I got a free bike computer last night. It’s an older used model with a wire, but hey, it was free. It came with the all the wires, a battery, and even zip ties ina Specialized tin can. The can said Specialized Speedzone Comp, and that it had 15 features. But I am not sure that the cyclocomputer that I got int he can was the same one originally came in the can. The only thing missing were instructions.
I put the battery in, and it worked, though it looked like one LCD element is out. Oh well. It is for the least significant digit. It booted up in KM/H mode. I played with pressing the buttons, and managed to get into different modes (avs,mxs,dst,odo,tm). But I couldn’t figure out how to change it from KM/H to MPH. With more playing, I figured out how to set the time. I found one mode where it looked like it was displaying the tire size, but I couldn’t figure out how to change it.
I went to Specialized’s website hoping to find a manual, but didn’t. I searched google, but didn’t find a manual. I found some instructions at Sheldon Brown’s website for a Specialized Speedzone, but they must have been for a different model as they didn’t work. My bike computer doesn’t even have aset button.
I played with it some more, but gave up and went to bed. This morning, I played with it some more, and did some more google searches. I found a review for a Specialized SpeedZone Pro bike computer. It is wireless, but looks similar to the bike computer I got. But it listed instructions of how to program the thing. I decided to try them, and they worked!!!!
The right button is the Mode button, and the left button is Function button. To change it from km/h to mph, I got into ODO mode by pressing the Mode button several times. Once in ODO mode, I had to hold the Function button down, and tap the Mode button. The km/h will flash. Toggle between the km/h and m/h modes button by pressing the Mode button. Press the Function button to save it. It also seems to allow you to edit the odometer reading. Press the mode button to skip to the next digit.
You can edit the tire size from the ODO mode too. Press and hold the Function button till it brings up the tire size screen. Tap the Function and Mode buttons at the same time to scroll through the different tire sizes. It seems that they are all either 26 inches, or 700c. But there is are a bunch of different widths. My wife’s mountain bike has 26×1.95 tires. I had to choose between 26×1.9 and 26×2.00. I went with the 26×1.9. Press the Function button to save the setting.
I got it all installed on her bike, so we will see how well it works. We might go for a ride tonight.
Thanks Rob! I have been screwing around with mine for so long without figuring it out that I gave up and just converted from km.
Comment by Nicki — July 15, 2007 @ 9:33 am
Thanks, Believe it or not I had the same dilemma with a computer that came on a bike I just bought. Got it set up now. Thanks again
Comment by Brian — August 16, 2007 @ 7:32 pm
Useful to me too, as I begin my new years resolution to get back on the bike, thanks Rob.
Comment by Paul — January 1, 2008 @ 2:09 pm
I lost my manual and the local Specialized dealer gave me a website where I found PDF version that I was able to print out. But, I did not have the manual with me today and your tips were very helpful. Thanks
Comment by Aron — May 30, 2008 @ 3:33 pm
Ok. I’m running into the same thing. But, I actually bought this computer probably 10+ years ago. Works great. But battery was dead. Threw in a new one and it works great but in Km mode. I figured it out. Move to the ODO mode. Then while there, at the same time, press and hold both buttons (left and bottom) for around 5 seconds to enter the mode to change between Km and miles.
Now I just need to know how to set my tire size. I have 26″ 1.95 tires. The computer “defaults” to 2124 (whatever that is). Anyone know what numbers to put in there? If I’m in that mode I found holding the one button started those numbers flashing (one by one) and I could change them. But I don’t know what to change them to.
I guess the lesson is, keep the manual where you will now where it’s at in 10 years.
Comment by Gregory Erway — June 22, 2008 @ 5:15 pm
I bet the numbers are similar to the the ones used by Cateye computers. Check out one of the Cateye computer manuals:
http://www.cateye.com/sites/cateye/upload/manuals/en/MC100Wv2ENG.pdf
2124 seems to be somewhere between a 700×25 and 700×28.
For 26×1.95 try entering 2050.
Comment by Rob — June 22, 2008 @ 8:14 pm
I have the specialized comp bike computer. I bought it with my Trek bike in 2000 and lost the manuel. Does anyone have a manuel? Or can anyone point me in the direction of a manuel on line?
The coments have been helpful, but I am in need of the real macoy! Thanks.
Comment by Jerry Miniard — July 11, 2008 @ 11:03 pm
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCGlobalPages.jsp?pageName=downloads is the website for downloading manuals for specialized computers back to 2001. Most include the conversion from millimeters in circumference to the diameter (26″, 700 cm etc.)
Comment by Joseph Flynn — July 13, 2008 @ 9:40 am
The Specialized website does have the computer manuals among many others. It is under “Help & Support” then click “Manual & Tech”. Here is the link to their manuals:
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCGlobalPages.jsp?pageName=downloads
Comment by Beatle — September 10, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
Do you know how to change the battery on the computer itself? How to open it?
Thanks, Migs
Comment by Miguel Reznicek — February 24, 2009 @ 3:48 pm
Thanks for the info.
Miguel, you should just be able to use a coin to unscrew the battery compartment on the back of the computer.
Comment by Chris Bresciani — March 20, 2009 @ 9:13 pm
Hi there,
I still have the original ownwer’s manual (instruction manual) of my old and wonderful working Specialized Speed Zone Cyclocomputer of the early 90s. If somebody needs specific information, do not wait to ask me questions.
Comment by Heiner — May 11, 2009 @ 5:52 pm
To remove the battery my computer requries a small screwdriver. Not a flat head like the eyeglass kind but more like a phillips. Where on earth do you find those?
Comment by Mary G — June 7, 2009 @ 12:30 pm
You can buy a set of small screwdrivers many places. I am guessing Home Depot or Lowes. Probably even Walmart or Target. Maybe Radio Shack.
Comment by Rob — June 7, 2009 @ 7:18 pm
I also had the same experience with specialized re my bicycle computer. They are extremely short on manuals and absolutely worthless for advice. My advice: find another brand!
Comment by Mark — June 19, 2009 @ 1:51 pm
Thanks, great help getting my old computer set up with a new battery. The problem now – it won’t start. The timer won’t start and when I put it on the bike no speed registers. How do I bring this to life?
Comment by Paul P — July 15, 2009 @ 9:28 am
Rob– nice post– I was going crazy trying to figure out the right sequence to get to MPH. Worked like a charm!
Comment by Bob — August 11, 2009 @ 10:16 pm
Do these stay on all the time? I don’t see an off button on mine. Thanks!
Comment by David P — January 24, 2010 @ 12:12 pm
Thank you for all your comments. All of them were very helpful. I was able to switch to mph
Comment by Colleen — June 3, 2010 @ 7:52 pm
Oh, how I love sites like this. Had the same issue with a dead computer and no manual. Thanks to all the posts I was able to get it up and running!
Comment by Joe — June 26, 2010 @ 11:39 am
Thanks a ton. I’ve owned this computer for years and inadvertently switched it to km/hr a few weeks ago. Could NOT get it back…until now. Sigh of relief…
Comment by Nancy — June 27, 2010 @ 10:37 pm