computer / HR monitor

**aicabsolut** · 09-25-2006, 12:55 PM

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.

**Bikingmomof3** · 09-25-2006, 01:12 PM

Sorry I cannot help with wireless. Is there a specific reason you want one that is wireless?
I have a Polar H4 heart rate monitor, works great and was on sale at Target. I use it on my bike, running, and for HIIT. On my bike I have Cateye Astrale 8, which works beautifully and was also not expensive, but it is not wireless. I think I bought both for a grand total of $100.

**aicabsolut** · 09-25-2006, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by Bikingmomof3

Sorry I cannot help with wireless. Is there a specific reason you want one that is wireless?

I have more confidence in setting up a wireless one with the other stuff on my bike, like the bottle cages and minipump. Easier to hide a wireless sensor somewhere out of the way, I think. I'm also a gadget nerd when it comes to everything else I do, so wireless just seems to make more sense to me.

**Grog** · 09-25-2006, 02:06 PM

Remember that if you get a 'basic' wireless computer it's probably going to pick up various signals from your riding environment. For example, when I stop over a car-detector at an intersection, my computer goes crazy and records 99.9 km/h speeds.

I don't care too much about this, but I would go wired if my computer came in a wired kit. For some reason, it doesn't...

**BleeckerSt_Girl** · 09-25-2006, 03:37 PM

Originally Posted by Grog

Remember that if you get a 'basic' wireless computer it's probably going to pick up various signals from your riding environment. For example, when I stop over a car-detector at an intersection, my computer goes crazy and records 99.9 km/h speeds.

I can't wait!!

**Veronica** · 09-25-2006, 03:49 PM

I've had my HRM since 2003. They are not easy to break.

It has all the bells and whistles, cadence sensor, speed, altimeter, temperature. I wear it when I swim. It's on my bike when I ride. Yes it was expensive, but I've worn it for for 12,000+ outdoor miles and countless hours swimming or on the trainer.

If you think any of this extra info will someday be important to you, get one with the bells and whistles if you can afford it.

V.

**7rider** · 09-25-2006, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by aicabsolut

I have more confidence in setting up a wireless one with the other stuff on my bike, like the bottle cages and minipump. Easier to hide a wireless sensor somewhere out of the way, I think. I'm also a gadget nerd when it comes to everything else I do, so wireless just seems to make more sense to me.

Some thoughts for you:

DH has a Cateye Astrale 8 on his flatbar, which has cadance, but not HR and is wired all the way. On his road bike, he has the Mavic WinTech:
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...slisearch=true
It's wireless, but it doesn't have HR function.

I used to have a Polar S510, which gave me HR and wireless bike computer support, and I think has a cadence pickup. Unfortunately, I don't think they make the S510 anymore (mine is about 6 y.o.). That has been acting flakey anyway, and I recently replaced it with a Garmin 305 HR/Cadance bundle.
http://www.garmin.com/products/edge305/
Talk about NON-basic and a lot of extra stuff you may not need! It is, of course, a GPS unit, and wicked cool, but pricey and may have more functions than you need.

Summary? Wireless HR and Cadance moves you beyond the range of basic and into the fancy.
Sigh. I just wish there was ONE unit that did everything I wanted it to do...and did it at a reasonable price!!! Could I custom design one? Now THAT would be cool!

**Veronica** · 09-25-2006, 04:26 PM

The Garmin 305 doesn't map for you does it?

I use a separate GPS unit for my long rides and touring.

V.

**7rider** · 09-25-2006, 04:51 PM

Originally Posted by Veronica

The Garmin 305 doesn't map for you does it?

I use a separate GPS unit for my long rides and touring.

V.

You can upload a route into it (haven't tried it yet), but it doesn't provide "turn-by-turn" directions. It does map out your route to the desktop, although the included software is somewhat limited. There are other options online, such as www.motionbased.com that allow for more detailed mapping.

I'll try to upload a screenshot for you to see how it displays routes.

**Veronica** · 09-25-2006, 05:00 PM

That's why I like having a separate unit. It does give me turn by turn directions and beeps about a minute before the turn and right at the turn. It's the only way I made it back to the start/finish on the Davis double.

It's also handy for finding restaurants and stores when you're traveling. We've gotten in the habit of just bringing it along in the car with us.

V.

**CycleTherapy** · 09-25-2006, 06:10 PM

I have the Polar CS200....love it.

**tygab** · 09-25-2006, 07:05 PM

Ok, I have the assortment of gadgets, but they've been acquired at different times for different purposes....

-got the GPS years ago for general outdoors use (now on GPS #2, the one in the pic)
-got the HRM a few years ago when I had aspirations of running regularly with it. It's the cheapest one Polar had at the time, very basic. (I didn't use it much after getting it and it sat idle until I started using it this summer after getting into cycling. Was happy the batteries still worked! Now I wear it almost everytime I exercise).
-Got the wireless compu when I got the bike this year (no cadence, now kinda wish I had it, but I am still learning the one I have)

Anyway, two points - I like having the separate devices especially the HRM since I can use it at the gym/spin class. I also think, overall, they do a very good job at what they do. If I were starting without any of these, and with the focus of cycling, I'd probably go the Garmin 305 route.

The second is a question - Veronica how did you rig a mount? Is that a car mount? I am already at a bar space premium, but that still is very intriguing. My GPS use on the bike has so far consisted of stowing it in my seat bag and pulling it out when necessary. I have only done this for out of area rides tho. I could definitely do this on the other bike in any case.

**RoadRaven** · 09-26-2006, 11:13 AM

Sorry aica, can't give you feedback on wireless comps, all mine are 'wired'

Sounds like you're getting lots of good perspectives from others though

**Bad JuJu** · 09-26-2006, 11:18 AM

I've been eyeing that Polar CS200, but some of the reviews indicate problems with it. Bliss--you haven't had any problems with this model? Anybody else have the Polar CS200? It seems like it's got everything I want at a not-too-astronomical price (like the Garmin), but not if it's only going to be a struggle to use it.

**GLC1968** · 09-26-2006, 11:38 AM

I have the Polar s720i and I LOVE it. It's not exactly cheap...but if you live in the US, Polar does an awesome 'upgrade' program. I sent them my old Polar HRM (it was REALLY old....only had HR...nothing else!) and I got an s720i for $219 (regularly $339). It's a program only available to US residents though.

I don't know how the CS200 compares, but I've had my s720i for over a year now and have never had any issues at all (that weren't solely operator error

). Keep in mind that for both models, the wireless cadence sensor is extra (speed sensor is included). I think it's like an additional $30...so make sure to figure that into your decision-making process! Oh, another 'down side' is that the speed sensor must be within a certain distance of your computer to transmit correctly, so you cannot mount it on the rear wheel (for speed/distance on a trainer). The cadence sensor will still work on a trainer though!

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