Lots of companies make HR monitors; Polar is only one option, though certainly the most well-known. You could also look at Sigma, Nike, Omron, etc. I would expect that basic models should cost $40-60. Most basic monitors display your HR on a digital "watch". If you're not comfortable taking your hands off the handlebars to look at the watch, you can always wrap the watch around the handlebars so it's easier to read. In terms of functionality, I never really used anything other than current heart rate. If you plan to train seriously with a HRM, it might be useful to be able to set your min and max HR and have the watch beep if your HR goes above or below those values. If you plan to use your HR monitor at a gym, or around others who own HR monitors, a model with a "coded" strap is nice: that should prevent someone nearby from seeing your HR and vice versa.


Owning a HR monitor is no guarantee that you won't experience muscle soreness. It's entirely possible to have good cardiovascular fitness and poor leg strength. In that case, your HRM will happily let you ride to the point where you won't be able to walk the next day.