Road Cycling - The HRM question again

Im looking to buy a HRM. I have read most of the posts on these forums and others and read reviews on other websites to try and get as big a picture as I could. Im looking of course at the polar 720 and the ciclosport HAC4. But I think I want one of those just because they are the top end. I definetly would like the altimeter functions of both though. Out of curiosity of what Im climbing and to maybe help build some kind of training program, i.e. so I know what kind of effort I'll be putting out on the climb and whether its long enough,steep enough etc. Im 19 and want to eventually get into some racing. Im looking at maybe sometime this fall join up with a club team locally.
Anyone and everyone who has either of these HRM's please respond. Also, does anyone have the polar 520? How is it? Has anyone used both the 720 and HAC4? Comparisions? Im trying to justify spending that kind of money I want to be sure its worth it. On eBay there is a HAC4 with all the software and computer interface kit for 290$. I have been leaning towards the HAC4 but Im not sure why. Ive been looking seriously at them for about 2 weeks now and while I am more educated on them I still am no closer to making a decision so please help!

I've got the 710i and I love it. Unfortunately, one of the buttons fell out (!) after 10 months and it's off for warranty work right now.

Just a heads up... the "i" models are supposed to be compatible with standard PC IR ports. In case your PC has one you can save a bit of money without buying Polar's interface.

Maybe I'm just young and stupid, but I've never found the use in a heart monitor. About the only thing that I use so far on my road bike is my Suunto Vector to tell me the altitude. I'm sure I could get by with out it even, but it is a fairly light watch.

Maybe I'm just young and stupid, but I've never found the use in a heart monitor. About the only thing that I use so far on my road bike is my Suunto Vector to tell me the altitude. I'm sure I could get by with out it even, but it is a fairly light watch.

You need to get one. They are a wonderful tool. It helps you understand your body and get the most out of it. Please tell me you don't have one because you worry about the extra weight of the monitor and strap.

I have a Sigma Sport 1600. It doesn't have a computer interface but it does everything else. I just log the info manually.

Coppi, Bartalli and Zoetemelk trained without one. I don't need it.

I have a Sigma Sport 1600. It doesn't have a computer interface but it does everything else. I just log the info manually.

Exactly my situation. The Sigma HRM is kinda simple, compared to the Polar 7.. or the Ciclosport HAC4 (no altitude and weather info, for example), but it is reliable.

Coppi, Bartalli and Zoetemelk trained without one. I don't need it.

:)

Bartali used to smoke a couple of cigarettes before each race, 'to get his heart going'. As an ex-smoker, I prefer the heart-rate monitor.

It depends on what else you want too. Do you want continuous read? Do you want digital or analog? Would you like to download? Do you need a timer? Would you like laps? Splits? A watch?

I have a link set up for my students- you can do a side by side comparison of all the monitors on the market (at least, the ones they have) and purchase (or not purchase) from these folks at heartmonitors.com. They have good, competitive prices-I deal with them regularly, and they have good customer support. I like that they're also linked with the Heart Zones people too, so that helps me keep current with what's going on with Sally Edwards and Sally Reed. Try this link:
www.trainerguide.com/koffee-brown

If you click on the link of some woman who's exercising, you can get to the stuff they have for sale. I think they're also having some kind of giveaway too for free software if you purchase something from the website. I haven't seen it, so I can't comment on it, but if it's free, that's all good too.


Good luck with your search.

Koffee

Coppi and Bartali won on bikes that weighed around 23 lbs and were probably 5-7 speeds. They also drank brandy for energy. As I'm sure you know...the problem with your example is that everyone else in the peloton did the same so there was no real negative effect to their " less than desireable methods and equipment " based on todays standards. With todays average speeds in the major events Coppi and Bartali would finish at the back of the pack if not be riding Cat 1-2.

Please don't get confused...Coppi one of the greatest ever, and Bartali. But I assure you they would adapt to innovations. I Know Coppi didn't opt to leave off a derailleur just because Bottecchia and Magne had won multiple tours without!!!

Smoking and drinking brandy does sound more fun than using a HRM, doesn't it? :)

I used a HRM when I was racing but never got much out of it. I knew my body well enough to know when I was at my threshold.

It can be an extremely valuable tool if one is willing to put the time in.

I find it helpful in setting your limits and finding out how much improvement there is in cardiovascular development.
It also reinforces what I already know.When I get to about 85% of max. HR, I think I might keel over from dizziness...
You want a real workout out and not go below set limits an alarm tells you to speed up...
An asside. sort of weird...Remember seeing a movie (foreign) about some romeo rating women by his heart rate..Think that would take some cojoaling...Sort of kinky?
Whenever have too much Pinot Noir that movie comes to mind...Think your wife would get your heart rate higher than lets say climbing the easy side of Mt. Ventoux on a bike...? I think not? Sex never made most of us pass out yet? But then it killed V.P. Nelson Rockefeller. Should have had his heart rate monitor on... Probably did not have them back then.?So far I have not had my wife consume enough Pinot Noir..
Maybe as I get older, might be a concern, so as not to follow the footsteps of Nelson Rockefeller...
Another use of HRM's...Boy, how the mind wonders... If people expect the mind to not wonder in a thread, they are dreamers...Not in keeping with the human condition.
Besides this could be a legitimate use of a Heart rate monitor...Stops one from doing a Nelson Rockefeller.

I have the Timex triathlon heart rate watch. It is fairly cheap and it works well if you happen to take a jog or swim as well.

Coppi, Bartalli and Zoetemelk trained without one. I don't need it.

Lance does.

I have a very basic Polar unit from my early personal training days. I'm thinking of using my existing chest transmitter, but getting a more capable HRM unit to help with my riding/training (just to be sure I don't overdo it, but maintain my riding in the proper zone for max cardio and weight loss benefits).

My problem is, I'd like some of the bells & whistles, but don't want something so complicated I won't use it, or spend way more than I need to. There are TOO many models IMO to make a wise decision without using one for awhile to see what I really need/use. Myabe I just have to try what I have and figure out what's lacking before upgrading.

I already have a FlightDeck, so I don't need the cyclocomputer functions on a Polar at all. Do I need to worry about interference between wireless units?

Any more guidance/suggestions from those using HRMs?