bicycle computer / laptimer

rob_wijhenke · 09-24-2002, 01:35 PM

Does anyone use a bicycle computer with (or without) laptimer or just a laptimer?

I need a new one and after searching the web for hours I haven't really found what I want. Just a digital speedo is nice but something to measure laptimes would be excellent.

If you have any ideas I would love to hear them.

tominator · 09-24-2002, 02:30 PM

Rob,
Not sure if you ever seen this?
Check it out. Not sure if it includes a lap timer....

BC how to

Cheers
Tomas

whitedog · 09-24-2002, 02:31 PM

No major ideas, but check this link for some options as to what is out there. I couldn't tell you if this vendor ships to europe, but they are a big reputable outfit in the states. Also, look at the offerings from the brand "Sigma Sport". You should be aware that these things are calibrated by the end user (i.e. you) based on the circumference of the wheel/tire combo. Some also do not register over certain speeds. Most, if not all, use an inductive magnet pickup that is mounted on the wheel. Mounting the sensor pickup may be tricky. The "wireless" models use an RF transmitter to send signal between the pickup and the speedo. Makes for a cleaner setup, but the pickup tansmitter can sometime be a little bulkier than on corded models.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/subcategory.html?Cat_ID=8&Sub_ID=4110&TS=1&Sort=

tominator · 09-24-2002, 02:32 PM

Whitedog.
Your on the right track with the Sigma!

Good Call!

whitedog · 09-24-2002, 02:38 PM

I've always used the cateye on my bicycles. I just like how they work. They tend to also be on sale a little more often than the Sigma. The sigma is a nice product, too, though.

btw - that link didnt get fully pasted. you can find that stuff under the electronics heading in the store on that site.

Trevor Rossack · 09-24-2002, 07:27 PM

I use a Sigma Targa. It has heavy duty wires from the pickup to the computer

When looking for a bicycle computer look for the maximum speed reading. Mine goes to 300kph, as if any pushy can go that fast.

You probably will have to extend the pickup wires to reach the handlebars. Easy to do just be aware the wires themselves are very fine.

I mounted mine on the left handlebar near the clutch MC. I taped up the area and using some epoxy putty, moulded a lump. When set, I removed it and sanded it to shape. After spray painting, I glued it with some Silastic. It looks like it belongs there.

I quite like the trip meter. You use the bike's to keep track of your fuel and the bicycle's to aid navigation.

Cheers
TREVOR

pwillikers · 09-24-2002, 09:09 PM

I've been considering doing this for a time now. Just hasn't percolated up on the priority list. There are some requirements that the computer should possess to be used on a motorcycle.

MUST HAVE:
1. Large, legible at a glance display.
2. Able to calculate speeds appropriate for a motorcycle.
3. All the normal functions, Trip, Avg. speed, trip duration, max speed etc.

NICE IF IT HAD:
1. Back light display could be set to on for night riding (implies wiring the thing with power from the motorcycle's electrical system).

Any others?

Which models fulfill these requirements?

Eron Flory · 09-24-2002, 09:26 PM

I use the AIM lap timer, it is what most of the racers use here in California. It comes with a transmitter, but I have never actually used my transmitter, since there are enough people with them here that there always seems to be one set up already at the track.

http://www.aimsports.com/pro_detail.php?pID=11

Eron

rob_wijhenke · 09-25-2002, 01:45 AM

Eron, ever came across a laptimer which you can operate through a button? If you mount that on the left handlebar you could operate it yourself. That is really what I'm looking for. We do a lot of 'trackevenings' here, just some 1x20 min laps every wednesday. Setting up the 'ground station transmitter/receiver thingie' is bit too much for that.

peregrine · 06:24 AM

I use the lap timer called P-LAP.it time 1/1000 second (very accurate!).
The sensor detect the magnetism of the magnet bar buried in the control line of a circuit. A lap time is automatically measured. However, usable circuit are limited. (My track is equipped with the magnet bar)

whitedog · 09-25-2002, 10:23 AM

the Sigma Sport ( www.sigmasport.com ) has models that will go to 300 kph/183 mph. They also make an accessory night light that is a separate attachment. It runs on a small battery. The MacGyver types among you could probably adapt the light to the bike's wiring harness somehow. The computer itself will clear its settings if the power is cut.

Eron Flory · 09-25-2002, 09:15 PM

Rob,

I haven't seen a lap timer that was set up with a button, except the one that comes stock on the Aprilia that is triggered by the starter button when the engine is running. The transmitter for the AIM timer is quite simple and can just be placed on a wall, box etc, maybe even just on the ground at the edge of the track. Just put it in position and turn it on.

Eron