I'm thinking that heart rate monitors are interesting to train with, etc. But, they don't give the whole story I train with one, but my hubby trains with a power tap and heart rate monitor. He looks more at his watts and he says this year, it has given him more valuable data for his training...

Hmmm, since he's gettin' a new road bike this year...Hmm, maybe I can hint around...'Honey, I'd sure like a power tap too!' ROTFLMAO

I remember when I was 'younger' (say 10 years ago), I saw my heart rate get up to the 190's in a mtn. bike race. As I've gracefully aged though, my heart rate usually doesn't get over 180's (and this is in criteriums, mind you)...

Everyone is different, so naturally, there's not a right or wrong or typical for anyone when it comes to heart rate

Peace out,
Lisa