Bell Free Fit 15 Function Wireless Bike Computer

Comments about Bell Free Fit 15 Function Wireless Bike Computer:

I've been using this computer for a week now and it's a nice little device. Installation is easy, but set-up of the console (i.e. display) is made difficult by some simple omissions and errors in the small print, although comprehensive, installation instructions. First, set-up requires use of two separate buttons; set and mode. The instructions don't say which is which, which requires a little trial and error. Hint: Set is left, Mode is right. Second, the instructions have you prematurely test that the two wireless components are connected and functioning before the console is programmed. The instructions say to lift the front wheel and spin it, then look for spinning wheels indicator on the display. Problem is the spinning wheels indicator doesn't work until the console is fully programmed. I'll bet people sit there trying to get the little wheels turning on the display and then give up and send the whole thing back. However, if you program the functions after installation by following the instructions, and then test the spinning wheel display, it will work. I've seen this very point in other reviews so it's not just my computer. Okay, that's the install. On the performance, yes you need to turn it on as opposed to it coming on automatically when you start riding. Yes, you need to reset each of the functions (you care about) before you start your ride. If the 10-15 total seconds it takes to do that bothers you (much like it does another reviewer in here lol) then you're not going to like the Bell bicycle computer. Me, I'm okay with it. Otherwise, all the functions seem to work. I did match the speed and distance functions against my Garmin Nuvi and the Bell Computer is spot on. Overall, I think it's a cool little, unobtrusive gadget that make riding my GT a little more fun. If it wasn't for the two errors in the instructions, it would have got 5 stars.

Comments about Bell Free Fit 15 Function Wireless Bike Computer:

I had a Cateye Vectra Wireless on my last bike, but it got stolen (the bike and the computer). I got this Bell for about the same price as the Vectra and figured they would be comparable. I have been very disappointed.
Here's the thing: of the 15 functions, 3 or 4 or actually useful. I want to know my current speed, trip distance, and total odometer. All the rest is really just fluff (unless you're buying a nicer computer with cadence, which is really the only way to get an accurate calorie count). This computer has so many functions (and for some reason, my computer toggles between functions every few seconds, all on its own), that it becomes difficult to use what you actually want. It seems like in an effort to deliver everything, they have failed to deliver what matters most.
Also, it bugs me that this computer doesn't start itself when you start riding. I often forget to turn it on at the start of my ride, and then my trip distance is inaccurate.
Finally, I'll mention that when I bought this, I couldn't get it to turn on at all. I had to just fiddle with the battery and get it in JUST RIGHT for it to even turn on. Doesn't bode well for how this thing is built.

Comments about Bell Free Fit 15 Function Wireless Bike Computer:

I checked the batteries, readjusted the magnet, redid the sensor ... never got the two to communicate. It's going back!!!

Comments about Bell Free Fit 15 Function Wireless Bike Computer:

It doesn't seem very well built. I have had it less than a month, and I have already had problems with it (it won't turn on or it will turn off suddenly while I am riding). It also seems very sensitive to heat. I left my bike in the sun for about an hour once, and the display was off until the next day. It has tons of functions, but I would prefer just a few functions that really work (I don't trust the 'Calories burned' function, and I wouldn't care about that even if I did trust it. Same for 'Avg Speed' and 'Temperature').

Comments about Bell Free Fit 15 Function Wireless Bike Computer:

Assembly was a bit meticulous, but it's on and I'm happy.