CatEye Velo 8 Cycle Computer–Final Review

A handful of weeks ago, we started testing the CatEye Velo 8 Cycle Computer.  Our initial impressions were good.  The computer mounts pretty easily, as long as you actually pay attention to the instructions.  We didn’t and installed the mount upside down.

The display is large and clear.  For a retail price of $25 or less, you will be hard pressed to find a computer with the options this one has, including the calorie counter and the large display.

Background on CatEye:

Cateye is a very experienced cycling company.  Founded in Osaka, Japan in 1946, CatEye launched the first flashing lamp for bikes in 1964.  CatEye also created the first head lamp using white LEDs in 2001.  CatEye moved into the cycle computer business in the early 1980’s and now offers a large line of computers with various functions and available at almost every price point.

The Velo 8 Cycle Computer:

As we mentioned in our initial review, our main criteria for selecting this computer to test was CatEye’s reputation and the price.  It’s really easy to find a great computer if you’re willing to spend $100, but it’s much harder to find something that is functional and durable while still being inexpensive enough for the a triathlete with other hobbies and financial responsibilities.

The Velo 8 isn’t the cheapest computer CatEye makes, but it’s approachable price point makes it a good choice for many triathletes.  The Velo 8 features Current, Max, and Average speed; trip distance, odometer, clock, ET, and calorie consumption.  Though the calorie counter is a great addition, it would be much more useful if it was adjustable.  As is, the calorie count is factory set and cannot be adjusted.  Either way, it can be a good yardstick to measure performance, but not highly accurate.

Using the Velo 8:

We discussed the mounting of the CatEye Velo 8 in our original review.

Since installing the Velo 8, we’ve used the computer in full and partial sun, in training and at the White Lake Half IM-distance race.  In the brightest sun, we didn’t experience any problems with the display washing out or becoming less readable.  Our sunglasses are polarized, so that always small issues with digital displays.  However, even with our polarized glasses, we could clearly make out our speed and other details.

The single large button on the front of the Velo 8 makes it very easy to move through the information points.  Having only one control button does require you to move through the entire menu to get to your data points, but that’s a small price to pay.

Once we attached the lead and the sensor on the front wheel, the sensor has worked perfectly and not moved around.

Final Opinion on CatEye Velo 8:

We’ve been pleased with the CatEye Velo 8.  It performs well and has a large display.  The single button makes it easy to move through the menu, though it requires you to move through the entire menu if you miss your information point.  Unfortunately, we could only mount the Velo 8 on the front wheel; not a big deal if you’re just riding, but not very useful if you use a trainer in the off season.  As mentioned above, we don’t like the  computer’s inability to adjust the calorie consumption.  Even at this price, we think it would be easy to allow the user to adjust the calories in the same way you can adjust the tire size.

That said, overall, we’re very happy with the Velo 8.  The computer delivers accurate metrics and displays that information in a clear and readable manner.  The computer mounts easily and it’s sensors stay put once attached.  At a MSRP of $25, you will not be disappointed in it’s performance.