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For Cateye Velo 7 CC-VL520, 1260 customer reviews collected from 2 e-commerce sites, and the average score is 4.5.

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28.3.2014

This is a really nice bike computer. It is a basic bike computer with a nice detection wand that works really well. I will start by pointing out that I only use this on my trainer (I use GPS and an iPhone on the road). Since I use this only on the trainer, I do not keep it on the bike (take it off when I take the bike out of the trainer). I got this solely for the trainer, so I could see speed and distance and got this unit since it was cheap (price wise) and is easy to read).The unit is much smaller than I expected (from the photo), it is on par (size wise) with other bike computers (like the cheap ones with the Schwinn name). Although it is small,it has a very high contrast screen making it super easy to read and the large numbers make this a quick glance item.Installation is easy, you have the wand that goes on the frame (wherever you can put it for your use [usually the front frame]). You just put the magnet on a spoke where it will pass the sensor. I am installing this on the rear wheel (since I use it for a trainer). The wand can be mounted using zip ties, I did notice that it has a sticky pad on the bottom (I would not stick this to my frame...). However, zip ties are easy and safe on the frame. You than run the cable (keep it away from the drive and feet area) to wherever you have the computer (if you have this on the handlebars you would just run it up the fork and tie it down, but make sure you still have wiggle room [do not taught it up where the frame and fork meet] for turning the handlebars). I have this on my trainer (so I can look down and see the distance/speed), it will not reach from the rear wheel to the handlebars, fine with me; but FYI.My only complaint with this product is the setup! It is crazy hard (it is not a good sign when the manual is half the size of the packaging) to setup (not install, but actually setup the unit for use). The instructions are lacking and the one manual (with the graphical flow chart) requires you to know information from the other manual... You have to reset the unit using the back button, than the front button is used to increase or go through items, and you have to use the set button on the back (did not realize this at first). When you go through it you will want to put in the basic information (preferences) and read the instructions on how to set the time and input the manual circumference (I would not use the generic choices, use the chart and manually enter your exact size for your wheel; otherwise your speed and distance will not be right). Entering the time and circumference was tough since it no longer used set for moving to the next and introduced holding down the main button). This unit looks great and is easy to use and operate once setup, but the setup of the unit is a design nightmare!The unit offers numerous information. The speed on the display is the main feature and I just keep the button in Distance mode. The unit has other modes, but most likely distance is the main thing. The Odometer is nice, but I let Strava keep track of that for me (I manually enter the numbers from this unit into Strava after exercising so it keeps track of the milage on bike [I use this for just general info and maintenance intervals]). You can browse through information screens by pressing the center button and you can reset the workout by holding down the center button (this does not reset the ODO).After 10 minutes of the sensor not detecting the magnet it will go to 'sleep' and just display the time. I do not not see the point of this, since this seems like it would waste the battery, and if I am not moving I am not on the bike and do not need to know the time. It is hard to say how the battery is, since I have not had this that long. However, I just think it would go further without keeping the display on for the time.In the end this is a great bike computer. It has a large display with easy to read numbers and is easy to install (not so easy to setup, but once you do it, you are good; until the battery dies). The unit detects the magnet with no problem and I have not had any issue. It is very nice looking and works perfectly. I am very happy with this unit and highly recommend it for a bike computer!
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5.5.2014

First, I chose a wired model over wireless because I read a lot of reviews where people had trouble with wireless units around power-lines and electrical equipment (the computer resetting, turning off, etc.). On my TREK Shift 4, the Velo mount fits perfectly on the stem, just behind/below the handlebars. It mounts easily and securely with small nylon ties (and a sticky pad on the inside of the mounting block keeps it from slipping--although, be sure to hold the mount in place as you remove the computer). The wire between the pickup and the computer was, for me, the perfect length--I used thin wire-ties to secure the wire and hide it. There are some really helpful computer setup videos on YouTube (look for the guy--BikemanforU,with the colorful charts--he only has videos for Velo-5 and 8, but 8 works for everything on the 7, but the clock (or, maybe I just didn't understand that part). Even though I was only able to find one Velo-7 video--and it was in an Asian language--having already gotten the feel for things from BikemanforU, I was able to watch the Asian person's finger movements and figure out the clock--not too difficult, and it's great that I have all of the Velo functions operating). After recording the details of a ride in my journal, it is very easy to reset the computer functions for my next ride. BTW, BikemanforU (the colorful-chart guy), has a good video on measuring the circumference of your tire and converting it to centimeters. His Velo 8 video shows you how to use a centimeter measurement rather than just choosing, say, the 26" tire option (mine are 26", but I choose to measure the tire circumference and enter it in centimeters to get the most accurate speed and distance readings. (Pay attention to the last part of his video on measuring the tire; it tells you how to do it by marking the ground under the valve stem, rolling the tire one revolution and marking it again, then measuring the distance between marks and converting it to centimeters. It was easiest way he showed to get the measurement (I used a black marker on my concrete driveway). If you cut and paste the links below, I hope they take you where they should. (LATER: Sorry, but it looks like the three links would not transfer to the review page.)[...])[...])[...])
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12.11.2014

