Heart Rate monitor choices

[Dogmama]

I don't know about the Nashbar HRM, but I bought a Polar that ran around $120, I think. I just wanted something to measure heart rate and give me a few other readings. I'm not into downloading stuff onto my computer and I have a great cyclometer, so I went with the simpler version.

After dissing Polar on these boards, I have to admit that this one is a sweetie. The chest strap is flexible, so it makes contact much better. And the wristband does fit smaller wrists (like mine.)

I did a lot of research on the web, and it seemed that Polar always won, hands down.

[Barb, USA]

"Thom had ordered some huge super magnets with hooks for me for school (which sucks right now BTW) and the company included for free some little but very powerful magnets and I added them to the speed sensor magnets. Problem solved." Veronica.[/QUOTE

Sorry, I'm a bit behind. We have had the same problems. Where did Thom get these magnets? How big are they? Apparently there's no problem attaching them. I'm going to the States to visit my grandkids on April 1. If possible, I could order them and have them sent to my son's house.

Thanks for your help

We enjoy your comments, Veronica. I hope I'll be able to comment soon...when the work lets up. Meanwhile, my secretary monitors everything for me.

Good biking. Barb

[Melody]

After talking to the hubby yesterday about cadence, etc., I decided to pick up an S725 w/ a cadence sensor today. I've not had a chance to really use it yet, but I've been playing with all of the little buttons and reading the manual.

Mmm new toys

Mel

[Veronica]

We got our magnets at kjmagnetics.com

V.

[Melody]

So, after riding today, I noticed that the watch is only intermittently recieving sensor information from the speed sensor and not at all from the cadence sensor. I do know that the sensors are working since if the watch is near the sensors, it picks things up fine. So I'm going to pick up some jeweler's screwdrivers tonight and see if I can set the sensors to high power as was described before. I'll have to let everyone know how that goes.

Mel who hasn't given up yet.

[doc]

I have the poalr 510 which I notice no-one mentioned. It's quite a bit cheaper than the 710 which has altimeter and watts as the only difference that I can tell. It has cadence also and can be uploaded to the computer. BUT the watch is HUGE. Of course you can always mount it to the bike. I am sure the 710 and 720 are the same. The difference between 10's and 20's is the watch case. 10's are rubber or plastic or whatever. 20's are stainless.
Anyone considering a polar should go to:
polarusa.com
Select cycling (or tri) and then choose comparison. I believe the 625 is the most expensive and I can't see that it adds much.
Finally, I got mine on ebay. Brand new in box. Waaaaaay cheaper than retail. Ebay always has tons of heart monitors for sale.
Happy hunting.

[SadieKate]

Thanks for all the info, doc, on the different models. One thing of note, Polar clearly states on their web site that they will not honor the warranty for purchased from eBay or non-authorized dealers.

[Melody]

So, I was able to open up the speed sensor and swap the pins and now it works great. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to open up the cadence sensor. I even went out and picked up a new one to see if maybe I screwed up the first one. Still couldn't get it opened. I could unscrew one side, but not the other.

So, I tried putting the sensor on the downtube and the magnet all the way at the end of the crank, near the peddle. In initial tests it seems to be working, but I won't know truly until I take it out tomorrow during the morning commute.

In other news, on my commute home, something happened. I heard a massive "PING" which startled me. Everything seemed to be fine afterwards, but as I got near home, I started hearing scraping coming from the back wheel. I noticed that the wheel was no longer true and was scraping against the side of one of the brake pads. No spoke was broken so I'm not sure what happened.

I did have to straighten the wheel by tightening and loosening various spokes. I guess it's time to take the wheel into the LBS and have them check things out. I've only put a little less than 300 miles in the last month. (which is good for me since I used to live a _very_ seditary life)

Mel