Planet Bike Planet Bike Protege 8.0 Cyclocomputer

Price Paid:  $17.00 at Cadenece Cycle

Summary:
Purchased two of these computers (to minimize shipping costs, and to have one computer as a backup in case the first computer fails).
I like the idea of having most parameters displayed (like this computer does) without having to manually scroll through parameters.
It was fortunate that I ordered two computers as one computers' sensor unit didn't work. This was disappointing.
Although I prefer computers to display most(all) parameters simultaneously like this computer, I probably will NOT buy another Protege 8.0 computer, given the questionable quality and reliability.

Strengths:
Displays most parameters on screen simultaneously without having to push a button to scroll through various parameters like on other computers.
Very good price!

Weaknesses:
Computer plastic case does not appear to be durable and might not survive a good knock or fall on a hard surface.
One sensor did not work right out of the box!? Wondering about the quality and reliability of these computers.

Similar Products Used:
Cateye and Sigma.
Both brands are generally reliable and durable. But, both require manual scrolling in order to view all parameters.

Price Paid:  $22.00 at BashCar

Favorite Ride:
New Glarus via O

Bike Setup:
Serotta

Summary:
Just what I need, with no extra crap.

I can read the display without my glasses on. I've had it in the rain, and had no troubles. For $24 bucks, I wouldn't bother swapping the unit to another bike.

I have a cat-eye for the bike on my trainer with cadence-- ICK! OK, I got cadence- but who needs that on a road bike?

Wireless? Who cares, it's one cable wrapped around your brake cable housing- looks cool.

Strengths:
Just the info I need in an inexpensive, nice looking easy to use package. So easy to install and set up.

Weaknesses:
No backlite

Similar Products Used:
Cateye

Price Paid:  $30.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
Alpine Loop

Bike Setup:
Bianchi Veloce with USE carbon Seatpost.

Summary:
When I first bought this computer I was really pleased. The display is very large and the numbers are quite visible. The problems started to occur when I began using it. The manual says that you can use it on two bikes but when I would swith the computer over to my mountain bike the computer would recet. This happened a lot. Then when I was on a 50 miler the computer just pooped out. I was going 40 downhill but it said that I going 5. My magnet was lined up and everything. Now its working again this week. I can't figure it out.

Strengths:
Nice display. Good price.

Weaknesses:
It doesn't work

Similar Products Used:
Cat Eye 8

Price Paid:  $0.00 at online

Bike Setup:
Bottecchia, Campy 9 spd

Summary:
Great Computer. This is one of the best peices of bike kit that I bought. Realtively cheap, low profile design, single display gives all the information you could want.

Displays average speed, nice see if your averages improve on the same loop or climb.

Displays max speed. Check how fast on the descent.

Most computers offer these functions but this computer splashes all that data on the one screen.

I see other guys scrolling through menus, what a hassle.

Bought a second wiring harness for the Mountain Bike. odo measures miles on each bike seperately or total.

Does everything it should in a simple well built package.

Strengths:
Easy to use, accurate, clear display.

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Performance Bike

Summary:
The Protege line is exactly what I want. I find myself tearing through traffic and love the fact that I can change from one screen of info to the next just by bumping the computer with my thumb. Great concept.

Strengths:
This is neither a heart rate monitor nor a cadence counter. It is a basic computer that does exactly what it was designed for. Easy to read and easy to use. Great idea on getting rid of the buttons!

Weaknesses:
Ultrasonically welded to be completely weatherproof??? I don't think so. If I ride in heavy fog, the computer goes blank or the screen is scrambled. I recently got caught in the rain and the Protege 8.0 had to be buried. I was hoping the 9.0 would resolve this problem but the reviews don't look promising. If Planet Bike someday accomplishes the task of a weather proof system like the Protege, I will be back.