A frustrating install (Trek Incite 11i Cadence Bicycle Computer)

Member Name: yackers1

Product:	Trek Incite 11i Cadence Bicycle Computer
Date:	06/11/09 (109 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap and has the cadence feature

Disadvantages: Small screen, not waterporrf in any way, wired, difficult to install

Despite its name the Trek Incite 11i computer has just ten functions, which include current speed, an odometer, trip distance, elapsed time, 12/24 hour clock, average speed, pacer, maximum speed, temperature and cadence. The cadence sensor measures how many revolutions per minute you are turning the pedals, and this function is generally found on much more expensive cycling computers, therefore you may wish to consider this computer if you participate in spinning training.

Except for the temperature function, all functions are likely to be used by all cyclists in training. Personally, I can't see the point of the temperature feature as it doesn't add anything to the overall computer. One thing to note is the lack of stopwatch, which is a bit of a let down, however, there is a clock that starts once you start pedalling which you have to stop manually at the end of your ride or training session.

The instructions focus on describing the functions and setting up the computer, with a trouble-shooting guide if problems occur. The content is good, well laid out and easy to follow. Where the instructions fail is in fitting the computer to your bike. Setting up the computer is very easy and if you follow the exact instructions, you should have no problems. I wouldn't try and sort it out without the instructions because it is not that obvious and you will struggle.

A quick fitting guide is included but it is absolutely rubbish and of no use as the diagrams are so small they would fit on the back of a cigarette packet. As I am sure you can imagine there is a lack of detail. Fitting the computer to the handlebars, the magnets to the rear wheel and the magnet to the pedal is basic common sense and easily worked out. Fitting the sensors to the frame is another story altogether. This part of the set up consists of a length of wire that splits in to two with a sensor on each part. It looks simple enough, but there is no indication which sensor is for the pedal magnet (the cadence) and which is for the rear wheel (the speed), and they both look identical and to make it worse the two strands of wire are the same length.

Fitting involves cable tying one sensor near the rear wheel and one sensor near the crank so the respective magnets pass the sensors so close that they almost touch it. This is fiddly, but not difficult and is the 'normal' way of fitting a computer. Getting the correct sensor in the correct place first time is pure luck as the sensors aren't marked. The only way is to set everything up and try the computer. If the speed is low and the cadence high, you have the wrong sensors in the wrong place. This happened to me the first time, which is very annoying, resulting in starting the process again. In addition, you only get enough cable ties for one attempt. Why the sensors can't be marked with a 'C' and an 'S' is beyond me.

Once the computer is up and running it is fool proof. A single button is used to switch between the modes, so it is not possible to go straight to a specific function without passing through others. Whilst it is idiot proof out on the road this is annoying since it takes focus off your training as well as the road ahead, which can be quite dangerous.

I have this computer on my racer, which I use on a trainer in the winter months so it is a permanent fixture. I have used the Trek on a road ride although I would not recommend it for three reasons;

1. The screen is small and dimly lit and it is very difficult to read. This is dangerous as you need to focus on the road ahead, and more importantly the traffic as cyclists are very vulnerable.

2. You have to make sure you don't go to close to hedges, banks or trees as things catch on the wire. Avoiding these things is difficult on small country roads.

3. The computer unit is not waterproof. I got caught out in a shower and it stopped working, although I dried it out and it now works fine indoors.

****Conclusion****

Trek is a popular brand and Trek products are stocked at most large retailers of cycling apparel. Getting an Incite will not be a problem, and if there are no local stockists near you then try one of the large online retailers such as Wiggle or Evans Cycles. At £22.99 The Incite is a cheap and cheerful computer with a whole range of features that is found on more expensive computers. The overall quality is not that good but providing you treat it with care, and use it in-doors, it shouldn't give too many problems.

The Incite is one of the few computers that use the rear wheel to measure the speed and cadence, hence it is perfect for turbo trainers and it is for this reason I would recommend the Incite if you are only going to use it for turbo training, purely because of the cadence feature allowing you to devise spinning classes at home. If you are looking for a computer for outdoor use then there is no way I would recommend the Incite, for the reasons stated above, and I would suggest spending a bit more on something more rugged and up to the job.

(This review has been posted on other review sites under the name of Yackers1)

Summary: A great computer for indoor training but absolutely useless on the open road