computer / HR monitor

[aicabsolut]

I'm looking for a good Computer/HR monitor. I was thinking of the Polar CS200 with cadence sensor, but it seems like it has a lot of useless stuff. And I read some poor reviews. The problem is finding a computer with wireless cadence and HR. For something around the price of the Polar. I've seen some that are wireless speed/cadence but no HR or wireless speed/HR but no cadence.

I'm not sure I'd use the cadence sensor much outside yet, but I'd love to have it for work indoors on the trainer...I assume it'd still work then.

I really ought to have the HR function, though, to have a clue about how hard I'm pushing myself. It looks a lot more expensive to get a watch style HR monitor separately from my main speed, odometer, cadence computer...but it might be good to take a HR monitor to the gym. And the Polar wrist units with cycling features are very expensive and you'd have to add the optional cadence sensor.

Anyone have a computer they really love?

[Grog]

I have a $25 bike computer that's wireless with cadence (the cadence is wired though). Shows time (automatic stop/start), distance, max speed, average speed, cadence (records average), speed, clock, etc.. It's a dbl4w from Filzer but you might not find it under the same brand in the US. It's sold at MEC (the Canadian equivalent of REI). Louis Garneau was selling the exact same thing with its logo on it for $50.

I also have a Polar F4 watch. Quite simple, only records my heart rate, max and average, and the time elapsed. Sometimes I wish I could have a more detailed profile after a workout - when my heart was beating at how many beats/second - but it's really not that important. The F4 retails for less than $100 in Canada.

I much prefer having the two separately, so I can use the Polar for all sports, it doesn't look HUGE and scream CYCLIST to everyone, and if I break/loose one or the other it's cheaper to replace some parts than the whole system. I use the watch as my general sports watch, too.

Your mileage may vary...

[Squeaky]

Hi, I don't have any advice on a computer (looking for a new one myself), but I love your picture! Is this you and your horse? He looks like a really nice jumper. Where was the photo taken?

[aicabsolut]

Thanks for the replies.

Unfortunately, I don't do any other sports where HR matters..though it would be nice to take a HR monitor into a spin class. But breaking one pricey unit would be hard to replace...

Yes, Squeaky, that's me and my horse--well a former horse of mine (couldn't keep him all the way through college). It was taken at a summer show in the Olympic arena in Atlanta, well Conyers, GA.

[RoadRaven]

Things I deem "must haves" on my bikes... distance, time and cadence

Things that are fun to have... temperature and average speed

Things that should be on all bike comps - distance, time and average speed

So I suggest you look for a basic bike comp - dont spend loads of money, and if possible get one that has a cadence counter on it.

[aicabsolut]

Any suggestions of models that are 'basic' with a wireless cadence counter? Most of the cadence models I've seen have waay too many bells and whistles and cost a lot.

[Bikingmomof3]

Sorry I cannot help with wireless. Is there a specific reason you want one that is wireless?
I have a Polar H4 heart rate monitor, works great and was on sale at Target. I use it on my bike, running, and for HIIT. On my bike I have Cateye Astrale 8, which works beautifully and was also not expensive, but it is not wireless. I think I bought both for a grand total of $100.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Any suggestions of models that are 'basic' with a wireless cadence counter? Most of the cadence models I've seen have waay too many bells and whistles and cost a lot.

I am guessing here, but wouldn't a wireless cadence feature automatically make the computer "non-basic" and relatively expensive, regardless of the additional features?

I just bought a Cateye micro wireless, but it doesn't have either cadence or heartrate.
It has the basics such as: clock, time elapsed riding, trip A & B, odometer/mileage, current speed, average speed, highest speed per trip, auto sleep mode and auto start/stop. That's all the info I really want at this point in time in my riding. To me it seems loaded with amazing features, but I guess many serious riders would call it pretty basic. They generally can be found around $40-50.

[aicabsolut]

I am guessing here, but wouldn't a wireless cadence feature automatically make the computer "non-basic" and relatively expensive, regardless of the additional features?

That's what I thought... just wanted some more specifics from Raven.

