E ven the largest computers don’t weigh that much, but if you’re paying out lots of dosh to trim component weights everywhere else on your bike there’s no reason why your computer should carry any extra mass.
This is why CatEye have shrunk their already svelte Strada down to near Lilliputian proportions without losing any of its functionality. The head unit measures 47x32x12.5mm (including bracket) and weighs 12g.
The sensor has been shrunk too, measuring 67.7x30x7.6mm. Both will presumably reduce drag compared with larger units (albeit virtually infinitesimally). But in spite of this and having a smaller battery than its larger brother, CatEye claim it has the same battery life and the screen is 23 percent larger.
Setting up the Strada is pretty straightforward and takes no more than 10 or 15 minutes, a variety of zip-ties and rubber bands allowing quick installation of the head unit on the stem or bar.
The controls to initially set the computer are all on the rear. A single button on the front – usable even with gloved hands – scrolls through the various functions. All the usual functions are present and correct: 12 or 24-hour clock, elapsed time, trip distance, trip distance two, total distance, maximum speed and average speed. A little arrow on the display tells you whether you’re riding over or under your average speed.
The Strada Slim forgoes the usual buttons – it is one in itself
The Strada Slim scores on its light weight, ease of setup and use. It’s not overloaded with functions, but has the ones most of us use most of the time. And about the only downsides are that it’s quite easy to accidentally scroll through the functions and it’s very stiff to get out of its bracket – but that’s about it.
This article was originally published in Cycling Plus magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.