Customer Reviews:
Add Your Own Review |
|
 Works fine., April 27, 2009
By desert sleuth (Arizona)
|
|
The only problem I had was resetting the Trip Meter (DST) because the instruction maunual is incorrect.
Press and hold only the left side of the button for 3 seconds to reset DST to zero. TM (Trip Time) and AVS (Average Speed) will also be reset.
86 of 89 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
 Worked well...while it worked, September 10, 2009
By Andrew Misthos
|
|
This unit is extremely easy to install (It took about 5 mins and attaches with electrical ties), and easy to set up. The instructions are intuitive and easy to follow. The numbers seem accurate enough for my purposes; the machine gives mileage to the thousandth of a mile.
HOWEVER, it is not durable at all. While I was trying to slip the computer into the holster on the bike, it slipped from my hand and fell onto grass, and now it will not turn on. Luckily, at this price, I got my money's worth while it worked.
29 of 31 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Love The Bike Computer, October 25, 2008
By Lynn Olzacki (Punta Gorda, FL)
|
|
This is the second one I've had in 5 years which I think is a good thing. It's accurate and very helpful but a little complicated to use at first. Take time to read the instructions. You do have to set it to the size of tire on your bicycle to get accurate mileage readings, but there is a chart in the instructions to help you with that. It's great!
25 of 25 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Thanks C. Wilson!, May 6, 2009
By Dog-Ma (Sunnyvale)
|
|
I basically liked my bike computer, but it was driving me crazy that I could not reset the trip timer (TM) without resetting everything (wheel size, clock, etc). I am using the computer to train my dogs to gradually increase their exercise time, running along my bike, and I need to reset it for each dog. I am so glad I checked out the reviews and found that there was an error in the manual. Now I can reset the trip time easily! Thanks C. Wilson! Now I really like my bike computer!
20 of 21 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
 Unambitious, inexpensive unit does its job very well, July 12, 2009
By Stephen Foster (Seattle, WA United States, via Scotland)
|
|
[3rd season update: Again I left it outside all winter. It again turned on immediately, steamed up again for a couple of days, and is now working perfectly again. I got my ten bucks-worth two years ago, and this thing still takes care of all my needs.]
[Second season update: After being left outside all winter under a tarp, it turned on as soon as the magnet flew past the sensor. Water had obviously got into it however, because for the first couple of days it steamed up to where it was hard to read the display. But after a few days or riding in the sun, the steam vented off and it worked excellently as before. Moral #1: take it indoors for the winter. Moral #2: Don't sneer at a ten-dollar bike computer.]
I had planned to get a fancier bike computer, but after some bad experiences with "Amazon vendors" (Mr. Bezos: don't they cheapen your brand? They are often unreliable), and the new and frequent Amazon annoyance of "This item cannot be shipped to your default address", I chose this one, which at least could be ordered from Amazon proper.
I'm glad I did. For a tiny amount of money, this biking geek now gets constantly showered with lots of good, reliable data. Installation was a breeze, with the single exception that the sensor has to be placed perilously close to the wheel magnet. The wire is ugly, with zip-ties running up my fork and stem, but it also delivers 100% reliable wheel-turn-counts to the computer.
The instructions are mediocre, but you'll get past them, and using it is utterly brainless, with the single exception of remembering to zero out your current ride before you start. It turns on automatically as soon as the magnet flies past the sensor; it turns off after a few minutes of inactivity. Zeroing out the current ride also zeros out everything else except total odometer and maximum speed (currently 31.7 mph, which was scary, given that I was on a rough rail-bed trail).
My main problem with it is that I cannot read the smaller numbers on the display without putting my glasses on - small gripe. I have ridden in heavy rain, which didn't seem to bother it at all.
One possible nice touch (I don't have experience with other bike computers, so I can't tell if this is common): when setting the wheel circumference (so that the computer knows how far it is moving at each wheel-turn), you have the ability to actually measure your wheel and tyre circumference (I used a piece of string) and input the actual amount, not just some generic 26" wheel circumference.
Total weight is probably about 4 oz. Wireless would look nicer, but would be slightly less reliable. To make me upgrade from this one, I'd have to splash all the way for GPS with altimeter, heart-rate and cadence monitor, and accurate calorie count (think the Garmin Edge 305). For now, I have other things to spend my money on.
One final thought about bike computers in general: I have a standard, fourteen-mile rail-bed trail near my house that I ride every day if possible. I have now taken to competing with myself, which increases my enjoyment substantially.
16 of 16 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Great value for the product, July 31, 2009
By D. Alvarez
|
|
As a newbie to competitive cycling (and a poor grad student) this cool, cheap computer gets the job done. Took it on a triathlon and measured the distance. It was dead on accurate! Instructions are clear, pretty easy to install (and I'm not very techy inclined). Just be sure to look at one of the previous reviews above for the instruction correction since there's one error in the instructions on how to reset the trip distance (hold the left hand button down until it clears, instead of holding both buttons down).
