4 line, easyTo read MacroMonitor™ LCD display gives upTo 5 pieces of data at a glance Mode changing made easy, pushThe computer forward inThe spring-loaded bracket.The computer isThe button! Buttonless design allows maximum data in a minimally sized computer. Auto start-stop and LCD shut off Heavy duty, oversized wire harness and ultrasonically welded case ensure a durable, weatherproof, waterproof unit Wired Sensor FUNCTIONS: Current speed Average speed
Strengths: Easy to read, shows all the relevant data at a glance
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
After years of riding my mountain bike without a computer, I needed to get one for leading scouts during cycling merit badge rides. I was tempted to go wireless with hopes that I would have less trouble with mounting and dealing with the front shock, but then common sense got the best of me and I went with wired 9.0. I am so happy that I did. The simplicity of its use is great. Just start pedaling and it turns on.
I absolutely love the large screen. My road bike as the version 8.0 (no temperature readout), so I knew what I was getting in to. The model 9.0 adds temperature. Some people have had some issues with inaccurate temperatures. I can see how this could happen, but I haven't had it. I had gone cycling when the temperature read 20 degrees, so that as fun to see.
The accuracy is excellent. I recently went on a 50 mile rails-to-trails ride with marked miles. The computer was spot on for the miles. Some of this is a function of the calibration of wheel sizes, but this is as simple as doing the roll out test. I had to do this anyway since the instructions didn't have a size for a 29er.
All and all, this is a highly recommend cycling computer.
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Submitted by
JohnDriz
a Cross Country Rider
from Missoula, MT, USA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2011
Strengths: Easy to Read, Easy to Use, Durable, Accurate
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
Should you really be focusing on your computer or the road? The correct answer seems pretty obvious. Everything I want to know appears on one screen in large easy to read print without having to waste time or focus on clicking buttons to confirm my performance during a ride.
-Mph current and average? check
-Am I going faster or slower than my average speed? check
-Distance? check
-General time and Ride Time? check
-Bonus'? Temperature, total odomoter, easy to reset.
The only thing it doesn't have is cadence. But I would rather focus on how my body feels and performs in various conditions and adjust my gearing and pedal power accordingly. I use this computer on my cyclocross bike, and mountain bike while riding and training, with 1,200 on my cyclocross bike and now 250 mile on my mountain bike.
Bike Setup: Specialized Epic, Fuji Cross Pro, Fuji Palisade
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Submitted by
Varaxis
a Weekend Warrior
from Perris CA
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2011
Strengths: Screen size, features, wheel and fork mounting, accuracy
Weaknesses: Bar mount only. Magnet may not fit on all spokes--barely fit on I9 alloy spokes.
Bottom Line:
After a nightmare with wireless picking up other wireless interference from hot spots and even portable RF scanners at the shop/warehouse, reading up to 80MPH, I decided to go wired again.
Ah... wired computers are so nice. No need to start it up, as it starts automatically once your wheel starts moving. It also records movement at under 5 mph, in case you're pushing your bike up a hill. Temperature is handy. The "button" is a neat feature too. Looks neat and sharp altogether.
Max tire size is sufficient enough to handle my 29er wheel with 2.2 tires, which was a circumference of 2310mm I believe.
Submitted by
scotawful
a Weekend Warrior
from OC, CA
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2011
Strengths: Great computer. Multi-line display shows 5 data points at once, which is very convenient. Love the thermometer, but loses accuracy in direct sunlight. Push-button feature is pretty nifty
Weaknesses: Solid little computer, but limited max tire size. Need to mentally add distance when using my super big nobbies.
Bottom Line:
Love this computer. I keep the thermometer setting on all the time cause I love to know what the temp is. The multi-line display is good size and very easy to read. Glance down and see the 4 or 5 major data points I need to see without having to change modes. But, changing modes is super easy: just push the computer up in the clip/holster, which is a genius little design feature. Overall, nice job from the guys at Planet Bike. Oh, forgot to note: I have the wired version, so of course no data transmission issues.
Submitted by
trkyshootr
a Weekend Warrior
from Tuscaloosa, AL
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2010
Strengths: Big screen.
Easily readable.
Multiple functions displayed at once.
Quick and easy set up.
Weaknesses: Compared to my old Cateye Enduro 8, I really can't think of any - oh, I can't get it in black.
Bottom Line:
My Cateye was just fine. However, one too many endos with my bars into the ground and the Enduro 8 no longer works. I replaced it with this Planet Bike model, and am very pleased.
Starting with the easy setup, this Protege proved itself. Once on the bike, its large screen with multiple functions is appreciated. A push or two of the unit and the functions are completely cycled through.
It is easy to setup, easy to use, and easy to read.
Submitted by
superiman
a Weekend Warrior
from B'ham, AL
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2010
Strengths: All of the things that I want want to see on one screen.
Weaknesses: None really, the wheel sensor seems heavy.
Bottom Line:
I really like the computer, it has the info that I want to see all on one screen. And I like to know the temp. Some reviews said that it was fell off bike but it seems very secure on trail.
