I'm a big fan of equipment that allows me to upload my workouts to my computer or various websites. I also like the watch style unit with chest strap because then I can have accurate data on all my workouts, no matter what: skiing, running, hiking, weight lifting, spin bike, etc. I've always used Polar units because well . . . because that's what I've always used, so maybe 17 years so far, and found them very reliable. They are also the only units that will display on gym equipment screens, which saves the bother of looking at the watch. It's still recording, I just don't have to look at it. I also prefer the type without a built-in GPS. I like the year-long battery life of the non-GPS equipment and therefore its ability to record an entire 2-week hike, for example.

For the road bike, I use a Garmin Edge 800 because that's the best approach for that application. With a battery pack, it will run for days on a bike tour and doesn't need any connection for data. I upload its data to the same website that I use for my Polar data, so all my training data is in the same place.

I'm still using a Polar S725X, which probably hasn't been made for 10 years. The current comparable Polar product is this:
RCX5 Sports Watch for Triathletes with GPS compatibility | Polar USA

Yep, costs money. Data always costs money, but I sure get my money's worth out of it in fun and ability.

There's an earlier model comparable to my S725X on ebay right now for $40:
Polar S720I Heart Rate Monitor w Cadence Sensors | eBay