as far as it not being the leader on fitness, i am in the same situation that most people are when they shop for bikes/bike stuff - i really won't know what i'm missing until i buy this thing, train with it, and see if i outgrow it.

my fitness goals are "get stronger, get leaner, go faster"
i'm not a triathelete that needs to monitor things on a very intense level.

i can believe that it's behind Polar, based on Polar's reputation, but in what way?