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Topeak Panoram Computer
Product DescriptionPanoram 17 Function Cycle Computer A radical new concept in computer design. Superwide screen displays all of your cycling information at once. Right side displays all speed information. Center section is for time functions. And the left displays distance and maintenance information.
User Reviews
Submitted by
timefleas
a Cross Country Rider Date Reviewed: June 28, 2012 Strengths: Oner of the largest displays for easy readability at any time--with enough space for several different readings such distance covered, current speed, current time, etc., and easy to scroll through on the fly for other info as needed (maximum speed, for example). Easy to set for two different bikes. Easy to install, and no to the people below who suggested the mounts were not good, that the settings changed everytime the touched it, and so forth--my advice, learn how to use it first, and then make a review. Batteries last about a year or more, without using back-light (how many of you actually use back-lighting, 1 out of 10, 1 out of a 100?--a non-issue, I think). Easy to remove from one bike to another, but I like them so much I have one on each bike (and I have five...). The price is (or rather was) right as well. Unfortunately, recent incarnations have grown smaller, and while more compact, either has smaller displays (harder to read) or requires more scrolling--and who wants to be doing that all the time while riding? If you can find one, don't buy it--I am looking to grab all that I can find! Weaknesses: There are two basic weaknesses. First, do not leave the screen exposed to direct sunlight for any length of time. This doesn't mean you can't use it outdoors--simply, use it at an angle slightly inverted (to match your line of sight, of course), which will take it out of a direct line to the sun. Exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time will ruin the screen, it will cause it to "oil" up, looking like a an oil slick on the surface LED display. Second, don't drop it onto hard surfaces. The molded plastic case is unusually brittle, and unforgiving, so the case can easily crack--since the display is pressure sensitive, the crack will leave it inoperable--rubber bands and/or epoxy will only serve as temporary solutions. ANy of the others problems noted below by others are more due to owner issues, rather than problems with the actual computer--learn how to mount it right, learn how to use it, and it will serve you well--I have used more than half a dozen for the last several years, and while I have sued others, such as Cateye, none come close to the accuracy, legibility, ease of use, and overall quality as this now retired product. Bring it back! Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Favorite Trail: any free riding riverside trail in my area Price Paid: $35.00 Purchased At: the bay Similar Products Used: Cateye, and many others. Bike Setup: Trek 400 STP, Scott Scale Team LTD, Giant MCM Team LTD, Giant LCM Composite, Giant Cadex (old school)--all carbon frames, all Sram changers, various carbon cranks, stems, posts, bars, etc. 
Submitted by
mklasi
a Weekend Warrior
from Rapid City, SD, USA Date Reviewed: October 13, 2011 Strengths: I have used the PANORAM for about 8 years. My battery died last week and now I have to reset the tire size. I cannot find the instruction sheet so can anyone give me a clue on resetting the PANORAM? Weaknesses: You lose everything when the battery dies. Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Favorite Trail: Mickelson Trail, SD Duration Product Used: More than 3 years Price Paid: $20.00 Purchased At: Wal Mart Similar Products Used: None Bike Setup: Schwinn Frontier
Submitted by
Scoop
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston Texas Date Reviewed: March 20, 2010 Strengths: Big display, backlight, clock - it does what its supposed to do! Weaknesses: short battery life with backlight on, instruction are a little tough for "newbies" to understand.... Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Duration Product Used: More than 3 years Price Paid: $40.00 Purchased At: eBay Similar Products Used: iPhone Bike Setup: (3) Specialized Stumpjumper Expert / Bighit / Rockhopper 
Submitted by
HauntedMyst
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago, IL USA Date Reviewed: March 16, 2008 Strengths: Big screen, backlit, lots of info displayed, main button easy to access. Weaknesses: Bad battery time, a poor mount, odometer doesn't work, programming not intuitive. Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Duration Product Used: 1 Year Price Paid: $40.00 Purchased At: ebay Similar Products Used: other bike computers Bike Setup: City MTB bike, a touring bike
Submitted by
philip hazouri
from englewood, colorado Date Reviewed: August 11, 2007 Strengths: large read out Weaknesses: never has worked properly and accurately Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Favorite Trail: North Platte Duration Product Used: 2 Years Price Paid: $60.00 Purchased At: Kelvin in Woodland Park, co Similar Products Used: Cat Eye Bike Setup: Recumbent  
Submitted by
Maria Mikulich
a Downhiller
from Marion, Michigan USA Date Reviewed: July 1, 2007 Strengths: I liked the size of the screen. The numbers were easy to read and I liked the easy to reach mode button. Weaknesses: The instructions are terrible. After unfolding the poster-size one sheet of instructions I eagerly looked for written instructions. Not much in that department, mostly pictures of screens. I could not figure out how to input wheel size so I recruited my husband who has always been able to figure these things out for me and he gave up. After 15 minutes each we both gave up. I have already packaged up the unit and am sending it back tomorrow. I am sure the computer works great but the set-up was frustrating. Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Duration Product Used: Tested or demo'ed only Price Paid: $50.00 Purchased At: Performance Similar Products Used: Ascent V-12 Bike Setup: Terry Symmetry
