Sports bra + HR monitor strap

[Yen]

Hi, I'm a new cyclist (returning after many years), 51 years old. I'm not in bad shape but I'm trying to get more fit and firm. I also walk regularly and do strength training 2-3 x/week.

Can anyone recommend a good HR monitor, not much over $100, with a comfortable chest strap for a woman with a large chest measurement (36DD)? I am not overweight but I would like to lose 10-15 lbs. (or the equivalent in fat loss) which will (hopefully) shrink that measurement down a bit.

I am also looking for a good, comfortable sports bra for cycling only (I don't run, and my everyday bra is fine for walking). I don't know if I'd need an underwire for cycling, but if so then I'd like a HR monitor with a chest strap that fits comfortably beneath the underwire.

I'm looking for recommendations for a good combination of the two.

Thanks,
Jen

[Tri Girl]

Hi Jen,
Welcome (back) to cycling!!!!
I'm not selling Nike, but here's just a thought. I know everyone loves the Polars, but I have a Nike Imara HRM (I'm on my second as I wore the first one out- I used it so much). It has all the needed functions (chronograph, timer, intervals, calories burned, avg HR) and is stylish enough that I wear it everyday for my watch, as well as when I workout for my HRM.
I LOVE my Nike. The chest strap is far more comfortable and flexible than the Polar (don't know the model) that the trainer at the gym has me wear sometimes. It's comfortable enough that I wore it for 16.5 hours during a race one time. I'm a 36D and it fits me quite comfortably. The first one I bought at a sports store in town (I think it was $99), but the second one I bought off of e-Bay for $65. Brand new- same quality and in amazing condition. Like most others, Nike has a two year warranty if something goes wrong.

http://www.nike.com/timing/ (go to catalog then to Imara then the first one is the HR monitor)

As for the bra- I usually just buy the cheapy bras from Target or Walmart for cycling (the cool max kind). I don't worry about the underwire for cycling so much (now for running I'm all kinds of cramming the girls in and keeping them perfectly still). I do wear the strap under my underwire bras when running, tho- and it's still comfortable. When I cycle I just get a good, form fitting sports bra, but since there's not a lot of movement, everything stays put just fine. :)

Again- welcome back!!!

[ChickWithBrains]

Hello,

Your cup size has nothing to do with the HRM you should buy, and really, so long as you aren't at the ends of the spectrum for ribcage circumference, the basic HRMs with the elastic strap will fit you fine. They go under the lower strap of your sports bra, tight against your ribcage.

I recently bought a Nike Imara HRM after a long stretch with Polar; I just like the look of the watch better. Their reviews are quite good and you can find good deals on ebay or by using Froogle.

[Starfish]

Ditto what else has been said here about bra & HRM strap fit, etc. And, the Nike sounds great.

But, I am one of those who has a Polar that was about $70, and I wear the strap for long rides...up to 10 hours, etc, and have no discomfort. I wear it with a sports bra (no underwire). Don't even recall the brand of bra, and I will be shopping for a new one soon, just because it is time.

The watch is ugly, and way too big for my wrist, but I don't care, because I mount the watch on my bars, which I find easy to monitor and use while riding.

[maryellen]

<<The watch is ugly, and way too big for my wrist, but I don't care, because I mount the watch on my bars, which I find easy to monitor and use while riding.>>

What is it with the wrist straps on polar heart rate monitors? I am not a small person yet I'm usually using the smallest or second smallest notch on the wrist strap. argh

[VeloVT]

I have the Nike as well; I received it as a gift. The watch is pretty. But it lacks an important feature (to me...), so I almost never use it. It doesn't have a split timer -- I use it primarily when running, not cycling, and my mile splits are important to me -- so the timer that only stops and starts, and can't take/record/recall splits just isn't that useful. Shame on Nike for selling an HRM for $100 that doesn't have this basic feature that many (perhaps most) cheaper models have. I have a Timex Bodylink system with GPS, and when I want to use an HRM that's what I use (strap is more comfortable for me too). My forays into HR training has been frustrating though, I think I need a coach :).

I've found my "seamless" bras -- the ones that are knit in one piece, and don't have a separate, pieced band -- tend to fit better with the hrm.

[Starfish]

<<The watch is ugly, and way too big for my wrist, but I don't care, because I mount the watch on my bars, which I find easy to monitor and use while riding.>>

What is it with the wrist straps on polar heart rate monitors? I am not a small person yet I'm usually using the smallest or second smallest notch on the wrist strap. argh

My opinion? Like most everything cycling, it is a man's watch, but they don't call it a man's watch.