CatEye Cordless Cyclocomputer

Price Paid:  $30.00 at Performance

Bike Setup:
De Bernardi

Summary:
I bought a Cateye Vectra wireless to replace a DB-4 computer that was acting up. I just needed something basic but reliable (the DB readings got all mixed up when riding under traffic lights). I didn't read the box very carefully, but assumed that the Cateye would have all the functions on the DB, which cost $10 less. However, on the first ride I quickly realized the Cateye did not keep track of riding time or average speed. This is basic information that any computer ought to have, and it wouldn't cost Cateye any profits to include it. So I returned the computer.

Strengths:
Easy to use. Very readable display.

Weaknesses:
Lacks basic functions any computer should have in its price range -- namely riding time and average speed.

Similar Products Used:
Axiom (Performance), DB

Price Paid:  $45.00 at Local bike shop

Bike Setup:
2000 Bianchi Giro, stock

Summary:
This is a nice bike computer, but didn't last very long. My transmitter stopped working completely after less than 3 months of use. Since you can't buy a transmitter separately, the computer itself became totally useless. I guess I can use it as a paper weight. :(

It was a nice computer while it worked, but I had to give it a "1" value rating since it broke so fast and wasn't repairable. I would have tried contacting the manufacturer for a replacement, but live overseas, so didn't bother.

Strengths:
Looks nice.

Weaknesses:
Transmitter stopped working after less than 3 months of use.

Similar Products Used:
Several different types of wired bike computers.

Price Paid:  $50.00 at Bicycle Sport Shop

Favorite Ride:
Liberty Hill

Bike Setup:
Yokota Enterprise
Cannondale R800

Summary:
Bought a Cateye Cordless 7 about two years ago. I've put almost 1000 miles on it since then and it's worked flawlessly. Installation is very simply, just attach to handlebars with the included zip ties. Despite the bad reviews mine has worked fine, maybe Cateye improved the 2005 model?

Strengths:
Simple install, no wires. Nice display. Sleep mode. ODO is retained while swapping battery.

Weaknesses:
2 batteries to keep track of instead of one. No cadence monitoring.

Similar Products Used:
Cateye Astral 8

Price Paid:  $650.00 at whittier cyclery

Favorite Ride:
trek 1000t

Summary:
ive been using this for about 3 weeks and have a little over 300 miles on it. So for everything is going well and havent experienced any ghost readings or problems others have said to have. I found out cat eyes did fix alot of the problems with the newer models but so far so good.

Strengths:
Easy to read speedo
easy to install
easy to take on and off when locking up bike at school.
user friendly interface
price!!!!!!

Weaknesses:
odometer and miles are too small
light on it sucks but when night riding you shouldnt really be looking at speedo.

Price Paid:  $25.00 at Richardson Bike Mart

Favorite Ride:
Cervelo

Summary:
My Cordless 7 worked for the first 6 months, but that was along with having to stop in the middle of my rides to adjust it everytime it moved. It is nearly impossible to keep the sensor or the magnet from moving. After 6 months, the ghost readings consistantly got worse and worse until finally, now, the sensor indicator symbol stays on constantly and the only way to get it to turn off is to take it off the bike and get it out of the sensor's range.

Strengths:
Easy to program. Easy to read. But thats about it.

Weaknesses:
I have spent more time jacking with this stupid thing than its worth. I just need to find a way to return it without hurting my wife's feelings, since she bought it for me.