Planet Bike 8.0 Protege Computer features a four-line, easy-to-read macromonitor LCD display provides upTo five pieces of data at a glance. Mode changing is easy: pushThe computer forward inThe spring loaded bracket andThe computer isThe button. Auto start/stop and LCD shut off Heavy-duty, oversized wire harness and ultrasonically welded case ensure a durable, weatherproof unit Fits handlebars 25.4-26.0mm Current speed Speed comparator RideTimeTrip distance Dual odometer (for 2 wheel sizes) Aver
Submitted by
Ron
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2008
Strengths: None as I never got the chance to use it. No buttons seemed like a good design.
Weaknesses: The tiny rubber program buttons on the underside started sticking rendering it impossible to program correctly. Their FAQs state to use a paper clip to free them up. Didn't work.
Bike Setup: GMC Denali, 1989 Peugeot PB-14. I have used the Planet Bike 8.0 computer on both of these bikes. I have not had any problems with the computer at all in the past year. I commute 34 miles a day to and from work. I have a test track that I ride that is 1.01 miles and the computer is dead on with the milage and speed if set up right. To date I have put 7015 miles on the computer without a problem.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Marc
a Cross Country Rider
from New Joisey
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2006
Strengths: Its accurate and well priced. It displayes all the info you need. It takes seconds to switch it from bike to bike. Its water/mud proof.
Weaknesses: The battery came out once off a jump eraseing all my data. It must have fallen off on a jump and the company replaced it no questions asked.
Bottom Line:
Great overall value, no need for anything better or the 9.0 model
Submitted by
Christopher Krenz
a Cross Country Rider
from Stevens Point, WI
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2006
Strengths: Continuously displays speed, mileage, and trip distance. Offers one of three other measurements while displaying the previously mentioned info. You can choose from the time of day, total mileage, or ave. and max speeds per trip. Easy to change from total mileage to time of day with a simple click. It records info for two different bikes if you choose to use it that way. It's a great training tool and I recommend it to all my friends.
Weaknesses: The cord should be about a foot shorter so I wouldn't have to wrap it a dozen times around my front brake line.
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a reasonably priced Cyclocomputer with everything you really need...GET THIS. You will be very happy you did. You can e-mail your THANK YOU to cdkrenz@yahoo.com.
Favorite Trail: Standing Rocks (Portage County, WI)
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Price Paid:
$24.00
Purchased At: Hostel Shoppe
Bike Setup: 2001 Trek 4500. Selle San Marco Arami Saddle. Panaracer Cinder Rear Tire (26 x 2.25). Specialized Handlebar Bar Ends.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Barry
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago, Il. USA
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2004
Strengths: Price, display, easy to install. No buttons to change display mode. Show's four line functions at one time.
Weaknesses: Display darkens when using sunglasses.
Bottom Line:
A good unit, at least for paved riding. I have put 600 miles on this unit and have not had any problems. However, I do not do any off road riding and have not had it out in wet weather either.
Strengths: PRICE, buttonless design, easy to set up, basically everything
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
this computer really has held up for me thus far. hopefully, i wont get problems like the other reviewers mentioned. i had a race when the computer was literally covered in about a centimeter of mud (my whole bike was), and it has been fine ever since, never had any problems or anything with it.
Submitted by
Scotty B
a Cross Country Rider
from Coarsegold, CA
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2003
Strengths: One Screen. No buttons.
Weaknesses: Computer will stick,resetting inadvertently.
Bottom Line:
The computer body itself started to stick about a month after use. I have to push it back AND forth to avoid resetting data. There is no second trip distance feature which is about the only feature I miss from my Cateye. I like to buttonless feature and being able to tell 5 readings w/o scanning through screens. Bottom line,this computer is adequate.
Submitted by
Mike English
a Weekend Warrior
from Iowa City, IA
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2003
Strengths: No buttons to push, easy to read and use.
Weaknesses: Sometimes I can bike all day and not have any problems. Then other days, it just goes blank for a few minutes or a few hours. When it eventually decides to start working again, all of the settings are scrambled. I liked the design of this thing so well, I bought two of them. One with temperature and one without. They both have the same problem with going blank and then resetting. The temperature readings never were accurate, even when the rest of the computer was working.