Highly recommend it if you're looking for a simple computer to tell you trip distance, real-time speed, average trip speed, fastest speed, and total distance (odometer).
10 of 10 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
 Failed within two weeks, November 24, 2010
By A. Burke (Florida, USA)
|
|
My needs were simple and this appeared to meet them. I wanted a clock with distance, speed and average speed. I got that and more, for the first few rides.
At first the only problem was the instructions to reset the trip counters resets EVERYTHING. I see others have gotten the trip reset to work holding down the left button; I've tried but it doesn't work on mine. Unlike some others here, I've had no problem with the display falling off.
But the second weekend it stopped working. The display turns on if I press the button and the clock works, but it doesn't detect wheel motion anymore. Do not buy this.
5 of 6 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Didn't fit my road bike, May 6, 2010
By Scuba Guy (West End, Roatan, Honduras)
|
|
Not enough clearence between the spokes and forks to mount on my road bike. The units I have had in the past had better mounting hardware that allowed diferent options. The tie wraps didn't work and modifying the mount ended up breaking the wire in the receiver so its off to the land fill. Unfortunatly I can't find clearence specs on other units. This will have to wait until I have time to get to a bike store
4 of 9 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Great Little Hnit, February 25, 2010
By Brooklyn (Virginia)
|
|
I can't complain. It works just fine. Just keep in mind the error in the instruction manual. To reset the trip odometer (DST function) only hold the left button down for 3 seconds. If Bell eventually makes the correction in their manual, there shouldn't be any complaints concerning this item. The item is small yet easily readable. The scan option is great while you're riding so you don't have to press buttons to view various functions. For around $12.00 what's there to complain about?
3 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Excellent Buy, January 18, 2010
By nuivang (Chua Duoc Su, GG CA)
|
|
Such a good deal on this little gadget - Very easy to install - Just make sure the face of magnet on the pieces (one provided little magnet to be clamped on the bike spoke 1/4 inch from the v-cross, the other is just the end of the unit itself to be tied to the front fork) are positioned as closely as possible without touching each other. Refer to the pamphlet for operations functions which are so simple to use. I had the unit on my bicycle for a few months out the sun, rain, etc., and many rough rides, it's still working like a charm. I highly recommend this product. Have fun and good luck.
3 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Good computer, May 20, 2009
By R. Spencer
|
|
The bike computer works well. The display is easy to read, even in bright sunlight. The only problem I had was with installation. The sensors attached easily enough, it was attaching the computer to the handlebar bracket that proved to be difficult. It is supposed to slide into the bracket and snap in place, with the metal contacts on the bracket and computer touching each other. Try as I might I could not get it to snap into place. The wife tried as well. I finally had to force it into place by prying up on it with a small screwdriver while pushing it forward. If I ever need to replace the battery it will probably be a job getting it out of there too.
3 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Pays to complain, February 9, 2011
By SusanS
|
|
Unfortunately my hubby could not get it to work. He even went to the website and was still lost. He finally phoned and discovered it was the device that was defective; not him. They apologized and sent another one immediately. Now he brags about how far he goes. I would buy from this company again if I needed to.
3 of 5 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive, Inexpensive Bicycle Speedometer, February 18, 2011
By edcaroleg (San Antonio, TX)
|
|
This little beauty really works well and is inexpensive! It has just the right number of functions and they are logically arranged to easily select while riding. The display is large enough for me to read even without my glasses! It took about twenty easy minutes to install and test on my bicycle.
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Falls off!, July 24, 2010
By electron_plumber (Washington)
|
|
This is one of the less expensive units on the market, and it does the job. However, it has a serious problem: the bracket doesn't hold well! I bought one for my son, and when we were biking a few days later, it flew off, and we never found it again. He hadn't told me before, but it had actually fallen off a number of times before that...
I bought a replacement, and tried putting it on the old bracket. Sure enough, it fell off very easily. I tried it on the new bracket, and that seemed to work much better. Thinking the old bracket was defective, I swapped in the new bracket, tried it again, and it fell right off! It appears that the issue is that actually mounting this to the bike warps the bracket enough to make the little latch ineffective.
Gluing the thing permanently in place doesn't work because you will need to get at the back of the unit to change the battery. I ended up lining the rails with 2-sided tape, and that seems to hold it in pretty securely.
At this point, I wish I had bought a better brand - it would have been cheaper than buying this twice...
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
ok, August 31, 2009
By H. Wohlbier (WISCO)
|
|
great price. have to reset the miles each ride. thats the only draw back. worth the money.
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Works on motorcycles too, February 18, 2011
By R. Thrash
|
|
Bought the Bell F12 to use temporarily as a speedometer on my Honda Nighthawk. Needed to use two small neodymium disc magnets stacked on the rim of the wheel, since the included magnet would only attach to the spokes (and would be too far from the sensor to work).
