The question is usually not whether you should record your mountain bike tour, but how. Some people prefer to use an (expensive) GPS device, others a smartphone and some use a classic bike speedometer. This is usually cheaper than a GPS and more robust than a smartphone. Just such a speedometer is the Ciclosport CM 9.3 A. It can display and record all conceivable data. The sensors transmit the recorded data to the speedometer by radio. The speedometer can be controlled using three buttons. The only thing it cannot replace is a GPS. Apart from that, (almost) everything is possible: starting with standards such as speed, altitude, time, distance and incline, the CM 9.3 A also measures cadence and heart rate, temperature and climbing speed (metres in altitude per hour). Power output can also be calculated if required. However, this is not as accurate as with a power measurement crank.
The two variants of the Ciclosport CM 9.3
You can connect the speedometer to your computer to analyse your data. The Ciclosport model tested is available in two versions. Either for 140 euros with a speed sensor and USB kit or for 200 euros with a speed and cadence sensor, heart rate monitor and ANT+ USB stick (CM 9.3 A+). At a price of 200 euros, it is somewhat disappointing that the speed and cadence sensors are two separate parts. This puts a strain on the weight and is also not ideal for mounting. On the other hand, the sensors work reliably and are usually recognised quickly. Only the cadence sensor is only recognised by the speedometer if it is perfectly adjusted. Depending on the riding style and foot position, this is not always guaranteed.
Easy to read and sensible menu navigation
Before starting the tour, the speedometer requires sensitivity and perfect timing for the obligatory zeroing of the speedometer. Because if you don't press all three buttons at the same time - but only two - you unintentionally switch to the second wheel. This means that zeroing is only possible when the bike is removed and without gloves. This is a pity, as the speedometer otherwise shines with its simple handling and sensible menu navigation. This makes it easy to jump through the programmes while driving. The display has three levels: At the top, for example, you can see the time or the absolute altitude, in the centre the CM 9.3 A displays the speed large and clearly and at the bottom of the screen you can follow the cadence or heart rate, for example. If the angle at which the device is mounted on the handlebars is correct, all the data can be easily read. The screen can also be illuminated to provide the rider with measurement data at night.
Conclusion on the test of the Ciclosport CM 9.3 A:
The Ciclosport bike computer is a solid, easy-to-use speedometer in the classic sense. It is ideal for all mountain bikers who can do without GPS monitoring and virtual chases via Strava, but not without analysing the tour.
