VDO MC1.0 Altimeter/Cycle Computer

We already done the research and spend a lot of time for you. CLICK HERE to find out where to get the best deal on VDO MC1.0 Altimeter/Cycle Computer

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 1.8 x 0.8 x 2 inches ; 1.1 ounces


• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)


• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.


• ASIN: B000NLZRTA


• Item model number: 2031
  

Price : $109.02
You Save : $30.97 (22%)

Product Description

Amazon.com
This durable, versatile, water-resistant bicycle computer is an ideal onboard data tool for a wide range of cycling abilities, from cross country cycle warriors to commuters who like to track their mileage and elevation.
Features

• Heavy duty wire
• Full text display in seven selectable languages
• Service interval indicator
• Auto start and stop
• Sleep mode (display shut-down)
• Stopwatch indicator
• Adjustable home altitude
• Recalibration of home altitude
• Actual altitude correction mode
• Programmable odometer
• Twist-Click mounting

Bicycle Functions

• Actual speed
• Trip counter
• Odometer WS 1, WS2, and total
• Ride timer
• Clock
• Average speed
• Maximum speed
• Stopwatch
• Comparison of actual speed and average speed
• NAVIGATOR second programmable trip counter
• Two wheel sizes

Altimeter Functions

• Actual altitude, gradient, and temperature
• Altitude gain on actual trip
• Maximum altitude reached on trip
• Average and maximum gradient on trip
• Total altitude gain on all trips
• Maximum altitude reached on all trips

WarrantyThis VDO bicycle computer includes a limited five-year warranty against defects in manufacturing and workmanship.
About VDOVDO, founded in 1929, is a diversified company specializing in high-performance electronic equipment for land and marine vehicles. Its product portfolio includes:

• Bicycle computers
• Car navigation and multimedia
• Sophisticated car audio systems
• Telematics solutions for private and public vehicle fleets
• Industrial and marine products for original equipment manufacturers
• Vehicle spares and spare part service for end-of-production vehicles

For the cyclist that likes to track climbing feet even if it's small rolling hills, it still adds up. Cycling functions include: current/average/max speed, ride time (total bike 1/bike 2/bike 1+2),Trip (total bike 1/ bike 2/ bike), 2nd programmable trip distance and stopwatch. Altimeter functions include: Current, maximum and average altitude and gradient. Current temperature, maximum altitude, total feet climbed (total bikes 1/bike 2/ bike). Also, home altitude is adjustable with a quick recalibration feature. Additional features include auto start / stop, a service interval indicator (programmable), 5 Year warranty.

Product Features

• Durable, versatile bicycle computer is ideal onboard data tool for a wide range of cycling abilities.


• Features: Full text display in seven languages, service interval indicator, auto start and stop, sleep mode, stopwatch indicator.


• Bike functions: actual speed, trip counter, odometer, ride timer, clock, average/max speed, stopwatch.


• Altimeter functions: altitude gain on actual trip, maximum altitude reached on trip, average and maximum gradient on trip.


• Includes limited five-year manufacturer's warranty.

We already done the research and spend a lot of time for you. CLICK HERE to find out where to get the best deal on VDO MC1.0 Altimeter/Cycle Computer