Submitted by
peter
a Cross Country Rider
from hiroshima Date Reviewed: June 18, 2007 Strengths: Big screen, nice pleasing design, easy set up mechanically, wireless, though the computer programming is a bit tedious. Weaknesses: There are a couple of BIG problems. One, the screen reacts adversely to exposure to direct sunlight. In fact, such exposure will eventually result in the entire screen turning into what looks like an oil slick under glass, where all readings are impossible to see. So, obviously, don't leave your bike parked outside in the direct sun with the computer attached--however, there is nothing you can do about the sun exposure on a half century ride in the open country--this is a MAJOR problem. The other is that the glue that adheres the base piece (black) to the top shell (silver) easily looses its adherence, and if this happens, the digits on the display lose parts of their characters, making it impossible to read. This happens if they are dropped, or are knocked against something hard. Once this happens, they are dead in the water. Other problems are noted elsewhere in these reviews, such as fixed screen settings, usually not what you want, difficulty in swtiching from one bike tire setting to another with almost impossible to see tiny number designations separating one from the other, and a few other things. Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Duration Product Used: 2 Years Price Paid: $45.00 Purchased At: ebay Similar Products Used: Cateye, Specialized, a few others Bike Setup: 4 bikes: 3 carbon, 1 alum; STP 400, Giant MCM Team, Giant MCM Limited and Trek 8000 Superlight, 2 with disc, 2 with canti--all very light (the Team is a very quick and nasty 17.5 pounds!). All personally built from ground up.
Submitted by
Joe
from So. Cal Date Reviewed: March 3, 2007 Strengths: Wide view Display & wireless Weaknesses: Handle bar mount Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month Price Paid: $35.00 Purchased At: Jenson Bike Setup: who wants to know?
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Everett Date Reviewed: October 8, 2006 Strengths: Since I couldn't get it to work I'd have to say none. Weaknesses: This review is for the 'V12' version, not the unit pictured here. First off the unit packaging hides a lot. 2nd the two mounts it comes with don't fit on my mountain bike, or my road bike. 3rd whoever came up with what can be displayed on the screen at one time has never used a bicycle computer before. Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month Similar Products Used: Cateye Enduro 2 (the grand master to compair all computers to), Cateye cordless 7 (so-so, doesn't work very well on a road bike, would probably be better on a mountain due to fork mounting issues) Supergo Wireless (price was cheap, unfortunately mfg quality and performance followed suit) Bike Setup: Old school GT steel hardtail LX (never say die) 8-speed components (these things have outlasted every mtn 9-speed thing I've ever used, in some cases 2X or more lifespan, and they hardly ever need tweaking or adjustment)
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Brooklyn, New York, USA Date Reviewed: August 16, 2006 Strengths: Tons of Info...easy to read....and VERY easy to install. Weaknesses: None Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Duration Product Used: 6 months Price Paid: $48.00 Purchased At: Blue Sky Cycling.com Similar Products Used: Bell Bike Setup: It's my first bike so don't laugh at me----Raleigh Mojave with some after market stuff.
Submitted by
Charles Hill
a Racer
from Grayson, Ga., USA Date Reviewed: October 17, 2005 Strengths: accurate mph, clock, lots of info, very durable until recently Weaknesses: small clock display Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Favorite Trail: AT Duration Product Used: 2 Years Price Paid: $50.00 Purchased At: on line Bike Setup: Triumph Daytona 1200
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Oxford, UK Date Reviewed: August 3, 2005 Strengths: Reasonably easy to use. Dual cycle capability is great. Weaknesses: Does not switch on automatically, should have come with two sensors. Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month Price Paid: $18.00 Purchased At: Arbitrary cycle shop Similar Products Used: Vetta VT12? Bike Setup: Simple.
Submitted by
Dan Racine
a Weekend Warrior
from Estero FL Date Reviewed: January 15, 2005 Strengths: Auto On - OFF = Hands Free Wireless Weaknesses: Strap on fork means this should be used for road bikes ( or you can adjust yourself as required if you actually buy for MTN bike) No Cadence Count if you are looking for that feature. Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Favorite Trail: Local Road Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month Price Paid: $1.00 Purchased At: Gift Similar Products Used: Cateye Bike Setup: Takes a little patience ( < 1/2 HOUR) to install & adjust for the mechanically inclined. Conveniently centered on handle bars.
Submitted by
GeeJay
a Cross Country Rider
from Bacliff, Texas Date Reviewed: October 27, 2004 Strengths: Good and solid. Lots of info. Very clear to read while riding. Weaknesses: It is not so easy to setup because instructions are pathetic. Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Duration Product Used: 3 months Price Paid: $47.00 Purchased At: BeyondBikes.com
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from Colchester, Essex, UK Date Reviewed: June 29, 2004 Strengths: Lots of features. Durable. It's a gadget! Weaknesses: Usual bracket probs. Size. Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Duration Product Used: 2 Years Price Paid: $45.00 Purchased At: CoastGuard Kites Bike Setup: 04 Marin Wolf Ridge
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