Conference noted::bicycle

	I am looking to buy a cycle computer for under $40 and want to go
Mail Order.  First, what cycle computer would you recommend

CAT-EYE SOLAR-I have had one for two years and have ridden in rain/snow/sleet
              and the unit is still going strong. Have replaced these batteries
	      once in two years. This unit is one of a few which uses light
	      to re-charge the batteries.



 (cadence not needed) ?? This unit has cadence but you don't have to use it. In
                         the future you may want to so you'll have the option.
			 Also you can purchase a heart rate monitor which plugs
			 into the cadence port.





 Second, how are bicycle mail order houses and which would you
recommend (service/price/speed) (i.e. Nashbar, Performance, PS&S)??

I have used three mail order houses and have had good luck with all three. Only
one is on your list above, Bike Nashbar. They would be my first choice. 
They have excellent price/speed/service.

Good luck!

Chas

    
    	I agree with .1, Charlie Schnare's reply.  Also consider Criterium
    USA  (201) 725-8245.  He's in Bridgewater N.J. and judging by the
    speed that UPS orders reach my house (Hudson, Mass) I would guess
    that he is close to some kind of a main UPS routing terminal or
    something, I think UPS at Shrewsbury is another major terminal so
    stuff moves FAST.  He also makes a real effort to get stuff out
    ASAP and then some, I have called him as late as 3:30 in the afternoon
    and he has said something like, "UPS hasn't been yet, I'll try to
    get it out to you this afternoon", and he's done it.  This guy does
    NOT have a big thick glossy colour catalogue and he doesn't keep
    you on a mailing list to bombard you with "specials" every couple
    of weeks, so keep his number and call him when you know what you
    want, he'll ship CoD and authorize UPS to take your personal cheque
    (yeah, I always spell like this).  He doesn't charge "shipping and
    handling" either, he tells you his price over the phone and you
    pay UPS to bring it.

    	Reg
    		(Waiting for a new cluster from him now)
    

There is no question about it, the Cateye Solar is the best bike computer
on the market for the price. The reason's are number of functions, accuracy,
reliability and cost. Last time I checked, Nashbar was selling them for
$38.50. Or was it $34.50 ?

Nashbar will not take an order unless they have the product in stock. That 
means that you always get the merchandise within 3-5 days. Performance has
made improvements and will usually get the merchandise to you in 1 week.
However, they have been known to take orders for stuff they don't have in 
stock. The result is that you may wait 2 or 3 weeks for the out of stock 
item.

It really depends on the item you are ordering. The Performance bike shorts 
are a great value for the money. But Nashbar also has so great values on other
items. For the Cateye Solar, I'd call Nashbar.

                                        Keith

    Thanks for all the great advice !!
    
    I've finally decided to get the Cat-Eye Solar (best value for the
    money and more functions than any human needs)...
    
    I ordered it from a place in CA called Bicycology (methinks) for
    $34.99 (best price I can find $39.00 @ Nashbar)...
    
    tanks again (-;
    
    /mike_yee
    

    
    Re: Criterium USA
    
    Criterium USA is run by Wayne Stetina, aka 1985 USCF Senior Mem's
    Road Champion. He's been in racing longer than any of us and takes
    great pride in his business.
    
    CdH
    
    

    Well, I just bounced my Cateye Solar from 20 feet above the asphalt
    and it still works fine...
    
    How did I do such a thing, you ask?  ...I leave it on the second
    story window frame to keep it recharged, of course!
    
    					...tek