Review of Planet Bike Protege 9.0 Wireless 9-Function Bike Computer with 4-Line Display and Temperature

Planet Bike Protege 9.0 Wireless 9-Function Bike Computer with 4-Line Display and Temperature
By: Planet Bike Average Rating: 4.0 Total Reviews: 65
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low quality

On: 2010-03-13

Same problem with random accumulation of milage when parked and the wireless sensor died after a bit more than a year. Nice display but with such a low quality product you buy nothing but junk. I will stay away from Planet bike products from now on.

awesome product

On: 2010-01-25

for its price this is a great and accurate bike computer, the one grief i have with it is that i apparently rode to close to a power box or something which cause me to have a max speed of 76.2MPH. otherwise i love it and would def recommend it to a friend

Disappointed

On: 2010-01-04

Purchased two of these in December 09, one for the road bike and one for the mountain bike. Installed one on the mountain bike, setup the device for the appropriate wheel size, took it out for a spin - wild differences between it and the GPS I carried. Speed was sometimes three times more than the GPS unit, other times it was close, but more often wildly higher than the GPS. Going up a 15% grade it read I was traveling 9mph when the GPS read 3.9mph. At first thought it might be the front shocks possibly causing the problem, locked them out, still the same problem. Re-calibrated the unit by using the wheel length method, same problem existed. Transferred the unit to the road bike, same situation with the wild readings. Both units are going back to Amazon for a refund. Wish they worked, as I prefer not to have wires hanging and strapped to either bike. Will stick with the GPS unit solely until I find a reliable product.

great gadget for bike riders

On: 2009-12-27

I bought this for my husband. Hes hit a plateau in his riding and I thought this bike computer might challenge him. According to him, set up was a bit tricky. However, once the unit was aligned attached properly, it was very easy to use. My husband rides with someone who has the wired version. Both units sync up in terms of readouts. Best of all, the bike computer has challenged my husband to ride faster and longer.

Great product!

On: 2009-12-15

Easy to install, easy to use, great display settings, dont have to fumble around with it while riding because of the available pre-set screen settings... Riders of any skill level can use this product to improve their performance and overall ride enjoyment.

Love It!

On: 2009-12-05

THe Protege 9.0 bike computer wireless was easy to assemble. I love the temp. function. I bought it because I was entered in my first mountain bike race. My son started spinning the magnet until I noticed and asked him to stop. I had to re-align it to get the computer working again. I was a little freaked and nervous and did not need the hassle of trying to fix it right before the race once I noticed it was not working. All went well. I look forward to using it again next spring.

Excellent bike computer

On: 2009-12-04

I bought the Planet Bike computer on the strength of recommendations of other Amazon users and am well satisfied. The numbers are large enough for me to read without requiring a change from bike sunglasses to my trifocals (a big plus) and having the information I want without toggeling between screens is an added bonus. It was easily installed on the bike and worked perfectly the first try.

Great display; tricky installation & wireless interference issues

On: 2009-12-01

Positives:
- Great display! The display is much more legible than the competitive Cateye-brand products (several of which Ive owned). Does a better job of surfacing more relevant data without having to scroll through different modes while youre riding.
- Love having the temperature display; I ride in lots of changeable weather and thats a nice touch.
- Customer service: I called Planet Bike with some questions and they called me back; how often does that happen?

Neutral:
- Installation instructions a little confusing. About the same as Cateye, maybe better.

Negatives:
- Hard to get the magnet and the sensor lined up so that the sensor will read the magnet. Much touchier than the Cateye.
- After *lots* of troubleshooting, I finally figured out that my speedometer will not function properly when the headlights on my bike are on (I have battery-powered headlights mounted on my handlebars). The computer will function, but the speed is erratic and the distance is off by about 10%. Planet Bike sent me a new sensor, and that didnt work -- I finally isolated the problem to the headlights. I have not had this problem with the Cateye, and this problem is not documented in the manual.

Planet Bike Protege Computer

On: 2009-11-11

This is by FAR the VERY best bike computer on the market today. It displays 6 functions including temperature, which is very accurate. It is very well made and easy to read. Dont even think about any other bike computer.

Excellent Bike Computer

On: 2009-11-08

I really like this bicycle computer. Its display is large enough to read easily and show a lot of information without having to repeatedly push a button. I generally leave it set so that I can see my current speed, trip time and distance, and average and maximum speeds. I checked the computers mileage readings against my cars odometer and, after a couple of initial adjustments, they are now both in sync so I am pretty sure the computer is accurate.

