Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

review

BBB Microboard wireless computer

8
£46.95

VERDICT:

8
10
Tough, no hassle cycle computer that does the basics and does them well
Weight: 
38g
Contact: 
www.windwave.co.uk

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

What the road.cc scores mean

Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.

  • Exceptional
  • Excellent
  • Very Good
  • Good
  • Quite good
  • Average
  • Not so good
  • Poor
  • Bad
  • Appalling

BBB's Microboard Team is a wireless bicycle computer with 13 functions, the 'WC' model tested here features some world champ stripes detailing, but the Microboard Team is also available in Quickstep and Vacansoleil livery.

Out of the box, the Microboard Team is remarkably simple to set up; it took me all of about 5 minutes. The included mount is designed to fit both handlebars and stems, and comes with a wide range of o-rings and zip ties to cater for various diameters therein. More o-rings and zip ties are provided to attach the speed sensor to the fork, whatever shape that may be. BBB also include two wheel magnets; one for round spokes and one for bladed spokes. Overall, you'd be hard pushed to find a setup which wasn't catered for. As with most electrical gadgets these day batteries are included which saves a trip to the shops.

Simple, easy to follow instructions help you through the process of pairing computer head with speed sensor. This is easy enough and I experienced none of the hassles that you sometimes get with wireless computers. Next up, you need to set up the computer by choosing your preferred distance measurement, wheel size etc. Again, the included instructions are easy to follow and include a useful table which provides the rollout measurements for various combinations of tyre and rim sizes.

Out on the road, the Microboard Team displays the information in 2 rows with current speed on top, and a host of other parameters underneath. These include distance, time, average speed, total distance...in short, everything you'd expect. Scrolling through these parameters involves pressing a simple push button which provides just the right amount of feedback to be operable with gloves. It's also possible to set the unit so that these parameters are scrolled through automatically with a time delay of 5 seconds. The Microboard Team also features an automatic start/stop capability so there's no fiddling around at junctions when you come to a standstill.

For those who keep track of mileage on their bicycle computers there's a settable odometer so you won't lose all your data when switching over to it.If the Microboard Team is missing anything, its the ability to set it up for 2 bikes with different wheel sizes. No biggie, but this is a useful feature for those with more than one machine.

Whilst the head unit is small, reading off the data is not a problem due to the large font display. It's refreshing to see that BBB have kept things simple and not tried to over-complicate the display with rows upon rows of information. The plastic casing and the electronics inside have held up to being dropped onto concrete floors multiple times; the unit is seriously tough. And whilst I haven't dunked the Microboard in a bucket of water to test its waterproofing, it has held up to some serious weather including some downright atrocious driving rain courtesy of Hurricane Katia. It was completely covered in dirt and grit after the recent Kielder 100 but a quick wipe down and it was good to go.

The plastic casing and the electronics inside have held up to being dropped onto concrete floors multiple times; the unit is seriously tough.

Verdict

Simply put; it does what it says on the tin. It's only basic, but it does the basics well, without any fanfare or any hassle. If you don't think you've earned your world champ stripes BBB offers other models with the same features and more subtle colours.

If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website

road.cc test report

Make and model: BBB Microboard wireless computer

Size tested: World Champ stripes

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?

Someone who wants a basic cycle computer without the tangle of wires

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

Microboard Team features:

Current speed

■ Average speed

■ Trip distance

■ Settable odo meter

■ Clock

■ Low battery indicator

■ Auto scan

■ Auto start / stop

■ Maximum speed

■ Riding time

■ Total riding time

■ Speed pacer

■ Backlight

■ Slim computer with easy to read full-sized display.

■ High-resolution 3 line LCD.

■ Easy operation by a single button.

■ Sophisticated auto start / stop function with sleep mode after 48 hours to save battery power.

■ Computers can be mounted on handlebars and stems.

■ Waterproof casing.

■ Wheel magnet fits round and aero spokes.

■ Battery included.

■ Colors: Team Vacansoleil, Team Quick-Step and Team world champion.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

Virtually indestructible - this thing is built to last.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

No fancy features, just the ones you need. No signal drop-out or other wireless issues.

Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10

Tough as

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Middle or the road price for the number of features and wireless capability.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes, although maybe in different colours

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 20  Height: 190cm  Weight: 70kg

I usually ride: Giant TCR Advanced 2  My best bike is: Canyon Ultimate CF7

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, sportives, mtb,

For 5 years, racing was my life and I went all the way from a newbie bonking after 40 miles, to a full-timer plying my trade on the Belgian kermesse scene. Unfortunately, the pro dream wasn't meant to be and these days, you're more likely to find me bimbling about country lanes and sleeping in a bush on the side of the road.

Add new comment

1 comments

Latest Comments