Road Bike Racing - Too cheap for a power meter--Polar S725x vs. Suunto T6

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DrPete
08-08-06, 12:29 PM
Well, since I'm not sure how much racing I'll be able to do after next spring/summer, and with a lot of other things that I need to spend cash on, I've decided to stick with the HRM option, but I want to upgrade. I have a cs200cad right now and am looking for a wrist mounted unit (for cross-training) and the cool testing features, like ownindex/VO2max and others... I kinda like the Polar OwnOptimizer too. I'm looking at the Polar s725x and the Suunto T6. Right now, the Polar is leading the way because I can download data to my Mac (using 3rd party software) and it has a cadence option, where the T6 apparently doesn't. Oh, and the Polar is almost $100 cheaper.

I'm totally unfamiliar with Suunto's products, though--has anyone had any experience with these units, and how do you like them? Any issues with downloading to a Mac re: the s725x? Thanks.

*new*guy
08-08-06, 12:43 PM
There's a powertap setup for sale local to us for $500... the hub's on an open pro, but still, it's a damn good deal. PM me if you want contact info.
DocRay
08-08-06, 01:05 PM
I looked into this exact question a while back. I found a lot of negative reviews and big problems with all of the Suunto products. Suunto's look cool, and don't have that tacky fake CF look of a 89 Honda at Pep Boys.

DrPete
08-08-06, 01:44 PM
I looked into this exact question a while back. I found a lot of negative reviews and big problems with all of the Suunto products. Suunto's look cool, and don't have that tacky fake CF look of a 89 Honda at Pep Boys.

Yeah, you'd think for the price Polar would be able to use real CF or just not do it. :(

Still looks like the best HRM for the money, though... I was impressed to see the Suunto become the "official HRM" over at CTS, so I figured it would be decent... I just don't see how you can advertise a complete cycling solution with no cadence. Bah.