Road Cycling - HRM - go with Polar or can I get by with a Nashbar cheapo?

Well, I tried winning a Polar A5 heart rate monitor today on Ebay - lost in the last few seconds? Anyways, I see Nashbar has a model that has the features of the mid range Polar ($100) that sells for 49 on clearance. Would this Nashbar brand work fine, any experience on this? Im willing to spend up to 100 if it gives me better performance and ease of all the programs. Thanks,

I got a $29 one on clearrance from performance.Does everything I need it to do and operates on the KISS principal. Has big numbers I can read thru sweaty glasses with out bifocals.IT rocks!!

Originally posted by pokey
I got a $29 one on clearrance from performance.Does everything I need it to do and operates on the KISS principal. Has big numbers I can read thru sweaty glasses with out bifocals.IT rocks!!

I think I have the same model. Acumen or something like that. It doesn't do much but tell me my current heart rate and if I'm above or below my targets. I'm not poo-poo'ing the more advanced models but I also don't think I'm overly sophisticated in my training. I guess that the deciding factour. If you've got an intricate training routine and want something that will keep track of that then the more advanced models are nice... otherwise it's just overkill.

Checked out Performance and found the Acumen hrm on clearance for 29. However, it stated it was for a women or someone with a smaller wrist? Is that the model you guys got - if it will fit, Ill go with that - cant beat that price.

Originally posted by nikos
However, it stated it was for a women or someone with a smaller wrist?

Well, I think I have smaller wrists. |8^)

I like the monitor mounted on the bars - much easier to see. I would go for the Polar (I have the A3, and it is just fine) because of the wireless transmitter.

If this one has a wireless transmitter, the small wrist issue wouldn't make any difference.

Cheers...Gary

I agree... start with a functional cheap-o. Important things are current heart rate and limits/alarms. Once you get dialed-in with using an HRM, then you'll appreciate the features you wish you had, etc., and upgrade if it's worth it. Polar makes good HRMs, but to use all the features of any of the S series requires a PhD and a photographic memory.

RoadBikeReview (http://www.roadbikereview.com/) has reviews on several models, probably worth a look.

I'm happy with my cheap CardioSport HRM purchased from Nashbar. It's good, but not great. For my money it has a huge advantage over a Polar with similar features: I can change the batteries in both the watch and belt myself. I have a Polar which is sitting in a drawer, effectively deceased, because I would have to mail it back to the factory to have the batteries repaired at a cost I consider too high.

Sorry - I don't have any information on the Nashbar, but it really boils down to what features you want.

I bought the Polar A3 from my LBS for about $70. I found it to be pretty intuitive in terms of configuration and operation. I didn't want to complicate my life with PC downloads and such. I just wanted the basic features such as elapsed time, time if day, average heart rate, heart rate zones (and elapsed time in zone) as well as a waterproof unit that I could also mount on my bike. I bought the optional bike mount, and it works very well.

Good luck with your search! :)

Originally posted by gmason
[B]If this one has a wireless transmitter, the small wrist issue wouldn't make any difference./B]

This is true... The one I have is wireless and I also bought one of those handlebar mounts from Polar. I use it often simply because I just don't like cycling with a watch. The sweat on my wrists causes watches to slide around and it will eventually get nestled into a position that's uncomfortable. And cinching the strap down tighter just ends up making my hands numb.

I do find it kind of annoying to have so many things blinking at me on my handlebar and if I hadn't already had a FlightDeck computer I might have gone for one of those fully integrated HRM/computer models. As one person said in another forum, it would be nice if Shimano would just license their interface so others could make FlightDeck compatible head units. A Polar/FlightDeck model would be nice.

My experience is entirely with POLAR and I am happy with it. My intent when originally shopping was to get something that would tell me my heart rate and calculate zones and time in my head or in combination with the computer on my bike.

As it turns out, I really appreciate the "file" function on the Polar which gives exercise time, time in zone, avg heart rate, calories expended and more for the last session of exercise.

Only major disadvantage I see to Polar is that battery replacement has to be done at the factory every couple years. That annoys me. Or, should I say, will annoy me ina nother year or so.

Carl

I have a Sigma Sport PC14. It works great and has lots of functions. It is great value for money (it was rated as Best Buy in several bike magazines). Check it out on www.branfordbike.com (http://www.branfordbike.com/heart/heart7.html) or Sigma Sport Web page (http://www.sigmasport.com/index_usa.html) . It goes for $70 on Brandfordbikes and has, as I remember even more functions than the Polar A5.

Originally posted by webist


My experience is entirely with POLAR and I am happy with it. My intent when originally shopping was to get something that would tell me my heart rate and calculate zones and time in my head or in combination with the computer on my bike.


When I was looking for HRMs I didn't really know that much about how to use one for training so I figured I'd go forsomething with very basic functions and then maybe give it to my wife (a non-cyclist who will probably just use it in the gym) if I ever upgraded.



As it turns out, I really appreciate the "file" function on the Polar which gives exercise time, time in zone, avg heart rate, calories expended and more for the last session of exercise.


I've been impressed by the list of features on the Polars. I wish they could work with my FlightDeck setup on my bike so I could record all that information. I don't know if it would improve my training but I'm kind of an information junkie.



Only major disadvantage I see to Polar is that battery replacement has to be done at the factory every couple years. That annoys me. Or, should I say, will annoy me ina nother year or so.


Oh come on! They know who their consumers are. They know that when the battery conks out you'll be eyeing that new model. I've yet to meet a cyclist who hasn't the exhibited even the smallest amount of upgrade lust. |8^)