Road Cycling - Heart Rate Monitor

Anyone have any good recommendations for a heart rate monitor that does the following:

- Target heart rate zone alarms
- Elapsed time in target zone
- Avg/max/min heart rate per trip
- Total training time
- Stopwatch

Thanks,

Paul

Polar is a pretty obvious choice, but I've found that mine has not been reliable. After about six months, the heart rate function worked intermittently. Very annoying. You might try Nike or Ciclosport.

I've got a Polar XT.
Not the newest or the most bells and whistles but
it does all your asking about, and has cycle computer
capability.
OneWheelup, could your transmitter battery be going dead?
Did you contact Polar? I'd be interested to hear about
what they stated. I believe thats the first real complaint
I've heard about Polar with the exception of cross readings
in a tight group, and erratic readings under power lines
(duh!).

Marty

I have a Polar 710s that seems to be working quite well. I purchased it about 6 weeks ago ... so far so good. It came with software and has infrared so I can upload and download directly into my laptop with any additional equipment. Plus it came with a wireless speed sensor. The cadence is extra though.

FEATURES

3 time zone settings with over/under alarms
Altimeter (living in the intermountain area this is a plus)
In essence it has all the features you are seeking

Most of the time this is retailed around $260, but I found it for $210 and that included the shipping!

I use the Polar 710s and it's excellent. It is also coded so it doesn't get interference from other HRM's in the group. I haven't tried the computer feature as I have a MAC and the software is PC only.

CHEERS.

Mark

I recently picked up the Sigma PC 800 from bikeswholesale.com. It does time above/in/below target zone, current HR, alarm and total time. Everything I need for $42.95. Works great.

It seems as if I should the monitor (510)back to Polar. I'll let you know. Thanks

Originally posted by Onewheelup
It seems as if I should return the monitor (510)back to Polar.
I have an S210 who's receiver battery went dead after 4 or 5 months. I returned it to Polar for a battery replacement (return info is on their web-site), along with a note grumbling that the docs say the battery should be good for approximately 2 years. They replaced the receiver, and only charged for S&H. The terse service note just said "High power consumption," so I'm guessing they might have had a problem with some of the early models of some of their current product line.

Unfortunately, it's bad time of year to have to do without... it'll take 2 or 3 weeks.

SIGMA definitely deserves best value for money title, mine works great!

Try the HAC4 by Ciclosport, I can recommend it.

Thanks for the recommendations!!! I'll check out those models.

Paul

I have been using the Polar s710 for about six months. If you have a computer this is the way to go. It lets you track everything you do in a dairy. It is amazing the things you will find out!!! Highly recommended.

It will change the way you train for the better. It does cost though $$$$$.

I have a Polar s150, has all the features you asked for except min HR. I don't recall seeing that option in the Polar line. I'm also using the s150 as my cycle computer on my MTB. Anyway, it has worked well for about 6 months, it was relatively cheap when I bought it (<$120) and is even cheaper now. If I'd had the bucks at the time, I'd have bought something that could upload data and play it back on the PC.

Rob

I've had a Polar S 210 for over a year now and have not had any problems with it. Easy to use and has all the features you are looking for.

I have the S150 also, and I am happy with it. Displaying three things at once is a very nice feature I think.

The S150 was the same price as the S120, so I got the S150 ($99). This was over 6 months ago.

What is this, the Polar club? :D

I tried a Polar A5 and returned it a week later. :crash:

I bought and still have an ECG5 (http://www.sportsinstruments.com/ecg5.html) from Sports Instruments. :beer:

Take a look at it before deciding. :)

Maybe someone can help me with a question on mine. When I hit start (I think mine is the S120), it works fine, reading HR. But when I hit start for the timer, it beeps incessantly. I went into setup to turn the beeping off, but that just appears to turn off the button-press beeping. The darn think beeps so much I don't use the timer function! Any insights?

I wear a Polar 710i all the time... :D It actually does far more then I need. It came with the components that attach to my bike for even more functionality. However, I have a campy ergo brain on my bike, which covers those same functions. I really like the temp, altimeter, calorie and fitness functions ++ aside from the main HR functionality. Also, when at my gym, certain pieces of equipment sync up with my 710i. Cost $265.

I got an Axom heart rate monitor from Performance. I have the middle one, my husband has the top of line one, it does even more. You can change your own batteries also. I'm not sure if you can on the Polar ones now or not.

I've got the cheapest Polar, the A1, and it has performed flawlessly for 1.5 years of daily use. Not many features, but HR is all I wanted.

I bought and still have an ECG5 from Sports Instruments.

