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.

[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.