There's a section of trail near my house that is just gnarly. A six-mile climb up a former rail bed (now a dusty fire access road) peaks at mile 5, where a sketchy wooden bridge spans a deep gorge. After another mile, the trail drops into single-track, a nice mile ride into town. I cruise this trail at nearly 18 miles an hour, even the uphill sections. It takes me 39 minutes to make the roundtrip loop.

That was before I put a cycle computer on my bike.

A mini device with
maximum impact

Now I know that the whole trail is only five miles long. The climb is three miles, with the bridge situated at the tip of the fourth mile. The radical two-mile downhill is really only about half a mile long, and I'm certainly not riding a rut-filled incline at 18 miles per hour.

Essential Equipment

Sure the addition of a cycle computer can be a wet blanket on the memory of a good ride, but accurate information is essential for people looking to improve their skills. A cycle computer is the tape measure on the"big fish" story of an epic ride.

What's more, newer units offer advanced features — some even sport altimeters, heart-rate monitors, compasses, cadence guides, and more. And as technology improves (and shrinks) handheld GPS (Global Positioning System) units are finding their way onto handlebars, allowing for unprecedented navigation, even in the middle of Blair Witch country. The basic cycle computer is far from ubiquitous, at least on mountain bikes, but it's certainly essential equipment for people who race their bike, monitor their training levels, or even make it home in one piece from a new trail.

Don't buy a cycle computer if you'd like to stay in the dark about your true riding abilities, or if you have no interest in taking advantage of some of the incredible features on newer units. But if that's the case, don't bother using clipless pedals, index shifting, or those round things with tires on them.

Computers are available from dozens of companies, at any number of price points. The only confusing issue is selecting the right unit. It's best to figure out what features are important to you and look for a unit that fits your budget and seems solidly built. Wireless units offer easier installation but sometimes freak out on the trail, while mounts that allow the computer to be removed offer convenience but the slight possibility of loss.

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