computer / HR monitor

[Bad JuJu]

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]

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!

[spokewench]

Sorry, gals, I just have to say this! I used to run a heart rate monitor and an odometer when I was training to race, but to tell you the truth, I ride for Fun and I'm just not into being hooked up anymore! In this age of ipods, cell phones, blackberries (sp?); computers, I JUST WANT TO RIDE MY BIKE AND HAVE FUN DOING IT!

I certainly don't want to be hooked up to another computerized doodad while I'm out enjoying the ride/the weather/the scenery and my bike.

[Veronica]

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!

I have the 710, predecessor to the 720. My speed sensor is on the back wheel and works just fine. I do mount the watch to my handlebars.

V.

[lawyergirl]

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.

!

Do you have a link to info on the upgrade program? I have a HRM from Polar that I've had for about 5 years and just sent it in for a new battery and it's as good as new, but one day I might need a new one!

[Veronica]

...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.

Where did you found out about this? I can't find anything about it on their website.

Thanks to BikerZ, I want to upgrade to the 725. And no, not because it's 5 grams lighter than my current version. It's that automatic lap counter and odometer.

V.

[SadieKate]

You are so weak.

[SadieKate]

Remember that phrase "Google is your friend" ?

http://www.polarusa.com/education/pr.../promo_001.asp

OK, so it's not the right program but we're getting close. And, Bubba wanted to mow the lawn before we left.

[aicabsolut]

Asked a bike shop around here that sells some Polars (no cs200 right now but they did have some of the cadence sensors lying around). Sales guy said Polar is great for HR, but the cyclocomputers are "finicky."

Looks like the Garmin PC links are better, but I'm sort of "eh" about their GPS.

Ok, for speed, cadence, miles, all that jazz.. Garmin or CatEye?

I'm thinking of getting the cheapest Polar wrist unit that does the calories burned thing.

[SadieKate]

Once I put new batteries in the sensors and stopped carrying my cell phone in a bento box near it, my Polar has worked flawlessly.

The Ciclosport 434 does everything but HR and calories, and doesn't download an elevation profile. The cool thing about it is you can get total climbing for the day as well as see the percent gradient of your climb while you are riding. Jobob has the downloadable version. I really like mine. Very trustworthy, easy to read and use. A cadence meter can be added to the basic unit.

[aicabsolut]

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.

I read the same stuff about the CS200, which is why I asked.
There's a CS200cad version where the cadence sensor is included.

If it doesn't work well, then I'd rather stick with Polar just for HR and go with the other brands for the other stuff.

Do 'upgrades' for Polar work with most models when they get outdated?

I'm a gadget geek, so if I can't safely take my ipod and whatnot out on the bike, then I've gotta have something .. lol

I don't mind much about speed/distance not working on a trainer. Indoors, I'd probably be concerned with cadence and heart rate most.

[im4smiley]

I have the cs200, I do not have a the cadence on my bike yet. I got this model so I can download the info into my computer. I wish I could have afforded the one that gives you nice charts but this one keeps track of lot of info, avg and max heart rate, how much time above or below hr zone, avg and max speed, distance, time, calories, 7 different workouts, total distance. You can check info by week, month or year. I am very happy with it.