PTI Schwinn 12 Function Computer

by Schwinn

Product Features

• Measures speed and distance
• No contact or friction distance mesaure
• Easily installed and programmed
• Includes time trial, odometer and training functions
• Digital display

Product Description

Editorial Review

The folks at Schwinn obviously know a thing or two about bike accessories and this 12-function instrument should come in handy for anyone looking to use their biking time for something other than a pleasant pedal around the neighborhood. Attach it to your bike or hold it on the attached cord and get information on your speed, average speed, maximum speed, trip distance, odometer readings, total distance, ride time, and more. Bearing in mind that it's hard to push a lot of buttons while biking, the device features a single button control panel, allowing you to get the right information while still staying upright on the bike. --Charlie Williams

Product Description

Featuring the Schwinn brand Americans have trusted for over one hundred years this bicycle computer mounts directly onto the frame of the bicycle, providing the rider a clear view of all speed and distance measurements. Featuring a no friction and no contact design, this computer measures the amount of turns by the wheel to provide an accurate calculation without the need to touch or interfere with the performance of the wheel. PTI Sports products are designed with safety as the first and foremost concern and are constructed of high quality parts and materials to prevent degradation over time. Thoroughly tested, our products last through years of use before they are recommended for replacement, ensuring safe cycling for years to come.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000068CJZ
• Item model number: SW500NM
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (55 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,488 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)
  • #50 in Sports & Outdoors > Bikes & Accessories > Accessories > Cyclocomputers

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Features for the Price!, February 22, 2009

By 

BargainHunter - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: PTI Schwinn 12 Function Computer (Sports)

I own two of these--one of which I installed on an old exercise bicycle and the other I installed on a street bike. It operates based on a magnet mounted to a spoke and a pickup sensor on the fork. Very easy to install and mounts using four zip ties--two for the sensor and two for the computer, itself. Functions include: (1) Speedometer--configurable as MPH or KM/hr, (2) Tripmeter / Distance, (3) Odometer, (4) Trip timer, (5) Maximum speed, (6) Digital clock--configurable as 12 or 24 hour, (7) Average speed, (8) Scan, (9) Freeze frame memory, (10) Speed comparator, (11) Speed Tendency--indicates acceleration or deceleration, and (12) Odometer reset. Overall size of computer is approximately 1-3/4" x 1-3/4" x 3/4" (not including mounting bracket). Display size is approximately 1-1/16" x 7/8".

Wheel size must be entered when the unit is first power on. This is the circumference of the wheel in millimeters. A conversion table is provided in the instructions; however, it can also be calculated as:

Diameter in inches times 25.4 = Diameter in millimeters
Diameter in millimeters times 3.1416 (Pi) = Circumference in millimeters

Example:
22" x 25.4 = 559mm
559mm x 3.1416 = 1756mm

I really like the scan feature, which cycles the display through distance, maximum speed, average speed, and trip timer. Even in "scan mode" speed is always displayed. I found the instructions unclear in explaining how to place the unit into scan mode; however, I learned through trial & error that you press the right button multiple times until you see "SCAN" displayed below the little man on the bicycle. Then press & hold the right button for a few seconds and it should start to cycle through the displays properly.

Speed comparator shows a "+" if you're traveling faster than your average speed or "-" if you're traveling slower than your average speed.

Finally, another feature that I really like is the fact that the unit powers itself off after five minutes of inactivity to save the battery. The unit can also be removed from the mount on the handlebars for storage when not in use.

05/07/2011 Update: This bicycle computer uses an LR43 button cell. They don't seem to be common in department stores, as I could not find one locally. I'm most likely going to have to order one through Amazon.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Value bicycle speedometer., July 14, 2009

By 

WP Hamilton - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: PTI Schwinn 12 Function Computer (Sports)

I've had one of these for about six months and just ordered another from Amazon. This little computer is accurate, reliable and easy to use.

The display shows your speed in large letters and has a selectable smaller readout for whatever function you choose. I wind up having it show speed and time all the time. If you're satisfied with a simple, cheap speedometer and only occasionally use the other functions, this is the one.

Here are some hints that fairly eliminate most of the small complaints.

1. Install the magnet close to the wheel's hub and adjust it (twist the sensor in) so that the magnet passes as close as possible without touching.

2. Remove the computer when the bike is not in use. It has a quick release; store it inside or in your pocket and the battery will last.

3. Leaving it outside in direct sunlight may cause a dark splotch on the screen. This is normal for led displays, and goes away in a few seconds. Also see hint #2.

4. Read the manual to learn how to reset it (which buttons to hold down), and to calibrate it for your wheel size.

The only issues I've had: the buttons will eventually get some "play" if you use them a lot and become contrary, and I need to be careful to secure it firmly in the quick release mount (so that it doesn't fall out when I hit a bump).

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Product, February 24, 2009

By 

Andrew Craighead - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: PTI Schwinn 12 Function Computer (Sports)

I picked one of these up and thought it was too cheap to be decent, but it actually ended up doing everything I would need. Install was very easy, operation is easy, and it's cheap! If you don't need cadence this is a great cycle computer.