Cat Eye V3 Triple Wireless W/HR sensor

Price Paid:  $200.00 at Mellow Johnny

Favorite Ride:
Austin

Summary:
I am writing this because I read the negative reviews and felt I should share my disagreement with some of them. Installation was easy. Getting setup was simple. Programming was a bit complex but once I understood how to use the unit I have been delighted with the HR monitor, the ride average and peak recording functions, the Lap functions (I ride out and back on some days and I like to try to ride a negative split (faster back than out)) so I am thoroughly happy

Weaknesses:
The lower sensor could be vulnerable if you dont tighten it up properly once it is set up.

Price Paid:  $200.00 at Canyon cycle

Favorite Ride:
any

Summary:
The speed/cadence sensor dropped into my spokes after hitting a bump, needless to say this broke the part right off of the bracket mount. You would think that for $175 this wold be a solid piece of gear. And to top it off Cateye only offers the whole sensor replacement (another $85). If they offer mount for the computer for $5 why in the hell can't they offer the sensor mount for cheap price? I am sending this unit back to Cateye, if they send me a new one I won't even bother replacing it.

Strengths:
Still trying to figure this one out....

Weaknesses:
slow signal response(the wireless controller on my xbox 360 has better connectivity and sensitivity and they are $50 a pop)
Poorly designed sensor mount and lack of foresight on the designer as to the sensor positioning vs. crank and spoke problems

Similar Products Used:
Specialized speed zone (almost 20 years now and it still keeps on working)

Sigma 906 (bomber!)

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
Giant Defy Alliance 0

Summary:
It seems like a really good product at first, then the trouble starts. It loses the cadence/speed sensor at every stop, spontaneously resets itself and generally proves to be unreliable.

Strengths:
realtively inexpensive

Weaknesses:
unreliable at best

Similar Products Used:
Ordering a garmin 705 to replace it.

Price Paid:  $150.00 at Got a bikes

Summary:
Cateye needs to go back to drawing board on how sensor is attached to mounting bracket. Twice now sensor has broken off in the middle of races on smooth roads. Cateye has been extremely good about replacing unit, but it gets frustrating during a race when you look down and see zero.

Strengths:
size and programming ease

Weaknesses:
Sensor attached to mounting bracket extremely weak. Held on only at one end by inferior plastic.

Similar Products Used:
NA

Price Paid:  $90.00

Favorite Ride:
Chilterns

Bike Setup:
ORBEA ORCA with Dura Ace

Summary:
Cateye V3. This is one poor piece of kit. I had previously used a Cateye MITY computer with a Polar HRM watch mounted seperately on the handlebars. The HRM being an old design used to suffer with a little interference so decided to go for the V3 which is coded and incorporates all the functions I needed. The set up instructions may as well have been written for another computer, so had to work it out for myself and it took well over an hour. The cadence reading is tiny with the time being slightly bigger. With road vibration they are difficult if not impossible to read on the move. The auto start is erratic and the average and max speeds plus distance reading have failed to function at times. The HR reading is erratic, often giving readings in the high 200s. This makes the post ride max and average readings meaningless EVERY time. About 15-20% of the ride the HR reading is incorrect and this rises to most of the time when in a group. The cadence function frequently shows averages above 150 rpm on long rides (and Lance Armstrong I am not). Resetting after a ride involves removal of the computer from the mount and after a while I feel this is likely to wear out. The old press and hold function was better. I have been disappointed with a computer which promises a lot but doesn't really perform any one function competently enough to be of any use. I feel I have wasted my money and I have gone back to my old set up.

Strengths:
Very little as it doesn't do anything particularly well

Weaknesses:
Cadence function is erratic at best and gives impossibly high averages. HRM function is erratic. Set up is difficult as instructions bear no resemblance to what actually happens when you follow them. Display is too small, particularly cadence and time. Resetting is fiddly with buttons small and hard to press especially if wearing gloves.

Similar Products Used:
Polar wrist mounted HRM. City MITY computers.