mossi

Hi,

What is the best HRM for triathlets? That supports enough training records, computer connection, all bike functions (speed, cadence, watt, altitude, distance and much more ...), and have reasonable functions for running.
Any experience with the new Polar 625x, 725i or the Ciclo Sport HAC 4?
Other suggestions?

10x.

Guest

I don't know much about the Ciclo Sport HAC, and I just know that the Polar 720i has the power option. I heard it was very accurate, and I looked at some side by side comparisons of the power meter on the Polar against the Power Tap system, and it is pretty close, and besides that, the Polar power option can also tell you if one of your legs has less power, so you can develop the weaker leg also. The downside of the Polar is that it is an arm and a leg! The monitor itself is about 300 bucks, then you have to shell out another 350 bucks for the power option, and another 40 bucks for the infrared reader for your computer, and then if you want to track cadence, add in another 40 bucks. If you're serious, this can be a great training system. If you're not, you will not want to make that investment.

Koffee

Ajay213

The HAC4 (and other Ciclosport computers) don't truly measure power, they "guesstimate" based on a couple of things, but the results aren't given much credit by the power trainer guru's.

Koffee mentioned a comparison with the Polar and other power measuring devices, I believe one of them is the following;
https://mywebpage.netscape.com/rechun...a/rosetta.html
https://www.bike.com/template.asp?dat...rectory=techno

Andrew

DHarter

Hi,

I purchased the Polar 720i a couple months ago and have not been impressed. It does everything in one unit (cadence, speed, and HRM) and then cooly uploaded into the computer. However, it continually loses signals when biking and many small tricks one has to learn in order for it to work well. The wireless aspect can be a drawback.

The unit, infra-red unit, and cadence compenent results in about $350. High amount for something that lacks reliability.

Also, the computer software takes some practie, but is cool to use.

Hope it helps.

Dan

FatBomber

I use a Polar S-120 and I find it to be a valuable tool. I originally considered the S-150 or beter for the cycling aspects, but the whole concept of using one in a tri was daunting at best. Why would I want to screw around in t1 and t2 putting the HRM on the bike and then take it off again for the run? I want to be faster!

Put a nice puter on the bike like a Astrale 8 and just get a dedicated hrm for the races. IMHO too much time would be lost in transition.

If you are talking for purely training purposes, then feel free to shell out boo-koo bucks for the fancy full-zoot puter.

Really, it just comes down to doing what you want and if you really want it, get it. I only discourage this stuff because I have a box of "great" gadgets in my basement that mock me daily.

P.S. Used the Polar S-120 in a tri in MI this last weekend and it performed flawlessly through all three disciplines. This weekend my Polar and I tackle the Chicago tri!

VaultGuru

I have the Polar 720. Used a heart monitor for at least 15 years. The 720 will do everything except give you a set of Lance lungs and legs. Seriously, it is a great instrument. My first sugggestion is that you get a exercise stress test with a sports medicine focused healthcare facility. You will learn so much about yourself - lactate threshold, VO2, caloric burn rate, forced air volume, etc. You will also find out if there are any problems that you should be aware of and what to do about them. The heart monitor then becomes a really valuable training partner. Get Sally Edwards book on heart rate training. She is one of the best. I also use monitors for my track athletes. Performance improvement v. non-users is signigicant.
Good luck
Clay

mossi

Hi Clay,

which book specifically? she wrote many.

Knighty

I agree, I have the Polar S-610. I absolutely depend on it to help me train hard when I need to and keep my effort truly easy when I need to. I love comparing my workouts, especially at the end of the season, so the downloadable aspect is fantastic.