To test this units accuracy for distance, you need to first measure off one mile. I drove three different cars until the odometer showed I traveled one mile and marked it. You would think all three cars would end up all on the same line after the odometer showed I travel one mile but they didnt. They were all different. So I thought well which one of the cars is the most accurate, well none of them were, they were all at least 50 to a 100 yards shy of one mile according to using a laser range finder. I used a laser ranger finder that has an accuracy of +/- of one yard to measure off one mile. Forget the mile markers on the side of the interstate or the mile markers on the bike path to measure one mile.I dont think those are exaclty spaced one mile apart from my own experiences. After measuring the circumference of my tire in cm, I added that figure into the Cateye and rode my bike to where I marked one mile with the laser range finder and I still came up short. The unit showed I traveled one mile but I still had a little ways to go to get to the line I marked with the rangefinder. I then subtracted 6cm from the total tire circumference and entered that # into the cateye then rode one mile and the accuracy was right on the money. So you may have to do some trial and error to get this unit very accurate. The factory settings will get you I would say within 20 yards accuracy or so depending upon the size of your tire. 20 yards is not that bad, but if your a precisionist like me, you want it down to a yard or so. To measure the circumference, roll the bike forward until the air stem on the front tire is pointing straight up (six oclock position)then put a coin on the ground to mark it. Then roll the bike forward one revolution until the stem is back at the six o'clock position,then put a coin there. Measure the distance between the 2 coins in inches then convert that to cm, then in the 'tire size mode' on the unit look for the 205 #, click on that and change that 205# to the cm of your tire circumference. Over all its really a nice product, user friendly, easy to install and use, no complaints. If you have any questions, shoot me a message, Id be glad to help.
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12.4.2015

Easy to use, but i can see how people get frustrated with it, i will list really quickly what you need to know.MUST BE INSTALLED ON FRONT OF BIKE, ALSO MAKE SURE TO CLEAR YOUR BREAK WIRES WHEN SETTING UP.1. Try to run the wire along your break line, otherwise make sure you don't attach it anywhere that will pull it when you turn your wheel.2. Take it out of packaging, to initialize it, take something small and press the "AC" gray button on the back.3. Then press the set button (Then to get to each different setting you will need to press the front grey button)(Not sure about the order of these, listing it all from memory)A. Pick whether MPH of KM is best (Miles of kilometers)A.First set tire size (should be listed on your tire itself)B. Set either 12 or 24 hour (standard is 12, 24 is military time)C. HERE IS WHERE MOST HAVE TROUBLE... Do not press the grey button, if you did cycle back to the 12 and 24 setting. When your onthe 12 or 24, hold down the grey button till the hour flashes, then set your hour. Hold it down again till the minutes flash, then set your minutes.D. DO NOT PRESS AC AGAIN UNLESS YOU WANT TO RESET IT (i'd advise covering it if you think you might accidentally press it)4. Make sure the part of the plastic sensor facing the spoke is the part that says "sensor" on it, other side will not pick anything up5. Make sure you have the spoke sensor and plastic sensor close enough if you're not picking anything up.MPH - SpeedTime - Time you've riddenAV - Average speedMX - Max speed for rideOD - Overall miles ridden (like a car)Other pointers:1. Pick up extra zip ties before even beginning if you want to install correctly (can be found at any "large store" or any hardware store)2. I took off all sticky foam, and threw out extra as well, it just lets stuff move around more, and is useless.3. You will need those small zip ties to install readout on handles, so i recommend installing readout first, make sure you don't install upside down either.
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17.1.2015