One little drawback is that you have to remove the computer from the mounting bracket to program it. That is not as easy as it sounds. It required so much effort that I finally took a knife to trim a catch on the bracket to make the job a little easier. Also, if you want to reprogram the computer to adjust for the length of the wheel revolution or to just change the clock for daylight savings time, the computer not only has to be removed but the battery has to be taken out and put back in, and the whole programming process has to be done over.

All in all I am glad I chose a Planet Bike computer over a Cat Eye. It has made my rides more interesting and helped keep my exercise program on track.

it works great

On: 2009-09-28

i used this for the first time in my triathlon and it worked great for the price. I was very happy with it.

A little hard to install, but worth it.

On: 2009-09-26

The instructions that come with the computer are a bit.. simplistic at best. They often leave out a lot of detail, if youre a novice like me and dont know what a bicycle fork is. Thankfully, with a bit of thought power you can mount this on almost any bike. (If I can do it, you can too)

Once I had the magnets and sensor properly aligned, configuring the computer was a breeze, but the real joy came when I first saw those numbers roll up the screen.

If you really want to feel amazing while riding your bike, get this computer.

It has everything you need to know right in your face, your current speed, the time of your trip, the distance traveled, temperature, and time. If you push the computer (the entire thing itself act as a button), itll switch to an odometer, and then - perhaps the most useful feature of all, your average speed, and maximum speed on one line. It will also tell you (via an up and down arrow next to current speed) whether you are going faster or slower than your average speed. For me, this feature made this little gadget priceless. It let me know when I wasnt trying my hardest and let me adjust my workout routine for better efficiency.

And heres the grinning moment: I average 11.5 MPH on my bicycle runs, and top out at 18 MPH. With traffic lights, Im as fast as the average city car! :D

Works well once it's set up

On: 2009-09-23

This worked well for me once I got it to go into the setup mode. Putting into that mode proved tricky, but after a few attempts, I could set it up. I run ths on my 700c Schwinn Voyager GS. I am happy with it.

Simple & clean

On: 2009-09-16

Dropped one and broke it, but Ive been more careful with the replacement and have had no further durability issues.

The button-less operation is easy, and the display is very readable.

In about 600 miles Ive had only two or three erroneous spikes in speed pop up (67mph, etc.). Doesnt bother me, but may be worth noting for those with greater concern for performance and accuracy.

Great Function and Great Price

On: 2009-09-14

This is a great little computer. The fact that so many functions are present on the screen at once is great and it is not big and bulky. No complaints at all. Definitely worth it!!!

Good Product, Awful Installation Instructions

On: 2009-09-12

First off, let me say that I really like the product and how it functions on my bike. Easy to read, easy to reset, reads distances to .01 miles and the temperature display is a nice added feature. That said, the installation instructions were at best unhelpful or just plain wrong regarding the installation of the fork-mounted sensor / sender. I ended up at the local bike shop to get it installed. I have installed many computers myself in the past and this was the most difficult.

Suffers from fluorescent light interference!

On: 2009-08-31

Id strongly recommend purchasing the WIRED model of this computer instead of the WIRELESS model.

The wireless model works well only as long as there are no fluorescent lights in the vicinity. I tried two of these and both accumulated ride time and mileage when parked near fluorescent lights - whether the computer was mounted on the bike or removed.

One night I accumulated over 24 miles without even moving the computer from my kitchen table. Planet Bike customer service confirmed there have been other reports of this interference problem.

They exchanged the wireless model for the wired version which does NOT have the interference problem. Ive put over 500 miles on the wired model and love it.

Love it!!!

On: 2009-08-29

Easy to install on the bike. Does well with tracking my mileage, speed, and average speed. Easy to use and no wires needed. A great buy!

LOVE OUR BIKE COMPUTER!

On: 2009-08-10

Love our new Planet Bike Protege 9.0 Wireless Bike Computer!

The 4-line display is great because you dont have to constantly change the display. Of course, not every function will fit on one display, but there is minimal changing involved. When you want to change displays, all you do is push the unit forward in the cradle and the display will change. No buttons to press. Easy to use.

