Tuckervill, my hubby was curious about HR and maxing it out quickly on long rides. So he bought a book, Heart Zones for Cycling. Maybe this will help answer your questions.

http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Zones-Cy.../dp/1931382840

I have a Polar too and my max heart rate is 184. My resting HR is 45 and my Own Zone is 128-154 to stay in the fat burning range.