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review

B'Twin Count 8 Counter computer

7
£19.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Cheap, dependable and easy to set up computer that still offers enough basic data fields to be useful
Weight: 
73g

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In a time where GPS computers and Strava are dominating the ride-logging market, the humble magnetic cycle computer is often overlooked. Indeed B'Twin's Count 8 is the first magnetic one I have used in a very long time.

The Count 8 sits in the middle of B'Twin's three-strong Count computer range. It benefits from displaying slightly more data than its lower counterpart, the Count 4, but also slightly less than that available from the top end Count 14.

As it stands, the Count 8 offers — startlingly, considering its name — eight different functions: instant/average/maximum speeds, an odometer and a trip distance, a clock, stopwatch, and bar that allows speed comparison with the overall ride average.

The Count 8 is wireless which I prefer; I have always found cycle computer wires a bit of an eyesore. As with most computers, measurements are taken using a magnet attached to one of your spokes and a receiver attached to your fork leg or chain stay. I used the front wheel as B'Twin suggested in the instructions. In hindsight I think the receiver would have been more aesthetically pleasing if I could have tucked it away on the chain stay somewhere but the user guide suggested that there might have been wireless range issues with it that far away.

Setting up the computer was a doddle, attaching the head unit to my stem with a rubber clip akin, making it easy to remove if you lock your bike up in a dodgy place and want to take your computer with you. It can be attached to either the stem or the bars as the mount accepts the unit in two positions at right angles to each other. I found to look a bit neater on the stem. The receiver for the magnet is attached with a similar rubber strap, and then can be further secured with a couple of zip ties, something I found I needed to do to make sure that the receiver stayed in place over bumpier roads.

There is a menu within the head unit to ensure that the correct wheel size for you bike is logged. Unlike some computers, it uses a user definable input for the circumference of the bike wheel, useful if you are running a particularly unusual wheel/tyre combo. B'Twin provide a chart in their instructions for all the conventional combinations of wheels and tyres in order to save you having to get the tape measure and chalk out on your bike in order to get the circumference of your wheels.

In use, I found the Count 8 to be a simple and dependable little unit. Granted it won't provide you with the enormous array of data and online Strava bragging rights but I was never left particularly wanting for anything on my rides during the last month. It had all the key measures (well maybe apart from total ascent) that tell me if a ride is easy or hard.

Battery life is unsurprisingly excellent, I didn't have to even consider replacing the button battery in the testing period, and there were no glitches or oddities to worry about.

The unit is operated by three buttons: one on the top of the unit to power it up, and then two below the screen to cycle back and forth between available data fields on the screen - which sit below a large readout of your instantaneous speed. It was nice to have a forward and back button to cycle through the data fields as I find it frustrating when you can only have one button on a computer, and then miss the data set you were trying to find and have to go back through all the screens again. While we're on the screen, I found it to be very easy to read but bear in mind there is no backlight if you are planning on riding in the dark.

The conventional cycle computer gets a lot less attention with the advent of GPS computers, but if you are looking for a very cheap and simple way to measure your speed and distance, they are still a great shout. The Count 8 is an excellent example, offering just enough to satisfy a usual Stravantie like me - and for a penny under 20 quid I couldn't really ask for much more on my commuter bike. B'Twin also offer you a two year warranty in the unlikely event that something does go wrong with the Count 8.

Verdict

Cheap, dependable and easy to set up computer that still offers enough basic data fields to be useful

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road.cc test report

Make and model: BTwin Count 8 Counter - Wireless Cycle Computer

Size tested: Black

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

From B'Twin's site:

"Designed for regular cyclists seeking a wireless counter with 8 functions that is quick and easy to set-up and simple to use."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Again from B'Twin:

EASE OF USE

Intuitive, simplified programming, large ergonomic buttons.

EXERCISE FEATURES

Inst speed + av + max/inst +total distance/clock/stopwatch/speed comparison

EASY ASSEMBLY / DISMANTLING

Extremely quick and easy tool-free fitting on the stem or handlebar. Wireless.

CUSTOMISATION

Colour holders available as accessories to personalise your bike computer.

EASY READING

Large display and numbers for quick and easy reading.

DURABILITY

Watertight assembly, durable case.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Buttons work well and are easy to come to terms with even on a bumpy road.

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

Did the job as I expected it to for 20 quid.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

No problems.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

Lighter than most GPS units by quite a way.

Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

Good functionality for a low price.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Very well.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The back and forth buttons for cycling through the data fields, and the ease of setting the unit up. Oh and the fact that it was wireless.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

I think the reciever mounts could have been a bit more sturdy for attaching to the chainstay/fork leg.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Probably for a winter bike - although I mostly use GPS nowadays.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 21  Height: 182cm  Weight: 73kg

I usually ride: On-One Carbon Whippet Single Speed MTB/Kinesis Pro6  My best bike is: Scott CR1 Pro

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

 

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8 comments

Avatar
MKultra | 9 years ago
0 likes

I tried a cheap non digital wireless from Aldi. It worked as long as you were at least ten yards away from anything using more power than than a small LED light. Went back to the wired one.

Avatar
robert posts child | 9 years ago
0 likes

I bought the aldi latest computer. Not quite the same functions, but does speed max and avg, distance, time, cal burn,fat burn,temp and a cadence indicater...£6.99.

Avatar
Slartibartfast87 | 9 years ago
0 likes

Hmm, interesting. Pre-smart phone days these were always good for instant info... I may well get this and be retro (cue someone properly old using wind up pocket watches, or something).

Avatar
banzicyclist2 | 9 years ago
0 likes

Gave up using computers some time go, and don't miss it. I prefer to enjoy a good ride without a head full of numbers and stats.

I use my bike to get away from the pressures of life, and yes I go like stink just for the fun of it. I occasionly use a HRM to check I don't over do it on longer rides (100 plus).

If I want to, I'll use plotaroute.com to see how far I've been and what the hill profile looks like.

Avatar
RobD | 9 years ago
0 likes

It had all the key measures (well maybe apart from total ascent) that tell me if a ride is easy or hard

I usually find if I'm exhausted at the end of a ride then it was hard, if not then it probably wasn't...

Nice review though

Avatar
alg | 9 years ago
0 likes

Well I bought one - some time before your report in fact - and no complaints.
I had become all too confused by the enormous array of expensive products out there and came to the conclusion keeping it simple was my best option. It just that and I agree with your report
Its a blooming good piece of kit and much better than its price suggests - well done Btwin

Avatar
Paul_C | 9 years ago
0 likes

is there a "wired" version?

Avatar
btwin replied to Paul_C | 9 years ago
0 likes

Hi Paul_C,
I'm sorry to say that there is no wired version of this model.
The only wired one we do is the DC4 at £7.99
Here is the link you fancy a look:
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/dc-4s-wired-computer-cycle-computer-id_813003...
Regards

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