Set-up was just as easy, since it is wireless that instantly makes it 50% easier to install than a wired unit. Just a couple of plastic ties secure it to the fork of the bike and a quick tightening with a screw driver secures the unit to the handlebars. The sensor on the fork can easily be adjusted to make closer or farther away from the magnet on the spoke.

Everything else is pretty accurate as my wife and I both have the exact same model and the tempterature is almost always the same if not, it is off by one degree. I like that there is a manual adjustment for tire size when you are settung up the unit. Initially we put the default code for our wheels. Technically we both have the same size wheel but different manufacturers of bikes. We discovered that my wife "went further" than me on our first ride. So, there is a way to measure the distance of one revolution of your wheel and then you put that code in for a more accurate distance reading.

Initially, we bought it for the multi-line display, the temperature display and the price. But we were happy to learn that Planet Bike donates $5 of every purchase towards bike organizations and trails. We are very happy with our product and will look at more Planet Bike products in the future to help further bike organizations and trails!

Good road comp

On: 2009-08-10

Good comp for the price. I have put about 75miles on mine. Set up was more intensive than my MTB Cateye. I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars because it was tricky installing the sensor on a carbon fork. The rubber and zip-ties just didnt do the trick. I was scared it would slip and destroy my spokes, so I broke out the glue gun and gave a little dab. No movement at all now. Getting the sensor lined up was tricky because of the instructions. Make sure the magnet is lined up with the very top of the sensor. A little fooling around fixed it. The instructions did not have the dimensions for my tire a 700 x25, so I followed the instructions to get a custom distance of travel for my tires. That was pretty easy too. The readout is large and easy to read. I love the temp display and it is accurate and updates very fast. All the features work great. Good computer over all

Nice Computer

On: 2009-07-15

This computer is simple and useful. It is easy to set us as well. It is nice to see all the information you want to know at once. It is a little big, but that is not a big deal.

Great computer at a great price!

On: 2009-07-15

I have had one of these on my bike for the past year. Easy to use and a great price. I paid more for a Specialized which worked okay but was not as easy to use. My wife asked me to get a bike computer for her birthday to replace the wire type that she has, and this is the one I will get her.

Piece of GARBAGE

On: 2009-07-11

I bought this product about 2 weeks ago with high hopes. All i have to say about this product is that its complete garbage!!! the mounting system is meant to break, thus relying on 2 tiny zip ties. The directions are very vague in regards to mounting/positioning and programming the receiver. Plain and simple, this product is not well crafted, its cheap, and the only reading i got from it was the temperature. I DO NOT recommend this product to anyone, so please think twice about buying it. The most satisfaction i got from this unit was by smashing it.

Great computer after you get it working

On: 2009-06-26

This is a great little computer after you get it working. I purchased one last year; it worked for a little while, then stopped. I called/e-mailed Planet Bike and after I got on them for a while they sent me a new one. Installing the new one was a real pain- it was hard to get the magnet and the sensor close enough together to work without having them rub. Finally figured it out (again)- hopefully it will work this time! On the plus side, after installation, the computer has an easy to read display; displays all the information you need (no need to toggle between screens). The thermometer is a great feature and its nice that it is wireless. My only concern is that bumps etc. will move the sensor causing it not to read- I would like to find a more secure way to keep the sensor in place rather than the ties they give you- I think that may have been the downfall of the last one.

great product. easy install - easy to use

On: 2009-06-22

My only complaint is that the display had a ding in the screen when it was delivered, so I should have returned it but was too impatient to wait for another delivery so I kept it. No regrets it still works great.

worked well for a while, and then it got hot and humid

On: 2009-06-21

I used this cyclocomputer through the spring, with great success. but as soon as the weather turned hotter, and more humid. the thing was awful. it resets itself all the time, even when i simply detach it from the handlebar mount. I have reset it more often over the last 4 weeks, than i have used it. sometimes, I have to reset it 3 or 4 times before i give up and go without. I am going to go back to the cateyes. i hope it works better.

Awful Product

On: 2009-06-06

A terrible product. Poor instructions, with even poorer illustrations. Sensor and magnet dont work well together--sometimes it registers movement, sometimes not. Computer mode/set functions faulty. Avoid it at all costs.

