Specialized Speedzone Elite

Price Paid:  $35.00 at Don's Bike Shop in G

Favorite Ride:
They're all good

Bike Setup:
B.U. Tifful old school carbon frame with aluminum lugs.

Summary:
This a replacement for an older Specialized Elite that finally died after seven years and many thousands of miles of good service. I wanted something that I could use on both the road and on my trainer, so it needed to have rear wheel pick-up for the speedometer as well as a cadence function, and this one has it.
So far the only complaint is the mounting system: it attaches to the handlebar with zip-ties as opposed to a bolt and nut. When I first mounted it, I had the angle wrong and was getting too much reflected glare to read it so I had to cut the zip-ties and put on new ones. Since I didn't have a pair of zip-ties in my jersey, I had to wait until my ride was done to fix it. Not that big of a deal, just an annoyance to dampen the enthusiasm of riding with a new dashboard.

Strengths:
Very easy to read and set up as well as usable on the trainer AND the road. I also like the temperature function - not necessary, but entertaining. The price makes it a very good value.

Weaknesses:
I wish the mounting system was with the traditional tiny nut and bolt instead of zip-ties so you can adjust the angle.

Similar Products Used:
'01 Specialized Elite

Price Paid:  $40.00 at SpinDoctorCycleWerks

Favorite Ride:
Maui Downhill

Bike Setup:
Fairly easy. The first bike took a little longer because I was being "extra careful" (about 1 hr). The second bike took less than 1/2 the time (since I knew what I was doing). I found it better to run the cable along the top tube instead of the down tube (like suggested). I didn't feel comfortable running under the crankset.

Summary:
Previously owned the Specialized Sport. It got wet and "died". I wasn't looking for a display that showed cadance, but now I think it's a nice option to have. I also like the ability to set the ODO. I was able to transfer my miles previously recorded on the Sport into the Elite (at least I didn't lose my total milage).

Strengths:
I like all of the display options and display combinations. BIG mph display makes it easy to read at a glance.

Weaknesses:
Not exactly wild about the way the cadance magnet is attached to the crank. It looks like it might be able to work its way loose. Only time will tell.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Sport - this one got wet in a rainstorm and needed to be replaced. Went with the Specialied Elite