Does anyone have comments on the ECG5 and training both on the bike and/or for running?

you have described the polar a5.

I have a S150, no problems at all yet, i am having difficulty with the target zones, i set them and am riding with target zone 2 and am well within the zone and the damn thing keeps beeping away, i have just been using the percentage display to figure it out on my own, definetly get one with a handlebar mount, looking at your wrist is a pain in the butt. nashbar has the S150 for cheap look here (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=94&subcategory=1054&brand=&sku=6653&storetype=&estoreid=) i think its $106, thats a very good price for it, i paid 120 after haggling with the lbs to match sports authority who didnt know anything about them down from 130.

I also own a s210 since july 2001, and it does everything you mentioned. I just had my first problem, my transmitter went dead. Fortunately I called Polar, and I had 2yrs warranty on the transmitter. Than I was able to borrow another transmitter from a friend. I think I would be lost without it.

I have used mine mainly for running, but it works well cycling also. Any of the polar monitors from the s210 7 up will do the functions you mentioned.

The only problem you may experience, and this goes for any HR monitor is electrical interferences. There is an area on the course that I run/cycle, that will always read wrong. It is just a very small section, and I have no idea what causes it.

Originally posted by Castanza
The only problem you may experience, and this goes for any HR monitor is electrical interferences. There is an area on the course that I run/cycle, that will always read wrong. It is just a very small section, and I have no idea what causes it.

Is it a downhill?

I had three spots on my regular ride where the HRM always went nuts but only on dry days. After identifying the commonality (decents) and reading the Polar support site I had the answer.

The transmitter is sensitive to static charge. While decending my synthetic jersey flaps against the transmitter sending the HR up to match the frequency of flapping. You can verify this by placing your hand on the jersey and rubbing up and down (quickly) over the transmitter.

F1 Fan it is uphill with a slight grade, and it happens if I am running/cycling. It seems kinda strange, since I am training on a campus, University of South Al . There are woods to the left of the road, and just mountain bike trails there. To the right is a couple of medical bldgs, but I circle around to them, and no problem. Who knows?

I've had a Polar A5 for the past five or so months. My first HR monitor. No problems and am pleased that I purchased this model.

The transmitter is sensitive to static charge. While decending my synthetic jersey flaps against the transmitter sending the HR up to match the frequency of flapping. You can verify this by placing your hand on the jersey and rubbing up and down (quickly) over the transmitter.

This little bit of info helped me to solve the problem I was having with unexplainably high readings on my Polar S210, which I really like.
At first I thought it was my wireless Flight Deck because when I came to a stop the high readings on the receiver would stop.
As an experiment I went on a ride with my Flight Deck turned off and I was still getting the high readings, then I simply pulled my cycling shirt up and away from the transmitter and the readings on the receiver went to normal...problem solved.

Thanks F1_Fan, it is greatly appreciated. :thumbup:

Originally posted by Trouble

At first I thought it was my wireless Flight Deck because when I came to a stop the high readings on the receiver would stop.
As an experiment I went on a ride with my Flight Deck turned off and I was still getting the high readings, then I simply pulled my cycling shirt up and away from the transmitter and the readings on the receiver went to normal...problem solved.

Although in this case, the static was the culprit and I think Polars use coded transmitters, with other HRMs, it's quite possible that the FlightDeck's wireless wheel sensor's transmitter could cause a problem. Remember that the transmitter of the wheel sensor is independent of the head unit. Even if you turn the computer off, the wheel sensor will still be sending out signals.

I'm not sure about that.
The Polar transmitter does not transmit unless the request is send from the receiver, in other words the receiver has to be turned on.
I think the same applies to the Flight Deck. :confused:
According to Polar, the "coded" in the newer transmitters is only for magnetic pulse cross talk with other HRM. Nothing to do with any other electrical interferences.
When I asked a Shimano Cust. Rep what the transmission frequency or method of transmission the Flight Deck used, he told me to call Japan...must be a Shimano trade secret.

Originally posted by Trouble
I'm not sure about that.
The Polar transmitter does not transmit unless the request is send from the receiver, in other words the receiver has to be turned on.
I think the same applies to the Flight Deck. :confused:

The wireless wheel sensor transmitter is not that smart. There's basically a reed-relay that gets tripped when the magnet passes by. This triggers a pulsed signal from the transmitter.

One thing people should keep in mind when transporting their bike is to make sure the wheel is secured and not turning in the wind and that the secured position doesn't have the magnet too close to the sensor otherwise you end up consuming batteries unnecessarily.

If you say so...