Planet Bike Wireless COmputer

On: 2009-05-27

Got the Planet Bike Wireless Computer to replaced an old Cateye Wired unit. Looked at everything I could find, Cateye to Garmin. I decided that cheaper with all the functions I wanted was the best way to go for now. Wanted the Garmin, but still to many bad reviews for that amount of money. The computer was simple to install, mount the sensor on the front fork, attach the magnet on the spoke, mount the computer to handle bars and you are almost ready to go. The sensor has a rubber pad and 2 tiewraps to hold it in place. Its a street bike and not a mountain so I not concerned about using their tiewraps. The magnet is simple enough to line up, but the instruction could have been shown a better picture (I had to move it once to get the correct spot). The handle bar mounting works much like their lights, add the rubber spacers and your done. The computer adjustment for tire size, time, etc. is done with the little buttons and steel ball on the back on the unit. I did mine before putting it in the holder. Again the instructions didnt seem to clear about pressing the little steel ball, but once I figured that out it was simple. You can use it on two bikes. They say to press hard to pop it out of the mount. I didnt want to remove it, but pressed hard just see and it didnt move. So its not going to fall out of the mount! The sensor and computer use the same battery, they say are good for 6 months or more. The computer falls into a sleep mode after nonuse. You press forward on the computer to change screens and see the additonal info. The main screen digits are good size, you get MPH, Riding Time, Trip Distance, Clock and Temp. Elite was out of stock after I ordered and had to call them to finally get an answer. They offered a Cateye unit if I didnt want to wait, but I had seen the unit and thought the Planet Bike had a better display. I was right, glad I waited, the price went up $20 after I got mine.

This is great!

On: 2009-05-11

This product is great! Ive been using it for a while and the simplicity of clicking the computer forward to view the different modes is ingenious. After all, you cant be messing with buttons when your riding at 18-30 mph. The numbers are big, so its very easy to see the information. Overall, I am very happy with this item.

OK for fair weather cyclest

On: 2009-05-05

If your a fair weather cyclist this computer is OK. But if you bike in the winter its a total P.O.S. The computer will not work below 40 degrees F. Which is very annoying. The 4 line display is nice but when the temperature display reads about 40 degrees the computer becomes totally useless.

GREAT COMPUTER

On: 2009-04-09

love this computer. syncs up great on my jamis mountain bike and i love the temperature display. great buy!!! better thank a trek 9i

BikePlanet Wireless Computer

On: 2009-04-03

So far, this is an outstanding product from an outstanding company. I have several of their products and Bike Planet really knows what they are doing. This computer is fairly small for being wireless and it installs quite easily. I have been using it rigorously and I have had no problems with it as of yet. As far as the issue when it shuts off because of rain, I have not encountered that. Overall, I love this product and would hands down recommend it to anyone looking for a wireless cycling computer.

Exceeds Expectations

On: 2009-03-28

This is a great computer, much better than my old Cateye. It was easy to install and calibrate. The directions were clear and setup took about 20 minutes. I have a 29er mtb so I used the wheel roll-out method to calibrate the computer. I love having a wireless computer. It looks great, much cleaner, and it works beautifully. Ive not had any problems. Plus, the 4-line display is easy to read and helpful. I like being able to see a lot of data with just a glance. And the thermometer is a great idea. Mine is accurate.

I spent a lot of time studying bike computers before this purchase - to the point where I was driving my wife crazy. She was glad when I finally settled on the wireless Protege 9.0 because she wouldnt hear the running dialogue any longer and Im glad I chose this Planet Bike product because it works well. Im becoming a believer in Planet Bike products, so I also bought a saddle and flashing light called the Superflash. I bought the mens 5020 split seat saddle and have found it to be much more comfy than the small Bontrager seat that came with the bike (a Gary Fisher 29er). Keep up the good work Planet Bike!

Works great!

On: 2009-03-12

I got this computer yesterday and had no problem installing it (< 1 hour). It works just as advertised, and so far I am very impressed. Installing and removing the computer from the mount takes some careful finessing, but with use this will probably get easier. The good thing about this, is the fact that I dont have any fears that the unit will ever come out of the mount, accidentally. So far, my units thermometer agrees with the Weather Channels, and the function switch has worked flawlessly. I love the fact that all the info I need from my computer is continuously displayed on the main screen without any button pushing. This increases your riding safety immensely.

Will not fit on Tri bike

On: 2009-02-26

I bought this computer for my husbands tri bike. We tried adapting it but could not make it fit on the bars and had to return it. Also, the magnet and sensor are very large compared to cateye. Not favorable!