[aicabsolut]

Sorry I cannot help with wireless. Is there a specific reason you want one that is wireless?

I have more confidence in setting up a wireless one with the other stuff on my bike, like the bottle cages and minipump. Easier to hide a wireless sensor somewhere out of the way, I think. I'm also a gadget nerd when it comes to everything else I do, so wireless just seems to make more sense to me. :o

[Grog]

Remember that if you get a 'basic' wireless computer it's probably going to pick up various signals from your riding environment. For example, when I stop over a car-detector at an intersection, my computer goes crazy and records 99.9 km/h speeds.

I don't care too much about this, but I would go wired if my computer came in a wired kit. For some reason, it doesn't...

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Remember that if you get a 'basic' wireless computer it's probably going to pick up various signals from your riding environment. For example, when I stop over a car-detector at an intersection, my computer goes crazy and records 99.9 km/h speeds.


I can't wait!! :D

[Veronica]

I've had my HRM since 2003. They are not easy to break.

It has all the bells and whistles, cadence sensor, speed, altimeter, temperature. I wear it when I swim. It's on my bike when I ride. Yes it was expensive, but I've worn it for for 12,000+ outdoor miles and countless hours swimming or on the trainer.

If you think any of this extra info will someday be important to you, get one with the bells and whistles if you can afford it.

V.

[Veronica]

I'm not sure I'd use the cadence sensor much outside yet, but I'd love to have it for work indoors on the trainer...I assume it'd still work then.



I use my cadence sensor a lot when I'm riding hills outside.

V.

[7rider]

I have more confidence in setting up a wireless one with the other stuff on my bike, like the bottle cages and minipump. Easier to hide a wireless sensor somewhere out of the way, I think. I'm also a gadget nerd when it comes to everything else I do, so wireless just seems to make more sense to me. :o

Some thoughts for you:

DH has a Cateye Astrale 8 on his flatbar, which has cadance, but not HR and is wired all the way. On his road bike, he has the Mavic WinTech:
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=18369&item=40-1910&slitrk=search&slisearch=true
It's wireless, but it doesn't have HR function.

I used to have a Polar S510, which gave me HR and wireless bike computer support, and I think has a cadence pickup. Unfortunately, I don't think they make the S510 anymore (mine is about 6 y.o.). That has been acting flakey anyway, and I recently replaced it with a Garmin 305 HR/Cadance bundle.
http://www.garmin.com/products/edge305/
Talk about NON-basic and a lot of extra stuff you may not need! It is, of course, a GPS unit, and wicked cool, but pricey and may have more functions than you need.

Summary? Wireless HR and Cadance moves you beyond the range of basic and into the fancy.
Sigh. I just wish there was ONE unit that did everything I wanted it to do...and did it at a reasonable price!!! Could I custom design one? Now THAT would be cool!

[Veronica]

The Garmin 305 doesn't map for you does it?

I use a separate GPS unit for my long rides and touring.

V.

[7rider]

The Garmin 305 doesn't map for you does it?

I use a separate GPS unit for my long rides and touring.

V.

You can upload a route into it (haven't tried it yet), but it doesn't provide "turn-by-turn" directions. It does map out your route to the desktop, although the included software is somewhat limited. There are other options online, such as www.motionbased.com that allow for more detailed mapping.

I'll try to upload a screenshot for you to see how it displays routes.

[Veronica]

That's why I like having a separate unit. It does give me turn by turn directions and beeps about a minute before the turn and right at the turn. It's the only way I made it back to the start/finish on the Davis double. :D

It's also handy for finding restaurants and stores when you're traveling. We've gotten in the habit of just bringing it along in the car with us.

V.

[aicabsolut]

Detailed directions and beeping would be nice. :)

I think some of the stuff would really be useful in the long run. I could handle a lot of information on indoor rides right now, so I bet as I improve on the road, some of that would be useful, especially with PC uplinks. I like to keep journals of my training.

A custom product would be nice :).

I wouldn't mind paying the money for the higher end all in one wrist units, except I like the idea of a larger display monitor out on the road.. the watch could keep track of HR and calories or whatnot for me to look at afterwards. So all in one computer or computer with speed/cadence plus separate HR monitor?