This works right out of the box, and the instructions are easy to read, and well illustrated. I need something like this for non-cycling use, but a limitation built into this this device make it challenging to use for that purpose.I want to measure 20 yard and 100 yard lengths of yarn by wrapping it around a rotating drum with a stepped diameter. I know the circumferences of the drum, just need the computer to keep track of how much yarn is wrapped around one side or the other. This computer bases it's calculations on wheels whose circumferences range between 100cm and 299cm...that's for wheels with diameters of about 12-1/2" to about 37-1/2". Much yarn work falls outside of that range.Also disappointed that it seems to be accurate only to the cm.This computer could still do the job albeit with a lot of fiddling (though only one time). It would require multiple magnets around the drum rather than just one, and that's not a big deal...strong refrigerator magnets can be used. This communicates to the computer that the drum (or wheel, or whatever) is as many times larger in circumference as magnets in use. There's an interesting Instructables article here (http://www.instructables.com/id/Very-Easy-Cadence-Meter-For-Your-Bike-12/) that goes into more detail from the perspective of cadence (how fast you pedal) and sort of explains how to approach the math.Better bicycle computers allow the user to store two wheel circumferences so that the same computer can be moved from, say, a mountain bike to a touring bike. I hoped this was one of those, and while not a deal maker or breaker, it isn't one. I found another computer, this one about $10, Amazon Prime, wireless, and has a Setting type Circumference of 0mm~9999mm. Like the Velo 7, it also uses the CR2032 battery which I think is important for longevity, and ease of replacement. Search Amazon for ASIN: B00EUUTQV0. My review will be there as soon as I receive them (I ordered 2), and have had a chance to play.
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19.5.2016

Update: Treated myself to some cable ties that matched the bike and hid the wire behind the forks and it's barely noticeable - very pleased. I'm glad I didn't buy a cheap and nasty wireless one or waste money on an expensive one - this is just fine, more reliable and cheaper to run (only one, longer lasting battery). Great to have all the information I could want to hand. Nice clear display despite the small unit. Just perfect for my modest needs. Makes me cycle harder too!Just wanted to say that while stuck at home waiting for various deliveries I was looking at my bike to see how this would fit, and of course it's not as easy as expected as my old clunker doesn't have a sheathed brake cable to wrap the lead round but I think I'll be able to bodge it up.[Always wanted a wireless one but the cheap ones appear to be very iffy and I can't justify the cost of a really good one and this does everything I could ask for.] More importantly, I checked the rolling circumference of the wheel... a Youtube video shows the chap taking the wheel off and rolling it across the ground to measure it, whereas the Cateye instructions tell you to roll the bike while you're sitting on it. Well, it does makes a difference! Around 1%, 21mm in my case, presumably more with lower tyre pressures. So keep that in mind if you want to be as accurate as possible - and why wouldn't you - assuming the computer is accurate to 1% in the first place!?PS. As to accuracy, I plotted a longish route on Google maps and unusually for me managed to stick to it without getting lost and the computer told me I'd cycled exactly the same distance as Google predicted, so I guess they're both accurate. I'm still very happy with my purchase. I even made a cardboard 'holster' or stand so that it can be used as a desk clock when it's not on the bike and am therefore getting more value out of it! It's still on the battery that came with it, two years on.
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4.10.2014

Designed in Japan, assembled in China. It's light, it has a big screen, it's wired (70 cm), it comes with a battery, a sensor and a magnet. It's not very easy to install, but the setup guide is pretty detailed and you can find a few helpful YouTube videos.The sensor is supposed to be installed on the front wheel, so that's the reason why the wire is pretty short. I use it on a home trainer, so I had to install it on the rear wheel. It works, but the wire is not long enough and I had to place the computer lower on the frame. CatEye used to sell a mount with a long wire (140 cm) for Velo 5 / Velo 8, but it doesn't work for Velo 7 / Velo 9, because they changed the mounting. For rear wheels,you're supposed to buy more expensive computers with cadence.Battery should last for 3 years and you only need one battery. Wireless versions have shorter battery life and you need 2 batteries. The wire is pretty thin, so pay attention how you install the computer.I like the power saving feature: when you're not using the computer for more than 10 minutes, it only shows the clock. You can't turn off the screen completely without removing the battery.The computer has all the basic features you need: speed (always displayed), trip time, trip distance, maximum speed, average speed, odometer (total distance) and clock. Press the button for 2 seconds to reset all the values except for odometer and clock.Velo is simple to use because it has only one button. Press it to cycle between faetures, long press it to reset values. There are also two small buttons at the back, but you'll only use them when setting up the device the first time (use a pencil).Tip: for better accuracy, measure your tire and use the 205[] option when setting up the computer.
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22.3.2015

