2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A good night computer and day computer too, October 13, 2009
This review is from: Vetta VL110 HD SmartLite Cycling Computer (Sports)
Bought this computer to replace the Sigma computer that I originally got to ride at night. So I can compare these two back lighted computers.
I liked the Sigma 1606L and had it for quite a while. The back lighting is an attractive blue sort of like Timex backlighting, does not seem to come from any particular place and is very even. The Vetta is white led backlighted, it comes from the right middle of the screen. Still quite readable. Sigma is equally luminous and readable from any angle. Vetta is best when viewed about 45 degrees below the direct top view when lighted. The numerals are darkest against the lighted background at that angle (small deficiency).
Sigma has larger more readable digits, but the digits are adequately large on the Vetta for me to read them without my reading glasses (I'm 58).
Vetta is larger and clunkier than the Sigma, but that wasn't much of a factor for me.
Buttons are arranged better on the Vetta. Vetta is much easier to reset after a ride. The Sigma was locked in place by a twist to the right, as in Polar computers, but not so securely. Mine came loose during a ride by being bumped accidentally. The third time this happened the computer was lost because I did not notice it was missing immediately. Vetta is much better in this respect. It locks very securely in place with an audible snap. To release it you must press two side buttons at the same time and slide the computer out. This is not going to release accidentally. The Vetta would definitely be the better choice for off road riding. Not only is it not going to come off the bike accidentally, but the wired version I have has a wire braided sheathed sensor cable. I've never seen this on a bike computer before, but it definitely is a good selling point for offroad use. Also the computer is supposed to be able to be used for two bikes, and I noticed the second sensor kit with braided cable, is available for only $15 here on Amazon. So if you only want to buy one computer for both bikes, its pretty cheap to get the second sensor.
One small deficiency, the Vetta mileage is shown as 10ths of a mile, whereas the Sigma is shown as 100ths. Probably not much of a problem for most people.
Vetta has a small plastic tip that attaches to the magnet that gives you the exact spacing required to the sensor. Never seen this before, and I've mounted a number of computers on bikes. Without it I would probably have placed the magnet closer to the sensor, but it works just fine at the distance this tool sets.
One advantage of the button arrangement on the Vetta. Half of the modes, the most common accessed, are accessed by the right lower button, the other half is with the left lower button. the right top button is to activate the light whenever you are not in the specified automatic backlight time frame. the left top button is the reset. The temp feature is nice, but I'm not sure I actually trust its readings, except at night, since the body is constantly exposed to the sun in daylight, which I think makes it read hotter than air temp.
One note: I get wired computers for night riding because I've seen that some wireless computers do not work properly when exposed to the magnetic fields of the more powerful bike lights (like my Nite Hawk K2). I haven't seen this issue with wired computers. It may be that wireless computers made specifically to be used at night (like the Vetta and Sigma) are more resistive to this phenomenon, but I can't speak from experience on the matter. Wireless versions are available for both the Sigma and Vetta models.
I would definitely recommend this computer to other cyclists, particularly those that ride offroad at night. And Vetta is a good brand, prior to the Sigma I had a simple non backlighted Vetta computer that lasted me for over 10 years before its buttons became flaky. Can't ask for more than that.
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3.0 out of 5 stars
Serves purpose, but will not turn off., April 14, 2010
This review is from: Vetta VL110 HD SmartLite Cycling Computer (Sports)
Had purchased this Feb/Mar 2010. The first unit killed the battery that came with it with in 48 hours, and the bike had not moved an inch over that time. The self turnoff feature appeared to be malfunctioning. I purchased a new battery, and the same thing happened after a week. Amazon replaced the unit, and the replacement I have now has similar problems. If I remove the unit from the mount, it will shut off. However, if I hit a button to review data and set it down again, it may turn off, or it may not.
Using this unit is fantastic. The smart light feature is nice, buttons ease to operate, and removing the head unit is a breeze compared to other mounts I've had from Vetta 15 years ago. It does take a few seconds to register speed, but overall this would be a great unit if it did not have the power save issue described above. Since this is my second unit, I would not recommend the product because in picking 2 units off the shelf and both not function properly, it appears this would be common with others.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Vetta works for me, September 18, 2009
This review is from: Vetta VL110 HD SmartLite Cycling Computer (Sports)
This was my first cyclocomputer purchase. I was close to buying a
SIGMA BC1606L 16-Function Topline Wired Bicycle Speedometer for the features it had, including weather resistance. Unfortunately the fatal flaw was the current speed readout being only in half-mile increments, as noted by other reviewers. I bought the Vetta because it had mostly the same functions, was wired (didn't want a wireless device to interfere with other components, as can happen), and had a backlight.
Installation was easy overall. The main thing requiring some adjustment was getting the spoke magnet properly spaced next to the sensor mounted on the fork. The wire securing tapes adhered poorly so I simply used the supplied zip ties to secure the wiring to my bike frame, even though the instructions recommended against this (to avoid the potential for damaging the wire). Though the product description doesn't mention it, the instructions clearly say that the unit is weather resistant, since that may be a concern to others also.
The unit is easy to operate so long as you *read the instructions*. This is especially important during setup so that your speed and odometer readings are based on your actual wheel circumference; otherwise you'll get incorrect readings. The backlight is very helpful in low light conditions and with the Smartlight function can be set to come on with the pressing of any button between certain hours of the day (at night mainly). According to the instructions, the temperature readings can fluctuate when the unit is exposed to direct sunlight, meaning the readout will be higher than the actual ambient air temperature.
Though I've had it only a short time, I'm happy with the purchase and hope it will be a durable unit.
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