It took some time to get it calibrated accurately, but it was easy to do since the bike computer allows input from 1 mm to 5999 mm in wheel circumference.
The cable was just long enough to be routed away from any moving parts. Comes with battery and extra zip/cable ties which was nice. Good and cheap enough for my purposes.
2 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
good enough for entry level, September 8, 2009
By Kin P. Lo
|
|
easy to install and reliable. good enough if you don't need cadence. setup is straight forward.
2 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
 Cheaply made, September 9, 2009
By Kenseynymour (Yorba Linda, CA)
|
|
I first got this Bell bike computer because it was 20 bucks, and the wireless one was 50. I will never do that again. The first computer i got was broken, half of the screen didnt work. Luckily, sports authority exchanged it right away. The second one worked OK, but there is one major problem: the wire connecting the sensor and the computer is total crap. It broke within 3 days of using it. I didnt even put a major strain on it: The force of my coiled bike lock (the kind with the coiled metal cable with a rubber/plastic casing) re-coiling after being stretched a little broke the wire.
IF you do get this because its cheap, be sure to be very careful with that puny wire. Or just get a wireless one and don't bother.
2 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive, Inexpensive Bicycle Speedometer, February 18, 2011
By edcaroleg (San Antonio, TX)
|
|
This little beauty really works well and is inexpensive! It has just the right number of functions and they are logically arranged to easily select while riding. The display is large enough for me to read even without my glasses! It took about twenty easy minutes to install and test on my bicycle.
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Forget previous mileage, May 5, 2011
By Mark S Taylor
|
|
This is a nice unit, but you will not be able to enter your previous mileage on it, and once the battery goes out, your mileage will start all over again. The instructions claim you can re-enter old miles, but that particular function is abolutely not available on this small model. It is however available on the Schwinn model, which is a slightly larger unit and figures are much more visible.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Doesn't always work, April 10, 2011
By Maria&Scott
|
|
I bought this to use with my Cycleops fluid 2 trainer. It worked great initially but now it goes in and out. What I mean by this is that the MPH read out will just go to zero so you can't track your speed. After 6 minutes of it being at 0 MPH, it shuts off. If I let it "sit" for a few days, it works again but then the MPH will freeze again. Its very frustrating. I'm glad I only spent $10 on it and didn't waste a lot of money. My suggestion would be to spend a bit more and get a Cat Eye. I have that one and it works perfectly.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
awesome!, March 22, 2011
By R. Kolb
|
|
What more do you want? It's a $10 cycle computer that I wouldn't really care about if it got lost in a crash or broken. Feels pretty accurate. Had a little bit of a hard time fitting it on my carbon fork on the road bike (not round and hardly any clearance between fork and wheel), but with a little thinking, I was able to make it work.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Cheap and good, March 19, 2011
By Bernardo Gomez (Iquique, Chile)
|
|
This computer is sooooo cheap, you can't find anything wrong with it.
It works as it should. Not the best quality, but it's more than acceptable.
The manual says that to reset you have to press both left and right buttons, this is WRONG! Only press the left button on the DST screen and it will reset.
Good product overall.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Bell F12 Bike Computer, March 2, 2011
By Ruben
|
|
Exelent, just had to adapt it because my bike fork was diferent fron the one in the instrucctions. Don't use it in bad terrain it will jump from your bike.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Easy Installation, February 13, 2011
By KenR
|
|
This bike computer is easy to install and setup. The display is large enough so I don't need my glasses to read any of the displays. I like the constant large speed display and keep the other display in the "scan" mode to read the other functions calculated by the F12 Bike Computer. A great value!
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Good Simple Bike Computer for it's Price, September 15, 2010
By dnew54 (Rochester NY)
|
|
You can't beat this little bike computer for it's price point. The instructions could be more complete about the installation and there is an error in the manual about resetting the DST (read the C. Wilson review, if you haven't already). The magnet and the sensor must be setup so that they *almost* touch as the wheel rotates. The kit could use some more cable ties than just the ones supplied; pick up some small to medium cable ties, if you don't already have some. The extra ties really help to secure the sensor wire to the bike; leave enough slack in the wire for the fork to turn (and compress/decompress if it's a suspension fork) without yanking the wire out of either end. And be sure to run the ties through the mounting slots for them so that the mount will work properly (don't distort the mount by pulling the ties *too* tight). Then just gently slide the computer into the mount until the catch clicks and you should be all set to go. Remember that this device is a computer, not a hammer.
