BBB Microboard wireless computer

BBB's Microboard Team is a wireless bicycle computer with 13 functions, the 'WC' model tested here features some world champ stripes detailing, but the Microboard Team is also available in Quickstep and Vacansoleil livery.

Out of the box, the Microboard Team is remarkably simple to set up; it took me all of about 5 minutes. The included mount is designed to fit both handlebars and stems, and comes with a wide range of o-rings and zip ties to cater for various diameters therein. More o-rings and zip ties are provided to attach the speed sensor to the fork, whatever shape that may be. BBB also include two wheel magnets; one for round spokes and one for bladed spokes. Overall, you'd be hard pushed to find a setup which wasn't catered for. As with most electrical gadgets these day batteries are included which saves a trip to the shops.

Simple, easy to follow instructions help you through the process of pairing computer head with speed sensor. This is easy enough and I experienced none of the hassles that you sometimes get with wireless computers. Next up, you need to set up the computer by choosing your preferred distance measurement, wheel size etc. Again, the included instructions are easy to follow and include a useful table which provides the rollout measurements for various combinations of tyre and rim sizes.

Out on the road, the Microboard Team displays the information in 2 rows with current speed on top, and a host of other parameters underneath. These include distance, time, average speed, total distance...in short, everything you'd expect. Scrolling through these parameters involves pressing a simple push button which provides just the right amount of feedback to be operable with gloves. It's also possible to set the unit so that these parameters are scrolled through automatically with a time delay of 5 seconds. The Microboard Team also features an automatic start/stop capability so there's no fiddling around at junctions when you come to a standstill.

For those who keep track of mileage on their bicycle computers there's a settable odometer so you won't lose all your data when switching over to it.If the Microboard Team is missing anything, its the ability to set it up for 2 bikes with different wheel sizes. No biggie, but this is a useful feature for those with more than one machine.

Whilst the head unit is small, reading off the data is not a problem due to the large font display. It's refreshing to see that BBB have kept things simple and not tried to over-complicate the display with rows upon rows of information. The plastic casing and the electronics inside have held up to being dropped onto concrete floors multiple times; the unit is seriously tough. And whilst I haven't dunked the Microboard in a bucket of water to test its waterproofing, it has held up to some serious weather including some downright atrocious driving rain courtesy of Hurricane Katia. It was completely covered in dirt and grit after the recent Kielder 100 but a quick wipe down and it was good to go.

The plastic casing and the electronics inside have held up to being dropped onto concrete floors multiple times; the unit is seriously tough.

Verdict

Simply put; it does what it says on the tin. It's only basic, but it does the basics well, without any fanfare or any hassle. If you don't think you've earned your world champ stripes BBB offers other models with the same features and more subtle colours.