Hi Folks,

I'm thinking about getting a heart monitor for riding, just a really basic one so that I could get an idea of how hard my heart is working at various places and on different rides. BUT, I could just stop for a sec and count, right?

And a heart monitor would be expensive for me (even a basic one).

SO, can I ask those of you who have them how much you use them? Do they help you, or do they add frustration? Are they more of a toy or really helpful in motivating you?

(I'm in between casual and not-quite as casual a rider, trying to lose some weight and increase my fitness. My typical rides are 15-30 miles, most days during the season which is ending all too soon. I'm not interested in racing, though I'd like to get faster and stronger.)

If you use and like one, what functions do you find most useful? What could you do without?

Thanks!