Thanks for the links!! I'll check them out.

[7rider]

Yeah. Turn by turn directions would be great.

Veronica, What unit do you have and how do you mount it to a bike? (I've been pondering one for the car myself.)

Just another point on the 305 aicabsolut, I recently had to DEcrease the amount of information my 305 displayed. It was way too much information. I could spend more time looking at the display that at the road (Ooo, look, that hill is 8%!)! Definitely a hazard. Better to have minimal stuff displayed and check it out later in the comfort and safety of your home.

Also, have you checked out:
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=&sku=14348&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Show%20All%20Products
?

[Veronica]

http://tandemhearts.com/wordpress/wp-content/photos/v_not_happy.jpg

Ignore how unhappy I look, and look at my handlebars.

I think this is the best picture I have of the GPS on my bike. It's to my left. The mount we have for it rotates, so it could be lower or higher. Next to it is my HRM, sitting between my bag straps and to the right of that is the mount for light.

The GPS isn't cheap. When Thom first got it, I looked at as a toy for him. Now I use it a more than he does!

V.

PS We have the Garmin 60CSx and use a Ram mount. Just got a locking mount for it, so I don't need to be so paranoid when I'm out riding solo and need to use a restroom or go into a store.

[7rider]

You don't look unhappy. You look intense! :D
Thanks for that!

[Veronica]

You don't look unhappy. You look intense! :D
Thanks for that!

Thanks, but no, I was totally miserable. That was right before I DNFed. Thom took the pic so I'd remember how awful I felt.

Next year... I hope to crush that ride! :p Seriously I'd be happy just to finish. That's my nemesis.

V.

[CycleTherapy]

I have the Polar CS200....love it.

[tygab]

Ok, I have the assortment of gadgets, but they've been acquired at different times for different purposes....

-got the GPS years ago for general outdoors use (now on GPS #2, the one in the pic)
-got the HRM a few years ago when I had aspirations of running regularly with it. It's the cheapest one Polar had at the time, very basic. (I didn't use it much after getting it and it sat idle until I started using it this summer after getting into cycling. Was happy the batteries still worked! Now I wear it almost everytime I exercise).
-Got the wireless compu when I got the bike this year (no cadence, now kinda wish I had it, but I am still learning the one I have)

Anyway, two points - I like having the separate devices especially the HRM since I can use it at the gym/spin class. I also think, overall, they do a very good job at what they do. If I were starting without any of these, and with the focus of cycling, I'd probably go the Garmin 305 route.

The second is a question - Veronica how did you rig a mount? Is that a car mount? I am already at a bar space premium, but that still is very intriguing. My GPS use on the bike has so far consisted of stowing it in my seat bag and pulling it out when necessary. I have only done this for out of area rides tho. I could definitely do this on the other bike in any case.

[RoadRaven]

Sorry aica, can't give you feedback on wireless comps, all mine are 'wired'

Sounds like you're getting lots of good perspectives from others though :)

[Bad JuJu]

I've been eyeing that Polar CS200, but some of the reviews indicate problems with it. Bliss--you haven't had any problems with this model? Anybody else have the Polar CS200? It seems like it's got everything I want at a not-too-astronomical price (like the Garmin), but not if it's only going to be a struggle to use it.

[GLC1968]

I have the Polar s720i and I LOVE it. It's not exactly cheap...but if you live in the US, Polar does an awesome 'upgrade' program. I sent them my old Polar HRM (it was REALLY old....only had HR...nothing else!) and I got an s720i for $219 (regularly $339). It's a program only available to US residents though.

I don't know how the CS200 compares, but I've had my s720i for over a year now and have never had any issues at all (that weren't solely operator error :o ). Keep in mind that for both models, the wireless cadence sensor is extra (speed sensor is included). I think it's like an additional $30...so make sure to figure that into your decision-making process! Oh, another 'down side' is that the speed sensor must be within a certain distance of your computer to transmit correctly, so you cannot mount it on the rear wheel (for speed/distance on a trainer). The cadence sensor will still work on a trainer though!