This would be a 5 star product, if it had better installation instructions; it generally seems to work as advertised.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
For the price...can't be beat, August 23, 2010
By Donn T. Taylor (Reinholds, PA)
|
|
Thanks to reading the other review I now know how to reset the trip mileage without resetting the thing completely. THANKS! I bought two and they work great. $10 for a great little computer.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Distance measurement inaccurate?, July 24, 2010
By R. Terry (Santa Clara, CA United States)
|
|
Had this for about 2 months and I like the display and overall features. However the distance seems to read about 10% too long. After riding a mile, the trip distance stands at 1.1 miles. I've put in my exact measured wheel circumference found by marking the tire, rolling forward and measuring the distance along the driveway. Now it seems I'll need to put in the wrong measurement to get the right calibration. Any suggestions? Another nit: it seems the reset (via 3 sec depression of left button) only works when certain metrics are displayed and in other cases does nothing. That's irritating. Overall I still like the product as it looks good and is quite readable.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Bell F12 Bike Speedometer: Mine Doesn't Work Right, November 26, 2009
By Retired Military Officer, Retired .. (Near MCAS, Cherry Point, NC, US)
|
|
Price, excellent. Design seems fine to me. Installation was quick and easy. The unit worked immediately, but the speed is grossly wrong. Pedaling hard on a familiar level road in high gear indicated only 16 mph - should have been about 24-26 mph. We have other bikes with other brands of electronic speedometers. They are similar to the Bell F12, but apparently more accurate. And yes, there is a setting for tire size and I confirmed it was set properly. I am disappointed, especially given the 5-star ratings other owners here in Amazon assigned to this device.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Bell F12 Bike Computer setup instructions, April 11, 2011
By JD
|
|
I misplaced setup manual, my mtn bike wheel size is 26 inch do not know the # for the set up as have no chart, also is it possible to get a new instruction manual Thanks
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Junk, February 23, 2011
By i bought this
|
|
This device has terrible directions, a terrible set-up method, and the aesthetics are terrible. If you really need to see mph, distance, etc. then go all out with something much nicer and much more expensive. This thing is cheap and difficult to install. You get what you pay for here!
1 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Got one, had many issues, February 16, 2011
By Person101
|
|
By itself it would run 175 miles an hour with out even turning the tires. It was constantly reacting to interference. Also the magnate was hard to place and would not take.
DO NOT RECOMMEND.
1 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Worked well while it lasted, July 6, 2009
By M. Campbell (Hampton Roads, VA)
|
|
I thought the computer was great and gave me all the information I needed, although, I agree that the user manual is incorrect but you can figure it out if you just play with it for a while. Unfortunately, I noticed that about halfway through my ride the other day the computer had stopped working. When I looked, all the wires had somehow pulled out of the unit. I don't know how this could have happened since it was working fine at the start of the ride. The wires connecting the the computer are much longer than they needed to be for my bike so who knows if they got caught on something. I won't be getting another one. Maybe wireless is the way to go.
1 of 5 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Can't decide if it's good or not, June 26, 2009
By J. Hallsten (Normal, IL USA)
|
|
Very inexpensive - nice!
I can't figure out how to run it - not nice. :(
Easy to read display - nice!
It's no good if I can't get the dumb thing to reset. :(
Quick to install - nice!
The only thing it does for me right now is show my speed, which is consistent with other products that are much more expensive (when I ride w/others). :) / :(
Comes on a nice clip that makes it super easy to remove and slip into your pocket when you lock up your bike - nice!
(Apparently I need to sit down and study my owners manual)
1 of 5 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Can't decide if it's good or not, June 26, 2009
By J. Hallsten (Normal, IL USA)
|
|
Very inexpensive - nice!
I can't figure out how to run it - not nice. :(
Easy to read display - nice!
It's no good if I can't get the dumb thing to reset. :(
Quick to install - nice!
The only thing it does for me right now is show my speed, which is consistent with other products that are much more expensive (when I ride w/others). :) / :(
Comes on a nice clip that makes it super easy to remove and slip into your pocket when you lock up your bike - nice!
(Apparently I need to sit down and study my owners manual)
1 of 5 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Now I don't have to guess, November 10, 2011
By FixedDontBrakeIt
|
|
This thing does exactly what I want it to. Its great knowing exactly how far you ride and it's fun knowing how fast youre going. Good product, great deal, happy riding!
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Cheap, Simple Install, Great Choice!, July 23, 2011
By Sarrus25
|
|
The Bell F12 bicycle speedometer was easy to install and seems to work great! I didn't want to spend a lot on a bike speedometer, and this was a good choice according to other reviews for this product.
The product came a different color than what was listed through Amazon; Although this does not bother me, I believe the product listing should be updated!
I have no issues so far, it seems to work great!
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Did not work, July 11, 2011
By Mercy2915 (Boston, MA)
|
|
The head unit right button did not work. Seems like poor quality control. The unit overall seems low quality. Unfortunatly I waited too long to install it and could not take it back. Bell was once made good quality products...not anymore.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Different than the picture, July 6, 2011
By skyline
|
|
When I first received this computer, I was disappointed that it was a two-button model in black which is different than what is shown in the picture.