Great information

On: 2009-02-15

Easy to install and setup, good instructions too. As mentioned by other reviewers the push button feature to change the information on the fourth line of the display takes a little getting used to but is easy once you try it a couple of times. Overall, a really solid bike computer at a great price.

great multi-function gadget

On: 2009-01-27

I bought this multi-function wireless bike speedometer for my son as a gift. He loves it, and is impressed that it has far more functions on it than he ever expected. Great gadget for an excellent price!

Works wonderfully!

On: 2009-01-24

Good price for a nice cyclocomputer. I did not notice any interferences from other electrical fields. Easy to read and to use.
I had to adapt the installation on my handlebar, but mostly because I have clip-on aerobars.

very good

On: 2009-01-06

I just need a device for my training. this product its what i need.
easy to use
easy to install
I dont know about battery lifetime because it has 3 weeks.

I feel happy with all function it has.

The best bike computer I have ever used!

On: 2008-12-28

The Planet Bike Protege computer is hands-down, the best bike computer I have ever used and at a great price! I have tried several computers in the past and they are all far to complicated, unreliable or battery hogs. I wanted something very simple and straight forward to use, reliable and with a long battery life and the Protege by Planet Bike is just what I have been looking for! It has a fairly large, easy to read display which can be changed to display different functions or re-set easily by simply pushing on the computer while it is in the handlebar cradle mount, there are NO buttons to mess with! the wireless version that I purchased was simple to install and has been great. I have had NO problems with this computer and I have been using it every day for the past few months. Highly recommended!

Not perfect

On: 2008-12-22

This product has worked well for me...after learning how to overcome its design flaws.

1. Unlike my previous Planet Bike wired computer, this one does not start automatically.

2. I had difficulty getting the computer into its cradle. The fit was very tight, perhaps intentiionly designed this way in response to previous comuters popping out during bumpy rides, but this was too tight. Then I had to struggle to get the unit out of the cradle, until it popped out in free flight, and struck metal trainer my bike was secured to. The little aluminum logo plate at the bottom of the unit popped off, so I dicided I now owned the unit and would not send it back for a refund.

3. Because the computer was so tight in the cradle, I had to really put much forward pressure on the unit to move it at all, and then the display would not come on. It took a while to figure that I have to agressively press forward, putting additional thumb pressure on the bottom/left side of the unit to make the contact on the underside trip the display to the on mode.

4. If the alumimum logo plate had not popped off, I probably would have returned this computer. (My wired Planet Bike computer worked so well!) Because I could not, I had to discover "work arounds" to get value out of my purchase. Im OK with it now,

Very good device, strange button

On: 2008-12-14

I love this computer because of the 4 line display - the information you want is always available to you. But the button is odd: though it looks from the photo like the gray area on the bottom is a button, its really just a colored area. When you push it, the entire unit slides up in the handlebar bracket on which it is mounted, causing a smaller button underneath to be depressed. I wrote the company to ask why they did it this way; never got an answer. The unit itself works fine, though I would have definitely preferred a real button.

Disappointing

On: 2008-12-02

Im waiting on my second warranty replacement of the Protege Bike Computer in less than a month. The first computer was delivered October 28,2008, from Amazon. It installed quickly, but was exchanged a couple of weeks later (around the middle of November,2008) under warranty from Planetbike (MAX SPEED read 48mph/which was an error). The replacement they sent me did not work (the sensor could only detect the magnet if I rubbed the magnet physically against it, and even then it would not detect it most of the time). They said last week they would send another replacement. Its now December 1,2008, and it has not arrived. Basically, I purchased a Planetbike Computer the end of October, and I still dont have one on my bike. You think after the second warranty replacement in a month they would send it overnight delivery. If you purchase this computer, I hope you have better luck with it than I did. This is a really a bummer.

Value for Money, but some oddities

On: 2008-11-16

Reasonably priced, good performance. Recommended to anyone . . . some quirks:

(1) My unit does not turn on just by motion of the wheel. It must be switched on before recording mileage, etc. A minor hassle, and maybe even a flaw in my unit.

(2) Freewheeling tire can record weird speeds, i.e., 99.4 MPH. Keep the computer off if the bike wheel is not on the ground.

(3) Certain locations in our city have radio frequency interference that makes the unit go haywire for a few seconds.

