Sigma
Bicycle Computers
German
Engineering at its finest
By
RJ Smith
Sigma, the first in cycling computers
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| Sigma Bike Computers |
Germans are known for many contributions of quality. From producing
cars like the Mercedes Benz to scientific advancements like
Roentgen and the discovery of X-rays, Germans are known for
being precise thinkers and sticklers for quality. Sometimes
they are meticulous to the point of being anal retentive, but
that works out well for us when it comes to quality cycling
equipment.
Sigma Sport, a German company located in Neustadt an der Weinstrasse,
is a prime example of how meticulous focus on a project can,
and will, produce a quality result. Sigma Sports began in 1981
with an idea. This idea would spawn another great addition to
the vast world of bicycle accessories, cycling computers. Frequently
Avocet is given credit for developing the first electronic cycle
computer, but if you research the dates you will see something
different. Avocet brought their computer to market in 1983,
whereas Sigma Sport was on the scene in 1982. So it seems Sigma
Sport was the first to market with the Cyclecoach, a cycle speedometer
which was the predecessor of today's modern cycling computer.
Sigma's original cycle speedometer, the Cyclecoach, looked
like some sort of lab equipment. Much like today's super Sigma
cycling computer, the Cyclecoach told the speed that the rider
was going, calculated the total distance and maximum speed,
and if you had the optional chest strap or fingertip hood heart
monitor, it would give you your pulse as well. The Cyclecoach
was about as big as a circa 1980's calculator, and the finger
hood pulse monitor was a pain to use, but it was a serious step
above the conventional tachometers of that day and age. Cyclists
were more assured of accurate data than with the tachometer.
By 1986, Sigma Sport developed a wristwatch version called
the Pulsecoach to get that pesky finger thing under wraps. They
also released the first Velostar cycling computer that offered
speed, cadence, distance, averages, tripometer and pulse. The
technology was beginning to advance and Sigma was at the head
of the pack.
The late 80's, early 90's brought forth the BC series computers.
There are actually many people out there who still use the original
BC models because they were such durable and efficient cycling
computers. If you don't smash them, they just keep going.
Consistently seek advantages arising from changes in markets,
science and society, Sigma saw the need to advance past the
computer division and seek out new product lines to create.
In 1997, Sigma expanded their product line to include lighting
accessories. The Ellipsoid and the Diode were the first lighting
products for Sigma. The Ellipsoid was a conventional halogen
light that threw out a bright beam for night rides; it attached
to your handlebars and is still in use today. The Diode is a
tail light that attached to your seat post. These two lighting
products set the stage for the Pava, the Hiro, the Smilus, the
Paxi, the Siled Xtreme and the Quadro X of today.
Throughout the years, Sigma has continued to advance in the
field of cycling accessories. From cycling computers to heart
monitors, head lights to tail lights, they take natural pride
combined with German ingenuity to bring us cyclists the best
of the best no matter what our needs are. Whether you're a professional
racer, an everyday commuter or simply a recreational rider,
Sigma Sport's entire selection of products is designed to suit
a wide range of athletes. Their goal is the same as it was in
1981: to offer customers the highest quality product at affordable
prices.
Visit We
Keep You Cycling to learn more about sigma computers.
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