CatEye Strada Wireless

Price Paid:  $60.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
Hunterdon Co., NJ

Bike Setup:
Litespeed Classic, Dura Ace components, handbuilt wheels.

Summary:
This replaces my VDO which broke after two years. Installation and operation is simple and foolproof. It offers basic cyclometer functions: clock, ride time w/auto start/stop, current speed, average speed, maximum speed, pace arrow, ride distance, odometer.

A bonus feature is a 2nd distance mode, which runs concurrently with the ride distance calculator. This is preserved and reset separately from all the other functions, so you can store your monthly mileage, for example, while zeroing out everything else on a per ride basis.

There are no buttons on the unit. The switch is on the underside where it contacts the handlebar mount, so you simply tap the bottom to scroll through the modes-a plus if you are wearing bulky gloves. However, to reset everything, you simply press down on the unit for about two seconds. Therefore, you must use a light touch when operating it, or you might inadvertantly erase all your data in the middle of a ride (except for D2, which, as I noted, is stored independently).

I haven't owned the unit long enough to assess it's long-term durability, nor have I ridden it through torrential rain, but for 1,000 miles, it has performed as expected.

Strengths:
Small, lightweight, easy to use
Wireless operation is accurate, and unaffected by proximity to power lines, etc.
Spare parts are readily available

Weaknesses:
One-touch operation requires you to scroll through up to six funtions to reach desired mode.
Wheel magnet tends to twist on round spokes.

Similar Products Used:
VDO (wired and wireless), Avocet

Price Paid:  $42.00 at Jenson USA

Favorite Ride:
Any ride is a good ride!

Bike Setup:
GT carbon road bike with Durace, used mostly for commuting and weekend long rides.

Summary:
I have used this computer now for about 6 mos. total. I am going on my third one and it will soon be returned for a refund. The computer would work great for a few mos. and then work sporadically. I tried changing batteries and cleaning the contacts(a tip from Jenson) but nothing worked. I would DEFINITELY NOT recommend this computer. Luckily, Jenson has great customer service and will credit me for something else.

Strengths:
None

Weaknesses:
It didn't last very long. I had to replace it twice, and eventually got rid of it all together.

Price Paid:  $75.00 at Lickton Cycle Supply

Favorite Ride:
THE ONE I'M ON

Bike Setup:
54cm 2008 Cervelo RS, standard Dura-Ace build. Added Koobi PRS Enduro saddle, Mavic Ksyrium SL wheelset.

Summary:
After being unable to get the cadence sensor of a Serfas double wireless to work on my RS, I gave up, and bought the Strada Double Wireless with cadence. Mounted easily, set up easy, with one exception: The Cervelo has bladed chainstays and the crank is about an inch away from the stay. The mounting hardware fit just fine, but I was unable to get the sensor close enough to the magnet to get a reading. I solved the problem by mounting another magnet BEHIND the supplied magnet, bringing the clearance to 3mm, and it works just fine that way.

Strengths:
Only one sensor unit. Speed sensor on back wheel allows use on a trainer, unlike front wheel mounted sensors. Ultra clean and easy installation, one touch operation. B setting for use with different bike or wheelset!

Weaknesses:
Cadence magnet should be adjustable to allow for more exotic carbon frame styles! Lower display is real small, polarized lenses on my glasses partially obscure view (true of ALL computers I've used). Lag in display update response (almost a second).

Similar Products Used:
Cateye Astrale 8 (better computer in every way except the wire clutter). Serfas double & triple wireless computers (NOT recommended)

Price Paid:  $46.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
Anywhere at sunrise

Bike Setup:
Novara Strada

Summary:
Great product. I also have one of the initial Cat Eye wireless on my Giant; it's 6 years old and working perfectly. This Strada appears simular in function with the convenience of face touch operation.

Strengths:
Easy to install and operate.
Clean looking, minimalist design.
East to read and operate while riding.
Mounts on stem (a must for me).

Weaknesses:
Tempurature and altitude would have been nice; but probably no accurate or possible at this price point.

Similar Products Used:
Cat Eye 'cordless' Cyclocomputer.
VDO wireless (returned the POS).

Price Paid:  $40.00 at Performance

Favorite Ride:
Mt. Vernon Trail

Bike Setup:
Bianchi Hybrid

Summary:
I purchased this because my other computer never worked. This is the first time using a computer and it is great. It works well and for the basic information I am looking for (MPH, distance, time of day) I am very happy.

Strengths:
Size

Weaknesses:
The lower display numbers are small, but not enough to make it a bad product