Innovation poorly implemented
Written: Apr 27 '05 (Updated Apr 28 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Analogue looking indication of speed and time
Cons: Invisible in direct sunlight, crowded display, doesn't work below 4 C (40 F)
The Bottom Line: Despite the innovative design the unreadable display ruins it all.
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| imreasztar's Full Review: Specialized Speed Zone Comp Computer |
I was always attracted by technologies that combine analogue with digital, bringing the advantages of both worlds.
Analogue devices are usually easy to operate, logically designed and give you the 'proportional feeling' of settings.
Digital on the other hand offer more precise control of parameters, maintenance and problem free operation, low price, low weight.
Specialized offered both in this cycling clock, as the current speed is shown with an increasing number of little bars, I was immediately taken by it. However, after two weeks of use I decided to replace the Specialized SpeedZone Sport with another model - see why.
Installation and Calibration
The SpeedZone Sport mounts with a screw on the handlebar and offers a 'fix', non-removable design. The sensor has to be attached onto the fork, and a little magnet on a spike, that is all.
There are 3 different extra rubber bands to be able to mount on different handle-bar sizes.
Unfortunately, the cable proved to be very short, therefore I couldn't wind it on the bicycle frame, but had to buy plastic fasteners (those single-use plastic bands used to clear up cables and wires).
During the first use, you have to:
- choose the language (English, German, French, Italian, Dutch, or Spanish),
- choose between mph and km/h,
- adjust the counter in the odometer,
- adjust the wheel circumference in the computer (either choose one of the 12 typical tire sizes, or measure manually)
- adjust clock
It is silly that one has to choose between mph and km/h, as there are two different versions, because the scale is either painted on the plastic frame in mph or km/h. Why would I change to mph when I have a scale in km/g?!
There is a small manual in the box, which comes handy to make these initial settings; also, wheel sizes are listed in the manual.
Display and Buttons
The LCD display shows the current speed with proportional bars, similar to an analogue meter. On the plastic frame, you have a scale from 0 to 80 km/h (or from 0 to 45 mph), and the more speed, the more bars appear in circular form.
In the inner circle, there is an analogue imitating clock, and on the bottom of the display there is a small area to display other functions with numbers. So, there are two analogue looking (speed and clock) and one digital looking display on the LCD.
There are two buttons, Set and Mode. First you have to learn how to press them to get the required function, but after you have learned it, it is no problem. They are also big enough to be used on a bicycle.
Functions
The Specialized SpeedZone offers the usual basic bicycle computer functions. I always use Current speed, Odometer and Trip Distance. Trip timer is nice, but in city traffic a normal timer would be more useful.
* Current Speed
* Average Speed
* Maximum Speed
* Odometer
* Trip Distance
* Trip Timer (auto start/stop)
* 12/24 Hour Clock
* Analog clock
In Use
Unfortunately, during use, the SpeedZone was less attractive then in the shop.
First, the display is very small; I really have to 'look' to be able to properly read the digital numbers in the bottom.
As for the current speed, it is no problem to see 'how fast I am', and the analogue like way of showing the speed is really a joy to look at. I have the 'proportional feeling' of my speed, which I really like.
However, displaying average speed with the blinking needle bar, and the small 'needle tip', only makes confusion. They are too small to be able to read properly, then I never need these functions during the ride, but they make the reading of the current speed more complicated.
The analogue looking clock is a bid disappointment, as it shows the time only by 5 minute steps. This is a joke. When I am in the city, and want to catch an appointment, 5 minutes really make a difference.
Finally, the biggest disappointment is when the sun comes out. In direct sunlight, it is impossible to read the display, unless you make some shade with your hands. I can't believe, how a well known bicycle manufacturer, like Specialized can produce such a low quality product.
What I liked:
- robust build (even the cable is strong)
- analogue display with 'digital brain'
- wide range of features
- non-removable design
What I didn't like:
- display becomes unreadable in direct sunlight
- flashing 'average speed' and 'maximum speed' makes confusion
- the bars that show current speed are too thin
- digital display (numbers) at the bottom is too small for easy read
- short cable
- operating temperature is 4 to 40 C (40 to 104 F), impossible to use in winter
Summary
The Specialized SpeedZone would be an excellent innovative cycle computer, however, it fails at a very basic detail: it is impossible to read the display in direct sunlight.
When I ride my bike, the sun is usually shining, so after two week of use, I gave up. The original idea is very good, however, the implementation is of very low level.
Because of this design flaw of the display, not only the SpeedZone Sport, but the whole range of the Specialized SpeedZone cycle computers should be clearly avoided.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
imreasztar
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Location: Budapest, Hungary
Reviews written: 28
Trusted by: 6 members
About Me:
Bio/chemical engineer who loves mobile tech
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