Reviews of Planet Bike Protege 9.0 Computer

Pros

Display has 4 lines which contains everything you need
Easy to change screens
Easy to reset

Cons

Only mounts on handle bars, not stem

Pros

Flawless function

Cons

None

I had used the Protégé for ten years so when it came time for a new one I definitely stayed with the same brand.

Pros

Information on 1st display screen: temperature, ride time, speed, clock and distance. All are important, when you are riding in sketchy weather conditions. For example, if it is overcast and the temperature drops 4 degrees, 98% chance it will be raining. Average speed for the trip is on the second display screen -- usually check that at the end of the trip. There is a third display screen with more information, again something one would check after the ride is completed. Setup for the cyclometer was fairly easy.

Cons

Cyclometer doesn't give a readout for cadence -- I knew that before I purchased it. This cyclometer is mounted on the front fork and wheel. To get cadence would require a different cyclometer. It can take a few minutes to get the magnet on the wheel lined up properly with the transmitter (not really a con, just an observation).

Other Thoughts

I am a road cyclist and this cyclometer works great for me. It gives me the information I want at a quick glance. The roads I ride on are made of what is called "chip and seal", this means it is a rough ride (lots of vibration). I do not know if it would work for off road cyclists. I recommend this cyclometer road cycling.

Pros

simple design
easy to read
no buttons to push
choice of mounting positions
a lot of computer for the money

Cons

the wheel sensor can be a bit finicky to set up

I have at least 5 of these on various bikes. The original one is over 10 years old and still working great.

One wiring harness and one computer have gone bad over the years, but Planet Bike has sent out free replacements on both occasions.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this bike computer to anyone!

Pros

Great computer if you want a lot of information without hitting buttons. I ride a recumbent so I have to mount my computer where it’s sort of out of reach while riding. I’ve had the 7.0, 8.0 and now 9.0 and they are a great device.

Cons

It can be slightly difficult to change the settings due to how the buttons are designed. The intent is to prevent accidental button pushing which is a good thing. It just slightly increases the difficulty of setting things up.

Other Thoughts

This is just a great computer all around. I haven’t found a unit like the Planet Bike.

Pros

I’ve ridden a few hundred miles with this and it seems to function well with a couple of annoyances described below.

Cons

It was very finicky to install. I had to play with the placement of the magnet and sensor quite awhile before it worked. Also, the battery vibrated out of position enough to make the unit go haywire but simply re-installing (which requires setting up the unit again) fixed it.

Other Thoughts

It gives helpful and interesting info and I personally find bike computers motivate me and make the ride more enjoyable.

Replaced my old protege 8.0 with 12,000 on it. I only had to recalibrate the new one as to tire size and accumulated mileage from my old Protege which was about 10 years old. I was able to reuse wiring, tire rotation sensor and holder so I just snapped the new unit right in and ready to ride. Great having so much information on single screen without having to toggle back and forth like the Cateye models! Love this easy to read unit! The Best Steve

Pros

Display is clear and easy to read. Very useful to have the data I want on display....speed, ride time, ride distance, arrow showing current speed above or below average and time of day, all at once, without having to touch the computer while riding. Auto start and stop nice features. Easy to install. Owners manual and videos for use and install available online. The included rubber shims are great for getting a tight fit for the computer bracket on the handlebar.
Added enjoyment to my bike rides.

Cons

Display does not have a backlight, but not expected for the purchase price.

Other Thoughts

Seems well made. Hope it continues to work well over a longer time. Be careful when unpacking to look for the battery that is included and needs to be installed in the computer.

Pros

Extremely accurate - No interference - Needed data easy to see - Cheap compared with a GPS unit

Cons

Sender wire has to be routed carefully - There is a large diameter black wire you will see - It's wired, what's attached is what you get only.

