Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

Back to REVIEWS
review
Computers
Cannondale IQ400 Dual Wireless 18 function computerCannondale 18 function dual wireless computer with cadence

Cannondale IQ400 Dual Wireless 18 function computer

6
by David Arthur @davearthur
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Mar 25, 2013

0
£59.99

VERDICT:

6
10
An easy to use computer packed with functions including cadence, but the screen isn't the clearest
Weight: 
21g
Contact: 
www.cannondale.com
How we test

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

What the road.cc scores mean

Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.

  • Exceptional
  • Excellent
  • Very Good
  • Good
  • Quite good
  • Average
  • Not so good
  • Poor
  • Bad
  • Appalling

The Cannondale IQ400 Dual Wireless 18 function computer is very easy to set up. From opening the box to hitting the road took no more than 10 minutes. The instructions are clear and the computer is easy to operate, meaning you don't need to be a tech whizz to use it.

Let's start with the bit you spend most of you time staring at, the computer unit. It's very compact and takes up the minimum of space, small enough to fit on a short stem. The mount allows it to be fitted to handlebars. There's just a single button at the bottom of the screen, cycling through the different functions. It displays three functions at a time. Speed and cadence are always displayed, and you can choose another to be shown below.

Owing to its small size, it's not always that easy to read the display when riding. I feel they could have made better use of the available screen real estate to make some of the lettering a bit bigger.

The computer twists into the mount, it's very secure and won't be bounced out of it by accident. The bottom of the unit hides the set button, this is used to reset the trip computers and stored ride data before your next ride.

Battery life is extremely good. You don't need to remember to switch it off, it does that automatically after half an hour. After five minutes it goes to half power.

You get all the usual functions; current, average, comparison and maximum speed, clock, trip distance, odometer and current, average and maximum cadence. The cadence unit, a small unit that zip ties to the chainstay and also provides the speed information, is a very useful addition if you want to focus on your pedalling technique, in particular the speed of your pedalling.

The only thing missing really is heart rate, and at this price you might expect to get such an addition. And there are cheaper computers with as many functions.

Verdict

An easy to use computer packed with functions including cadence, but the screen isn't the clearest.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Cannondale IQ400 Dual Wireless 18 function computer

Size tested: One

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

An 18 function wireless computer with an integrated speed and cadence sensor.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Wireless mounting for clean set up and use

Speed: Current, average, comparison and maximum

Cadence: Current, average and maximum

Distance: Trip, Trip distance countdown, Odometer

Time: Trip and 12/24Hr clock

Auto on/off and two power-saving modes

Low-battery indicator, Backlight, Calorie consumption estimator

Low-profile shape easily mounts to stem or handlebar

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10

The clamp is solid and the computer is secure in the clamp.

Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10

In use it works well, with a nice simplicity, and just one button to cycle through the modes. The screen could be clearer to read though.

Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

There's computers with a similar level of functionality for less money available, and some offer heart rate data at this price.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

It worked well, it was very easy to set up.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Ease of set up. Compact design.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The screen could be clearer.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Probably not.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Maybe.

Overall rating: 6/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 180  Weight: 67

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,

 

Computer
Cannondale IQ400 Dual Wireless 18 function computer
Cannondale
David Arthur @davearthur

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes. 

Latest Comments