Cycle computers are devices that are usually mounted to the handlebar of a bicycle and are used to calculate and display trip information. Over time they have become a useful cycling accessory.
There are variations of cycle computers from the basic models which measure current speed, the maximum speed achieved, the distance traveled and the the trip time to multi function advanced units.
Some of the more advanced units may also display altitude, incline, heart rate, and in some cases GPS navigation. The buttons on the head unit allow the user to switch between modes, reset values or re calibrate the unit.
The display is more often than not an LCD display, and depending on the model may show one or more values at any one time. Current models of cycle computers tend to show one display in large format and other numbers as the user chooses in smaller numbers.
The way a cycle computer works is by having a sensor attached to either the front or real wheel, or in some cases the wheel hub. The sensor detects each rotation of the wheel, and is therefore able to calculate various variables. The distance is worked out by counting the number of rotations, and the speed is calculated from distance against time lapsed.
Some more sophisticated models are able to measure the riders power in terms of watts. These units incorporate elements that measure torque at the crank, or rear wheel hub, or tension on the chain.
