I have discovered that the Bell cyclcomputer sold by Walmart for only $7 makes an excellent electronic counter. Programming is remarkable simple through a single large button, and wheel circumference can be set to 5000 mm for easy operation with one or two magnets. Initially, I noticed what appeared to be a single spurious impulse on some rides, but I was able to track down the source and devise a simple operational procedure to avoid it. It has since performed flawlessly on course measurement.
A full report will appear in the next MN.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Neville,
The one thing I've found with electronics is, you get what you pay for. I picked up a digital camera at Wal-Mart for $14 figuring, "how bad can it be?" and found out
But the cyclocomputer would give you a rough idea of where to start looking for mile splits, and as such it should be well worth $7.
Maybe the next version will have a digital camera built in
Stu: You seem to going by conventional wisdom that cyclocomputers are only good for getting a rough idea where splits are located. To the contrary, those used as electronic counters give superior performance and accuracy to that of the Jones.
I would rate the Bell as second only to the Protégé in performance as an electronic counter. So far I like the quality, and at a cost of $7 I am not too concerned with longevity.
After seeing Pete's setup with the calibrated rim, I'm convinced. It's so simple it's perfect. I'd have a hard time relying on only one, though. Pete's system of two computers would make more sense, and if the $7 units are as good as you say, still plenty affordable.
Belt and braces. My own experience with cyclocomputers is only current to 1986. I Imagine they, like everything else, have come a long way since then.
Yesterday I went to the office supply store to get a small calculator to carry with me while I measure courses, expecting to pay $5 or $6. I found one for 99 cents. When I was a kid a calculator that could do what this one does cost about $200. Around that same time, I remember a McDonalds commercial that touted the fact that you could get a burger, fries, coke, AND change back for your dollar. Amazing that for the cost of that meal today, you could buy THREE calculators.
Posts: 270 | Location: Rochester, MI | Registered: 13 April 2006
I remember those first "pocket" calculators. You had to have deep pockets, in more ways than one. Thing was the size of a paperback novel (not a Tom Clancy, but maybe a Stephen King).
$200 was a lot of money in 1977. And the battery lasted about 10 minutes, too. Those red LED's sure ate up the power
After using the Bell for several months, the circumference setting began to spontaneously revert from 5000 mm to the default of 2124 mm and I could not reset it. Removing the battery and replacing it appeared to fix the problem, but it was not permanent. Batteries are often not fresh when you purchase a device and I noticed that my battery was a bit low in voltage. However, recommended replacements were rather obscure types and not available at Wal-Mart. I therefore purchased a 357 for $1.50 at Wal-Mart because it was only a little thicker. By grinding off three small protrusions on the inside of the lid on the battery compartment, I was able to fit the 357 perfectly. The problem has not returned since.
Recently the Bell stopped working and I was very surprised to find that I had broken the electrical wire between the sensor and the meter. The wire is so flimsy and unprotected that I had no suspicion I had done so. The Bell has some novel features, but despite these I now recommend going only with the Protege or one of the newly revealed commercial counters.