Just for kicks, I'll call the happy fellas over at Shimano and pose the question.
Maybe this time they'll give me the phone number in Japan.

Originally posted by Trouble

Thanks F1_Fan, it is greatly appreciated. :thumbup:

Glad I could help... it's one of those silly little things they don't draw attention to in the manual.

I have a Polar S720i which I love. I'd recommend it.

I am seriously considering Sigma PC1600 hrm. Anything I should know (good or bad) about this particular model?

http://www.sigmasport.com/html/produkte/pulscomputer/usa_ansicht_pc1600_funktionen.html

I use the Polar 710s and it's excellent. It is also coded so it doesn't get interference from other HRM's in the group. I haven't tried the computer feature as I have a MAC and the software is PC only.

CHEERS.

Mark

I have been developing some software for polar IR devices, no sonic link support yet.

http://www.dlsxtreme.com/weblog/

You can download nightly builds from

http://www.dlsxtreme.com/polar/polar.tgz

I really welcome feature requests, bug reports and feedback in general.

Greg

I have been developing some software for polar IR devices, no sonic link support yet.

http://www.dlsxtreme.com/weblog/

You can download nightly builds from

http://www.dlsxtreme.com/polar/polar.tgz

I really welcome feature requests, bug reports and feedback in general.

Greg


Any of this work with a PDA?

I am seriously considering Sigma PC1600 hrm. Anything I should know (good or bad) about this particular model?

http://www.sigmasport.com/html/produkte/pulscomputer/usa_ansicht_pc1600_funktionen.html

I don' thave that particular model but I have the Fit Watch. Its a great HR monitor IMO. And very cool looking.

I just ordered one of these today. Cost me $80 with 2nd day air. I'll let you know what I think once I have it in hand. :D

http://www.timex.com/bin/image.tmx?image=753048098804

Timex 5C401 Heart Rate Monitor
"Whether training for a 10K race or exercising to lose weight, the Timex.
Digital Heart Rate monitor helps you make the most of your workouts.
* Timex. Ironman*Triathlon Digital Heart Rate Monitor
* Target heart rate zone with optional alarms
* 5 target zones based on max heart rate
* Recovery rate timer
* Calories burned
* Display with flipping system for easy reading
* 100-hour chronograph with lap and split
* 30-lap memory with average heart rate
* 100-hour, 3-mode countdown timer
* Month/day/date with 12/24 hour time
* Alarm with 5-minute backup
* INDIGLO. night-light with NIGHT-MODE. feature
* Double-shot polyurethane strap
* Water resistant to 50 meters
* TIMEX DIGITAL HEART RATE SENSOR FEATURES
* Digital FM transmission for clear signals around exercise equipment and power lines
* Synchronized transmission prevents crosstalk from other heart rate monitors
* Continuous heart rate readings even during the most intense activities
* Comfortable and lightweight with adjustable elastic chest strap
* Owner-replaceable battery
* Sensor Water-resistant to 30m
* (Sensor will not provide accurate readings when under water.)
* Unlike many other heart rate monitors, all Timex Heart Rate Monitor sensors
have batteries that can be replaced by consumers without requiring them to be
returned to the manufacturer.
* Data recorder compatible"

Is it a downhill?

I had three spots on my regular ride where the HRM always went nuts but only on dry days. After identifying the commonality (decents) and reading the Polar support site I had the answer.

The transmitter is sensitive to static charge. While decending my synthetic jersey flaps against the transmitter sending the HR up to match the frequency of flapping. You can verify this by placing your hand on the jersey and rubbing up and down (quickly) over the transmitter.

Mystery solved.

My Polar FS2 starting showing HR's over 220 today. Only on descents.

Warm, dry weather.

I guess my avg. HR is garbage from today's ride?

Anyone have any ideas on how to keep the static charges from messing up my HRM?

I have a Sigma Onyx Fit model HRM that will do what you want it to do and is very well priced. I bought mine on eBay at a good price and when I replaced the batteries which you can do yourself its been great. It had just been sitting in a shop for a while but its easy enough to replace batteries.

Anthony

If you are going to spend $200+ on a heart monitor, you might as well get a Garmin 305 that has a lot of advanced cycling features along with HR monitor capability

Bought a cheap Sigma off of E Bay last year which turned out to be crap ... died within 6 months. I have a Polar with a fickled transmitter that is very annoying (one of those soft washable transmitter belts that snaps into the transmitter that is suppose to block interference). I like the HR monitor on my Garmin Edge 305. The Polar has all kinds of functions (upper / lower limits ... targets etc) but the constant beeping is distracting and I usually only look at my current HR anyway.