Here is my dilemma…I currently use a CATEY DOUBLE WIRELESS computer . Features are Speedometer, Cadence, Odometer, Trip Odometer, Avg. Speed, Max Speed, Avg. Cadence, Max Cadence, Time in zone. I think that about does it. I have recently come into a Blackburn 5. 0 Delphi. Features are pretty much the same, but the 5.0 has a WIRED cadence (downpoint) but it also has a HEART RATE monitor (GOOD POINT). For a heart rate on the Cateye, I have a SEPERATE monitor. I think the features of both are great, it is just a matter of a wire running down my bike VS no wires at all. Also with the CATEYE everything is on the back wheel. This allows me to keep track of trainer miles when I ride indoors. Can't do that on the Blackburn. I know that in order for EITHER computer to do anything I MUST ride…but we all know why I am not righ tnow. 2 WEEKS LEFT!!!! I would love to hear everyone's opinion on which computer I should use. Should I switch to the Blackburn and why or stay with what I have??? PLEASE HELP!!!!
Given the number of miles you've tend to put on a trainer, my recomendation is to stick with the CatEye. If I was truly worried about tracking my heart rate, I'd look at a seperate heart rate monitor. I know some of them come with bike mounts and I know some folks wear them on their wrist when they ride. My opinion onf the Blackburn HRM is that it's pretty weak vs. the ones I've seen from Polar. I've been tempted to look into the Polar CS200Cad but haven't had the time yet.
BTW - I've got the Blackburn Delphi 5.0 and although I like it the cadence is finicky for me - I think it's related to the contact points but I haven't tracked down the issues right yet.
good point…hopefully not going to be doing so much on the trainer…wouldlike to put more ACTUAL miles in. AFTER THIS TEST!!!! I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL THE 19th!!!! I am going insane looking at these books. Thank you for your input. If I were to put more actual road miles in, would you still say the same thing though???
Having had the Polar CS200cad, it's a great computer I really liked it, but if you are a data junkie like me, getting useful info out of it tough especially if you want more info than the lap based captures. However the basic function of the Polar is stellar. I eventually got a Garmin 305 for the additional data I could get out of it and I really like it.
I'd suggest you look at what you want the HRM to do for you. The Blackburn as I recall tracks time in and out of 3 zones but I know there are other HRMs that do a lot more (extra zones, calories burned calculations, etc). So, you may actually be happier with another solution (or saving your $s for other upgrades).
Also, I continue to have "issues" with my wired cadence on the blackburn (it's like the contacts have to be cleaned before each ride).
Not a big data junkie….don't download anything from my cycling computer to my honest to goodness computer, don't really plan on doing that either. What seems to be the issue with your cadence? Does it not read consistently? Has the magnet or sensor "moved" itself? As far as the other cool things such as Calories burned, more zones and all that, don't really care. Just wanted to see if it would be worth having the HRM readout right there in front of me instead of having to look at tmy wrist. As far as saving money, the Delphi was a gift so no cost to me….Have you contacted Blackburn about your "issues"? CALL THEM…do not waste your time trying to e-mail, they never answer. But from what I am getting from you Jim is to stay with my Cateye Double Wireless…the HRM readout on the Blackburn is not worth switching from the Cateye….right?
If anyone else, (besides JIM AND BRIAN) seeing that the two of them seem to be the only other people posting, if any of the other members have an opinion on this DILEMMA of mine, please post ….just doing an information hunt before any switch is made. To Jim and Brian, THANK YOU FOR YOUR INPUT!!! CANNOT WAIT TO RIDE ON THE 19th…TEST DAY RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!!!