If you love to measure your performance in quantifiable numbers in order to formulate the strategy to improve further, a bike computer like Cateye Velo 7 vs 9 will benefit you greatly. These compact units are designed to keep track of your performance metrics such as distance, average speed, and maximum speed so that you can evaluate them later.
So, what is the difference between these two models? The following discussion will tell you about:
– The design and build quality of each bike computer here
– The similar features of Cateye Velo 7 and Cateye Velo 9
– The advantages of Velo 9 over Velo 7
– The set-up, operation, and battery life of each model here
– Which bike computer that is more recommended for you
Design and Build
Let us start from the design and build quality of these bike computers. The first difference that we can notice right away is the color. Cateye Velo 7 is only available in the gray color. It has a black border surrounding the frame and a black button. On the other hand, Cateye Velo 9 has two color variants: black and white, both of which arguably look more stylish. See also: Suunto Core Vs Casio Protrek.
Dimension-wise, though, Cateye Velo 7 vs 9 are identical. They are similar in size and weight. Each of them measures 55.5mm long, 37.5mm wide, and 18.5mm thick. The weight of each unit is about 30 grams.
For sure, these bike computers are very compact and lightweight. You can easily carry them in your pocket when not in use. Despite the compact, lightweight design, the build quality is actually really good. Yes, the casing is plastic, but it is rugged and durable.
Both Cateye Velo 7 and Cateye Velo 9 are water resistant. They can withstand temporary exposure to rain and splashes. However, they are not fully waterproof; you should not submerge them in water or leave them outside during a heavy storm.
Each model here is equipped with a wide monochrome display. It is an alphanumeric-type which is very simple. The display surprisingly has good visibility in most situations, even when under direct sunlight.
Note that these bike computers use wired speed sensors. As the effect, the installation can be a bit tricky. Most bike enthusiasts can install such sensors and bike computers by themselves within several minutes; but, if you are not confident with your technical skills, you can ask a local bike shop to do the installation for you.
Features of Cateye Velo 7
Cateye Velo 7 is available at a lower, more affordable price point. So, it is to be expected that this model has fewer features. However, the available ones are already very useful. They cover all the basic needs.
The features of Cateye Velo 7 include:
• Current speed
• Average speed
• Maximum speed
• Elapsed time
• Total distance
• Trip distance
• Clock
These features are self-explanatory. Current speed, average speed, and maximum speed are the most basic metrics that should be available on a bike computer. Similarly, elapsed time, total distance, and trip distance are considered basic. Cateye Velo 7 (and Cateye Velo 9) is smart enough to pause the measurements when you stop temporarily, for example due to a red light, and continue the measurements once you are moving again.
Features of Cateye Velo 9
Cateye Velo 9 is slightly more expensive. This is because it comes with additional features. You may or may not need the additional features, depending on your condition and goal.
The features of Cateye Velo 9 include:
• Current speed
• Average speed
• Maximum speed
• Elapsed time
• Total distance
• Trip distance
• Clock
• Carbon offset
• Calorie consumption
The “carbon offset” information is more of a gimmick to some people, but if you are quite an environmentally-conscious person, you may find it interesting. It will tell you the approximation of how much carbon that you save from riding a bicycle instead of driving a car – bike to work, save the earth, everybody!
Meanwhile, the “calorie consumption” readout will tell you how many calories that you have burnt during your bike trip. It is handy if weight loss is your purpose. It will help you track your calories; in order to lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you eat.
Similar Features
Both Cateye Velo 7 vs 9 are compatible with a wide range of tire sizes. The default tire size setting is 26″, but you can change it to 16″, 18″, 20″, 22″, 24″, or 700c if necessary. In other words, you can use these bike computers on pretty much any road bike.
The primary functions of Cateye Velo 7 are available on Cateye Velo 9. In addition to those, both bike computers here also have automatic start and stop, pace arrow, and programmable odometer. You can change the speed unit between km/h and mph.
Each model here comes with a zip-tie mount which is compatible with the FlexTight universal bracket. This should make the installation process easier.
Cateye Velo 7 and Cateye Velo 9 also have similar battery life. The battery life is amazingly long. Each bike computer here uses the same Lithium CR2032X1 battery. If you use the bike computer for 1 hour everyday, the battery can last for approximately 3 years.
Each model here is backed by a 2-year limited warranty. It only covers the bike computer, and not the accessories (sensor, spoke magnet, bracket, and battery are excluded). The company will provide a free repair or replacement for any manufacturing defect found in the product. When making a warranty claim, make sure that you include the description of the problem, proof of purchase, as well as your address and contact information.
Set-Up
The set-up requires time and patience. This is because of the wired sensor. There are indeed bike computers with wireless sensors, but they are usually more expensive. Don’t worry; in most cases, the set-up is just a one-time process. Once you install the sensor correctly, you won’t need to deal with it anymore.
You need to attach the sensor to the fork leg by using zip ties. Then, run the wire from the fork leg to the front brake cable. Next, you attach the mounting base to your bike’s handlebar by using zip ties as well.
Afterwards, you must put the spoke magnet on the front wheel; make sure that there is a 5mm clearance in the closest distance between the spoke magnet and the sensor. Finally, you can connect the bike computer and go through the initial setup. The user manual includes a wheel size chart to ensure the right settings of the wheel size and tire circumference.
These bike computers can only store one wheel size at a time. So, if you move your unit to another bike, you will need to re-set the wheel size. Hence, Cateye Velo 7 and Cateye Velo 9 are more suitable for fixed installations.
Ease of Use
Despite the tricky set-up, Cateye Velo 7 and Cateye Velo 9 are very simple and easy to operate. You won’t need to fumble with any power button because they can turn on automatically upon detecting movement. They will record your ride data silently, and will turn off automatically after 10 minutes without any activity.
The display can show two kinds of information at any given time. The large button under the screen is used for cycling between average speed, maximum speed, odometer, distance, and time. The current speed is always displayed on the upper part of the screen.
The button feels tactile and solid. The display is not the brightest or the highest quality, and there is no contrast or brightness adjustment. But it still has good visibility. You can read the display without squinting, even when riding outside in a bright sunny day.
Versatility
Cateye Velo 7 and Cateye Velo 9 are not very versatile. These models are best for people who always use the same bicycles. These models are not suitable for people who want to move their bike computers to multiple bikes.
Note that Cateye Velo 7 and Cateye Velo 9 are most suitable for road bikes. Although you can use them on pretty much any wheel size, achieving the 5mm clearance between the spoke magnet and the sensor is difficult on other types of bike, such as a mountain bike or a cyclocross bike. Achieving the necessary clearance is easier on a road bike.
Also, Cateye Velo 7 and Cateye Velo 9 can’t upload their data to third-party services, such as Strava or Zwift. These bike computers are for cyclists who want to track and evaluate their performance by themselves. Though, some apps do allow you to input data manually.
Cateye Velo 7 vs 9
Conclusion
In general, Cateye Velo 9 is more recommended. It has more features. In addition to the basic metrics like speeds and distances, the “calorie consumption” readout is great for people who want to lose weight or simply tracking their calories, and the “carbon offset” will make you feel better about using a bike instead of a car. Cateye Velo 9 is available in more color variants.