Training & Nutrition - heart rate monitor for a newbie

hi. i just got my new bike last saturday and i love it. i want to get a hrm but i don't know what to get. i would like to measure total distance and speed as well. how much should i spend and which one is better: one that's like a watch or a bike mounted one? and how does bike mounted one work anyway? thanks.

I would recommend a watch type HRM, and a separate bike computer.

If you are new to HRM's, don't spend alot of money, the basic $49 polar A1 is great, and cover the basics. For $30 more you can upgrade to the A3.

As for a bike computer, pick on that you think looks the best. They all do the same, I am partial to cateye. If its going on a road bike, get a computer that measures the cadence.

I personaly use the Polar A3 HRM, and a Cateye Astrale.

Try a search on BikeForums, and you will find lots of recommendations. This (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=46699) is just one of the many threads here related to the subject.

Like Joe, I would go for a separate bike computer and HRM. If one of them fails on you (as it eventually will :( ), you can still use the other. Plus, the 'integrated' devices are rather expensive. I personally prefer the wrist watch type of HRM (I have a Sigma (http://www.sigmasport.de/) PC 1600). This one you can easily mount on the handlebar, but I like my bar to be 'clean'. The downside of wearing your HRM on you, is that you can't check it in the 'heat of the moment', but I guess you have other things on your mind then anyhow...

I agree with the others here. I have both and have had one fail in the ride. I use the Shimano flight deck that interfaces to my levers and the polar 710. I leave my monitor on the bars as I want to see the HRM and not worried about the stuff on the bar. One device is cleaner, but you can get a good HRM w/o the bike functions for a lot less.