Garmin LOVERS & HATERS - what's best way to monitor heart beat? (Intervals in future)
I hate starting yet another Garmin thread - the 305, 705, and 50 (?) seem like overkill [and more money than I wanted to spend] - but maybe I'm wrong about that. I have a wired CatEye w/ cadence and it's great. I planned to get a wristwatch HRM with a strap but the available info on features is really difficult to decipher for someone who's never has an HRM - a lot of it is designed for advertising. I had anticipated using it at the gym, although this seems like it's becoming less of an issue.
I've only been cycling since 6/1/2010, so at this stage all I need is a simple Heart Beat display, but I'd like something that can grow as I get into cycling more. I'm getting "into it" fast - I'm 64, 240#, and I did 57 miles in 4 hours yesterday [surprised myself], 125 miles in 4 rides last week.
I comprehend 5 training zones and how they could be useful. I think I grasp interval training keeping the HB in the correct zone although I'm just building a base now.
Finally to the crux. It seems that the primary goal is to know what my current heart rate is so you can put yourself into the correct zone. A computer display could show the HB and I could translate that into my HR zone or the computer could do the "translation" for me. Is that what a HRM manufacturer is talking about when they list "heart zones" as a feature?
I could mount a wristwatch monitor on my bike - but are other options better? I believe the Garmin units preserve the HB record so you can upload it and create a really anal record of the myriad of details about your ride, including your heart rate. How much does that matter to someone who has no interest in racing and has no coach?
Any suggestions about appropriate HRM's would be GREATLY appreciated!
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As an aside, do the Garmin 305 or 705 maps work in the sticks? I ride narrow back roads west of Boston - the rolling hills (average 50-60 feet of climbing per mile) of Concord, Acton, Stow, Harvard, Berlin, etc. I've been using cue sheets but one error can get me lost (ten miles of my 57 mile ride were while I was lost).
I'm very lucky to be mostly retired - it gives me time to ride. Thank you.