Knog N.E.R.D 12 function computer

Knog are undoubtedly an innovative brand with some fantastic ideas and some equally curious monikers. However for all the N.E.R.D’s many charms, more traditional wireless computers have the edge if value for money is your highest priority.

The brand have continued the theme of its lighting range and applied it to computers. Available in a choice of four colours (red, white, blue and black) both head unit and fork sensor are cloaked in medical silicone, which not only makes for an extremely manipulative and secure means of attachment but also provides excellent weather-proofing. It took me eight minutes to install and calibrate the unit for two bikes; such is the intelligence of the design. The only tool required was a Philips screwdriver for the spoke magnet – so remember to take both head and sensor with you when locking in the street.

It won’t make the tea but there are the usual functions and a few that might pleasantly surprise. There’s current, average and maximum speed, a choice of 12/24hr clock, trip and day distance, total riding time, odometer, low battery indicator, backlight and scanning where all the modes rotate on a loop. Relative speed is basically a posh pacer arrow in the form of a bar graph allowing comparison between present output and average speed. Fun, if a little Geeky and something to bore the rest of the ride group with at rest stops.

Substantial size and crystal clear display coupled with the backlight means it’s a doddle to read which is great news for anyone but particularly time trailists and triathletes using tri bars. Despite using other brands spoke magnets and testing in close proximity to both electricity substations and phase one nuclear power stations, readouts proved consistently accurate. This leads me to conclude the silicone helps block radio interference that drove early wireless models haywire.

Verdict

Great design and a delight to use but pricey