The main aim of the Polar CS500 is to encourage and aid cyclists who want to improve their cycling performance, although not an inexpensive piece of equipment, the Polar CS500 is packed with a range of helpful features.

Fitting neatly onto the handlebar, fitting the device is easy with a simple step by step instruction guide. The device possesses a large display that has been specifically designed with a flat lens to reduce the amount of reflection when cycling in sunlight. The device is easy to use and ideal for new inner city cyclists, the large buttons and two-way system ensures that the menu, features and statistics are easy to access.

The features included on the Polar CS500 are endless, recording and displaying the day’s temperature, a rider’s journey time, the amount of time each rider needs to recover for each particular journey as well as displaying a riders current and average speed which is calculated using the wireless sensors. The CS500 also displays every incline and decline as well as measuring the altitude.

All of this data is collected and stored on the Polar CS500, connecting the device to your PC and uploading the information onto your online training diary helps new riders to view their weekly progress.

The features are guaranteed to make casual riders extremely enthusiastic, while the online diary will encourage many riders to continue improving on their past statistics. Overall, the Polar CS500 is a fantastic device that is ideally suited to both casual and passionate riders.

In summary the Polar CS500 has had great reviews from road bikers all across the UK and so looks like it will be a very popular product.

One of their leading designs is the Cateye V3 triple wireless bike computer. Packed with features including interference/cross-talk free 2.4GHz digital wireless technology that can measure a riders speed, cadence and heart rate, FlexTight and ELB backlit screen. While the numerous functions of the V3 include current, average and maximum speed, cadence and heart rate readings. Other fantastic functions of the V3 include a calorie consumption reading, countdown distance, timer, distance reading and odometer. These features and functions make the V3 one of the comprehensive bike computers available to cyclists.

Our testers said that setting up the V3 was relatively easy, due to its wireless features. The speed and cadence sensors are specifically designed to fit all chain shapes and sizes, ensuring that they are also easy to fit. The cadence magnet is easy to fit to the crank; however, many testers noted that it annoyingly kept falling off.

The V3 is fantastic in use, many of our testers noted that the large display on V3, with its large font made it easy to read whilst riding. While the V3 ability to display a riders speed, heart rate, cadence and calorie count simultaneously meant that riders could accurately keep track of important pieces of information. The straightforward flow menu and four easy to use buttons meant that riders can effectively search through the various functions of the V3 quite easily whilst riding. The V3 offers some great training features, in particular the 99 lap counter and its ability to store up to 14 files allows riders to review their average speed, cadence, time, distance and heart rate for each lap, making the V3 ideal for interval training.

Yet one of the most impressive aspects of the V3 is that it utilises 2.4 GHz technology, the same technology used in Bluetooth. This aspect means the V3 is able to transmit data at unbelievable speeds, eliminating any crosstalk.

The only noticeable fault some of our testers mentioned was that the V3 can sometimes take a while to realise a rider has stopped cycling, for example when stopping at traffic lights. This can be annoying, especially for riders who are using the device on a training schedule. Nevertheless, overall the low weight, large display, wireless technology and fantastic features make the V3 one of the best bike computers created by Cateye.

Some of the impressive features of the CM4.4A is its temperate and altimeter functions, current, average and maximum speed features. The CM4.4A also offers riders a daily kilometre and total kilometre reading and daily and total ride time. The CM4.4A also offers riders several optional functions; in particular a cadence and heart-rate monitor reading. Overall, the CM4.4A provides riders with essential riding information they need.

Setting up and fitting the CM4.4A was extremely easy, while the computers impressive TwoInOne technology enables riders to program in the details of two bikes offering riders the ability to view the separate readings of each bike or as a combined reading. This TwoInOne technology is an extremely useful feature, especially for riders who want to calculate their overall training on both their turbo trainer and road bike.

The screen of the CM4.4A is large and clear making it easy to view the information, although some of our testers mentioned that the shiny surface of this computer did make it difficult to read the screen in glaring sunlight. The buttons are perfectly located and easy to press, even with gloves on, so that riders can effectively toggle through the information relatively easily.

