onespeedfreak

ok, so i'm ready to really step up my training and i'm looking to get a cycling computer that has downloadable info. right now i'm leaning towards one of these computers. anyone have any experience with them. one of the things i like about the CS600 is that it can be upgraded to a power monitor as well, not that i need it now but it might prove useful in the future. i'm not really to interested in the garmin units because i have heard complaints about inaccurate caloric expenditure (based on speed, not heart rate). can anyone share some thoughts/experiences with the Polar units?

onespeedfreak

nobody has experience with either of these computers???

Myfirsttrek

I have the CS600. I really like it. Seems to be very accurate when i check it with ride mapping sites.
As for the the HR and such. I have used a Polar F11 before and imo Polar is the way to go. The only problem is, sometimes when riding downhill the static from your jersey will cause the HR to go crazy and post silly number.
Its small and light, and looks really cool. I don't have the power or cadence. But thats an option i will soon get.
I am currently waiting for my Windows xp to arrive so i can install bootcamp on my mac. Thats another problem. The protrainer is not ma compatible. I will let you know how it goes as soon as i get it onto my comp.

any more questions, just ask. Cheers!

WCroadie

I would save some money and get the CS200, I believe it has most of the same features, I know you candownload info but not sure how as I do not have one. If you want power get a powertap, I don;t believe the polar power is accurate.

I do have the CS100 and have been using it for close to 2 years now, couldn't be happier. I did recently have a problem where the unit when haywire and showed garbage. I returned to polar who fixed it for free and had it back to me in a little more then a week. Despite the poor reviews I read about their service I was very impressed.

FYI I doubt the inaccurate readings are from static of your jersey going downhill, I think it's more do to electomagnetic interference. I get the same thing when riding near high tension powerlines or train lines.

jcbenten

VDO Z3 PC or HAC 5

rbart4506

It is static from the jersey. It's a known problem with HRM's...Do a search...

I have the same issue on cold windy days...I ride the same route out of town and in the summer there are no problems with the HRM, but when it's cold windy and dry (three things needed for good static electricity) the HRM goes wacky...

Myfirsttrek

Agreed. I ride in the middle of nowhere. No power lines or or railways. I have read a lot of posts about this problem.

Thanks rbart.

Myfirsttrek

This is true with the older version. Polar S710. It was not accurate and a b**** to set up.

The New CS600 is much better.

Cjzoller

Bingo.

wannaride

Forget the CS and get a Garmin Edge 305. I have a CS and an Edge hooked up on the same bike and I rely on the Edge of the two.

onespeedfreak

what is it about the edge 305 that you like better?

Dubbayoo

I would avoid the 100 and 200 like the plague. The 200 only stores 7 rides and if you piddle around in the parking lot before a race or on a stand that counts. It really bummed me out on AIDS Lifecycle last year, which was 7 days and a couple of days got pushed out before I got home. It also doesn't include the Polar Pro trainer software nor upload via IR.

wannaride

I like the 305 better because:

The speed and distance is more accurate even without the cadence attachment; there is more information available; it is more legible depending on how you set up data screens; you can change the data screens; you can use it as a navigation device; it is reliabily downloadable by USB cable; the available tracking and training software is better. Oh yeah and it is easier to mount and to move between bikes and you don't have to reset or recalibrate anything when you move it between bikes.

That's just off the top of my hear and its late.