Bike Computers
Cateye AT-100 ($90): Cateye has a pretty good reputation when it comes to bike computers. While the rest of the computer may be fine, how the altimeter measures and accumulates altitude is unusual. I did not completely understand the description in the manual. Others have also expressed confusion as to how altitude accumulation and measurement works. Other notable downsides include an inaccurate thermometer even when not on a wrist, 20 seconds between readings, and short battery life. The altimeter can be used off the bike. It has a back light and is water-resistant (not waterproof).

Summary — Good cycle computer, but altimeter design is lacking.

Polar XTrainer Plus ($250): The XTrainer Plus is actually a watch with cycle computer functions and an optional altimeter ($40). This model is listed under bike computers because the altimeter is only usable while functioning as a bike computer. Polar is a pretty good brand and they've done a reasonable job of incorporating cycle computer functions into the watch. The manual is good, but operations are not always intuitive. The small buttons are hard to press with gloved hands. Setting the current altitude requires seven button presses to get to the necessary screen — not a simple operation.

The watch sits on a separate altitude unit. As a result, movement of the watch while riding can disengage the contact points thereby losing altitude measurements, but readjustment quickly brings the readings back. It has a back light and is water-resistant (not waterproof).

Summary — A decent model with lots of features, but probably only for those interested in complete logging and data analysis.

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Polar has a new model soon to be available called the S710 that looks like an updated version of the XTrainer Plus and bigger buttons. It does have an altitude measurement as well, but I could not confirm that it was only available on the bike, though I suspect it will be the same as for the XTrainer Plus.

Specialized Speedzone Pro and P-Brain ($300): The P-Brain functions as a cycle computer and also as a HRM and altimeter. It has recording features to download data to a computer. One ultra rider has indicated that the P-Brain has had significant problems for him and Specialized is working rapidly to fix them.

The SpeedZone Pro is the top-end of the Speedzone line of computers. Both of these models are fairly new so there isn't much information available on them yet. Generally Specialized computers are well rated.

Summary — Speedzone Pro may be a good buy if Specialized can keep the quality of the SpeedZone line. The P-Brain needs some refinement, especially for $300.

Vetta V100 ($100): This model should be available soon. Generally Vetta computers (and heart rate monitors) are in the lowest tier of quality. With a sponsorship of the USPS, their quality may improve. The V100 is already in use by the USPS.

Summary — This one has potential (but not much), but overall not enough information to evaluate fully.

Avocet: They used to make the Model 50 which cost about $90. Rumors of a Model 55 have floated for many years, but it doesn't exist yet. The only way to get an Avocet is to buy a used one or get one of their watches. Generally Avocets are good computers. I've had one for eight years and have been quite happy with it. Some models do have erratic behavior, especially after a battery replacement, but Avocet is good about making repairs when this happens.

Summary — If you can find a 50, get it.