CalamariChris -
Good suggestions. My focus on pedal stroke has been limited to making it feel fluid, and see if I can keep it smooth at higher cadences. I got a cadence computer and I need to focus intently to keep it smooth at 100 RPM. I ride "in the moment" - I'm not bored, I don't want music. Often I talk when I'm riding in a group. My HRM concern is not about now. Rather it's about 1 or 3 or 12 months from now, assuming I continue to progress in cycling.

Chasm54 -
Thank you for your observational skills. I've always been a techie and I'm trying to be more experiential. One of my concerns is that my "over-enthusiasm" could turn me into a Garmin dweeb and I'd start thinking about my how a ride will look on my Garmin account [OK, that's actually a little over the top!]

MONEY & TECHNOLOGY -
Money matters. My original HRM estimate was $50-$60 for something basic but adequate. Then it moved to $100-$200. Then as I read about training in Cycling Past 50 I realize that even that not be adequate. All of a sudden the price of a Garmin doesn't seem nearly so high and the too-much-technology complaint doesn't seem as sure.

Thanks all for your comments!