Summary: Oh it's so sad. I really prefer my Avocet computers over any others. Alas, the two 45tt's that I bought a few years ago both died rather quickly. One actually lasted about a year. The other one stopped functioning well fairly soon, and went back to Avocet about three times to be "repaired." Each time it was returned (replaced? repaired?) it worked for about a week.
But I have two older Avocet 40's that both still work, after many, many years.
So much for the evolution of a company and its products. Is Avocet still in business? Maybe, but I bet they don't sell bike computers anymore.
Strengths: Still my favorite screen layout and buttons. Exactly what I needed.
Weaknesses: Oh well....c'est la vie. If it doesn't work, it's not a computer, it's trash.
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Bike Setup: 1990ish Trek 2000 frame with components of a 1989 Specialized Allez Epic.
Summary: I bought this computer awhile back, and used it briefly. TERRIBLE buttons that sometimes forward the display twice if pressed once... and most of the time don't work the first time pressed. When Avocet made their computers in the USA years ago I never had any trouble... These Chinese-made units are junk. To boot, I've placed TWO orders for a replacement bracket but neither has been filled--one for over a year--because Avocet is having supply issues and may very well be heading out of business. I'd stay away from this company and buy a Cat Eye computer. The two Cat Eye "Micro" computers I have, purchased in 1988, are still going strong.
Strengths: None.
Weaknesses: Terrible buttons. Company seems to not be supporting their products.
Similar Products Used: Other computers from Cat Eye and Specialized.
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Bike Setup: Trek 5200 T modified with an 11X32 cassett for hill climbing.
Summary: I have been using Avocet computers on my bike since they first came out many years ago. The quality at one time was superb but has really fallen down. My present one is the 45tt. I had to send two back till I got one that works reliably. At first this one's switches had to be punched a couple times to work but with use it works just fine now and I really would not be without it, and like it very much.
Strengths: It has all of the functions that I will ever need including cadence, and I find cadence essential to improve your performance.
Weaknesses: Getting one that works is a hassel. No one likes the waste of returning defective products.
Similar Products Used: I never used any other bike computer since Avocet first came out.
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Summary: I hate to do this but I have to whack this computer and Avocet in general. I bought a 45TT this spring. It stopped working well the first rainy day (no more cadence), then dropped digits soon after, then really just didn't work at all. All told I got about 3 weeks of marginal functionality out of it. No big deal, people make mistakes. But once I sent it back (and to be honest I let it sit on my desk for a month before I sent it back), it took them two weeks to get back to me and tell me that yes, indeed, it would be replaces, and that it would be three weeks before they had the stock on hand to replace it. That was 8 weeks ago. I called today, they said it would be 3 weeks before they could replace it. I don't believe them, and will be taking a 35 instead, so that I might have it before I am old and grey.
Strengths: Lots of functions.
Weaknesses: Doesn't work, bad warranty follow up.
Similar Products Used: Scwinn Sting Ray cyclocomputer (I'm not kidding, the thing cost $18, tells me what I really need to know and is bulletproof).
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Summary: I started using avocet computer around 1990. They were the rage of the pro peloton and worked great. They were highly reliable. No problems at all.
Some years later, avocet quality has taken a severe nosedive, and I mean severe. They are now made in china, the hallmark of quality excellence.
The dislplay will almost always go out within months as just about everyone else here has said. Your breath has enough moisture to make the display fail.
Nothing like jamming in a big gear and seeing the numbers look like letters!
The only thing that seems to work halfway decently is the cadence display, and even that has problems.
A true piece of crap, I will never buy another one again. A complete waste of $50.
Hey avocet: What the hell is your problem?
Strengths: best looking and mounting.
Weaknesses: reliability. Less reliable than a $2 watch you would find in a liquor store.
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