I REALLY like that if you record your mileage on a piece of paper, then switch out the battery, you can restore the original mileage recording rather than having the odometer completely reset. Smart.

As for the thermometer, it appears to be accurate -- so if you park in direct sun in the summer the temp WILL read 110F. Also, temps three or four feet off the ground, on hot days riding on black pavement, will be higher than your basic weather service reading.

Planet Bike Wireless Bike Computer with Thermometer, nice but quirky

On: 2008-11-08

The Planet Bike Protege 9.0 wireless bike computer gives us much of the typical information we need while cycling. Plus it has a thermometer, which is rare in this field. I wanted the thermometer to tell when its too cold for me to ride my bicycle to work. I think the most important points for people considering a new bike computer are price, function, reliability, and ease of use and installation.

Price is 4 out of 5 stars: How can you go wrong with $33 here on Amazon, unless the product is junk, which the Protege isnt.

Function is 3 out of 5 stars: The Protege has all the "normal" functions a bike computer should have, but switching from one screen to the next is strange. Instead of a button, you have to slide the entire unit forward in the mount to initiate the next screen. If you slide it too far back it could literally slide right out of the mount. It works fine, it just takes some getting used to. The slide mechanism is a tad bit sticky until its used a few times. I mainly bought the Protege for the thermometer. The reading is accurate, but it takes like 8 minutes to settle on the current temp. Also, the top three lines of display info are fixed and the bottom two or three are different modes (temp, odo, max speed).

Reliability is 5 out of 5 stars: I replaced my Cat-Eye due to intermittent times of inoperation, even after replacing batteries and making adjustments. The Protege has been flawless after my first 200 miles.

Ease of use and installation: 4 out of 5 stars: The Protege has more info per screen than Im used to so focusing on the stuff thats important to me took some getting used to. The sliding mount thing is unique. Id like more control over whats displayed on each screen. As far as installation, the fact that its wireless makes it very easy. The magnet/sensor alignment is unique, but still only took about a minute to figure out. The unit cannot be backlit.

Overall, would I buy this thing again? Absolutely. The value and reliability factors make the Protege a winner.

Nice Computer

On: 2008-10-31

I have it on my bike for three weeks now, have done almost 300 miles on it with no problems. I had the non wireless version pervious to this one, the problem with that one was it would turn off in wet weather and then it popped out of the mount when I was going down a hill and hit a nasty bump, never to be seen again. This wireless one seems to fit tighter into the mount on the handle bars. I havent used it in wet conditions yet, so Im not sure if it will turn off like the wired version. I love the temp reading and all the info on one screen and you cant beat the price.

Magnet/Sensor Mounting Problem

On: 2008-10-28

The sensor on this bike computer has an extremely narrow band for sensing the magnet as it passes each rotation. And the bulging, inappropriately placed battery compartment on the sensor makes things even worse. I have really struggled to get the sensor and magnet aligned so that they will trigger a reading, without success.

Before you buy this product, take a look at the shape of the fork on your bike. If it curves to the front, you will probably be OK. However, if it is more or less straight, as it is on my bike (Trek Madone 5.2), you may find it difficult or impossible to properly align the magnet and sensor. It really should not be this way. The design is flawed and poorly conceived, even though the functions and display are actually rather good.

If I cannot mount this on another of our bikes, back it will go to Amazon.

Impractical design

On: 2008-10-09

I was not able to align the sensor and the magnet within 2 mm per the set up instructions. I returned the product. The design of this product was impractical for my bike - impractical for most bikes, I suspect.

M.F.B.A.!!!

On: 2008-09-15

One awesome product after another. I got everything that I wanted with this device. Had it installed in about 7 minutes. It instantly earned it keep on my handle bars.
I use the temp, distance traveled and average speed the most. They are programmable to tire size and mine is very accurate. I checked it too. All those nay-sayers out there just dont know how to follow simple directions.

Pretty good... look at these cyclocomputers IN store before purchasing

On: 2008-09-03

Pretty easy set up, make sure to follow installation instructions closely. The temperature is surprisingly accurate apart from direct sunlight. great for the money. but seriously, make sure you look at these IN store at REI or somewhere because youll get a better feel for what they look like and how they work. The functionality on this could be better... but amazon has better prices. :)

Great design, easy installation.