Our testers said that it provided them with the essential information they needed when training or racing, but the most impressive aspect of the CM4.4A is the altimeter. All of our testers were surprised at how accurate the altimeter was and were impressed that the bike computer offered averages as well as daily total, maximums and minimums on altitudes, speeds and gradients. While our entire team of testers agreed that the TwoInOne system will be an extremely helpful feature that they will undoubtedly come to rely on when training.

A smart looking device, the CM4.4A is durable, easy to setup it offers riders features not always available on more expensive models. Overall, Ciclosport’s CM4.4A is a fantastic computer for entry level cyclists, while its accurate altimeter also makes this computer perfect for hill riding cyclists.

Topeak’s Panoram V10C focuses on providing every piece of cycling information they need. The Panoram V10C offers riders 13 helpful functions; which include an odometer, current, average and maximum speed readings, a number of riding time measurements, as well as, a trip distance reading. The Panoram V10C also offers a number of cadence readings, in particular current, average and maximum cadence measurements, ideal for more advanced cyclists who want to ensure they optimise their riding performance. Other additional functions can also be found on the Panoram V10C, including a clock, speed pacer indicator and low battery indicator.

Setting up the Panoram V10C was relatively easy, with many of our testers impressed that they didn’t have to align the unit as it instantly picked up a signal from the cadence sensor. The cadence sensor was easy to fit and remained in place, whilst also maintaining a strong signal throughout our tests. The screen was very clear, while the numbers are quite large in size making it easy to read the data at a glance whilst riding. The single, large button is perfectly placed on the front of the device making it easy to navigate through the various parameters.

Our testers were pleased with the Panoram V10C as it performed well under our intensive tests, continually offering riders accurate information. Many of our testers did comment that they were impressed with the wireless sensors, which maintained a strong connection to the unit with very little interference occurring when they passed other cyclists wireless bike computers.

Topeak’s Panoram V10C bike computer is a fantastic option to cyclists, although compared to more complex models offered by Topeak and other cycling accessory manufacturers the Panoram V10C doesn’t possess the more advanced features, such as an altimeter. It does however offer cyclists the essential information that they really use, which is why it still remains a fantastic option and an ideal option for cycling enthusiasts who don’t want excessive amounts of unhelpful information.

Featuring some of the most advanced features, the CS600X offers standard cycling measurements in speed, distance and time as well as variety of advanced measurements. In particular, it includes a barometer for an accurate temperature reading, altimeter for accurate incline measurements as well as a range of training features.

The CS600X comes complete with everything a rider will need to fit and setup the device. The mounting unit is easy to fit, which remains in place even during rougher rides. The CS600X also comes complete with sensors, which operates using Polar’s reliable WIND technology, ensuring that riders don’t have to worry about getting any interference from a passing cyclist’s computer. The sensor synched quickly and easily and remained in place at all times during our tests. Impressively, the infrared dongle connects the device to the Polar training website, which makes viewing your training statistic easy.

The clean-cut lines of the computer make the CS600X one of the sleekest looking computers available to cyclists. The screen is large so the data is easy to view whilst riding in any weather condition. The features offer all the riding information a cyclist will need when training, while our testers said that the training features were fantastic. The CS600X compatibility with Polar’s ProTrainer 5 software enables riders to effectively plan, analyse and follow their training, while the CS600X also effectively monitors a riders training program and recovery time to ensure that their cycling performance is continually improving.

The only notable problem many of our testers mentioned was the sealed sensor units. Although Polar have stated that the sensors should last for 3000 hours, it does mean that once the battery runs out a whole new sensor has to be purchased.

The lightweight design, easy to use menu, impressive features, in particular its training features, make the CS600X bike computer one of the most effective training devices to date and a fantastic option for cycling enthusiasts.

Sigma has designed the Sport BC1609 for training purposes and this can clearly be seen in the features it possesses. The Sport BC1609 offers riders a wealth of essential information, including a number of speed, distance and time readings, including time and distance countdowns. Fitted with an altimeter the Sport BC1609 is also able to offer riders a temperature reading. Other fantastic features of the Sport BC1609 include a stopwatch, backlight and automatic start and
stop function. Impressively, both wired and wireless options of the Sport BC1609 offer a bike 1 and bike 2 function. The Sport BC1609 recognises that it is being used on two different bikes and therefore will collect data separately for the different bikes, as well as offer the option to combine the figures, in particular a combined total distance and ride time for both bikes. An impressive feature of both wired and wireless options of the Sport BC1609 is that it can download the measurements stored on the unit on to a PC, where riders can record them using the Sigma Data Centre software and docking station.