I'm very pleased with this bike computer. I purchased it for my 7 yo son's bike, who always wants to know how fast he can possibly go. Previously I've purchased the Bell Dashboard 100 cyclocomputer and an almost identical Schwinn model. Both of those were harder to program and failed within a year.The CatEye is just about double the price, but well worth it I think. The display is much larger and thus easier to read. The design is stylish and the black/white/silver colors go with any bike. Everything about programming and mounting the unit was better and easier than with the Bell and Schwinn ones. It can be mounted on either the handle bar or stem, which is good because the handle bars can get crowded with lights and bells and whatnots.We chose the stem to mount it, and it looks right at home there.The Bell and Schwinn units were very fussy about placement of the magnet and sensor - the magnet had to pass within (literally) 1 mm of the sensor to be picked up. The CatEye is much more forgiving and 5 - 8 mm works fine. The system for mounting the magnet on the spokes is also much better, very stable.The manual is well written and in many languages. There are many common tire sizes listed to help you calibrate the unit during programming; however, there are also clear instructions on how to calibrate it if your tire isn't listed. That was very helpful since little kids' 20" tires are not listed.One surprisingly nice feature, and one I hadn't even considered before, is the inclusion of a clock. It's a small thing, but as I said, surprisingly nice.
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9.8.2020

My 25-yr old Trek bike computer died and I needed a new one and also wanted one for my 12-yr old grandson’s bike. So, I bought one of these for the boy, took a little over 30 min to mount it, and it was indeed easy. Easy to mount, easy to set up, and easy to read. It had all the features I wanted for him and me: current speed, elapsed time, trip distance, average speed, maximum speed, total distance since unit was installed, and clock time. Easy to rotate thru the displays with the large single push button and the display is clear, large, and easy to read. It does not integrate with GPS or other devices, or provide cadence or the gear you are in – just the basics and that is all I need these days and all my grandson needs.My only complaint, having now worked with two of these units is the SET switch on the back. You need a tool to push it in and it is fussy. On the first one it took me multiple tries to get the hang of it, but the SET button is something I will probably not need to use again.When we ride together, side by side, we race and read off our speeds to each other, and the two units agree within about ½ mph. I mapped a recent trip on Google maps and the computed mileage was within a few percent of the odometers. Apparently, the calibration worked well. On his bike I simply used the wheel size and on mine I actually marked off the distance on the garage floor for one rotation of the tire. Both worked within the accuracy we need. Happy grandson and happy granddad. We’ve been using them for a month or so and all is good.
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24.6.2013

Has all the basic functions, clear, easy to read display, and one button operation. Can't get much simpler. The speed increments are every 0.1 mph (some I have owned are only to the nearest 0.5 mph). The wire that goes from the computer to the sensor is not very heavy duty, but I actually prefer a smaller/thinner wire when wrapping around my cable housing. I do wish they could make the sensors smaller, as it is rather bulky and is kind of an eyesore on my road bike's front fork. I could not fit the sensor on the inside of the fork due to the shape of my wheel and spokes. There is not enough room. I recommend, if this is your case, to put the sensor on the FRONT of the fork, and not the back.When the wheel turns, if the sensor gets knocked into the spokes, it could damage your wheel, or the computer, if you mount it on the back of the fork. It's uglier on the front, but it's safer. One other minor complaint is if you want to mount onto the stem, there is no way to adjust the wire, it comes out the back/bottom of the mount. So then the wire has to be looped back toward the handlebar. No big deal, just more wire issues to contend with.For a wired computer, it has all the basic functions I want. Pleased with it.EDIT: I forgot to mention, DO NOT BUY USED FROM AMAZON WAREHOUSE! These are all returned computers which are most likely missing parts. I bought TWO computers from Amazon Warehouse, and BOTH were missing parts. Ended up having to return and reorder. Save the trouble, just buy new.
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11.1.2020

This is a great bicycle computer. It is small enough as to not take up too much handlebar real estate but large enough to be easy to read. I love the single-button scrolling and the limited options. By "limited" I mean there aren't so many readouts that it takes forever to scroll through them. Just the basics. I like the self-start feature and I'm glad you can change the starting mileage on the odometer when setting up the computer. This will be nice when it comes time to change the battery and everything is reset to zero. The quality seems to be good. As far as the basic computer I'd give it six stars.OK - now for my complaint that forces me to deduct a star.The wire between the computer and the sending unit is ridiculously short. An extra six inches of length would not add that much cost to manufacturing but would give the user so many more options for installation. It's would have been easy to deal with too much wire but with too little I was frustrated throughout the installation process. I needed to slide the sensor further down the fork to get the proper distance between the magnet and sensor but could not because of the wire length. Plus I couldn't place it at my preferred location on the handle bar because - you got it, the wire was too short. And the magnet does not seem to be particularly robust in quality. My previous computer came with an all metal magnet attached with a screw.Even with these negatives I'm still pleased with the Cat Eye product and recommend it to others.
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6.12.2020