Customer Reviews

15 AUGUST, 2005
I bought this computer because I wanted an altimeter, so this review will focus on the alt functions. I researched other altimeter bike computers and found others either had suspect reliability or were inaccurate. Having only read good things about the VDO, I took the plunge.
I decided not to get the wireless version because simpler is better in my opinion.
My first ride with the VDO was 235 km through everything from hard rain to hot sunshine. The VDO worked fine in all those condition. I avoided pushing the buttons during the hard rain because I didn't want to risk getting water into it on my first ride. Plus my attention was elsewhere during the thunderstorms. But like I said, the VDO worked fine under some rather harsh condition.
The display has a lot of info on one screen. Maybe too much info because the screen is a bit crowded and some info is displayed in rather small characters. I'd like to see less info per screen and bigger characters. The % grade readout is particularly small. However, I was able to read all the displays under all the conditions.
The altimeter seems to work very well. I paid particular attention to the % grade display and I never saw it give me unreasonable info, such as negative grade when I was going uphill. I was surprised at the sensitivity of the % grade display. When going up a slight uphill, for example, the display might read 1%. Then say the grade increased a bit and sure enough, the display changes to 2%. I am surprised that the VDO can calculate such slight grades just from the change in air pressure. Remember, a 1% grade is only 1 meter over 100 meters. Nevertheless, it seems to work. The alt gets updated about every 10 seconds and it does have a fair amount of smoothing built in. So if you start going down a 6% grade the display will not jump from 0% to 6%, but rather it will count up from 0% to 6% at an increasing rate. All in all, it seems to work quite well.
Since I just got this computer, I can't comment on its long term reliability. It does have a 5 year warranty, but it appears the only service center is in Germany. Due to this and the other nits I've pointed out, I'd probably give the VDO 4.5 stars if I could. Still, I'm happy with my purchase and I would recommend this computer for someone looking for an altimeter.
The seller shipped on the same day I ordered via Priority Mail so I got the package in a couple of days. Good work!
UPDATE ON 3 SEPTEMBER, 2006:
I've used this computer for a couple of thousand kilometers now, and through a lot more rain, so it's time for a review update.
The computer seems to be holding up just fine. In fact, I'm still using the original battery. The VDO has been through several days of rain and there is no hint of water getting into it.
The clock seems to keep pretty good time. Over the course of a year it was only off a couple of minutes.
I have a friend who owns one of these, and he has at times seen some strange alt data. For example, he says he has seen max grade readouts of 48%. (I didn't know the VDO would register such grades!) He attributes such anomalies to rapid temp changes, such as when you take the computer from an air conditioned room to your bike parked on the street on a hot summer day and immediately start riding. That makes sense, since the alt calculation is dependent on the temp. I have never seen any such strange data on my computer, but I usually leave my computer on the bike.
I don't want to get into an argument with one of the other reviewers, but this computer DOES accurately measure inclines. It calculates inclines by measuring the alt change divided by the distance traveled. So you have to be moving to get a change in the % grade readout. The fact that the grade does not change when you tilt the unit means nothing. The VDO does not calculate instantaneous inclines, but it does measure average inclines.
In conclusion, I'd still give the VDO 5 stars. In fact, I like it so much I bought another one.

Pros:
1.Altitude functions are good. Auto resetting is a big plus.
2.Incline is fun.
3.5 yr warrantee by a trusted name in gauges.
4.Push buttons are firm and "click"
5.Looks are modern.
6.It's marketed has having a Matrix display, I'm not sure what that means, but I had no problems reading it.
7.Installation was easy.
8.wires are robust.
9.Excellent compliment computer to a PowerTap/SRM.
10.Good computer for people who do road races, stage races, and tours that are given elevation profiles. Also a good computer if you train in the mountains.
Cons:
1.Cost is a bit high
2.Grade is measured by altitude, not a true inclinometer (if you tilt the computer, it does not change. Because of that, I wonder what the accuracy is.
4.The display always shows altitude and speed. There are 3 main screens, and the only one you can customize is the bottom one. It has ~12 functions you can put on that single bottom screen. It's rare that I even care about speed and altitude, which are always shown... maybe rec riders do, but most racers don't.
5.Wireless is not worth it. This adds a 2nd battery and a lot of weight. While it might be the most powerful thing on the planet, it still can't beat a wired system in my mind. And I've never in my life had a problem with wired computers. Don't forget that batteries are really toxic to the environment, and "beaming" your data 12 inches seems a bit ridiculous.
6.Starting/resetting the timer requires a 2 button action. Which brings me two wonder why there are 3 buttons, when all you really can do is toggle the last screen, I'd think 1 button would do.
7.There are a lot of functions I'll never use.
8.For the price, they should include a rear wheel mount and cadence sensor.
Overall I'd say this is a good computer, but I would not recommend it for people who race criteriums. I'd suggest something with cadence... and cheaper. Crashes happen in crits, and you don't want to bust up this expensive toy. I think this is a perfect complement to a PowerTap and SRM power meter. Both lack the features of this computer. It gives you a screen to monitor your speed/altitude/ridetime/temp/incline which complements a power meter's power/cadence/HR screen. This is about as good as it gets in terms of information. The only other improvement would be the ability to download the information and merge it with the power data. The incline is measured every 4 seconds, and is not so good for short climbs: although I've not tested it's accuracy. Design is good, mechanically it looks well constructed. I can't give feedback on long term reliability, as I haven't had it that long. Maybe in a year or two I'll post again.

 

VDO MC1.0 Altimeter/Cycle Computer