On: 2008-08-29

Everything about this computer, from the fork-mounted sending unit to the mounting bracket to the computer itself seems well-designed and well-built. My only gripe is minor: Its a bit of a pain to program only because you have to use two buttons, one of which is finger-accessible and easy to use because it sticks out from the unit and another which is annoying because you have to use a pin or paper clip. Naturally, thats the one you use more.

Note: A battery is required for both sender and receiver and both are supplied. I found it strange that the battery was installed in the sending unit but the one for the computer wasnt (and the otherwise great instructions dont mention this).

But its a great computer and at this price, Im buying one for each bike (although you can use this for two bikes if you buy the additional hardware).

wireless computer

On: 2008-08-27

So far works OK, although button at the buttom is not always responsive to push to switch functions.

Nice idea; didn't work too good for me

On: 2008-06-01

This is a great product in theory, but when I tried to use it, I found it to be less than accurate. I installed it per the instructions, but it never completely worked right for me. May have been user error in the installation, but overall, I ended up buying a Cateye Strada (which I had before) which has been flawless again since installation.

Great value and a great computer

On: 2008-05-15

Have put about 250 miles on it this spring. All the comments about the thermometer are correct; I just subtract about 10 degrees in the bright sun and pretend its accurate. It took a while to get the feel of toggling through the features, but now its easy. Im concerned its going to slide off once it has a little more wear, so I may have to figure out how to impede the pull of gravity. It looks great on the bike.
I paid $20 through Amazon plus shipping - you cant go wrong.
I just learned today that you have to keep the sensor clean. I picked up some dirt somehow and it was only reading 7mph when I was going around 20 or 25 mph. I spat on it and rubbed it off and it worked great.

Not wireless

On: 2008-04-07

I ordered the wireless bike comp from this exact page and they sent me a white wired model...dont order it here, its a hassle so go find a "wireless" version of planet bike somewhere else

Best I've had

On: 2008-01-08

Over the years Ive had 4 or 5 different bike computers. This one is clearly my favorite. Why? I like having all data visable without having to push any buttons, and the addition of temperature as well is great. At the beginning of a ride I reset the trip data and dont touch a button thereafter. The temp seems accurate while riding. Unit feels well built and rugged.

Best I've had

On: 2008-01-07

Over the years Ive had 4 or 5 different bike computers. This one is clearly my favorite. Why? I like having all data visable without having to push any buttons, and the addition of temperature as well is great. At the beginning of a ride I reset the trip data and dont touch a button thereafter. The temp seems accurate while riding. Unit feels well built and rugged.

May I have a smaller magnet please

On: 2007-12-16

With everything else already said I find it odd that no one has mentioned the magnet size. This thing is huge and heavy! Because of tight fork to spoke clearances I cant lower the thing enough to balance my wheel even with a 48mm valve stem on the opposite side of the wheel. Beyond that it also makes a very annoying "buzzing" noise when riding or when you tap on it. Since the wheel sensor is very similar to Cat Eyes wireless system, I wonder why the Cat Eye magnet is so compact? I hope to have my solution by using a Cat Eye magnet if Planet Bike does not deliver. Other than that I love the computer design and the way it slides on the mount to activate the mode switch that is placed underneath and out of the weather. The handlebar mount is sturdy and doesnt use cable ties like some brands I have seen. If the magnet was better I would rate this 5 stars!

great device good price for a bike computer

On: 2007-12-13

I received the bike computer quickly from amazon and they picked up the shipping cost and installed it in less than 1 hour.
Had a little trouble with the magnet on the spoke. The position is critical but after hand holding the wireless sending unit I was able to understand where the sending unit should be attached. They send extra tie wire strips in case you need to cut the first ones off. I tried to read the directions but I am too anxious to see it work to spend the time I should. My advice is to study the directions first which would make the job much easier. I like the multiple read outs. Clock and Temp great!

Excellent Cyclocomputer

On: 2007-10-15

Ive been using the Protege 9.0 Wireless for most of this season. The wireless link has worked flawlessly even with the transmitter mounted low on the fork. Since most of the information is on the 4 line display and theres only one button the product is very easy to use. You can calibrate the wheel size(s) to the exact diameter of your tire(s) for accurate speed and distance readings. This unit has a handlebar mount, not a stem mount. People have noted the temperature can be off. I do believe that in direct sunlight the black case heats up a bit and reads higher than the actual air temperature.

