Matrix Series MC 1.0 Pro Cyclocomputer Review Reviewed By:Tim Cameron Reviewed On: March 15, 2004 Product Page:VDO Cycle Parts Price: $149.95
In Depth Look
The instructions were very clear and even had a fast-track set of instructions for those who want to dive right in. I first decided to mount the sensor to the front fork which was relatively easy. It mounted with a rubber shim, to keep it in place, and two wire ties and the battery was already installed. You must mount the sensor within 60cm according to the instructions on the extra piece of paper that was included. I could not find this in the instruction booklet. Pay close attention with all paperwork that comes with the unit. Next, I mounted the magnet to the spoke. It mounts with a screw that actually tightens right onto the spoke, this should never move. It must be mounted within 1-5mm of the sensor according to the instruction booklet. However, on the extra piece of paper instructions it listed 1-3mm. Not a problem.
I went on to mounting the unit on the handlebar by using a type of nylon material that hasn’t been seen here in the States. It is made much like a standard wire tie except that it has a screw-type tightening mechanism. You simply bring the strap around the handlebar and insert in toward the screw and tighten securely. This was very easy and secure and I didn’t cut the excess strap off because of reviewing purposes. You may want to cut the excess off, because this will probably be your last cyclocomputer for your bike. I then installed the battery in the computer which was a little interesting. The battery cover had a very good seal in which to keep out any water, dirt, or mud and also serves as the locking mechanism for locking the computer on the handlebar mount. Very nifty indeed. I turned on the computer and gave the wheel a quick spin to see if everything was working thus far, yes!
Programming
Programming was straightforward like most cyclocomputers but they all have some differences as does the Matrix MC 1.0. First you are ask to set the language upon turning the unit on. English is default and what I was looking for but you can chose between 7 different languages. Choosing between items are done by selecting and pressing the mode buttons on the side of the unit. Next, I selected my wheel size. If you select mph instead of km you automatically have to choose your wheel size in inches. And if you choose km you automatically choose your wheel size in millimeters. Nice factory programming indeed. There are two wheel sizes to enter, one is for bike number 1 and the other is for bike number 2 just in case you want to use your computer on two bikes. To change from WS1 to WS2 (wheel size 1 to wheel size 2) you just press the mode 1 and mode 2 buttons simultaneousely for 3 seconds. This is way to cool!
The clock is set next by pressing the mode 1 button for three seconds and then choosing between 12 or 24 hour time. Press mode 2 to change and then proceed to set the minutes and hours. The navigator is for trips where you want to ride say 5 miles then turn left for 2 miles, then go North 1 mile. You can delete this odometer very easily. After you reach the first leg you must reset to 0 then continue on the second leg of the trip. This could be useful when taking instructions for a rode trip or the like. You also have an odometer 1 & 2 on the unit that can be reset to zero any time you wish. There is a manual stopwatch on the unit that is called up by pressing briefly the mode 1 and mode 2 buttons simulataneoulsy. By pressing the mode button once the stop time is viewed. You can also program a bike service interval to remind you it is time to service your bike. It is programmed to work for both bikes that you have the unit programmed for. “Bike Check” will appear when it is time to service your bike.
You must program your base or home altitude for the altitude to be accurate. The altitude calculation works by measuring barometric pressure and converting it to respective altitude. You can find your home or base altitude in a number of ways including topo maps, gps devices, or even go on-line and search some mapping sites.
