| | |  | Cruiser/Multi-Position Handlebars | Home » » » » SIGMA BC1606L 16-Function Topline Wired Bicycle Speedometer | | | | | | | Description: | | The Sigma computer for dedicated cyclists. The "L" in the BC1606L is for the "smart" back light. The cadence functions (current and average) provide valuable training data for efficient cycling both on the road and in the woods, and can be turned off completely when not in use. The count down timer is perfect for crits, cross, or racing against the clock. Handlebar or stem mount. 16 Functions: speed, avg speed, max speed, speed comparison, trip distance, total distance bike 1, total distance bike 2, total distance bike 1 + 2, clock, ride time, low battery indicator, two bike programmable, total ride time bike 1, total ride time bike 2, total ride time bike 1+ 2, memory back up function, cadence, average cadence. | | | Features: | |
• 16 Functions
• 2 Bike Programmable
• Low Battery Indicator w/ Memory Chip
• Easy to program/Tool Free installation
• Waterproof
| | | Product Details: | | | Package Length:
| 5.5 inches | | Package Width:
| 4.5 inches | | Package Height:
| 1.5 inches | | Package Weight:
| 0.2 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 29 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
 ( 29 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 found the following review helpful:
 The Sigma 1606L Measures CURRENT SPEED only in Half MPH IncrementsJul 27, 2009
By S
(1) I rate this product a lowly 3 because the speed readout steps up in only half mile an hour (or kilometer per hour) increments, (rather than tenth mile per hour increments), meaning it will jump from say 20.0 mph to 20.5 to 21.0 . Thus you won't see if you're beginning to trend up or down until you've changed speed by as much as around 0.6 mph, which is a notable speed difference on a bike. Paradoxically, max speed, average speed, and the trip odometer are precise to the hundredth mph (or kph), so internally the device measures to the hundredth of a mile per hour and the designers, inexplicably, purposefully degraded the CURRENT SPEED display.
(2) Even though you're running a wire to the chain stay anyway for the cadence pickup, the speed pickup is on the front wheel, meaning it won't measure speed when you're training on a stand or rollers.
(3) If you've ever installed a cyclocomputer before, you'll probably have no difficulty installing this one in around ten minutes; if this is your first, then the instructions might turn you into a bitter, hateful person. The rubber band mounting system might also present challenges for mounting on non-standard frames, though that can probably be overcome with some bits of old tube folded over.
(4) After testing this for 25 miles on a route with a few surface bumps and some rough pavement, I haven't yet found any of the pickups or mounts to have shifted, but I can see how I might accidentally kick the cadence pickup someday with my foot. Whatever the logic, the rubber-band system for holding most of the components in place is not, in my view, as secure and stable as cable ties and screw-clamps. The mount for the computer unit itself will slip around unless you use the provided two-faced tape, which means that - despite the rubber band system - wherever you mount it initially is supposed to be permanent.
(4) Finally - although this might just be due to my inexperience with the unit - the mode and set/reset buttons are opposed to each other at the upper and lower edges of the computer, so if you want to cycle through the displays of say Mode 1 - which you would press with your thumb at the bottom right of the unit - you have to be sure to not squeeze the Mode 2 button, which is at the top right of the unit. That's not the biggest problem, but if you're moving, it's a nuisance you'd rather avoid.
FOLLOW UP: After a few weeks, in addition to confirming my initial impressions, I have found that the unit dismounts too easily. Twice it has flown to the ground, once while I was using the reset function (which means pushing a button on the upper left which might twist the unit counterclockwise and thus dismount) and once when I had been stopped and most have tapped the side of the unit without even realizing it (I went back to find it on the ground after I started moving and it wasn't there).
BOTTOM LINE: The Sigma 1606L is sold here at a good price considering its numerous functions including cadence, but the CURRENT SPEED display reads in only 0.5 mph/kph increments and (at least for this rider) that profound deficiency almost completely devalues the product. The mounting system is also way too loose, and the unit can EASILY be lost. The placement of the buttons is a problem since pressing two of the four can cause the unit to dismount. The button logic is also annoying. Admittedly, this unit has more (and possibly an excess of) functions than most other units, but there are two-button cyclocomputers which can more quickly navigate you through the menu. From one's armchair, this unit looks reasonably intelligent, but on the road it is very deficient. For those whose use of the computer is relatively minimal, the design might be entirely fine, but if you continually attend to your cyclocomputer readout while you're riding, this unit is not for you.