Excellent Cyclocomputer

On: 2007-10-14

Ive been using the Protege 9.0 Wireless for most of this season. The wireless link has worked flawlessly even with the transmitter mounted low on the fork. Since most of the information is on the 4 line display and theres only one button the product is very easy to use. You can calibrate the wheel size(s) to the exact diameter of your tire(s) for accurate speed and distance readings. This unit has a handlebar mount, not a stem mount. People have noted the temperature can be off. I do believe that in direct sunlight the black case heats up a bit and reads higher than the actual air temperature.

good purchase

On: 2007-09-27

Actually I installed it in about 10 minutes, just a screw driver, and thats it. It has good instruction book. The wireless system work great, you have all the information in one look down, distance and speed are my favorite. Its great to have a schedule of training with this. Its worth the price, and much better than cateyes that have 2 or 3 lines of information. maybe a function to turn it off will be better (it stay with the clock on) the battery its supposed to last for 6 months, but still a great product to buy.
greetings from panama

good purchase

On: 2007-09-26

Actually I installed it in about 10 minutes, just a screw driver, and thats it. It has good instruction book. The wireless system work great, you have all the information in one look down, distance and speed are my favorite. Its great to have a schedule of training with this. Its worth the price, and much better than cateyes that have 2 or 3 lines of information. maybe a function to turn it off will be better (it stay with the clock on) the battery its supposed to last for 6 months, but still a great product to buy.
greetings from panama

Good Computer

On: 2007-09-09

After waiting to get this computer I was pleased after my first ride. The setup was easy with a little of confusion over the instructions details on where to align the magnet in relation to the sensor. Once mounted, easy programing, and worked great on the ride. Easy to read screen and also very easy to scroll through the different functions. Temperature is probably not needed, but I enjoy the function.

Does not come wireless

On: 2007-09-06

I ordered this because it was wireless and when i received it was not wireless. Contacted the company and they said that it was not their problem and Amazon messed up.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION NOT CORRECT

On: 2007-09-05

the item description is not what the product is. The description says
WIRELESS - ITS NOT.

Great Bike Computer

On: 2007-08-27

This is a great bike computer. I have not seen a better one for the money. It is easy to install and program. I love not having to deal with wires. The display is easy to read and shows lots of data on a single screen (display shows current speed, trip time, trip distance, and a selectable 4th line (temperature and time OR avg speed and max speed OR odometer)). The operation of the display is simple as well (you cycle through the 3 options for the 4th data line by pushing a single button). Things I cant comment on because Ive only used it for 2 weeks: battery life, durability (but so far so good).

Nine Bike Computer With Thermometer!

On: 2007-08-24

I kick away my brand new CatEye only for this item! Actually, I wanted to see all, my speed, time, distance, ride time all in one screen without switching and loosing concentration. Another reason was the Temperature was the major factor. The Temperature is accurate (I checked with my Atomic Clock Thermometer), no issue in there.

The entire ride info (Distance, Average Spd, Max Spd) all remains stored until I hold the switch for 3 sec to reset. Someone wrote 15 minutes, it is wrong. The info stays until I reset. It is only switches to `power save clock mode. Press the button to see your previous info.

The actual model is Black. Go to PlanetBike web site. Then Products-> Computers to see the actual item. The Amazon picture is wrong (I requested Amazon to update).

The only thing I dislike is the switch. It should have a real push button switch. The switch it has is fake, just to slide the computer over its holder to change the mode. I gave my rating 4 only for this reason. The slide switch I did not like.

The computer is large enough and easy to view and super easy to install.

Remember to align the Spoke Magnet at the same level of the Wheel Sensor where a glossy mark like (-) at the upper side (not the lower side of the Sensor). Do not get confused. See the picture in the manual.

Have fun with your computer. It is a good one.

Nice Bike Computer With Thermometer!

Great

On: 2007-08-14

I have used this maybe 4 times and 50 miles. It has accurate speed and distance readings. I havent had any problems with the temperature in direct sunlight like other reviewers. You have to turn it on yourself when you start, but it will automatically come back on after a 15 minute break. The picture on this page is of the non-wireless version. The wireless is black.

Quality & Ease

On: 2007-08-10

Easy to set up. Easy to operate. Works great. Havent had an issue to date... 300 miles so far!! Planet Bike delivers!!