I use a GPS watch when riding on roads or trails, but in the winter want to be able to use my mountain bike on a stationary CycleOps trainer to exercise. I couldn't find an odometer designed for that purpose since it needs to be mounted on the rear wheel and all the ones I looked at were meant for the front wheel including the Cateye Velo 7. Nevertheless, I bought a Velo 7 and adapted it to the rear wheel of my bike as shown in the attached photo. I used a piece of old broom handle so that the sensor was within the 5mm required max distance of the magnet. Yes, it does need to be that close. Didn't use the zip ties provided, but rather one that could be unzipped easily and repeatedly since I only intend on using the odometer when my bike is on the CycleOps.Only thing I can not do is put the display monitor on the handle bar since the wire that goes between the sensor and display is too short. That is not the fault of the company since it's designed for a front wheel. I could probably cut the wire and add extra length, however, I only want to see how far I have gone after riding for some period of time and leave the display loosely attached under my seat. Gave it a 5 minute test ride and worked well. The odometer is easy to set up, use and clear of data so I gave the Velo 7 five stars except for mileage and accuracy, being that I didn't evaluate these and left them blank.
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11.5.2014

When I made this purchase, I wondered if it was just one more doo-dad for my bike that I really didn't need. But I'm delighted with the purchase. It tells you how far you've ridden, how fast you're going, your average speed, duration, top speed - just about anything you'd care to know. It's great for setting goals for your rides and monitoring them as you go. And it's also good for setting limitations - like distance, or time. If I know I only want to go 20 miles, I can turn around at precisely the 10-mile point. Same for ride duration. It's good for gauging your progress as you build up your endurance over time. The installation is simple. In fact, the illustrations were all I needed to set it up.So if you're not into reading instructions, you can get by on the drawings alone. Instructions are also provided for all the functions you can use after setting it up. For me, I'm only interested in speed and distance, so I set it to display those. After a ride, if I want to know my average speed, top speed or ride duration, I can see those readings just by toggling through them using the button at the bottom. I don't know if most riders have things like this, but I'm glad I do. It's helping me to stay on track with my fitness goals. And, in the winter when I bring the bike inside, it gives me something to gauge my exercise rides on the stationary stand.
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12.11.2020

I bought this for use on my spare bike that I use on a Turbo Trainer. (I have a GPS on my outdoor bike).The product is designed to have the sensor mounted on the front wheel, but obviously for a turbo trainer, it would need to be mounted on the rear wheel. The previous reviews/comments seemed to imply it could be used on the rear wheel so I decided to give it go.I ran into a few problems.1. Firstly, as mentioned elsewhere, the cable from the display to the sensor isn't very long. So using the rear wheel means the display has to be mounted on the top bar of the frame rather than the handle bars - this is no big problem - it's still right there in front of you. So, that's fine.2.More seriously and not mentioned in the product description (but is mentioned in the instructions) is that the magnet that fits to the spokes has to pass within just 5mm of the sensor. This is fine on the front wheel. But on the back wheel (with the gears etc) the gap is much bigger. The smallest gap I could get was 25mm.I had to fashion a 20mm spacer to get the sensor closer to the magnet.So, rear wheel installation is really tricky but it can be done. (So can't complain too much as its designed for front wheel installation)Other than that, once installed successfully, it does exactly what is says on the box. Easy to use and a reasonable clear display.
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5.9.2014

works pretty well... the instructions leave a BIT to be desired (all pictures, not much useful text) but mounting is pretty logical and programming is annoying, but only at first. Counting the 2 on the back (SET and RESET) and the dual button on the front its really a 4 button unit... but again... a little trial and error and it sets up pretty quickly. Once set you only need the dual button on the front. A back light button would be nice (if it had one).Since it involves running wire on a bike You may want to have some extra tie wraps handy to account for the trial and error of a first time mounting. (I bought 2 of these and the second one went in super fast/easy.)Thanks to the person saying extrema heat in a super hot car can cook one of these.Really that is just common sense but, Good to know.Assuming it holds up I would call this a 5 star unit. Very solid operation!!!My guess is its pretty dam accurate with just factory settings. Odds are I will end up with one of these on all my bikes.AND BTW, TO SET THAT CLOCK... after you select 12 or 24 hours (and before you push SET on the back of the unit) push and hold the front buttons and the hours will blink,, adjust as needed then push hold front buttons again to set min... then push rear SET button and your done. (took me forever to figure that out)
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