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review

Cateye Strada Wireless cycle computer

9
£49.99

VERDICT:

9
10
Compact, light, attractive and reliable, with all the basic features. What's not to like?
Weight: 
44g
Contact: 
www.zyro.co.uk

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A small and discrete 8 function computer aimed at those looking for all the basic functions but without the fuss, and in an attractive wireless package. The Strada Wireless is very much a basic pared down computer, offering the now standard functions of time elapsed, trip distance (and trip distance 2), current speed, average speed, max speed, odo and clock. At only 44g the weight is minimal, and won’t offend even the most vigorous weight-ists out there.

It’s sleek, tiny and well formed, making it a more attractive computer model than many, and one which will appeal to those looking for a unit to coordinate with their bike. Its availability in four colours, including a girly/Giro-winning white and pink/Ciclamino colour option (delete as appropriate), enhance that fashion element. And the white does look rather fetching, it has to be said.

Fitting the set-up is a breeze, with fairly straightforward instructions and a simple zip-tie attachment for the sensor, screw on fitting for the magnet and an easy to use fitment for the display unit, which mounts either on stem or bar. Calibration is just as simple a job, with the whole process taking you from box to ready to ride in just 10 minutes or so.

In use, the functions are simple to scroll through, with the display itself being the buttons. You simply press the bottom of the front of the unit gently, and this presses on the menu button the back of the unit. You can easily find yourself scrolling through accidentally from time to time, however, as it’s easily pressed. Taking the unit on and off the mount is a little on the tricky side, but theoretically there’s little need for you to do this anyway since the controls are accessible from the front, and if it’s that tricky for you to remove it, it should also deter casual thieves, and make it less likely to accidentally pop off into the undergrowth as you ride. Read-outs are reliable and steady, with no communication problems between sensor and unit.

All in all it’s a sleek, easy to use system, of a high quality and it’s reasonably priced for such a slimline attractive package.

Verdict

Compact, light, attractive and reliable, with all the basic features. What's not to like?

road.cc test report

Make and model: Cateye Strada Wireless cycle computer

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Those looking for a lightweight, discreet computer with wireless functionality, for any bike.

Easy to set up and easy to fit on pretty much any bike. Slimline looks might not suit MTB as well as road or hybrids.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Functions

Current speed

Max speed

Average speed

Odometer

Trip distance

Trip distance 2

Elapsed time

Clock

Features

Sim design

Universal FlexTight bracket

New universal speed sensor

Programmable odometer

Auto start/stop

Pace arrow

Auto power saving mode

ClickTec user friendly interface

FlexTight universal mounting bracket

Specifications

Fits almost any handlebar or stem: 22-31.8mm

Fits almost any fork: 11-55mm

Batteris: CR2032X2 (supplied)

Front Fork speed sensor

Transmission distance u to 70cm/27inches

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

Well made and solid.

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

Does the job reliably.

Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10

Should last well, provided you don't ping it off into the void when trying to remove the unit from its mount.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
10/10

Doesn't get much lighter than 22g

Rate the product for value:
 
10/10

Pretty reasonably price for a basic 8 function computer with more style and finesse than most at this price point.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Reliable and easy to use.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Style, simplicity of functions and ease of use.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Slightly too easy to scroll through functions by accident, especially when stem mounted.

Very tricky to remove from mount.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes, definitely.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

A well designed, reliable and stylish computer. Elegant in its simplicity.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 37  Height: 1.65m  Weight: 67kg

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, general fitness riding, mtb,

Lara has been riding bikes for longer than she'd care to admit, and writing about them nearly as long. Since 2009 she has been working as part of the road.cc review team whilst championing women's cycling on the side, most notably via two years as editor of the, sadly now defunct, UK's first and only women's cycling mag, erm, Women's Cycling. 

Believing fervently that cycling will save the world, she wishes that more people would just ride a bike and be pleasant to each other. 

She will ride anything with two wheels, occasionally likes to go fast, definitely likes to go far and is always up for a bit of exploring somewhere new and exciting. 

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2 comments

Avatar
amazon22 | 14 years ago
0 likes

Yes I've done that a few times - - its really annoying - but Distance 2 is your friend - that can only be reset if its showing, so for much of my riding, I reset both Distances and make sure Distance 2 isn't showing. A back up, if you like!

Avatar
jezzzer | 14 years ago
0 likes

had two of these for a while now and they are very nearly perfect. my only gripe is that if i stop mid-ride, take off my backpack and rest it on the handlebars, i always wind up resetting my trip distance etc.!

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