Heart Rate Monitors - How To Choose

[Dubz]

Please excuse the long post, but it's complicated...

Note: I've edited it from my earlier post because I got more information since then.

I'm using TrainerRoad and have a Bontrager Duotrap S speed / cadence sensor which is Bluetooth and ANT+ compatible. I've decided that I need to think about getting a HRM for use with TrainerRoad and outside. I think it will help me to make sure that I'm not overdoing (or undergoing) my training.

Having done some research, I'm considering getting the ANT+ / Bluetooth compatible Mio Link HRM (Wristband). I've decided that I don't want to use a chest strap. Has anyone tried one this HRM?

Now I'm thinking about whether a bike computer is worth buying or not, since I could theoretically use an app like Strava on my iPhone 5S to track speed / cadence and heart rate. If I was to use Strava via my iPhone 5S only, would I need a Wahoo ANT+ dongle and a 30-Pin to Lightening adaptor as well? This is because I have a feeling that I can only connect one device via Bluetooth at once (e.g. the HRM). Could I then connect another device simultaneously via ANT+ (e.g. my speed/cadence sensor)?

Or if I buy a bike computer, can I get one that will pair with both my HRM and speed / cadence sensor simultaneously (via ANT+, I presume)? Would I be able to download the info to an app like Strava later?

Are there any computers that you recommend? I would want to buy something decent, but not too expensive. I realise that if I get the Mio, then I need to rule out Polar, as Polar technology is propriety.

Cheers.

[OakLeaf]

Here's my only real contribution, and this is really based on your asking about calories in your other thread. You'll have much more accurate calorie approximations from a HRM that gives you the R-R interval and can approximate your VO2Max. That requires a chest strap - wrist sensors are optical and can't sense the electrical pulses from your heart.


If you get a bike computer, I'd highly recommend one of the older Garmins, like the 800 or 805. NOS computers can be had fairly cheap as everyone wants to upgrade to the latest and buggiest.

[Bones8]

On my phone (android) I can have several bluetooth devices connected at a time. At least, I can sync my fitbit while streaming music to speakers and sending pictures to my computer, that sort of thing.

However, I concur with Oakleaf that a HR strap is the way to go. The newer ones aren't that uncomfortable, although I am glad to take it off the same way I'm glad to take off my bra at the end of the workout.

Definitely go with an older model for now. I bought my past computers on ebay. You could also try craigslist, or a lot of places like clever training and heart rate monitors usa have discount codes you can use.

[ny biker]

I no longer use a HRM because I never found that they did anything for me and I prefer to just ride my bike and not worry about it. But I can say that I have a Garmin Edge 500 which works great with the Bontrager Duotrap, and I could have gotten a HRM to go with it if I wanted one. And I'm pretty sure you can upload the data from the Garmin to Strava. I personally only upload it to Garmin Connect.

You might find some helpful information in DC Rainmaker's reviews.

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/

[Dubz]

Thanks, everyone. Great advice.

@Oakleaf: Good point about the calories burned.

Having thought about what everyone's said, I think that I'm going to get a Garmin Edge 500 on its own (with the mount included) as there are some really good deals out there at the moment (25% off) and it has good reviews. If I go for a bundle, it would include a speed / cadence sensor (which I don't need) and the HRM chest strap. It'll work out cheaper to get the ANT+ HRM chest strap separately. This way, I can get the Black / Silver Garmin 500 which would look better with my bike.

Are there any particular chest straps which you find comfortable with a sports bra? I'm not sure what the differences between them are. I'm big on top, so comfort's important!

[OakLeaf]

I think it's more about the bra than about the strap. I'm small but floppy, plus I run, so we probably aren't wearing the same bras. But all the bras I wear have some space between the breasts and above the band where my HRM modules fit just fine, both the old style Garmin hard strap and their new HRM-Run (which the newer style straps seem to chafe intolerably for anyone with a prominent xiphoid, but that might be a problem unique to runners, and IAE a little tape over the sharp edge fixes that).


Just to add something else into the mix: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2015/01/a...-activity.html - but it's Bluetooth only.