ETC Nine.O cycle computer

Budget computers have improved beyond recognition in recent years and with twenty-two functions, ETC’s 9-0 puts many premium brands to shame with its slim-line casing, superb build quality and crystal clear display. The inclusion of a second fitting kit offers even more smiles per mile - great for swapping between race and training mounts.

Available in a choice of three colours (red, white and black) the head unit enjoys vastly superior build quality to most thanks to a screwed down back-plate and protective internal membrane offering excellent weatherproofing-I even left our test model overnight in a bucket of water with no obvious ill-effect. Twenty-two functions is gilding the lily just a touch given they count sleep and auto start stop, but there’s current, average and maximum speeds, odometer, trip distance, speed comparator (a pacer arrow by another name), clock, backlight and unusual functions such as fat/calories burned and thermometer - it pretty much does everything bar make the tea. However, the planned maintenance function is little more than gimmick and given there’s no inputting of rider statistics, fat and calories used should be taken as guide rather than gospel.

The fitting kit is something of a mixed bag. True, wiring seems more substantial than most and is sufficiently long to allow mounting on tri-bars/extensions but while cable ties allow truly universal fitting, some care is needed to preserve a bike's clean lines. The non-slip rubberised spoke magnets are surprisingly good but experimentation suggests the unit reads equally well from traditional types and I’d be inclined to relegate them to the spares drawer. Aboard the bars, the huge display means it’s a doddle to read and placing the buttons at the base rather than atop preserves the aesthetic purity and are no harder to operate than those positioned on the face.

Despite my best efforts, riding past strong electrical currents made little impression on readout consistency. While it's ideal for winter bikes thanks to the reliable construction, I’d shy away from mounting to crossers, mtbs and rough stuff touring bikes unless wiring was meticulously tidied to prevent snagging.

Verdict

Stylish and competent training aid complete with wallet friendly price tag.