NiteRider Rebel - On Test
I’m a fan of singlespeeds and geared bikes. I enjoy simplicity and I appreciate technology. Thus, I’ve got mixed feelings about cycling computers. While they provide lots of potentially valuable information, computers are also one more thing to fuss with. As a commuter, I’ve always enjoyed having a simple computer. It’s fun to know how fast I can go, but mostly I’m looking to see what time it is and how much farther I’ve got to go.
The Rebel 1.0 is NiteRider’s entry-level computer. I prefer wired computers because wireless units require a second battery and setup is more critical (the transmitter has to be in line with the main unit). At roughly $30 retail, the Rebel 1.0 isn’t as economically priced as most entry-level computers, but most of them offer a back lit display. Of course frequent use of the backlight will prematurely drain your battery, but since you have to hold down a button for three seconds to momentarily activate the light, the feature will probably get limited use.
The Rebel’s mounting system is extremely quick and easy to install, and versatile enough to fit most any handlebar or stem. Three different sized elastomers are provided to accomodate different diameter tubes. Only time will tell how durable the mounting system is, but I bet the elastomer proves to be the Rebel’s Achilles’ heel.
Thankfully the rest of the unit seems to be well-constructed. Visit www.niterider.com for more information, and watch for an updated review which will include notes on the $50 wireless Rebel 2.0.
June 13th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
The first Panoram bike-puter (the wide one) has backlighting.
June 13th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
well, i believe that Trek already has a back lit light out and cat eye might as well. just sayin…
June 13th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
I stand corrected on the backlight feature being exclusive to NiteRider (the review is now updated to reflect that). Thanks for the heads up.
June 15th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Just “won” the 2.0 version at Big Bear (2nd place prize, SS/Rigid class) and I threw it on my prissy fixie, since there’s no cord to ruin the esthetics.
I like the fact that it mount to the stem, thereby leaving the bar unadorned in classic FG style. I also like the “tool-less” mounting system, although the fork component requires zip-ties and thus cannot be removed easily.
One immediate downside that NR seems to have dropped the ball on is the display. Yes, the numbers appear large, but the descriptor abbreviations (e.g. DST for distance) are so tiny as to make the numerical data meaningless. You see numbers, but without a little bit of thinking, it’s difficult to know what they mean right away.
Also, for the congenitally nerdy, the distance feature only measures to tenths of a mile, not hundredths (yeah, I know, WTF cares?).
I agree that the elastic moutning system will prove the achilles heel here; elastics have a poor track record for longevity, especially when exposed to the elements.
Lastly, as far as I can tell (and, admittedly, it’s still new to me), there’s no “distance 2″ feature.