Training & Nutrition - HR Monitor

What are some good heartrate monitors in the $100 range and below? I bought a Ironman trainer or whatever from walmart, the pickup and the watch were both very very bulky, not something I want.

A small functional watch, and a comfortable, non-restrictive (as much as possible) pickup. Ease of use and functions.

The polar A5 is in your price range, and is quite comfortable. In addition to time of day and HR, it keeps track of workout time, avg HR, and estimates calories burned (based on HR, and I think, body weight or bmi). The watch isn't exactly a fashion statment, but is a decent little sports watch.

If you don't like having two devices on your handlebars, take a look at a combo unit. Performance has the Vetta V100HR (has been on sale for $70.00) that does speed, distance, cadence, and heart rate. Does time in, above, below, averages for each, and total workout time average.

Great little computer for $70.00 - or ever more. I have been using mine for about 3 a month and love it.

Originally posted by OldDog
The polar A5 is in your price range, and is quite comfortable. In addition to time of day and HR, it keeps track of workout time, avg HR, and estimates calories burned (based on HR, and I think, body weight or bmi). The watch isn't exactly a fashion statment, but is a decent little sports watch.

DITTO!

I was watching the tour of spain yesturday and saw one of the riders with a HR monitor that had the pickup on his ear. does anyone have any experience with these?

I was watching the tour of spain yesturday and saw one of the riders with a HR monitor that had the pickup on his ear. does anyone have any experience with these?

I've never seen anything like that. Are you sure that wasn't the earpiece for his two way radio? Many of the riders are using those to communicate with their team cars.

thats what i thought it was at first but it didnt look like it went into his ear. maybe i just didn't get a good look at it. I remember using treadmills and things like that in the gym and the pickup was a little clip that hooked to the ear. probably not as accurate or they fall off easy or soemthing and thats why they arn't more widely used.