Bottom Line:
It's a shame this thing is so poorly made because the concept is great. I have finally given up on these. I am hoping Cateye or somebody else makes one like this that works.
Strengths: displays 4 lines at one time, several modes
Weaknesses: reset switch is overactive
Bottom Line:
Worked great for about 1 month. After that, every time I rode in the dirt the computer would reset two or three time. Reset during a race, during easy rides. Almost all the time. Computer has buttonless design, you push unit forward to change modes. If you hold it forward it will reset. If you ride anything other than flats and pavement it will eventually reset when you hit bumps. I removed mode switch from bottom w/pliers and now I use it on freeride bike. Out of the box it will be worthless in less than 1 month if you ride agressive/technical trails. Since I removed mode/reset button I can't change mode, but at least is get ride time, current speed, distance and time.
Bike Setup: Low buget racer- XTR RD, Truvative Stylo cranks/BB, custom front shock. Avid Ti brakes, SRAM Attack shifters, Cane Creek Aeroheat wheels
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Alfonso
a Cross Country Rider
from Oakland
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2003
Strengths: lots of information in one screen; simple easy-to-use operation
Weaknesses: weather resistant -- i think NOT!
Bottom Line:
LOVE: amount of information on screen at any given moment -- unparalleled; accuracy is good as any other
HATE: fact that I've had to replace it after a long rainy ride (I use it on road bikes). It just does NOT hold up to any sort of wet weather -- I've already gone through THREE of them for this reason.
Similar Products Used: Cateye Enduro 2, Topeak Panoram
Bike Setup: irrelevant
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
George
a Cross Country Rider
from Midland, MI USA
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2003
Strengths: Compact, weather-sealed, easy to mount, sturdy wire, lots of info. on a single screen, easy to remove the computer unit, clock, good instructions. Accurate/easy to calibrate.
Weaknesses: Back-light would be kind of nice. Maybe just a wee bit bigger display would be nice, too. Neither is required, though.
Submitted by
Rock Magnet
a Weekend Warrior
from East Hartford, CT
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003
Strengths: Easy to install, has a clear display and is easy to switch between the 3 different screen just by pushing on the entire unit - no buttons to fumble with. I like that it has a built in clock; I can leave my watch at home.
Weaknesses: I haven't noticed any yet. I do need to spend a bit more time recalibrating the wheel diameter (either that or it isn't measuring the distance exactly right).
Bottom Line:
Sleek rig, weighs next to nothing and is easy to install and use. It would be nice to see this in a wireless setup, but I can't complain for $18. It would be nice if you could mount the unit in a location other than the top of the handlebar. I have a feeling it is going to get mashed first giant wipeout I have. So far, I am completely satisfied.
Submitted by
2man
a Weekend Warrior
from 5022 53rd Street
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2003
Strengths: price, quality, ease of use.
Weaknesses: none yet.
Bottom Line:
This was easy to install. I love the thick wire, seems like it will be very durable. Has all the extras and none of the stuff I didn't want, such as temperature. Sometimes it's better around here (Hot West Texas) if you don't know the temperature. Anyway, awesome cpu for the money. I recomend it to anyone not wanting to go broke just to find out how far,how fast etc. etc.!!
Submitted by
smokey strodtman
a Cross Country Rider
from gilliam, MO USA
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2002
Strengths: large, easy-to-read display with lots of info. ease of use. good instructions, easy to mount and set up.
Weaknesses: handlebar clamp has to be very tight to keep from moving.
Bottom Line:
this computer ROCKS! one of my biggest complaints with other computers has been the small buttons that are hard to use while riding. with the planet bike model, you just give it a gentle tap forward in the bracket and the display changes. most of the important info is always there on all screens, but you can also find out your trip average speed, highest trip speed, and time very easily. it's also easy to remove from the bracket, just push it back and it pops out. i only use it on one bike, but it is set up so you can use it on another one with one easy adjustment. i don't run a computer on my mountain bike, wouldn't have that much time to look at it anyway. fortunately, i have not tested the crash-worthiness of the planet bike (yet, anyway!). i also have a planet bike cable lock, and have been impressed with it, also. after seeing how well this computer is designed, it's apparent that the people running the company are all riders and know what we need. five BIG flamers!
