Review: Cateye Stealth Series

actual size. 

Now a days it seems a cyclist just can't be satisfied with their ride information unless it comes paired with an interactive map and accompanying stats. While it may spoil some attempts at relaxation and de-stress,  many riders looking to improve their group ride grade have found the additional features and helpful mapping to be key.

Cateye has recently made their first steps into the globally positioned market with the Stealth 10 and Stealth 50. The only difference between the two computers is that the Stealth 50 comes equipped with Ant+ to handle most speed/caedance/power sensors.

The Stealth 10 is very much like the Garmin 200. Simple in design and function, it has one display and gets distance and speed from the GPS connection. Like I pointed out, this system is nothing new, but one thing is different about the Stealth series, it is made by Cateye.

Cateye has been the industry standard in cycling computers since they first hit the computer market in 1981. When a group is riding together with several different computer makes, it's the Cateye that is the control. We get Cateye computers older than me in the shop that are still alive and kicking.

The Stealth series is no exception.  Using the standard Cateye mount, the computer has none of the similar issues as competing GPS computers, who are almost expected to be seen flying out of the peloton. Another Garmin problem solved by Cateye's quality control is the Stealth's waterproof design (up to 20 meters!). No more excuses on cycling forums about riding into a storm with a working computer and out of it with a 2oz paper weight. Lost your stats because you're an avid all-conditions rider? Buy a Stealth!

The only downside to be had regarding this new Cateye is the connection time for the GPS. I admit, coming from my Polar RCX5, I was a little spoiled with my twenty second max connection times. The Stealth is a lengthy minute and a half average.

The simplicity is welcome in a market that seems to require a rainman-like brain to handle all the options and features. Cateye has done an exceptional job adapting the new GPS-based system to their idiot proof one-button interface.

Another helpful feature is the time-based back light. The rider has the ability to give hourly parameters to the computer so it knows when it's dark out. If the computer is on during this time, it will continuously illuminate up to ten hours, removing the need to break riding position to turn on the light.  

The Stealth comes with a USB connection for uploading
and charging.

Cateye does seem to be the last on the field with a GPS equiped model, it gave them a chance to learn from other's mishaps. This especially applies to the data uploading features of the Stealth. Not only can you upload your rides to Cateye Atlas (cateyeatlas.com), the computer also loads directly onto Strava and Training Peaks.

The Cateye Stealth Series is a respectable mark into new territory for the company. Although late in the GPS game, the company did what they do best and created a reliable simple product that doesn't die.

If you want to see somebody else talk about these computers, here's who Cateye thought should explain it. It also helps if you're that audio visual learner.

Want one? Come by the shop and check them out! Click Here for more Info