Setting up the Sport BC1609 was effortless using the simple stretchy rubber rings, with the option to include zip ties for riders who want to make sure the unit is as secure as possible. The sensors are also easy to attach and connected with the unit almost immediately. Impressively, both sensors flash when they are transmitting data so riders are able to notice if they do lose signal at any point. The screen and button design is effective, with its large screen ensuring that riders can view the data at a glance, while the buttons are easy to use so that riders can view the information they need whilst riding. The waterproof and LCD backlight guarantees that this device is ideal for training in low light and wet conditions.

Each of our testers were impressed with the Sport BC1609, its easy to function menu system meant that they could access the information they need quickly and easily when riding. The various functions worked well, in particular the sensors were accurate with virtually no delay when transmitting and with the option to include a cadence measurement function the Sport BC1609 offers every piece of cycling data a rider could need. A particular aspect many of our testers liked was the ability to download and analyse their cycling data, ensuring that riders can track their performance and training progress.

On the whole, Sigma’s Sport BC1609 is a truly magnificent bike computer. It is durable and offers a wealth of information to advanced riders as well as basic information for casual cyclists. While the option to upload and analyse riding data makes the Sport BC1609 one of the best training bike computer available today.

Mavic’s Wintech USB Ultimate delivers comprehensive cycling information. From its generic functions which include average, current and maximum speed and total accumulated and daily distance functions, to more extensive functions, which include 7 altimeter functions and 5 heart rate functions. The Wintech USB Ultimate offers cyclists every piece of information they need to improve on their performance.

The technology featured on the Wintech USB Ultimate includes Mavic’s WIN (Wireless Integrated Network), utilising a 2.4GHz signal it guarantees constant and instant communication with a variety of different sensors. Similarly, the Wintech USB Ultimate package doesn’t include any sensors; however the device is compatible with three different sensors. This ensures that riders can effectively customise this bike computer to offer the information they need.

Our testers commented that setting up the Wintech USB Ultimate was straightforward, as most of the parameters can be set up on a computer, which saves riders the hassle of fiddling with the scrolling and setting on the device. Riders also commented that the device was easy to fit onto the handlebars, remaining in place at all times during their tests.

The screen is slightly smaller than other bike computers, yet the ability to adjust the angle of the device meant that the information was still easy to read whilst riding. Our testers said that the large buttons were easy to use, even when wearing gloves, ensuring that riders could easily switch between the various screen options. The Wintech USB Ultimate provides riders with a variety of different pieces of cycling information whilst riding, so that they can effectively monitor every aspect of their performance. An impressive aspect of the Wintech USB Ultimate is how it simply connects to a PC or laptop via the USB port, where it can upload riding information and statistics and using the Wintech Manager Software riders can keep an accurate training log.

Specifically designed for hill riders, the Wintech USB Ultimate offers some fantastic altitude readings. These readings, when coupled with the other cycling information offered on this device, make the Wintech USB Ultimate one of the most comprehensive bike computers available to date. Easy to use and durable, the Wintech USB Ultimate is easily one of the best bike computers produced by Mavic.

The CM8.3AM is a fantastic product in Ciclosport’s bike computer range. Possessing a range of fantastic features, including average speed, adjustable daily & total kilometres, maximum speed, speed comparison function as well as daily and total riding time, the CM8.3AM offers riders only the information they truly need. The CM8.3AM also offers a number of altimeter functions including home altitude storage, cumulated total and daily meters and daily-maximum altitude. The option to purchase sensors separately means that CM8.3AM is also able to offer riders a number of heart rate readings as well as cadence readings. With so many features to the CM8.3AM riders are able to enjoy a wealth of information whilst riding, while the USB Interface with PC programs enables riders to accurately assess this information in order to monitor their overall training and racing performance.

The Twist-Kick handlebar bracket makes it easy to fit the computer, while the sensors come complete with ties ensuring that they are also easy to fit. Although, fitting the additional sensors and extras, such as the heart rate monitor and cadence sensor does appear to be slightly trickier, however the CM8.3AM’s manual offers some helpful guidance.

