The Padrone Smart computer is a sleek, effective head unit as a standalone system. That said, it may be an ideal option for cyclists who prefer to use their multi-faceted smartphone and various applications for managing and collating data, but aren't excited about having such an integral part of their life openly exposed to the road hazards and climatological elements of everyday cycling. With it's Mirror Mode technology, powered by Bluetooth Smart, the Padrone Smart can pull data or alerts (SMS texts, phone, email) from your smartphone and display it as desired on the head unit. It can also combine inputs; for example show GPS-powered data from your phone, as well as any Bluetooth Smart speed, cadence, HR, or power sensor. Should you decide to leave the phone at home, the Padrone Smart can work solely in Sensor Mode. The Mirror Mode also sends the data back to the phone, so you can collect and process or upload it later as you require. This is a convenient, effective way to minimize and balance your costs and hardware, while still collecting and using all the data you build your training plan with.

The options are many, but the execution is simple. In Mirror Mode, you pair the Padrone Smart with your phone, then set your phone to sleep mode. The phone will still receive and record data such as GPS and all connected cycling functions, while the sleep mode preserves battery life. Post-ride you can easily upload data to sites such as Cateye's own Atlas™, Strava™, or Training Peaks™. Many smartphone users forget that their unit is a GPS receiver. Riders aren't required to buy a specific GPS head unit. The Padrone Smart system taps into the hardware and applications you likely already use and carry with you on the bike.

Should you opt to leave your phone at home and use Sensor Direct Mode, Bluetooth Smart powermeter's, speed, cadence, and heart rate sensors keep the system fully functional and you can still generate a summary of your training data and upload it later. In this usage, the system becomes truly modular, and cyclists can choose the Padrone Smart and the sensors of their choice, then add more advanced options such as a powermeter or smartphone with GPS and applications. You also get the strong and reliable electronics that Cateye has delivered cyclists over the decades.

For secure attachment and ease of use, no one beats Cateye. The proven FlexTight mounting system fits any bar or stem, and is easily adjusted or moved. The head unit engagement system is solid, but simple to manually release- no accidental ejections. You can also choose to buy Cateye's out-front style mount, or an aftermarket version like the K-Edge (shown in pictures; not included). Cateye fully supports all their sensors and units with small parts and excellent customer service from Cateye America, located in Colorado.

The head unit is easy to set-up, allowing for custom data displays on the clean, crisp display. You get all the standard options along with Auto or Manual Start/Stop, dual bike option, power saving, pace arrow in a water and impact resistance head unit. This standard Padrone Smart does not come with any sensors, allowing you to select the options you require as additional items. Cateye's ISC-12 Speed/Cadence and HR-12 Heart Rate Bluetooth sensors work perfectly with Padrone Smart, as will any sensor that employs Bluetooth Smart (4.0 CSCP/HRP/CPP) connectivity. The replaceable battery is the common CR2032, which Cateye predicts will run about 4 months of regular use, but will vary with use, options and conditions.

Here at Excel Sports, we have a long positive history with Cateye products. We see this Padrone Smart model as an ideal starter kit for cyclists just dipping their toe into advanced data and training. If you already have a smartphone, you have an incredible technology interface that is easy to integrate with apps and Bluetooth Smart connectivity. This is an extremely cost effective way to get the information and data you need, with a completely modular option for building the system to your preference. Now that is a Smart approach.