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
Good ValueDec 13, 2008
By A. Cairo
The only thing I have to compare this to is a cheapy $8 one I had from Kmart many years ago. This Sigma 1606L has many more features including cadence which I use often. The data it collects per trip ( average speed, average cadence, max speed, trip time, trip distance) is saved so I can transfer it to a spreadsheet to track how I'm doing. It's easy to remove from it's base using a bayonet style attachment, which I have placed on the handlebar stem. I was not impressed when I saw how the parts mount to the bike, thin rubber O-rings loop around sensor and fork, or baseplate and stem to stay in place, but after 1000 miles on streets and bike paths everything has held together. It always shows current speed plus any other selected single feature, like cadence or time.
Why only 3 stars?
1) Lacks a scan feature, so I must push a button repeatedly to get to view the function I want. An auto scan feature would allow me to keep my hands on the grips where they belong.
2) The wiring is somewhat flimsy. Small gauge wire is subject to breaking if put under any stress.
3) Speed readout shows only the closest half mile interval, doesn't show tenths. For example, it reads either 12.0 MPH or 12.5 MPH missing 12.1, 12.2,etc.
I am actually very happy with this nicely designed and low cost unit. Mine came with a second mounting for a second bike, data for which it tracks separately. After 8 months of use over many miles, it has served me well.
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
 Like better than Cateye Micro wireless for eBikeJul 29, 2007
By J. Kirk
I was using a Cateye Microwireless on my 36 V eBike and the unit would stop displaying speed/miles whenever I turned the eBike light on. The BC1606L, as it is a wired unit, solved the problem and now I can display speed/miles with the eBike light on. FYI, install was straightforward but I would suggest getting additional nylon cable ties to secure the sensor to display wire as you can route it along existing cables and just use the ties to hold it in place. If your bike frame is colored [mine is red] you can get colored cable ties [www.mcmaster.com] which will make the installation look better. The unit comes with a cadence sensor but I did not install mine and cannot comment on this function.
With use I have found additional advantages over the Cateye. The display digits are larger than the Cateye and are easier to read. Resetting the trip odometer and resetting other functions is easier than the Cateye. The night light is bright and makes the display readily visible at night.
Bottom line. The large digits in the display are nice and eliminating the interference on an eBike for night riding worked fine.
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
Worked Great For MeNov 06, 2006
By B. Cain
I'm a casual mountain biker and this computer works great for me. It seems very accurate, was easy to install, it's easy to read while riding, and it has more than enough functions for my needs.
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
Not Only for Bicycles!Sep 22, 2008
By S. McClain
I've had an earlier version of this unit (a BC-800) on my motorcycle for several years. It has been very useful, primarily to give me a large display of my actual speed. You see, most motorcycles have an 'optimistic' speedometer, which usually read 10% high.
My BC-800 finally gave up the ghost - the display faded to where it was barely visible.
The BC-1606L is better in most every way than the BC800. The single best improvement is the non-volatile memory. That means you do not need to re-program the unit every time you replace the battery. The display is larger, and the contrast is adjustable. And, there is a 'backlight' feature!
Installation on a motorcycle is easy. Mount the pickup on the brake caliper, and set the Wheel Size and the Time into the computer. Make sure the pickup cable doesn't foul anything when you turn the steering lock-to-lock.
Installation of the magnet is a little more complicated. Figure out where the magnet will pass less than 1/4 inch from the pickup. This is most probably on the brake rotor. Using either double-stick tape or some packing tape, stick the magnet where you think it'll work. Take a slow ride around the block, and see if the system shows your speed. If it doesn't, you'll need to fiddle with the location of the magnet and/or the pickup. If it does work, mount the magnet more permanently on the rotor. I used two-part epoxy glue.
A really great piece of gear, for not a lot of money!
I don't recommend the 'wireless' version of this unit for motorcycles. While I haven't seen one, I'd guess the ignition system might interfere with the Sigmas' signal.
See all 29 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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