Helps Me Keep The Pace Updated October 2007
Written: Sep 11 '04 (Updated Oct 06 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Cadence, large display, easy to use
Cons: More effort (and sometimes more cost) to install. Started wearing out after 3 years.
The Bottom Line: Cadence computers enhance my rides. Best display and buttons of any bike computer I’ve owned. Buy it.
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| Saxguy's Full Review: Cateye Astrale 8 |
2007 update: After about 3 years of use, the two version I had of this unit each developed problems. On my road bike, the cadence still worked but the speed didn't. I replaced it with the Cateye Wireless Bicycle Computer. On my recumbernt, the speed works but not the cadence and so I didn't feel the need to replace it. This remains a recommended unit for me, but the newer wireless model has a more sturdy sensing mechanism.
I’ve been intrigued with the idea of cadence computers for a couple of years now. Cadence is a feature that tells you how fast you are pedaling in RPMs (revolutions per minute). I figured that it would help me improve my strength, speed and effort on my road bike, a Specialized Cross-Roads. Earlier this year, I bought the prior version of this computer, the Astrale, from a local Performance Bike store and it still works great.
So, when I got my recumbent bicycle a month and a half ago, I asked if they had this model. They ordered it for me and installed it for free, since the store’s policy is to install all accessories free on a new bike at time of purchase.
While I paid full retail price of $39.95, I thought the free installation a bargain, since cadence computers have two sensors: one on the crank and one on the rear wheel, effectively doubling the installation time. Performance had charged double their usual fee for install because of the extra mount.
I checked current prices - Nashbar.com has it for $29.99 and Performancebike.com has it for $34.99. So, if you're handy, you can save a few bucks and install it yourself.
This computer is extremely easy to use. The display has a large number, which is rotated at a touch of a button between cadence and current speed. The smaller display on the bottom can be rotated between the following: (the capital letters are the ones showing on the display)
Odometer since last hard reset
Average speed
Current Speed
trip Distance
trip elapsed Time
Generally, I ride with the cadence on the top and current speed at the bottom, but I’ll cycle through the bottom displays when I stop for water or a snack.
The use can choose between manual start, which is started by the user and auto-start, which starts the computer recording as soon as the wheel with the sensor moves. I like the auto start feature, but I do need to remember to clear out the average speed, trip distance and trip elapsed time before I start.
This computer has worked great. I want to bicycle at an aerobic level, and I find that cruising at 70 rpms on flats at a sufficient gear gets my pulse rate where it belongs, in the mid-130s. I like to track average speed to monitor my effort. On my new recumbent bicycle, I am able to see my strength and speed improve as I spin at higher speeds in higher gears.
Other features that I like are that running elapsed time stops when the bike is stopped, like for a traffic light or to cross a street, and that doesn’t affect the average speed. Yet another feature that I like is that it has a power save mode after it has no activity for an hour.
Aside from the extra effort in installation, occasionally I have to fiddle with either sensor if the display isn’t reporting anything. This happens maybe once every two weeks and is usually fixed in a minute or two of tweaking. I now check the display before I start.
I've had computers by Avocet, Vetta and Nashbar. This one has the easiest set of buttons and displays of any, including the prior Astrale.
For someone who bicycles for exercise, I suggest a cadence computer in general and this computer in particular. It adds a component of strength and effort monitoring that is not reported on a standard bicycle computer or a pulse monitor. I recommend it highly.
If you are interested in bicycling, please check out my other reviews on
How to commute by bicycle
Cycle Genius ALX 20 Squared Recumbent Bicycle
2004 Jamis Coda Comp Road Bike
Topeak Joe Blow Sprint Floor Pump
Bell Double Gel Seat Cover
Nashbar Cold Weather Glove
Performancebike.com Online Store
Nashbar.com Online Store
Nashbar Crochet Bicycle Gloves
Nashbar Gel Gloves
Bell Solair Pro Helmet
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Thanks for reading! God bless.
Recommended:
Yes
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