The Function of Wireless Cycle Computers

Wireless cycle computers provide data when you are riding your bicycle. They keep track of actual speed, average speed, trip mileage and total accumulated mileage. They work via a small transmitter installed on the bike's fork -- the part of the bike frame that holds the front wheel. The transmitter counts wheel revolutions and transmits the data to a small computer display you install on your handlebars.

  1. Odometer

    • Just like the computers in automobiles, wireless bike computers keep track of every single mile you put on your bike. Ride after ride, year after year they keep adding cumulative mileage. All you need to do is push the single button once to bring up the mileage screen. You can keep it on this screen and watch it count out the miles in tenths if you like or move on to trip mileage.

    Trip Mileage

    • You must manually reset trip mileage every time you ride your bike. Touch the button twice to bring up the trip-mileage screen. Hold the button down for three seconds to clear the previous ride data. When you begin riding again, the trip mileage screen will start at zero and display your ride in miles and 100ths of a mile. You can leave the display on this screen or move to average speed.

    Average Speed

    • Touch the button three times to move to the average speed screen. This displays a readout calculated every mile. If you ride regularly you can attempt to get your average speed faster by comparing it with previous ride data. If your average speed is consistently faster, it means that your overall fitness level has improved. The average speed function is calculated by single rides only, therefore, when you hold the button down for three seconds to clear previous ride data, the average speed data is also erased. If you want to calculate average speed over days or weeks, you must write down your average speed for each individual ride and do monthly manual calculations.

    Speed

    • Speed is a constant readout. Your wireless computer will constantly display your speed at the top of the screen. All other data is displayed below the speed indicator. Usually, the speed display is the largest, most easily viewed data. Speed data isn't affected when you push the button to move through the other functions. When you stop your bike, the speed data will automatically shut off. After five minutes, the screen will go blank. When you push your bike forward, the display comes on again.

    Optional Functions

    • Depending on the model you choose, other wireless functions include time of day, temperature, elevation above sea level and maximum speed. Some cycling computers will even monitor your heartbeat. Much of this data is displayed simultaneously, so it's easy to become confused. For most cyclists, it's best to keep it simple and get a computer with just the basic features.