On the other hand, I'm very happy with the stats it shows and can't believe I have been riding without it. It shows ODO, DST, AVG, TIME and can also cycle through. Has the option for KPH and MPH, although this is set when the computer is reset and cannot switch back and forth for conversion purposes. Overall, the unit is worth it and easy to install.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Bell Cyclocomputer, July 5, 2011
By Andrea E Menzies (Austin, TX)
|
|
This is great bike speedometer at a low price! It works well and consistently on my bike. This meter shows miles per hour, average speed, max speed, and speed tendency. I just bought a Currie Electric Kit for my bike, available on Amazon.com for 290 dollars. (It is a really great thing to buy for a bike.) This bike speedometer shows total miles traveled, and time traveled on it. This helps me judge how much life I have left on my electric bike engine kit's charge. Knowing how fast I am going helps me break better at intersections. I used to be going to fast to stop safely and smoothly. Now I can judge it better. It works great!
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Good product does the job, June 23, 2011
By justAnotherJoeBagOfDough.. (Lucedale,MS USA)
|
|
Logged over 141 miles. Easy to install and works like a charm. I check the accuracy and it's accurate enough.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Great Value, June 20, 2011
By Robert Karz (Webster, NY, US)
|
|
My $30 bike computer gave up the ghost after 2 years, and I was about to pluck down another $30 when I found this one for less than half. Frankly, I like it better than the more expensive one, and if it lasts only one biking season, I'm better off.
I especially like the scan feature that rotates through distance, average speed, peak speed, and ride time in ~1 second intervals. The mounting was actually better than the more expensive models (that never properly fit my handlebar), and my unit came with extra zip ties. I'm not sure what the issues with a weak mount in other reviews were because my unit is being held securely even on very rough roads, and I have no problem with the release tab at the bottom of the mount. As for the wheel calibration, that has to be done via trial and error starting with the recommended setting. In my case, the recommended setting was 2% low at the recommended setting for my tires, but that was corrected simply by increasing the value by 2%.
My only issues with the F12 are (1), that you cannot dial in an odometer reading to start where the previous unit left off and (2) that the odometer and tire calibration values are lost when the battery is changed. However, these are minor issues, and I really liked the price.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
junk didn't work even bike shop said it is defective, June 19, 2011
By lucidbuyer
|
|
junk didn't work even bike shop said it is defective. I asked for a replacement and they said they are out of stock so I put in a request for a refund. Junk.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Easy to Install and Great deal for the Money, June 11, 2011
By Brian M (Greenville, NC)
|
|
Bought this to replace another unit that lasted over 15 years. Installed in 15 minutes, taking a little more time to tie the cable properly. Very easy to setup and easy to use. Slips a little bit on my handle bar, probably would do best if wrapped around handle with handle bar wrap tape underneath.
Fairly easy to read when riding, display could stand to be a bit larger. The Bicycle icon with spinning wheels showing you if you are accelerating or decelerating are a neat feature but very hard to see while riding.
Unit seems to be very accurate for such a low priced model. All in all, for the Money, hard to beat and would definitely recommend it over buying a unit marked up 3x in a bike shop.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Quite out 1.6 miles into the trail., June 3, 2011
By Mike
|
|
The Bell F12 Bike Computer is decent for its price, lets do some Pros vs Cons and then a breakdown.
Pros:
Lots of features (speedometer, tachometer, odometer, average speed, total time moving, stopwatch, etc.)
Easy to set up, zip ties have a little latch for easy removal and its pretty simple to set up.
Easy-to-read screen (not lighted, so its difficult to read in low light)
Accurate in the readings if set up properly (following directions and you'll be set)
Cons:
Lots of wire (could be a Pro, but I just had too much and had to wrap it around the handlebars)
One of the contact points (little metal piece on bottom of the F12) stuck out and made it difficult to snap in the mount.
The whole thing stopped taking readings at mile 1.6 on the Fort Custer Recreation park Trails.
Breakdown:
Honestly, the Cons are specific to my experience,they were malfunctions not design issues. You could have a very good experience with your Bell F12, its kinda like Russian roulette with this device. If you need a bike computer and CANNOT spend any more than $10 then this product is for you, otherwise, spend an extra $10-15 and go to sports authority and buy a better quality one.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Great price works perfect, June 2, 2011
By Donbor
|
|
I got this bike computer knowing it was a very cheap computer ($9). I was afraid of getting a crappy one.
It works great, the instruction maunual is not very precise showing you where to put each part of the sensors, but you will figure it out, because it only works at the lower part of the bike's fork.
An internal light can be very useful at night but for $9 its fine like that.
I recommend it works perfect.
