Bicycle speedometer

Eddie Richardson · Mar 21, 2012

Ok fellas Im looking to utilize a bicycle tire speedometer set up. Could anyone help in what parts ill need and the easiest way to do the design and set up? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Steve in IL · Mar 21, 2012

Eddie - I put one on a small hydrostat tractor. With no fixed gearing, it's the only way to know how fast you're traveling.
I mounted the readout up on the loader control valve, so it's easy to see. The battery lasts about 2 years. I'll try to attach a photo.
Generally you'll need to cut and splice the wire feed to the mag pick up, to make it long enough to reach a tire. I used some telephone wire. I don't think that the wireless versions will work well in this application.
I mounted the mag pick up on a rear tire. The front tires did not have much clearance, but it might work for you.
The speedometer manual should show you how to adjust the calibration to your tire size. If you can't adjust it far enough, then you can set the readout to KPH, and think of it as MPH, and gain a further .62 adjustment.
Good luck. Steve

JF in MI · Mar 21, 2012

Nice setup. I did the same thing with a golf cart. Look around and you will see 'Golf cart' speedometers for just over $100. The exact same speedometer (with a different label) for a bicycle sells for around $5. And yes, the setup instructions lose a bit in the translation but I worked at it and it operates perfectly.

Jim

John730D · Mar 21, 2012

Another option is to use your GPS from your car. I use that on my hydrostat when I am spraying.

GordoSD · Mar 21, 2012

Your Iphone will do it. AND, map your travels.

PJH · Mar 21, 2012

Steve - would that setup work on a pickup truck? Does it have a max speed? I've got an old Ford that has a bad drive gear in the transfer case, and the parts are NLA.

Paul

Eddie Richardson · Mar 21, 2012

well thanks fellas steve your idea sounds like a plan the gps thing would be great but i will be pulling indoors as well so the gps kinda sucks in that aspect but thanks for all the feedback

Bob M · Mar 21, 2012

If the rear tire circumference is too large for the bike computer, another solution is to mount TWO magnets 180 apart on the rear rim. Then calibrate the computer for a tire circumference exactly 1/2 actual tire circumference. The computer will now give the true mph reading. (I've found mine's accurate to 0.1 mph.)

Any good bike shop will sell you an extra magnet for a couple bucks.

Anonymous-0 · Mar 22, 2012

If you want an out of the box electronic system, Google Calc-aan-acre. Its a spray monitor that uses a magnet, and reed switch, gives a digital read-out. Not too pricey, unless things have gone up dramatically IIRR, $150 or so, from Shoup.

Anonymous-0 · Mar 22, 2012

If you want an out of the box electronic system, Google Calc-aan-acre. Its a spray monitor that uses a magnet, and reed switch, gives a digital read-out. Not too pricey, unless things have gone up dramatically IIRR, $150 or so, from Shoup.

Steve in IL · Mar 22, 2012

I'd think that it would work. I have not had my tractor over about 10mph, but my bike computer has seen over 40...

Bicycle speedometer

Eddie Richardson

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Steve in IL

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JF in MI

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John730D

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GordoSD

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PJH

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Eddie Richardson

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Bob M

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Anonymous-0

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Anonymous-0

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Steve in IL

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