Vetta PathFinder Wireless

The PathFinder is Vetta’s take on the ultimate cycling computer for commuters. It features an integrated headlight, as well as a light for the LCD display. It’s got large, easy to use buttons and features pretty much all of the most common cycling computer functions. On paper, the PathFinder is an incredible concept, and in practice it’s very good. But as with most new products, it’s got both good and bad points…

In the past I’ve had some less than stellar experiences with wireless cycling computers. Either the computer would mysteriously stop working for portions of the ride, or it would report unbelievable max speeds (I know I’ve never went 77mph on a bicycle). The Vetta, however, performed flawlessly.

Aesthetically, the PathFinder has grown on me. The first sample out of the box was a rather obnoxious red, thankfully I was able to claim the more subdued black computer. Having a piece of plastic jut several inches off the front of your stem isn’t going to fly with most fashion-conscious people, even if it does free up cockpit space. I actually kind of like the shape of the housing, but I have to imagine there’s room to slim it down a bit. One thing I didn’t like is the mounting system, which just doesn’t look good. It’s a rather unique system, but it ends up looking like the unit’s mounted via unnaturally large zip ties. And to be perfectly honest, I think ordinary zip ties might look cleaner and hold faster.

In my estimation, the key to making the PathFinder a real winner in the market would be to increase the brightness of the LED lights. As a stand-alone headlight, it’s just not that bright. Sure, it’s bright enough to be seen under ordinary circumstances, but nowhere near bright enough to see potholes and other road hazards at night. I also think the nighttime display light could be brighter, making it more useful. Although truth be told, you’re probably only going to use it to check the time when you’re stopped at a red light, in which case it is bright enough.

One other unique feature (at least the first time I’ve seen it) is the audible alignment gauge. When you’re positioning the transmitter against the magnet, you press a button and the unit signals proper spacing with sound. Necessary? No. Cool? Yes.

In conclusion, if there PathFinder were a little smaller and a lot brighter, I would order another for my road bike. As it is, it’s great for a commuter like my coworker who rarely finds herself riding after dark, but appreciates the convenience of a built in headlight for those rare occasions. The PathFinder retails for $60. Visit www.vetta.com for more info.