Salud
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
As advertised, May 29, 2011
By Tricky
|
|
This product has the upgraded computer unit with more features but still uses the same cheap wires and sensor as as other cheaper units.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Can't seem to re-set..., May 6, 2011
By Mike
|
|
Can't seem to easily re-set the distance (any time I've tried, I get to the original set-up settings (enter wheel size, etc.). So basically means the only function I have is current speed (which, btw, is off by about 10% - haven't bothered to reverse-engineer a number that will make it work). While this is cheap and easy to install, I'd like to be able to know the distance I've ridden THIS ride. For an extra $20, next time I'd go with the Sigma I have on my other bike.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Finally understand how to reset the trip., May 4, 2011
By Walter D. Hay
|
|
Thanks to all the other reviews, I now know how to reset the trip on the computer.
I too had to continue to reset all of the settings before each ride. Thank you to all the previous reviews. I also had the computer detacth from the bike & land in a mud puddle. Reinstalled it on the mount & still works GREAT!
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
odometer reset, April 27, 2011
By dadofjay
|
|
Unable to reset the odometer on the F12--pressing the left button for a few seconds-- doesn't do it. Taking out the battery each time I ride and resetting the whole thing is a pain in the butt. This shouldn't be rocket science.
You can reset the "DST"--by holding the left button for about three seconds--which serves the same purpose for me
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
works well and easy to setup, April 16, 2011
By @NY (NY, USA)
|
|
It was very easy and simple to setup. Attaching sensor to front wheel was very easy. Initial setup was very simple. User doc was easy to understand and follow. It keeps me up to date on distance traveled, avg speed, top speed, trip time, odometer, etc. Nice product.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Very helpful for amateurs, December 6, 2010
By PC Addict (Caracas, VENEZUELA)
|
|
I bought this item for my mountain bike, i have to say that is a very good product, even when its raining, because its very resistant to water... The instalation is very simple, but the magnets system is a little poor. The computer support is not so safe, but is ok for the price. Very helpful for basic bikers or people who doesnt want a professional/expensive item, just have control of data from their trips, speed, etc.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Ok for the price, November 14, 2010
By Timothy L. Knaak
|
|
You can't really complain for $10. It works really well, its easy to set up. The only problem is that to reset the odometer you need to completely reset the whole thing. That means resetting the tire size and time, which takes less than 2 minutes to do. So no big deal really.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Nifty little thing, worked well, but!, October 23, 2010
By KH Tanga (Dallas, TX United States)
|
|
This is a niftly little bike computer and the price is right. Love, all the different readings it give you plus ability to change between KM and Miles. I had been using it for about a month now and suddenly stopped working. The display still works and shows all the read-outs, but looks like the sensor stopped working or stopped feeding the data to the computer. If anyone has a suggestions on what to do, please advise.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Good product. Great value., October 20, 2010
By J. Bevins
|
|
Works as intended. Takes trail and error to calibrate it. Book is close to being right but it really depends on the distance from the spindal.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Nice for the price, but the directions are wrong., October 20, 2010
By M. Milligan
|
|
First, if you follow the directions that come with it to reset your trip odometer buy pressing and holding both buttons, you will reset the whole computer including the time of day and wheel circumference.
You actually do that by pressing and holding the left button when the computer is in the DST mode.
They should really save up and hire someone to fix their directions.
The computer works fine. No one makes bicycle computers with real brackets anymore and this one attaches with zip ties like all modern computers, but the zip ties can be released and reused, so if you leave enough to grab when you cut them you have the flexibility to move it if you change your handlebars or work on your headseat.
I don't know if it uses the same chip but it has the same display as a 1 dollar computer I bought from Hong Kong. I haven't tried the Hong Kong computer to compare because it arrived the day after my trip, more than three weeks after I ordered it.
This one only took too days and that made it worth the extra $9.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Save Your Buks This One Works, October 3, 2010
By Bike Man (Salinas)
|
|
I have had many wireless & wired ones most where lots of money and I found this one to be my work horse. I now have over 13,000 on my Caddy so I have been thought the so called the ones have all the bells and it never fails one or more of the bells does not work or as well as they should or they are so Bleep-en hard to use and or set up you do not use or set up because you just do not have 2 weeks of time ! you may even tell your self I do that later and that never happens ! If you are looking for a great Good Value Computer that you can access all the menu and you get the info you need fast and easy this is the one for you. you can use while you are riding! The only thing I would like is that it could have some kind of back lighting I ride at night and all year rain and hail! If you WANT A HIGH PRICE COMPUTER THIS ONE IS NOT 4 U. THIS WORKS DAY AFTER DAY MILE AFTER MILE! so give a shot you find out this is the one you have been looking 4! Well what ever U do have s happy safe ride!
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Great little product, October 2, 2010
By fierodoug
|
|
Bought this on a whim while I was ordering other bike parts. This thing is really neat for little money. Works great and was easy to install. The only problem mine had was the little plastic clip that locks the unit into the holster is weak and the unit would pop off on hard bumps. I solved this by putting a dab of hot glue on it to hold it. Easily removable when the time comes to change the battery.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Good computer, September 8, 2010
By Chris
|
|
The computer is very nice for the amount of money spent.
