It is interesting to read everyone's ideas on HR. As I am very new to the sport and am just getting started because of waiting on my equipment by BF is trying to coach me and "break me in" so that I can get with riding with groups sooner. I have been on 3 rides so far..one of 40k, one for 65k, and another short really tough hills that is 10% grade all the way to the top. The first two I thought I was doing pretty well, most of the climbing was 6-8%grade. I was slow but I didn't feel like I was just going to fall off but going up the 10% made me feel like my heart was going to jump out.

At what percentage of your max heart rate do you all find that you warm up with less cramping and more control of breathing? My BF is pushing me so it is 25-30kph from the start and I feel like my legs just are cramping up. Then are you just staying in the red zone for most of the ride? Or just on fairly steep hills?

Also, do any of you have a good recommendation for a computer to track speed/grade/milage?

Thanks