Submitted by
Lloyd Kerr
a Weekend Warrior
from Blue Grass, IA
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2010
Strengths: Easy to install and calibrate. Dispaly is large and easy to read. Push unit up to change screens. Accurate in all except mine reads 1-2 degrees warm on the temp.
Weaknesses: I haven't seen any weakness yet
Bottom Line:
I am really happy with this computer. It's the most accurate on speed and distance compared to the other three computers I've had. I don't really care about the temp reading a little warm.
I've put approximately 700 miles on the bike since adding the protege 9.0 and have not experienced any problems or intermittent glitches. I ride mainly on bike paths so I don't punish the computer. I have been off road a few times and the computer stays in it's mount even when the going gets bumpy. I love being able to push the unit up in its cradle to change the screens. No tiny buttons to push.
I just orderd another one to mount on my wife's Diamondback. I don't know who or shouldn't buy the Protege but it sure was a lucky find for me.
Submitted by
G Money
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte Nc
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2010
Strengths: great display, love the temp,can rest mileage easy to set up can be transfered to another bike
Weaknesses: easy to zero out the current mileage and the max speed sometimes shows the incorrect speed
Bottom Line:
I love this computer I have not had any problems except for the max speed display the temp gauge is reasonably acurate If you need a computer for a good price this just may be the one rain or shine street or dirt I have done it all with this unit
Similar Products Used: sigma 9 wire multiple cateye units
Bike Setup: K2 Disco monkey
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Submitted by
dan0
a Cross Country Rider
from Nashua, NH
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2008
Strengths: no buttons, all in one screen
Weaknesses: temp gauge not so accurate
Bottom Line:
great computer for the money, never any issues, dont really ride in the rain, but got caught a couple of times but no problems (stream crossings? are you kidding me? what do you drag your bike behind you? the computer is 3' off the ground) as far as the poeple whos keep falling off and cutting out, they have the clamp too tight, if you overtighten the clamp it starts curving to match the bars and wont clip in properly and the contacts dont fully contact
Submitted by
Guiltyr1
a Weekend Warrior
from North Wales
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2008
Strengths: Great display - love not having to use buttons. simple to install and even easier to use.
Weaknesses: None so far. Haven't really taken notcie to see if the weather reads correctly or not...
Bottom Line:
I haven't used it much but what I have used I like.. I am not a professional biker and this one I use jsut for fun...My handle bars were too small, I contacted customer service and they sent me a smaller bracket free. I got it in a fe days. Way to go Planet Bike...
Strengths: Good readout, simple to reset, allows you to keep your total miles when replacing a battery. Easy to remove. Overall quality
Weaknesses: Does not like to get wet.
Bottom Line:
This is an affordable, durable computer that has a large comprehensive readout. The unit does not like to get wet, so use a sandwich bag when it looks like it might get wet. I have had the 9.0 and some of its lesser brethren on all of my bikes, and nothing has been as durable. Except for the Cateye EL410, I have never had a Cateye product last. Sigma, I won't even go there. I love this computer so much I ended up getting the new wireless version for less than $35. Additionally, Planet Bike donates 25% of all profits to bicycle advocacy groups. It's a great company that does its best to put out a useable, reliable and affordable products for cyclists.
Bike Setup: Surly LHT for commuting and touring/Giant Rincon for commuting/Specialized Allez for group rides/Vision A40 for touring and commuting/Easy Rider Tandem for the only time I enjoy my wife at my back.
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Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Rockville, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2007
Strengths: Sensor can fit any size fork, display keeps all critical info up constantly (speed, distance and time of ride) and can select between sets of other two variables to display, programming for 29er was a cinch, thermometer works great if you are not a moron and not just a fair weather--summertime cyclist, supports a socially responsible manufacturer.
Weaknesses: THe ties provided to mount the sensor are probably fine for a road bike but cannot be tightened enough to keep the sensor from moving after the fork takes a big hit. Solving the problem is easy enough--use heavy duty, laminated twist ties and tighten by twisting with a pliers.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike computer, especially at deep discount. The thermometer feature has been trashed below, but it really is one of the more valuable things about this computer that sets it apart from much of the competition. Especially if you are a cold weather or winter cyclist, having an accurate reading of the temperature where and when you are riding (rather than from your home thermometer or TV weathercaster or online report) is a huge benefit in developing the best clothing matches for varying conditions. For hot weather the thermometer works just like every other thermometer in the world--put it in the sun and it will read higher than the ambient temperature in the shade--doh! If you complain about this, then you are too clever by half. Your skull in a helmet, in the sun, is sensing much what the sun-baked PLanet Bike computer is sensing. If the computer reads 103 but you know it is only 90 in the shade (and you are upset about this), then your brain has been cooked.
Strengths: large display, easy to reset and change view
Weaknesses: temp. is often inaccurate in heat or sun. falls out of clamp, mine broke because of this. it is too wasy to reset and happens on accident a lot.
Bottom Line:
It isn't very good because it is unreliable and falls out and breaks.
