SIGMA BC1606L 16-Function Topline Wired Bicycle Speedometer

by Sigma

Product Features

• 16 Functions
• 2 Bike Programmable
• Low Battery Indicator w/ Memory Chip
• Easy to program/Tool Free installation
• Waterproof

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Sigma's BC 1606L is the top model for the most demanding of riders, even at night. The BC 1606L succeeds in this not only by providing a better overview of the essential information during a ride by hiding the total accumulated functions and cadence if not installed, but also through its backlit readout that delivers optimal readability of information even in the dark. In addition, an integrated storage chip prevents the loss of set values during battery change.

General Functions:

• 7 language settings, Dot matrix LCD readout, watertight design
• LCD backlight
• Low battery indicator
• Backup function/through saving chip
• Two wheel sizes adjustable
• Clock and model name in standby

Bike Functions:

• Actual speed
• Average speed
• Comparison of actual and average speed
• Maximum speed
• Trip distance
• Programmable trip section counter
• Total distance bike 1
• Total distance bike 2
• Total distance bikes 1+2
• Actual cadence
• Average cadence

Time Functions:

• Clock
• Stopwatch
• Riding time
• Total riding time bike 1
• Total riding time bike 2
• Total riding time bikes 1+2
• Programmable time meter (countdown timer)

What's in the Box?
BC 1606L bicycle computer, two-piece spoke magnet set, bike sensor/receiver/mount with wire, 3-volt CR2032 lithium battery, 42mm O-ring, 32mm O-ring.

Manufacturer's Warranty
Five-year warranty on defective parts or products.

About Sigma Sport
Sigma Sport represents German technology at its highest level, combining innovative design with precision engineering. Sigma tests all their products in their in-house laboratories to withstand the harshest conditions, ensuring quality continually throughout production. All Sigma Sport standard lights conform to the stringent German traffic standard, and all Sigma Sport products are CE-approved.

Product Description

The Sigma computer for dedicated cyclists. The "L" in the BC1606L is for the "smart" back light. The cadence functions (current and average) provide valuable training data for efficient cycling both on the road and in the woods, and can be turned off completely when not in use. The count down timer is perfect for crits, cross, or racing against the clock. Handlebar or stem mount. 16 Functions: speed, avg speed, max speed, speed comparison, trip distance, total distance bike 1, total distance bike 2, total distance bike 1 + 2, clock, ride time, low battery indicator, two bike programmable, total ride time bike 1, total ride time bike 2, total ride time bike 1+ 2, memory back up function, cadence, average cadence.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000EPD6AW
• Item model number: 6160
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #104,830 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)
  • #83 in Sports & Outdoors > Bikes & Accessories > Accessories > Cyclocomputers
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The Sigma 1606L Measures CURRENT SPEED only in Half MPH Increments, July 27, 2009

By 

S - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: SIGMA BC1606L 16-Function Topline Wired Bicycle Speedometer (Sports)

(1) I rate this product a lowly 3 because the speed readout steps up in only half mile an hour (or kilometer per hour) increments, (rather than tenth mile per hour increments), meaning it will jump from say 20.0 mph to 20.5 to 21.0 . Thus you won't see if you're beginning to trend up or down until you've changed speed by as much as around 0.6 mph, which is a notable speed difference on a bike. Paradoxically, max speed, average speed, and the trip odometer are precise to the hundredth mph (or kph), so internally the device measures to the hundredth of a mile per hour and the designers, inexplicably, purposefully degraded the CURRENT SPEED display.

(2) Even though you're running a wire to the chain stay anyway for the cadence pickup, the speed pickup is on the front wheel, meaning it won't measure speed when you're training on a stand or rollers.

(3) If you've ever installed a cyclocomputer before, you'll probably have no difficulty installing this one in around ten minutes; if this is your first, then the instructions might turn you into a bitter, hateful person. The rubber band mounting system might also present challenges for mounting on non-standard frames, though that can probably be overcome with some bits of old tube folded over.

(4) After testing this for 25 miles on a route with a few surface bumps and some rough pavement, I haven't yet found any of the pickups or mounts to have shifted, but I can see how I might accidentally kick the cadence pickup someday with my foot. Whatever the logic, the rubber-band system for holding most of the components in place is not, in my view, as secure and stable as cable ties and screw-clamps. The mount for the computer unit itself will slip around unless you use the provided two-faced tape, which means that - despite the rubber band system - wherever you mount it initially is supposed to be permanent.