It works just fine and the only reason why I gave it only 4 stars is that it was supposed to come with a battery, but didn't. So I had to buy one for 2$, which is fine as well.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Very simple. very easy to install, August 28, 2010
By Max
|
|
I mounted mine on the left fork, instead of the recommended right. Everything is working as indicated and it was exactly what I was looking for - a clock that can tell me how slow i'm going!
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
So far, so good, August 14, 2010
By Peter B. Sullivan (USA)
|
|
I've used it for a hundred miles or so and it's been fine, and it has all the functions I want. But be sure to note C.Wilson's correction to the manual, when it comes for re-setting the distance (press and hold the left button, not left and right). You'd think that Bell would have corrected that by now. Other than that, it's been great, especially considering the price.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Enter Odometer, June 25, 2010
By Pingo
|
|
I just got the Bell F12 computer and all the values displayed on a ride seemed to be quite accurate. However like many others commented the instructions are incorrect for resetting the DST. When holding both buttons for 3 seconds, everything was reset to zeros and the setup had to be redone. The manual implies you can re input the Odometer miles but does not tell you how to do it. Has anyone discovered if and how you can do that? Bell has to come up with a better manual for this little gadget.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Good item for the price, lots of function., June 9, 2010
By montane_perro (Tucson, Arizona USA)
|
|
Has lots of functions and wasn't that hard to set up if you followed directions. My criticisms: 1) Wiring is really thin, hope that isn't a problem long term and 2) the latch that holds the computer in the plastic mounting bracket doesn't lock the computer in. If you push hard on the bottom edge of the computer it will pop out of the bracket and guess where you have to push to change functions...on the buttons which are on the bottom edge of the computer. It has already ended up on the pavement at least once. Probably will have to super glue the computer in the mounting bracket so it stays put.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
For the price..., May 15, 2010
By Steven Dedominici
|
|
You can't beat it. I don't like how the buttons operate though. You have to play with them to make them do what they are supposed to. Other than that, it is inexpensive and seems to work well.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Good Computer, October 29, 2009
By Matthew L. Olson
|
|
Its a great bike computer for the price. Works good and has some nice features.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Poor ergonomics, January 25, 2011
By George
|
|
This works well when its all set up. It seemed very accurate to me. I gave it low ratings for two major drawbacks. First is that in direct sunlight the screen washes out. If your cycling on a sunny hot day after about 15 minutes or so the screen goes totally grey and you can't read anything until you've placed it in shade for a few minutes. It does however continue to work while this is going on but the Cateye computer I had to buy to replace this one doesn't suffer from this at all. The other thing is for what ever cost cutting reason Bell switched from two buttons to one to do all of the functions. And they put that one button right where you grasp to mount and dismount the computer. The result? I've accidentally reset the computer several times while starting or ending a ride. This is VERY frustrating because all of your miles logged, average speeds, time etc. are lost. And you had better memorized the tire size code or you cant properly set it. You get what you pay for.
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
bike computer, January 8, 2011
By Toby M. Shapiro
|
|
They are much more complicated to program than we thought when we ordered them. On the other hand, once we got the program set up correctly, the computers work quite well. The price was excellent and Bell is known to be a reputable manufacturer. They arrived quickly and in good condition.
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Bell F12 works, but..., September 7, 2010
By J. Seamans (Lexington, KY United States)
|
|
This is a nice little gadget for your bike, I use it essentially to measure runs so I appreciate that is is fairly accurate, I compared two of my runs by car odometer and it's close enough. The F12 has nice features and it's intuitive IF you do not have problems with electronics. I gave it 3 stars because of this reason - I hate manuals and instructions that are wrong and incomplete, it says a lot about company quality and concern for the customer to me. I was able to set it up quickly and despite the flaws in the instructions I got it to work. If you are the type of person who has trouble with setting up a digital watch or programming a simple remote, this gadget is going to give you trouble because the instruction manual just plain sucks, it's wrong and it does not give complete instructions. Bell, you need to work on your instruction manual, diagrams of suggested placement of the sensors would be helpful.
I would recommend this product but if you are not a gadget person you might want to ask someone who is for help.
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
cannot reset DST even with left button..., February 11, 2011
By t. martin (Seattle, WA USA)
|
|
After being frustrated with not being able to reset the DST without resetting the ENTIRE unit, I came on here and read that by holding the left button 3 seconds it was supposed to reset the DST. Unfortunately, I already tried that and it doesn't work. What else can I try with only two buttons? I've already tried them all: hold each one down separately, hold one and press the other, or hold both...??? I have two other units that work much better than this basic one.
0 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Not Wireless, November 20, 2010
By Roger N. Bryan (Ooltewah, TN USA)
|
|
Even though the Bell F12 bike odometer shows up in a search for wireless speedometers, it's NOT wireless! Amazon has misplaced this item. Other than that, it seems to be a pretty good little unit especially for just 10 bucks. Unfortunately, you have a black wire trailing down from your handlebars to the sensor mounted on the bicycle's front fork -- wouldn't be a wire if it were indeed wireless.
