Type
The type determines, first of all, the method of communication with the remote wheel speed sensor. Recall that most bike computers are equipped with such a sensor, it is mounted on a fork, and a special magnet is attached to the wheel; when the wheel rotates, the device detects the passage of the magnet past the sensor and determines the revolutions by their frequency. The connection options are:
—
Wired. The advantages of a wired connection are low cost, reliable connection, and the fact that the speed sensor does not require its own battery. And the battery of the computer itself with such a connection “lives” longer than with a wireless one. On the other hand, such devices are somewhat less convenient to install than wireless ones, and in case of an unsuccessful fall or collision, there is a risk of breaking the wire.
—
Wireless. Such a connection allows you to do without unnecessary wires, which greatly simplifies the installation of the bike computer. At the same time, it costs more than a wired one, and two batteries are used in such a system — in the computer itself and in the speed sensor, and you will have to monitor both. Also, if there are many other wireless cycling computers nearby, the connection may fail.
Indications
Readings that can be displayed on the cycle computer display.
—
Current speed. Displays the speed of movement at a given moment.
—
Average speed. Display of the average speed of movement for a certain period, usually from the beginning of the trip to the current moment. The computer calculates this speed using the formula "total distance divided by total time." Note that in such calculations, only the time in motion can be taken into account, without intermediate stops (except for the shortest ones).
—
Maximum speed. Displays the maximum speed reached for a certain period — for a trip, for a day, for all the time since the last reset, etc. The specific features of this function in different models may vary, they need to be specified separately.
—
Ratio current/average speed. The ratio of the speed of the trip at the moment to the average speed for the entire trip. This function allows you to evaluate the current pace of movement and compare it with the pace in the already passed section.
—
Current distance travelled. Displays the distance traveled since the start of the trip.
—
Daily distance travelled. Displays the distance traveled for the current day. The change of day of the model with this function i
...s monitored by its own clock (see "Functions").
— Total distance travelled. Displays the total distance traveled since the last reset of the cycling computer. In some models, it may be possible to reset this counter without a general reset.
— Current travel time. Displays the time elapsed since the start of the current trip. Usually, the countdown starts from the moment the movement starts; during short stops, it can continue or be paused, these points should be clarified separately.
— Total travel time. Displaying the total time spent in motion for a certain period — usually since the last reset of the bike computer settings (or resetting this counter separately, some devices have such an option). Usually, only the time in motion is taken into account, excluding intermediate stops, with the exception of the shortest ones, up to half a minute to a minute.Number of lines
The number of lines on the screen of the bike computer.
In this case, only lines intended for displaying basic data are meant — values of speed, time, etc.; strings for service characters are not taken into account. Thus, the number of lines is the number of parameters that can be simultaneously displayed on the bike computer display: for example, on a two-line screen, you can see the current speed and ride time. And in some models, there may be two parameters per line. The lines themselves in most bike computers are two, less often —
three or
four, it makes no sense to use more.
Waterproof
The presence
of water protection in the device and its level according to the IP standard. This feature usually means at least the ability to withstand exposure to rain without consequences, and often more advanced capabilities, up to full short-term immersion in water.
The parameter is usually designated by the letters IP and two numeric symbols after them (for example, IP54, or IP67). The numbers indicate a specific level of protection: the first - from foreign objects and dust (maximum 6), the second - from water (maximum 8). The maximum level of protection according to this standard is IP68, that is, complete waterproof.
Instead of one of the numbers, the letter X may be indicated - this means that certification for this indicator has not been carried out: for example, an IPX8 device has a moisture resistance of 8, but has not been tested for dust protection. However, a high degree of water protection automatically entails good dust resistance.
