low profile and locks on with a sliding clamp.
The only real downside is the slightly thin wire, but hopefully it’ll be durable enough to last. If I’m really concerned about it I’ll just armor it with some spiral wrap or maybe cable housing.
After visiting the shop to pick up a new headset and chain for the singlespeed and random other things I headed over to Maybury State Park to ride the bike trails there. The last time I was there I wasn’t feeling too well and coupled with not knowing the trail I didn’t enjoy the ride. Today I did two laps and while on the first I wasn’t comfortable with the trail and didn’t enjoy it much, part-way through the second I began to feel comfortable. I had a feeling for what was coming up and was able to relax and allow the bike to roll faster and enjoy the trail. I’m now looking forward to going back out here another time, and maybe even racing in the Maybury Time Trial on August 21st.
Oh, and the Sigma BC 1609? Just kept on working, just as I expect. No weirdness at all like I’d had with the other computers.
† 1) Cateye Strada Wireless that had sample rate issues around 30 MPH, an iffy sensor, and interference problems. Batteries were changed, but things still wouldn’t work right.
2) NiteRider Rebel 1.0 which has UI issues where it takes up to three seconds to respond to a button press (longer when moving) and a very sloped face and thus a poor viewing angle when stem mounted. The button latency is terrible if you’re riding along and want to check the time or some other data. It’s also physically much larger than it needs to be. Not bad for a first generation computer from a company that normally doesn’t make them, but I expected more.