Summary: Although this product works reasonably well at times, it has some undesirable traits. The method of scrolling through the data (pushing the computer) can often result in an accidental reset of your ride data (very frustrating). It is also not very waterproof. On occasion, it has stopped working when exposed to even a slight amount of moisture. Had to completely dry out (2days) before it was working again. Temperature feature is not very useful because it is only accurate when not in direct sunlight. I decided to replace this computer with something more reliable after I lost all of my ride data half way through a double century ride.
Strengths: relatively easy to set up, cheap
Weaknesses: Not very waterproof - computer shorted-out from sweat dripping on it. Very easy to accidentally reset. Occasionally stops working for no apparent reason
Similar Products Used: cateye, sigma
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Bike Setup: Tarmac Pro, K-Wing bar, Ultegra group, Arione
Summary: After trying 3 different VDO computers and finding all of them to be buggy, I gave the Planet a try. I am very pleased with the performance so far. It shows lots of info and is easy to read. Set up was not too difficult compared with others I have used. It releases easily from the mount via a button and in general seems to be well made. I've put 1500 miles on it and it has not been buggy at all. The info display is large and easy to read. I found the temp gauge to be more of a gimmick than useful, but it's fairly accurate as long as it's not in direct sunlight. Overall I love this thing and hope that it keeps up the flawless performance.
Bike Setup: homebuilt LWB Recumbent 20in front 700C rear; 55.7cm 2007 James Mahon custom road,700C wheel
Summary: I used this computer on my recumbent for two years without incident. It survived driving rain, snow, and blazing heat without fault. The only problem I have had with it came when I set it up for a second bike. Although I set up the Wheel Circumference for both bikes, the setting for Bike1 was always used despite switching to Bike2. This was obvious when a metric century I rode recorded 44 miles and the speed displayed was slow. The only way I solved it was to remove and replace the battery, and re-enter both bike's settings. Switching bikes has recorded accurately since.
Strengths: easy to switch modes, large screen easy to read, multi bike with separate stats.
Summary: I got this computer put on my new road bike and it stopped working after three weeks.
I took it off to return it to the store and the plastic attachment for the handlebar broke.
I received a new one and it also stopped working in just a week.
Strengths: wireless
Weaknesses: It doesn't work reliably
Similar Products Used: Cateye Enduro
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Bike Setup: Trek 520 commuter. Set up with a flat bar and a mix of Shimano components. Its great!
Summary: I bought this computer because of the high ratings, heavy weight materials and features (thermometer - I commute in the winter).
I has never been the same since I went through a light rain last summer. Since then it has regularly decided to simply stop working?
Initially, all it took to get it back running was taking out the battery and putting it back in. While a simple enough measure, in doing so, I also would have to reset my mileage, wheel size, clock, etc (= big hassle).
As of last week it crapped out again (5th or 6th time since the summer) and even with a new battery it totally stopped functioning on my ride to work the other day.
Will I buy another - yup, because it has all the features I'm looking for and it can be found cheap on the internet. At $20 I thought I was getting a deal on a highly rated computer. I'm now thinking at $20, I got what I paid for, its good for a year and when it stops working I throw it out and get a new one - no fuss, no muss.
Strengths: Has temperature, easy to read, pushing the whole unit forward while riding is a good system for switching between screens - it doesn't require taking your eyes off the road or concentation to switch between screens.
They can be found cheap on the internet - i.e., easy to replace.
Weaknesses: Reliability. Changing the battery results in losing all your data and having to reset it all.
Similar Products Used: Ascent, Cateye (a number of them), Polar.
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