I'm sure a few members already have one of these bicycle computers installed, but I thought I would post this for those who haven't seen one. I could have used some tips.
A bicycle computer makes for a cheap, easy and accurate way keep track on your ride. I installed this one last year and it has been great. A bit depressing at times, since it tells you exactly how (& how far) you rode and not how you "thought" you rode. Cost about $15 for the computer and a buck for some super magnets. Here's how:
Get a computer that goes to 100mph. Some don't go that high but your KX500 does. A wireless one would be easier but all the ones I looked at said 24" max sensor to computer and I needed nearly 48". I should have tested one but didn't. I mounted the computer to my crossbar pad with a strip of velcro.
Use a small neodymium supermagnet; Took me a week to find one. I drilled a depression (not a hole) in the disk with a 3/8" drill, filled it with JB weld and stuck the magnet in. Very secure.
I soldered some old headphone (small 2 conductor) wire to the sensor wire to extend it and then ran it in a piece of teflon sensor pipe (the kind used for a auto mechanical oil pressure guage) parallel, and taped to the brake line. The teflon pipe ends almost at the brake reservoir and the wire jumps across to the crossbar pad.
Sensor mounting was the only tricky part. Took me 3 tries at making a bracket before I got one that put the sensor close enough to the magnet. I used a "U" shaped aluminum strip that bolts to the brake line mount. It's well protected in this position. The sensor is taped to the other side of the "U". Calibrate the computer for your wheel circumference and you are done. Enjoy. Cam.
