Bike Setup: Surly Longhaul Trucker Expedition Spec.
Specialized Rockhopper Expedition Spec.
Specialized Roubaix
1962 Jack Taylor sports cycle
1950's delivery cycle
Summary: I have owned several sigma computers and have always found them to be easy to use and fit.I used the BC1606L wireless for only a short time though on my touring bike. I found that whenever I had my flashing LED light and/or my separate gps unit that the computer would stop reading and just act as if the bike was not moving. This happened with 2 diffeent brands of LED lights and the problem was never solved. I ended up going back to my wired sigma on my touring bike and the wireless sigma went onto my mountain bike only. No other problems apart from this.
Strengths: Ease of use, big screen, backlit.
Weaknesses: Stopped reading whenever led lights or gps were switched on.
Similar Products Used: Sigma 1106, Sigma ROX 9, Cat Eye products in the past.
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Summary: This unit has lots of good info on several screens. It is probably the cheapest of its type. 1 unit is usable on two bikes if you buy additional sensors. However, the speed sensor quits on mine after 1/2 hour even with a brand new battery, ruining the worth of an otherwise good computer. Restarting the sensor on the gois difficult and only a temporary fix.
Strengths: Wireless, readable screens, fairly easy to install, inexpensive, can be used on two bike (with additional sensors and mount) and stats accumulated.
Weaknesses: difficult to follow manual. Speed sensor dropouts make it only marginally usable.
Similar Products Used: none
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Summary: I had the wired version without cadence and really liked the data features and readability. I wanted cadence and was tired of dealing with wires (I have a habit of tearing the wires out of the base units), so got the DTS1606L wireless with cadence.
I did do a bit of research first and saw that all wireless computers have issues. I found the installation and setup of the 1606L fairly easy. It did take a bit of adjustment to the sensor/magnet distance for reliable readings. Once set I've been happy with the performance. I've had no signal interference.
Like other reviewers, I've found the sensor battery indicators less than accurate. A couple of times I've experienced signal loss from speed/distance or cadence - but never both at the same time. Inserting a new battery fixed the situation both times, but not getting ride data is irritating at best.
Why not make a sensor that has speed/distance and cadence all in one unit?
I now carry a spare sensor battery in my kit for replacement on the road. It's a quick job when needed and a lot less irritating and expensive than tearing the wire from a base unit.
I really do like the computer features and easy to read text of Sigma computers (to my old eyes the Cateye readout is unacceptable).
However, I would try a different brand of wireless computer upon reading consistent reviews of one that has better battery longevity/reliability.
Strengths: Data features, text readability, ease of use, maintains data during battery change
Summary: I have 2 of these, one on my road bike and one on my MTB. Both have had the same issues. The set-up is not as easy as my old sigma, which served me well for 5 years. Once set-up, the screen is easy to read. The main problem, as others have noted, is that it is very temperamental with regards to it's sensor for speed. I have discovered thru trial and error that the 'low battery indicator' on the sender unit is not accurate. Twice now, the units have not worked, leaving me and the bike shop puzzled. We replaced the batteries, despite the battery indicator showing full strength, and they worked fine.
Strengths: Attractive unit, can stem mount, easy to read.
Weaknesses: Will it or won't it work today? What sort of mood is it in?
Illogical set-up procedure with silly instructions.
Battery indicator feature is useless.
Held on by a rubber band.
Speed sensor and magnet must be just about kissing for it to work.
Similar Products Used: Specialized turbo, topeak
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Summary: By far the worst computer that I've owned. I'm used to the "set and forget" types of computers, but the 1606 is constantly needing to be readjusted and looses data. Not to mention that the magnet on the speedometer needs to be so ridiculously close to the spokes that it's in constant danger of being sucked into the wheel and torn off.
The only reason I give it a 2 is because of the large screen and strong backlight.
Strengths: Large screen
Weaknesses: Very finicky
Looses data
Taps spokes
Similar Products Used: cateye micro wireless
garmin edge 305
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