Heart Monitor

[deepakvrao]

I love it. Its made a huge difference to my cycling. I know how long I can go at a certain pace, and uphill I go at a slower pace if required to finish the climb without stopping.

Its great for interval training and so many other things.

[VeloVT]

This is just MY opinion, and I'm in the minority, and I don't mean to imply that others are wrong -- clearly not, since most pro athletes use them.

I determined my max by hill running test. Around 206. The problem for me is I can run forever at what is theoretically around 85-87% max. And below 80% feels kind of pointless -- I tried really hard for the first 7-8 miles of a 12 mile run once to keep at 80, and it was incredibly frustrating -- I just gave up after a while. At nominally 85%, I wouldn't say my pace was easy, but my tongue was not hanging out and I wasn't getting fatigued. Since the hr max I arrived at is over 200, I doubt it's way low, so the percentages calculated from it are probably not too low either.... it just doesn't seem to work for me. Perhaps I'm not patient enough.

I would say it's worth a try though, since many people find it useful.

[Miranda]

"No", you do not need a HRM to train, BUT, they are wonderful tools if you can work out the $. A couple $ saving ideas for you besides what is already mentioned...

You could post a "wanted" ad here on TE for one; as people seem to upgrade all the time--that might give you a good basic mid-range HRM at a much lower price. If you belong to a gym, maybe there is a place you could post this same type of ad? I'm a certified Spinning intructor at my gym and a fellow instructor is a Polar HRM dealer. I think she gives discount sometimes to those she knows etc.

I personally use a couple things. I own a pink version of the Polar F6 (about $100). Besides the HR, looking at the total calories burned is very motivating for me.

Now that I own a Garmin bici pc I use that system outside. I started with the solid chest strap that came with my unit. Then recently upgraded to a soft chest strap version. This way all my stats, including HR, are intergraded with my ride stats in Garmin.

Besides calories burned (which used to boil down to DQ blizzards for me lol), I found when I officially started training for something, the HR figure became much more important. I've learned even more about the diff HR zones and how to work them with endurance training, i.e. ramping up my miles.

I still do compare with my perceived exertion signs, and a manual HR check of my finger-tips at body pulse. Always good to double check technology once in a while imo.

Lastly, what's been said about them being accurate--there is some truth to that. Most HRM are set with stock numbers on the calculation of 220 - your age = max HR... then % effort x this #.

This basic math calculation is a "guide". If you are beginner exerciser with a lot of # to lose etc., your max might be lower that average, read: less fit. If you are a seasoned athlete... then your max # will more than likely be higher... as you are "fitter than average". Which, btw, there is a way to manually re-set those numbers in the monitor to YOU accordingly--& over time as you progress.

Hope that helps some!

[GulfCoastAmy]

I use a Polar F6. I love it and wear on every ride - I would feel naked without it! Fitness is the whole reason I started riding, so yes, I do find it motivating! I love to monitor my HR and keep an eye on how many calories I'm burning. I'm always trying to outdo myself and it keeps me going. It was worth every penny!

[wannaduacentury]

I have a Sports Instruments one that does basic HR and calorie count too. I use it to ride and trail run. My bike club gave it to me as a reward a few yrs back on volunteering. I used it last week trail running and got into the performance zone a time or two. Stayed in fitness zone. It's a decent HRM for recreational use and not too many bells to confuse you. Jenn