Need Heart rate monitor/cyclocomputer choice advice

[lo123]

A little background: I was recently diagnosed with a heart defect and told to limit my exertion when exercising and avoid lifting heavy weights to avoid large peaks in HR. I'm horrible about rating my perceived exertion because I always just pushed through it. It's not until I hit the point of puke or get dizzy that I really notice how hard I'm working. So, I've decided I need a new heart rate monitor (currently using a cheap-o Reebok I got off of Woot that spikes for no good reason and doesn't work very well). I'd really like something I can use on the bike AND at the gym. I'm torn on GPS or not, since most multi-function devices seem to be impractical for the gym (spin class mainly or lifting relatively light weights).

So, my wants:

• Something I can use on the bike and be able to see/hear/feel when my HR exceeds a certain limit
• Ability to download data for analysis later
• Lap or other ability to 'mark' a point during exercise to target events when I experience symptoms
• Preferably be able to include a cadence/speed sensor
• Readable screen - I'm concerned some of the models would be totally useless for distance/speed/cadence when mounted on handlebars/stem, and I don't want to have to look at my wrist all the time.

Right now I'm leaning toward Garmin because you can replace the batteries in their cadence sensors by yourself, whereas polar you can't. GPS would be nice, but I'm not sure it's worth the premium without navigation capability. I'd love to hear others' thoughts/experiences with combined HRM/cyclocomputers.

Models I've been researching so far:

• Garmin FR60
• Garmin Forerunner 305 - for the price, this seems like a good option, but it's HUGE!
• Garmin Forerunner 310xt
• Garmin 405cx

Thanks in advance!

[azfiddle]

I have the Garmin 305 and I put it on my bike handlebars. I've only had it since December (gift!) but really like it so far and it meets most of your criteria. I don't know how it would be for running or other activities.

[GLC1968]

I have the Edge 305 - since last summer. First ride I used it, it was pouring rain. The speed/cadence sensor hasn't worked since! I have since read that they don't do well with wet weather which pretty much makes then useless in the PNW. I still use it for the gps, but I haven't bothered trying to get the speed/cadence sensor to work again. I do like the large display but I don't see how it could be used for running or any other sport as it is relatively huge and it has no wrist strap.

I used a Polar (the older model 725i) and loved it until it needed a new battery. It worked great for 3 years - cadence, speed and HR were almost always spot on. The only issue I encountered was interference with my headlight, but once I shielded it, that was solved. I sent the wrist unit and strap to Polar to get new batteries and it hasn't worked since.

Now I'm kind of in the market again. For now, I bought an inexpensive Timex HRM to use for running and gym stuff and I still use the Edge 305 on the bike. I'd eventually like something that will work while swimming, so I'll probably end up with another Polar. I'm just not to the point where I need it yet, so I am holding off. When I'm ready, I'll use Polar's 'trade up' program and get a nice discount (assuming they still do it).

[Bike Chick]

I've had the Forerunner 405 for over a year now and have been very pleased. It will do everything that you listed. I use it on the bike by mounting it on my handlebars and also use it on the run. I have the cadence sensor for the bike and the foot pod to use when running in the gym and I am very satisfied with it. After my workout I download the information to my Training Center on my computer with the wireless USB Ant Agent. The only complaint that I have is that you have to manually set it for bike mode or running mode so it would use precious minutes of transition time in a triathlon. I've been told the new 405X does this automatically, but I don't know for sure.

I had a Polar before the Garmin and didn't think it was very user friendly IMO.

[HillSlugger]

I've had the FR305 for 2 years and it's been great. Just got a 310XT. The 310 is only a little smaller than the 305. I think the 310 has better alerts than the 305.

[lo123]

Thanks for all the input. For those with the 305/405 - do you find the GPS information useful after rides?

I definitely need a better alarm than I have now. Went for my first ride in 1.5 months (since diagnosis), and the alarms didn't work at all =/.

[tangentgirl]

I sent the wrist unit and strap to Polar to get new batteries and it hasn't worked since.

Great. I just sent my hrm off to Polar last week. Crossing my fingers.