[spokewench]

Sorry, gals, I just have to say this! I used to run a heart rate monitor and an odometer when I was training to race, but to tell you the truth, I ride for Fun and I'm just not into being hooked up anymore! In this age of ipods, cell phones, blackberries (sp?); computers, I JUST WANT TO RIDE MY BIKE AND HAVE FUN DOING IT!

I certainly don't want to be hooked up to another computerized doodad while I'm out enjoying the ride/the weather/the scenery and my bike.:D

[aicabsolut]

I've been eyeing that Polar CS200, but some of the reviews indicate problems with it. Bliss--you haven't had any problems with this model? Anybody else have the Polar CS200? It seems like it's got everything I want at a not-too-astronomical price (like the Garmin), but not if it's only going to be a struggle to use it.

I read the same stuff about the CS200, which is why I asked.
There's a CS200cad version where the cadence sensor is included.

If it doesn't work well, then I'd rather stick with Polar just for HR and go with the other brands for the other stuff.

Do 'upgrades' for Polar work with most models when they get outdated?

I'm a gadget geek, so if I can't safely take my ipod and whatnot out on the bike, then I've gotta have something .. lol

I don't mind much about speed/distance not working on a trainer. Indoors, I'd probably be concerned with cadence and heart rate most.

[Veronica]

Oh, another 'down side' is that the speed sensor must be within a certain distance of your computer to transmit correctly, so you cannot mount it on the rear wheel (for speed/distance on a trainer). The cadence sensor will still work on a trainer though!

I have the 710, predecessor to the 720. My speed sensor is on the back wheel and works just fine. I do mount the watch to my handlebars.

V.

[im4smiley]

I have the cs200, I do not have a the cadence on my bike yet. I got this model so I can download the info into my computer. I wish I could have afforded the one that gives you nice charts but this one keeps track of lot of info, avg and max heart rate, how much time above or below hr zone, avg and max speed, distance, time, calories, 7 different workouts, total distance. You can check info by week, month or year. I am very happy with it.

[lawyergirl]

I have the Polar s720i and I LOVE it. It's not exactly cheap...but if you live in the US, Polar does an awesome 'upgrade' program. I sent them my old Polar HRM (it was REALLY old....only had HR...nothing else!) and I got an s720i for $219 (regularly $339). It's a program only available to US residents though.

!

Do you have a link to info on the upgrade program? I have a HRM from Polar that I've had for about 5 years and just sent it in for a new battery and it's as good as new, but one day I might need a new one!

[Veronica]

...but if you live in the US, Polar does an awesome 'upgrade' program. I sent them my old Polar HRM (it was REALLY old....only had HR...nothing else!) and I got an s720i for $219 (regularly $339). It's a program only available to US residents though.



Where did you found out about this? I can't find anything about it on their website.

Thanks to BikerZ, I want to upgrade to the 725. And no, not because it's 5 grams lighter than my current version. It's that automatic lap counter and odometer.

V.

[SadieKate]

You are so weak.:p

[SadieKate]

Remember that phrase "Google is your friend" ?

http://www.polarusa.com/education/promotions/promo_001.asp

OK, so it's not the right program but we're getting close. And, Bubba wanted to mow the lawn before we left.

[aicabsolut]

Asked a bike shop around here that sells some Polars (no cs200 right now but they did have some of the cadence sensors lying around). Sales guy said Polar is great for HR, but the cyclocomputers are "finicky."

Looks like the Garmin PC links are better, but I'm sort of "eh" about their GPS.

Ok, for speed, cadence, miles, all that jazz.. Garmin or CatEye?

I'm thinking of getting the cheapest Polar wrist unit that does the calories burned thing.

[SadieKate]

Once I put new batteries in the sensors and stopped carrying my cell phone in a bento box near it, my Polar has worked flawlessly.

The Ciclosport 434 does everything but HR and calories, and doesn't download an elevation profile. The cool thing about it is you can get total climbing for the day as well as see the percent gradient of your climb while you are riding. Jobob has the downloadable version. I really like mine. Very trustworthy, easy to read and use. A cadence meter can be added to the basic unit.