Other Thoughts

Yes, this is an "Old School" wired unit. I have owned them for years and have never gotten the wire caught or cut - and I MTB in many tight areas where vines and shrubs can hit you. It is VERY accurate. Far more than ANY GPS unit. Even better than a wireless sender - those pick up stray signals. You see ALL the relevant data (for me) is in one place. No... it's doesn't brag to Strava or receive video calls from my Life Coach. If I ever found a need, my cell phone can do that. You zip-tie the heavy gauge wire out ot the way and you are good to go. Like ALL above bar units... it is prone to contact during an ugly over-the bars while MTBing. Way better than killing a unit 5 to 10 times the price :-)

Pros

Easy to install. Has a great mount. Very sturdy. Nice thickness of wire and quality magnet.

Cons

Doesn't include the average speed for the ride.
Doesn't store the wheel settings when battery removed.
A bit hard to set with the tiny set button. A toothpick or other small item needed to push it.

Other Thoughts

I owned an 8 that lasted 14 years. Loved it. Ordered a five. Thought the only difference was multiple ride settings--dual odometer. But it does not include average speed for ride. I miss that.

Pros

Great computer. I purchased this computer after the mechanic
at the bike shop dropped this computer. The bike shop did
offer another computer. The bike shop does not offer Planet
Bike computers. I simply ordered another Protege 9 model.

I enjoy the large readout. I am always looking at the weather and
the time displays. I have utilized several different brand computers. The Planet Bike model is my favorite. The mounting hardware
is heavy duty and the wires are stout. The heavy duty magnet
assures a constant and accurate readout.
I installed this computer on my mountain and road bikes.

Cons

Great all around computer. Do not let the mechanic drop
this unit! (jUST kIDDING)

Other Thoughts

This is actually my 3rd Planet Bike computer.

Pros

Replaced the same Planet Bike Computer that had lasted 14 years and 12 of those on my Vision recumbent and quit working finally. Display and small size fits very well on left handlebar of my Catrike Expedition and did not have to replace the wheel sensor or wiring so that was a plus by buying the same exact model again.

Cons

None for me.

Pros

Cost differential of about $5 well worth the upgrade from 8.0 and seems to be more durable and heavier duty.

Cons

Only time will tell as it is still early; but so far, so good.

Other Thoughts

Am partial to Protoge I suppose as a creature of habit after using them for a few years. Am too lazy to climb learning curves to adapt to other models.

Pros

It's the best wireless I have used. I like all the different things it does.

Cons

none

Pros

simple
doesn't have a lot of features I don't want

Cons

none

Highly recommended. This computer lasts! Where my other computers have given up, wires broken or eat batteries like a child's toy, I have one computer that is over ten years old. The cable is heavy gauge wire that takes a beating. Simple to operate with all the needed features. The mount holds the computer tightly so that I have never had one fall off. Battery life is exceptionally good, over a year with daily use. Temperature is a nice feature when touring.

Pros

Dependable; easy to troubleshoot. Reliable and trustworthy readings.

Cons

Just have to manage the cable to avoid kinks and cuts

Other Thoughts

The other wireless model upgrades that I allowed bike shops in Oregon to sell me in 2014 led me to wonder if the sensors were set correctly or if the battery needed replacing after it took several minutes and about a half a mile for the readings to kick in. After months of frustration, I missed the Planet Bike 9.0 sorely, and reordered one. Am a happy biker now, as I have one installed on both my road and mountain bike.

Pros

Works as described. Large display

Cons

Overpriced.

Other Thoughts

Decent product.

Pros

Multiple functions on each screen
Easy to change screens
Easy to read
very accurate

Cons

Limited life, dies in about 2 years, this is my third one in 4 years, last 2 died

Pros

works, good price, online instructions when you lose the instructions.

Cons

screen turns itself off during a long ride.

Pros

Display is large
Multi information

Cons

Clearing information could be easier

Pros

simple easy to read display. Doesn't try to give you too much information. I have used earlier versions (wired) and just like the simplicity.

Cons

The center stem mount isn't firm enough to hold the unit while changing modes. You push the entire computer to change displays.

Other Thoughts

Still like it better than most wireless computers.