While affordable GPS-based cycling computers keep entering the market, stalwart CatEye are still developing computers that eschew satellite tracking in favor of wireless sensor connectivity & longer battery life. The Padrone is the latest to get updated, with the new Digital Double version using Bluetooth to talk to a wider array of speed, cadence & heart rate sensors to log your ride stats, and display them on a large crisp screen.
CatEye Padrone Digital wireless bluetooth cycling computer
The Padrone Digital’s selling points are its large screen, long battery life, and Bluetooth to connect back to your smartphone after the ride to sync your ride data with tracking sites like Strava & Training Peaks. It builds off the same tech that is popular in CatEye’s more compact Strada Digital computers, but uses a ~85% larger screen in its 67.5 x 43mm (2.65 x 1.69”) form factor, making it much easier to see.
Sure if you want GPS tracking, CatEye can still help you there. Their ‘Smart’ line of cycling computers pair with your smartphone to track you through GPS, and even offer some breadcrumb navigating.
The Padrone Digital’s three-line screen displays up to four separate ride stats, and can be connected to Bluetooth speed, cadence & heart tracking sensors. By forgoing GPS connectivity, the Padrone Digital ends up with a claimed 4 month battery life using a single standard CR2032 coin cell. And you still get to sync your rides via smartphone and CatEye’s mobile app to CatEyeAtlas, Strava, Training Peaks, and many other ride logging services.
The 30g Padrone Digital Double sells for $110, including a bluetooth combined speed/cadence sensor. And you can use your own bluetooth heart rate strap or buy one separately.
