Quote Originally Posted by lo123 View Post
On a related note, I bought a cheap Reebok HRM off of Woot.com awhile

I'm torn on the HRM. Should I try a Polar or better brand to see if that will work or just give up? Any good recommendations for an HRM that will stand up to my freaky body?
I've had lots of Polars that lasted maybe a year. They wouldn't read. I changed batteries, swore solemn oaths, gooped up with electrode gel, nothing. I finally bought a Sigma and so far (knock wood) it's lasted over two years. Easy easy easy to use (good thing!) and reliable.

I think my ribcage is a little convex where the electrodes actually touch. I wear a sports bra to snug it up and if it's cold, I use a little electrode gel. The Sigma has been pretty consistent though and continues to read even though I feel it isn't actually snug.

I also rinse off the electrode part (being careful to keep the center-battery part dry) after each ride & hang it to dry.

One thing about the Polars - they were really sensitive to telephone wires. I'd be riding along & look down - darn! I'm at 250BPM and barely breathing! I'd look up & bigger-than-Dallas there would be telephone lines above me.