Computers
Cannondale IQ400 Dual Wireless 18 function computer
The Cannondale IQ400 Dual Wireless 18 function computer is very easy to set up. From opening the box to hitting the road took no more than 10 minutes. The instructions are clear and the computer is easy to operate, meaning you don't need to be a tech whizz to use it.
VDO MC 2.0 Wireless Cycle Computer
A bike computer is an important tool for cyclists, for time-efficient training and also a tool to navigate ride and routes. The new VDO MC 2.0 Wireless Cycle Computer is a German-made wireless computer and from opening the box through to installation and using, the MC 2.0 is a well thought-out piece of kit.
Bryton Rider 20E GPS Cycle Computer
The Rider 20 is Brtyon's smallest bike-specific unit, and promises much. For less than £100 RRP (as little as £80 online right now) you're getting a basic computer that'll also track you via GPS and allow you to share your rides online through Bryton's portal website. It's let down a bit by a clumsy onboard interface and the web service is a bit rough round the edges too, but both have improved through the testing period and are set to get better still.
Knog N.E.R.D. Wireless 5 Function Cycle Computer
I've got a really soft spot for the Knog Nerd, it's a well designed, easy to use, durables and fun gadget but I've also got to admit that there's a wealth of wireless models that will do much more for the same and in some cases, considerably less money.
BBB Digiboard BCP-51WH Cycling Computer
The Digiboard sits at the top of BBB's cycle computer range, and features wireless transmission along with a wealth of functions. The model tested – the catchy named BCP-51 WH – integrates all the speed and distance functions you'd normally expect, with the addition of heart rate and cadence capability. This latter requires the purchase of an additional cadence kit (£27.95) which we also tested.
Installation
Cateye Q3 Multi Sports Computer
Cateye's Q3 multisports computer is a wrist or bar-mounted watch-type computer that'll record speed, heart rate and cadence data and allow you to log your training on your PC. While the computer iteslf performs well, the software lets it down a bit and the price means that other wrist-mounted units look better value.
Garmin Edge 200
If you're the kind of person that likes to log your miles, but you're not the kind of person that analyses their heart rate zones after every ride, then the Garmin Edge 200 is for you. It's a super-simple GPS unit that has a fairly basic data set but makes keeping track of your mileage totals a piece of cake. It's not perfect - the limited display options will put some people off - but the simplicity and swappability between bikes will ensure its popularity.
Polar CS100 cycle computer
In a world of smartphones and ever-cheaper GPS units, Polar's CS100 is old technology: it determines your speed by a wheel magnet rather than satellites, and the only way it will transmit data is into your brain, one toggled screen at a time. These days, when you're spending £90, that feels weird. On the other hand, it's much cheaper than your iPhones and Garmins, especially if you shop around. And sometimes all you really want to know when you're racing or training is your speed, your heart rate, and the elapsed time.
Polar CS200cad Cycling Computer
Polar's neat, and snappily named, CS200cad computer gives you your heart rate and cadence information alongside speed and distance measurements and it's all saved in files that are uploadable to Polar's online training diary if you have the right hardware.
BBB Microboard wireless computer
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.