Training & Nutrition - Cateye MSC HRM. Is it any good?

I want an HRM but don't want to spend a fortune. Nashbar has the Cateye MSC (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=&sku=16343&SRCCODE=1630) on sale. Is this HRM any good? I really don't want to strap anything to my chest. My doc tells me that I really don't need that anyway.

Just about any HRM is going to provide an accurate heart rate. The difference between them is primarily the other features that go along them (i.e. target zones, ability to save an exercise session, downloading, etc.). However, they all require a chest strap.

Thanks! Download to PC would be useful. I wish my Flight Deck did that.

With the ones that allow download, do they also store the time? It would be cool if I could figure a way to tie that information to track information on my GPS. Yeah I know Garmin already has a GPS that does all of the for you but I already own 4 other models. :)

I did not realize that all HRMs require a chest strap. I would think they could get a reading from the wrist pulse. Maybe not as accurate as from the chest.

It depends on the unit. Some of the more sophisticated (and more expensive) units will record altitude, time, HR, speed and cadence. Then the data can be downloaded to a PC. Polar, for example, has software that comes with some of their HRMs that will provide a graph of your entire ride. I have the Polar S725x with does all this, although the unit will set you back $325.

The chest strap senses electrical impulses, which are more pronounced in the vicinity of your chest. I have not heard of an HRM that does this any other way. I find the chest strap is not uncomfortable. Polar has a soft pickup, instead of their previous hard rubber strap, and I hardly notice its there. You may want to check out Polar too.