CatEye

Padrone Smart Plus Computer

We like CatEye's Padrone Smart Plus Computer for a host of reason. High up there is its ease of install which it accomplishes tool free so it's quick and without hassle. Mount the head unit on your bar or stem and download the CatEye Cycling app on your iPhone or Android device. That’s pretty much it. No additional sensors or wires to snag or knock out of range are needed. Get rolling and have the ability to track and view metrics right away.

The Padrone Smart Plus relies on utilizing a smartphone on the ride to capture ride info. Smartphones are great at being mobile GPS devices and when the CatEye Cycling app is downloaded to your phone, all the usual ride metrics like speed, time, altitude, are displayed on the Padrone Smart Plus. An added bonus is you'll get notified of calls, texts, and e-mails on the Padrone Smart's large screen when it's in Mirror Mode, so your phone can save battery while in sleep mode.

CatEye does give you the option to run the Padrone Smart Plus sans phone by pairing it to Bluetooth-compatible speed/cadence sensors, heart rate monitors, and power meters in the head unit's Sensor Direct Mode. These are sensors are all sold separately, and you should check out the Padrone Smart Computer Double or Triple Bundles if you prefer to go that route. Regardless of how the data is compiled, it can easily be uploaded post-ride to CatEyeAtlas, Strava, or TrainingPeaks to analyze and compare.

The Padrone Smart Plus displays all the information on its generous, oversized screen. The display is huge and clearly broadcast data so you can see how the engine is running at a glance. The Plus adds the addition of a backlight so you can keep up with ride info in low light conditions or at night.