Fifty Plus (50+) - Heart Rate Monitor

Any recommendations on heart rate monitors? I think a fairly simple wrist unit would be adequate, but I'm open to any suggestions.

Timex also has some HR models. Check them out at Target/Walmart. I have a Polar S150 which also has a bike mount with speed. It was about $80. Don't know if it's still available. Got it at Nashbar. Has served me well for the past several years. Still use it for the gym, but got a Garmin 305 for Christmas/Bday! :thumb:

I have a Sigma pc7, has the chest band pick up, and a wrist readout that can be mounted on bike...works well and only cost $27 at a Nashbar sale..
Bud

Two ways to go- Get a basic model from a good name like polar- so that you can keep and eye on whether you have just died or not

Or if you are a techno phobe- get one of the all singing and dancing types that are available. I have an all singing and dancing one that I only use to tell me the current HR. I have no idea what the rest of the data that is available means- or how to make any use of it.

I strap my Polar wrist HRM to a piece of pipe insulation foam over the handlebar. I can't see it when it's on my wrist and I'm riding on the hoods.

Some riders use the fancier HRMs that can beep when you are above or below a range of heartbeats (a zone) for specific training rides. They ride within a specific small range for a set time, then recover and repeat.

I mostly use mine to pace myself on hill climbs or on long rides. It also calculates an average heart rate for the ride, which doesn't help me very much. And it's calories burned estimates are probably close to twice the actual calories used. It doesn't record the maximum heart rate--that would be interesting to see.

For instance, I know I can ride for hours below 140-145. I can do 150 for 5-10 minutes, and 160 for about a minute, before having to slow down and recover.

I've used an Omron HC-100 for a couple of years. It works fine and it's pretty simple. It comes with an optional handlebar mount and I use that.

Thanks for all of the replies. I've decided to go with a Timex unit for $50. It's very unclear to me how they decide pricing on any of these units. The price range is incredible. the Timex also offers a handlebar mount.

Thanks for all of the replies. I've decided to go with a Timex unit for $50. It's very unclear to me how they decide pricing on any of these units. The price range is incredible. the Timex also offers a handlebar mount.

I think the Timex is much better than the Polar, having owned both. Good choice.

I too have a Timex - had a polar but refused to send the chest strap back when the battery went out - the timex chest strap battery is replaceable - much better design. BTW - I just use some foam and strap the wrist watch to the handle bars. I use it mostly to pace myself in early season or give me soemthing to to on te trainer.

I use a polar, have tried a timex as well. I dont kno tho, IMO Polar is better. I would start out with a basic model from Polar

Get a simple one - I have a Polar. DO NOT get one in which you have to push a button to get the heart rate. It becomes a real PITA. The simple Polars just do heart rate and you can see it at all times.
M Riley

Get a simple one - I have a Polar. DO NOT get one in which you have to push a button to get the heart rate. It becomes a real PITA. The simple Polars just do heart rate and you can see it at all times.
M Riley

And a big advantage of the Basic polars- The heart rate is shown in BIG letters. With my eyes I need that.