(4) Finally - although this might just be due to my inexperience with the unit - the mode and set/reset buttons are opposed to each other at the upper and lower edges of the computer, so if you want to cycle through the displays of say Mode 1 - which you would press with your thumb at the bottom right of the unit - you have to be sure to not squeeze the Mode 2 button, which is at the top right of the unit. That's not the biggest problem, but if you're moving, it's a nuisance you'd rather avoid.

FOLLOW UP: After a few weeks, in addition to confirming my initial impressions, I have found that the unit dismounts too easily. Twice it has flown to the ground, once while I was using the reset function (which means pushing a button on the upper left which might twist the unit counterclockwise and thus dismount) and once when I had been stopped and most have tapped the side of the unit without even realizing it (I went back to find it on the ground after I started moving and it wasn't there).

BOTTOM LINE: The Sigma 1606L is sold here at a good price considering its numerous functions including cadence, but the CURRENT SPEED display reads in only 0.5 mph/kph increments and (at least for this rider) that profound deficiency almost completely devalues the product. The mounting system is also way too loose, and the unit can EASILY be lost. The placement of the buttons is a problem since pressing two of the four can cause the unit to dismount. The button logic is also annoying. Admittedly, this unit has more (and possibly an excess of) functions than most other units, but there are two-button cyclocomputers which can more quickly navigate you through the menu. From one's armchair, this unit looks reasonably intelligent, but on the road it is very deficient. For those whose use of the computer is relatively minimal, the design might be entirely fine, but if you continually attend to your cyclocomputer readout while you're riding, this unit is not for you.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good Value, December 12, 2008

By 

A. Cairo - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: SIGMA BC1606L 16-Function Topline Wired Bicycle Speedometer (Sports)

The only thing I have to compare this to is a cheapy $8 one I had from Kmart many years ago. This Sigma 1606L has many more features including cadence which I use often. The data it collects per trip ( average speed, average cadence, max speed, trip time, trip distance) is saved so I can transfer it to a spreadsheet to track how I'm doing. It's easy to remove from it's base using a bayonet style attachment, which I have placed on the handlebar stem. I was not impressed when I saw how the parts mount to the bike, thin rubber O-rings loop around sensor and fork, or baseplate and stem to stay in place, but after 1000 miles on streets and bike paths everything has held together. It always shows current speed plus any other selected single feature, like cadence or time.
Why only 3 stars?
1) Lacks a scan feature, so I must push a button repeatedly to get to view the function I want. An auto scan feature would allow me to keep my hands on the grips where they belong.
2) The wiring is somewhat flimsy. Small gauge wire is subject to breaking if put under any stress.
3) Speed readout shows only the closest half mile interval, doesn't show tenths. For example, it reads either 12.0 MPH or 12.5 MPH missing 12.1, 12.2,etc.

I am actually very happy with this nicely designed and low cost unit. Mine came with a second mounting for a second bike, data for which it tracks separately. After 8 months of use over many miles, it has served me well.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Like better than Cateye Micro wireless for eBike, July 28, 2007

By 

J. Kirk (Fort Lauderdale, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: SIGMA BC1606L 16-Function Topline Wired Bicycle Speedometer (Sports)

I was using a Cateye Microwireless on my 36 V eBike and the unit would stop displaying speed/miles whenever I turned the eBike light on. The BC1606L, as it is a wired unit, solved the problem and now I can display speed/miles with the eBike light on. FYI, install was straightforward but I would suggest getting additional nylon cable ties to secure the sensor to display wire as you can route it along existing cables and just use the ties to hold it in place. If your bike frame is colored [mine is red] you can get colored cable ties [www.mcmaster.com] which will make the installation look better. The unit comes with a cadence sensor but I did not install mine and cannot comment on this function.
With use I have found additional advantages over the Cateye. The display digits are larger than the Cateye and are easier to read. Resetting the trip odometer and resetting other functions is easier than the Cateye. The night light is bright and makes the display readily visible at night.
Bottom line. The large digits in the display are nice and eliminating the interference on an eBike for night riding worked fine.