Schwinn 17-Function Bike Computer

Like all products, this one doesn't last forever. I got mine nearly two years ago, and I think the sensor (the part attached to the fork) finally gave way. I've gone about 1700 miles with it. I commute every day with an average speed of about 13 mph. This product has worked great for a long time, but today, it started giving me really strange and inconsistent readings of 45 and 54 mph when I was only going about 10-20 mph. Eventually, I wasn't getting any readings at all. I knew the battery was still good because I could activate the computer by pushing one of the buttons. So then I just held the magnet in my hand and moved it across the sensor to try to get a reading of some kind. No reading. Instead, I heard a faint tick/beep type of sound every time I passed the magnet across the sensor. Time for a new bike computer. It just stopped working after about 22 months. I live in Houston where it's often humid, so perhaps that might've affected it. Who knows.

I've really enjoyed using this product, and with proper calibration, it's quite accurate. I recently compared its readings to my new GPS, and the distance and average speeds were very similar; I think the differences were from when I was walking around with the GPS unit (without the bike). The max speed on both units was exactly the same. For a really good calibration chart, do a google search for "sheldon brown calibration."

Be aware that although the calorie and fat counts are consistent between rides, they are highly inaccurate. The only information that the computer is using is speed, distance, and time. It doesn't know how heavy your bike is, how knobby your tires are, how windy the weather is, how bumpy the road is, what your metabolism is, or what your heart rate is. If you want a decent reading of calories burned, purchase a heart rate monitor. My friend got one, and on our bike rides, its calorie count was significantly higher than the reading on this bike computer.

I agree with a couple of other reviews that the instruction manual is not very detailed. After I'd been using the product for quite some time, a bike shop mechanic showed me the proper way to mount the wire on my frame (because the picture in the instruction manual isn't that great). Be sure to wrap the wire around one of your brake or shifter cables before guiding it down the fork. Also, after I first got the product, it took a few tries before I realized the proper positioning of the magnet itself. This is very important for getting the system to work right. It needs to be within 1-2 mm of the sensor, preferably closer to one of the ends of the sensor, not in the middle. But once you figure out the proper setup, you're good to go with a great bike computer that's not very expensive. If you're not sure how to mount it, most bike shop mechanics will be glad to show you without charging you anything.

This bike computer is *definitely* worth the price. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to see how fast & how far they're going, especially if you've never owned a bike computer before. This product, however, has a limited lifetime. Mine lasted for less than 2 years. I'd say that's fairly reasonable, considering the price. But I'm probably going to buy a different bike computer that is more likely to last longer, even if it means spending a little bit more.

Other bike computers have very useful features that this one doesn't, including (1) manually entering in the odometer reading (like after you put in a new battery), (2) manual start/stop (so you don't have to remove the computer every time you DON'T want it to take a reading, like when you're walking the bike), and (3) dual and/or adjustable tire size (like if you want to use the computer on two different bikes or change the tire size on the same bike to keep track of total bike mileage). For my purposes, these additional features are worth the extra cost. But I still really enjoyed using the Schwinn computer, especially since it was so inexpensive.

Thus far this little bike computer has been working well. It just took me a little time to learn how to use it. But, it seems to be accurate. I've only had it for a week. So, we'll see how long it lasts.

One happy camper here. Just like all previous reviewers, I am really happy with this purchase. Installation was easy, and the instructions were easy to understand! So far, it has been working fine. I have been riding on some rough terrian, and the sensor and magnet have held up well. I also like the large display and backlit features.

Overall, if I had to buy again, this would be my choice!

This seems like a great item and I suggest reading all the reviews for more information on set up. I found the set up for the wheel factor a little difficult. One review says the "Bontrager 700 x 35C tire has an outer diameter of 2197 mm."
I have a 700 x 35B. I measured the radius at 14"--that is including the tire to the ground-- hence a 28" Diameter. 28 X 25.4mm x 3.1416 = 2234. The instruction sheet lists under wheel diameter 28" factor of 2237. Not a difference to concern for but their listing is under the part without the tire. This I do not understand. I have measured a half mile with my vehicle and will check accuracy as soon as it stops raining. If I can feel comfortable that I have this wheel factor correct then this looks like a great item and yes for only $10. Never tried any other bike computers so I cannot compare. Just here and now this looks like a winner. Have had time to check against two measured distances. Seems it is reading .05 of a mile high per mile. I think I have it set at the factor of 2234 so I will change it to 2237 and try again. Probably will not bore you with further up dates unless this does not come out 100% OR CLOSER.

For a whopping $10, this is bar-none, the best computer out there. Heck, it even has temp, and backlighting you can see.

Best of all, it actually works, and works well.

Only thing I would do, is make one in black. Schwinn would then put alot of the other lower end computer companies out of business.