Cateye Velo Wireless Plus computer

Conceived as an entry-level wireless computer for riders entering the sport either to benefit their health and fitness, or to have a smaller environmental footprint, the Velo Wireless + is a nicely thought through computer with some interesting features.

Designed to be user friendly and easy to operate, the display is large and shows sets of data from just two functions at a time. Scrolling through the functions is easy enough, with a single button in the middle. The Velo Wireless + offers the functions most needed by anyone, with current, average and maximum speed, trip distance, total distance, elapsed time and a 12hr/24hr clock.

In addition to this, the functions that mark it apart from so many other similar computers are calorie consumption and carbon offset. The calorie consumption is an averaged out estimate, since there’s no heart rate monitor or personal data involved. Nonetheless, it’s nice to have a vague notion of how many calories you’re burning on your commute or ride to the shops, and this is, after all, the sector that’s being targeted by Cat Eye with the Velo Wireless +.

The CO2 offset function is a slightly contrived one, especially as most of us have no idea how many kg of CO2 we would expect to produce in our everyday lives anyway. That said, if you’re making an ethical choice to use the car less and the bike more (which has to be a good thing in anyone’s book) it’s quite nice to have a concrete figure for how much CO2 you've NOT generated in the car, to pat yourself on the back with at the end of a working week.

The Velo Wireless + is simple and quick to install, once you’ve figured out the very slightly confusing instructions regarding wheel size settings. There’s a choice to set with a single standard figure, or to be more precise, and the diagram takes some understanding. It locates easily in a simple zip-tie fastened cradle, but in long term use I’d have some doubts about the longevity of the sticky pad helping to secure the cradle to the bar. To maximize its life, avoid removing the unit too often if you can.

In use, it’s straightforward and the sensor pick-up is reliable. There are other cheaper computers on the market, and if you’re not dead set on having the calorie or carbon offset functions, other wireless models, including from Cat Eye, are available for less money. But, as a well built and user-friendly computer with some quirky functions, it’s not a bad price.

Verdict

Well made, user friendly and easy to fit. You're paying extra for some quirky features in addition to the usual.