0 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Lovin' my F12 Cyclocomputer, August 25, 2011
By AZ don 65
|
|
I have purchased cyclocomputers in the past,but many years ago. I simply wanted a simple motivator for my morning rides. Cost was the big factor, ease of use was second. The F12 was purchased locally and installed after watching two Utube demos. Then I installed my way, roughly following the included instructions. I thought it was all over when I accidently dropped the unit onto the garage concrete floor, but the unit performed with no problem. I train daily and find the face and numbers easy to see, even though the unit is mounted further forward of the handle bars on my Profile Triathlon bars. The roads I ride are rough mountain asphalt with plenty of vibration, and the unit still hangs in there. In the past I have had bar mounted computers bounce out of their mounts, so this one I have additionally used a rubber band across the face, down under the bar and back up again over the lower face to provide additional holding power. No complaints, Great Computer !!
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Great little comp, September 2, 2011
By A. Winter
|
|
My wife bought this for me just before my first century. It was a little tricky getting the magnet close enough/position correctly next to the sensor on the fork, but that's with any computer. I'm not advanced enough yet where I would need features like HR and cadence, so this has been perfect. The only complaint, and why it gets 4/5, is that it has hard-reset itself twice with no clear cause. I ended up losing my odo mileage and my precious top speed (47.4mph).
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Best tool for tracking your miles!, November 3, 2011
By Hilton Head Biker Rider
|
|
This fabulous tool tracks my bike riding miles no matter where I am. When we vacation at Hilton Head Island and bike ride daily, this bike computer tracks our mileage and progress, making riding a joy and challenge daily. I am buying one for my brother and his wife for their use while on vacation. Great product at a great price. Highly recommend.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Did the job but broke extremely easy, October 4, 2011
By Justin Winokur
|
|
The title basically said it all. This did what it was supposed to do except that it was easy to accidentally reset and when it got knocked off once, it died. I upgraded to something more robust. It may have cost 2x as much, but it has lasted longer
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
good starter comp, February 4, 2012
By francis rosting
|
|
i got this puppy and it seems pretty reliable, i read a few reviews saying that drpping it wrecked their day, but i've dropped a few times and it still seems ready to go, but i'm still careful with it, just in case! it's a nice starter for those that want to try it out but don't want to drop too much on something they don't know they're going to use much
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Great value, January 26, 2012
By Jeff (Narragansett, RI USA)
|
|
I have 2 bike computers made by a competitor that cost me about $25 each. This Bell unit is just as good or better and the price was right. If you just want something simple to tell you have far and how long you've ridden, the time of day and total mileage on you bike, this is the answer. It's simple and reliable. The wireless units are to complicated (too much to go wrong) and it's simple to run the wire. The quick release is nice so you can put the head in your pocket when you leave the bike.
Note - the picture is not correct. There is no red band around the face and there are 2 buttons at the bottom. I searched the Internet and everyone shows the same wrong picture.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Efficient and cost effective!, January 19, 2012
By Biker
|
|
I have tried this before and I purchased this for my son now. This is a reliable and useful gadget when we go biking.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Great until you want to reset it for your next trip, January 9, 2012
By J. LaBar (San Diego, CA)
|
|
I really like this bike computer until I want to reset the trip data for the next ride. The computer has good accuracy (you enter the wheel circumference in mm) and ease of use during your ride. It has speedometer, odometer, max speed, average speed, current time, trip time and a scan function that scrolls through the functions.
The install was pretty easy and it the digits are big enough on the face.
The main problem and the only reason I gave it 3 stars is that the only reset function is to clear ALL the data from the unit. There needs to be a trip reset function that only clears the previous trip data.
What I have to do now is reset the unit and go through the entire setup procedure which includes entering the wheel diameter and current time (pain in the butt). This is just poor design and it should have been evident from anyone from Bell that had actually used the device for more than one ride.
They really need to have an odometer that keeps track of the total mileage and a trip odometer. There should be a 'Trip' reset function that just resets the trip odometer, the trip time, the max speed, and the average speed.
For the price I'll reset it for now but I'll look for a better unit.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Great price! Great product!, December 27, 2011
By uDaeth
|
|
This is a great bike computer. It does what I want it to which is tell me my speed and the time, but it also includes some other calculations that were great such as average speed and total miles. Setup was simple, nothing to it. Came with a lot of zip ties so I can re position it on the bike if I get new accessories.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
NOT WHAT I THOUGHT!, January 12, 2012
By Heather1008
|
|
I was under the impression that this was for a stationary bike as it came up w/ the other items I bought to make the road bike into a stationary bike. So I wasted my money.
0 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
|
|
|
|
Home
View Cart
Bookmark This Page
Contact Us