Many of our testers commented on the CM8.3AM screen, saying that it may be one of the clearest they have ever had to test. The information is clearly laid out making it easy to see the information whilst riding in all weather conditions. The buttons are well placed and are usable even while wearing gloves. A robust design that is well sealed, the CM8.3AM looks as if it can withstand all weather conditions.

The features of the CM8.3AM are fantastic, offering riders helpful and essential pieces of information to ensure they can improve on past training performances. The ability to upload this data online is a great aspect of the CM8.3AM, as it allows riders to keep a log of their training.

The only drawback a few testers commented on is that compared to other similarly priced computers, the CM8.3AM still doesn’t offer certain features, although in contrast to these computers the CM8.3AM is of the highest specification available in this price range.

Although, it may not be the best device for riders who want the latest technology on their computer, the CM8.3AM remains one of the best computers produced by Ciclosport. Offering serious riders a durable device that provides them with the essential information they need to improve on their performance.

Designed with professional cyclists in mind the CS400 has some impressive cycling features, included on the CS400 are the standard range of speed, distance and time measurements. However, Polar have also included temperate and altitude readings as well as an accurate calorie consumption measurement. Most of these measurements are recorded and stored on the device and can be uploaded on to a PC using the USB adapter.

Easy to setup, the CS400 simply fits on to the mounting unit which is easy to fit and is surprisingly stable. Sensors are provided with the computer, the easy to follow manual mean that fitting the sensors are relatively straightforward. There is no doubt that the CS400 is one of the most stylish looking and durable devices on the market today. Its screen is quite large as are the numbers, ensuring that the information is clearly visible on the screen whilst riding. The large red lap/start button and other buttons are easy to use, ensuring that riders can navigate through the various data screens.

In use many of our testers commented on how well the device performed. The sensors worked perfect, synching quickly and providing accurate readings throughout our tests. One of the main features many of our testers found remarkable was the cadence limit alarm, a feature not found on many other devices. This alarm allows riders to focus on other aspects of their ride without having to monitor whether you leave your cadence limits. The CS400 ability to store and upload cycling data to a computer was another impressive feature, allowing riders to create an accurate training performance log. While its compatibility with Polar ProTrainer 5 software meant that cyclists can make detailed training programs easily.

The Polar CS400 bike computer is a truly remarkable device; however, because it has been designed with passionate cyclists in mind, some riders may find the amount of information provided is overwhelming. Yet the wealth of information and impressive features are what make the CS400 remarkable and what make it the best training bike computer available to passionate cyclists today.

This fantastic device offers riders 16 useful features, including current, average and maximum speed, total and ride time, as well as a number of distance readings. The Panoram V16 Widescreen also features current, average and maximum cadence measurements as well as a speed pace indicator. Together with these essential features are a number of other additional extras, in particular stopwatch, a current temperature reading and speed pacer indicator.

Setting up the device was extremely straightforward and quick, with the head unit sitting sturdily on the mount above the handlebars. Visually the Panoram V16 Widescreen is one of the most distinct designs available, an aspect many of our testers liked. Its sleek design looked stylish on our road bikes; with its simple mount design ensured it barely used any space on the handlebars. The Panoram V16 Widescreen is fitted with only one button, which is large enough to use with gloves one, making it very easy to operate and scroll through the various data screens. The cadence sensor was easy to fit, while the Panoram V16 Widescreen wireless technology meant it maintained a strong signal whilst riding.

Many of our testers did say that the functions offered on this device were limited, however the functions it did offer worked well. In particular, the cadence readings were extremely accurate. The extra sensor kit, so that the bike computer can be used on a second bike, impressed a number of our testers, as it isn’t a feature many other manufacturers consider.

Overall, the Panoram V16 Widescreen maybe relatively basic for competitive riders as it doesn’t offer some of the more complex function more advanced riders may need. The Panoram V16 Widescreen however does include the essential functions, is durable and worked perfectly during our tests, making the Panoram V16 Widescreen a fantastic option for riders looking for a simple, streamlined device that only provides the vital pieces of information and is an ideal option for first time bike computer users.