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(More customer reviews)The RT 88 was a severe disappointment; I returned it one day after its purchase. The main draw in acquiring this unit was its cordless operation, which obviates a wire going from the head unit to the wheel sensor. The absence of a wire allows a cleaner look than corded models and reduces a chance of a snag, all for just a $10-$15 premium. Unfortunately, the rudimentary wireless connectivity is highly susceptible to interference other electronic and electrical devices.
Vetta (Acumen Inc.) acknowledges this interference is a known issue. Hence, I can't recommend this cyclocomputer to anyone who might be near electrical devices (cell phones, CD players, utility transformers, power lines) while using the RT 88.
The first red flag appeared immediate after I programmed the final setting and switched to the main operational mode. The speed was fluctuating between 37 and 48 miles per hour. At first, I thought the device was simply malfunctioning. After some experimentation, I realized that it was sensitive to interference generated from my laptop anywhere within a three (3) foot radius (sans wireless connectivity enabled). While I don't ride with a laptop, I do have a cell phone mounted on my handlebars. Call transmission makes the RT 88 go haywire, showing excessive speeds.
After several phone calls and emails to Vetta tech support, I was finally contacted by a Vetta staff member. The tech support person (marginally technical) acknowledged that interference is a known issue with the RT 88. Even CD players cause this problem, he said. Here in Manhattan, bicycle store employees suggested that underground electrical equipment also has the same effect. However, I never bothered to install the unit on my bike.
When I indicated to the Vetta representative that such interference problems never occurred with my [$300] Polar S710 (current successor is the S-725), his reply was "that it why it costs $300". It dawned on me that Polar boasts their sensors are coded. Presumably this means that the heart sensor (and wheel sensor) was paired with the head unit. However, it isn't clear what type of wireless connectivity is used.
Even though it is fairly obvious when the speed is erroneous, the erratic jumps cause a permanent problem by dramatically affecting the trip distance and odometer.
In summary, the RT 88 *may* work for your particular usage pattern. However, no one should have to be concerned about the accuracy of such an instrument.
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Vetta RT88 10-Function Wireless Cycling ComputerWireless! In addition to all the functions of the RT55, the RT88 features Wireless Transmission, which means easy assembly and no wires to wrap and tuck. And Vetta's fork mounted transmitter has been engineered to broadcast in a specific pattern and frequency - all but eliminating the chance of any bike-to-bike interference. Current Speed. Average Speed. Maximum Speed.Speed Comparator. Cumulative Odometer. Trip Odometer. 12 / 24 Hour Clock. Ride Timer.Service Timer. Freeze Frame Memory. Dual Display. Wireless Transmission. Auto Start Stop.
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