Which Garmin HRM strap?
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 161
Likes: 1
From: Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada
Bikes: 2018 Trek Emonda SL w/Vision metron 40 wheelset, ultegra gruppa. 2010 Intense Tracer VP
Which Garmin HRM strap?
So Garmin sells three HRM straps that are compatible with my Edge 820.
Basic unit $50 CAD
Soft strap unit $75 CAD
Dual transmission unit $100 CAD
I don't really need the dual transmission, so that leaves the first two. Are there any differences between the first two besides the soft strap? Is the soft strap better on the skin than the base model? What are people using/what are your experiences?
Matt
Basic unit $50 CAD
Soft strap unit $75 CAD
Dual transmission unit $100 CAD
I don't really need the dual transmission, so that leaves the first two. Are there any differences between the first two besides the soft strap? Is the soft strap better on the skin than the base model? What are people using/what are your experiences?
Matt
#2
Heft On Wheels
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 561
From: South Dakota
Bikes: Specialized,Cannondale,Argon 18
the soft strap or their premium strap its sometimes called I think is awesome. I have used both and the comfort on the soft strap is excellent! I would go for that. I think its worth the cash!
#3
If the basic one is plastic, it works great and lasts many years, but it's much less comfortable than your other options. Speaking of which, Garmin makes 3 more that would work with your Edge too. Specialization in the extreme.
#4
Facts just confuse people




Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 19,339
Likes: 7,057
From: Mississippi
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
I use the Garmin premium soft strap. Some don't like them and have issues, others don't. I'm on my second strap now. The first lasted six or seven years, more than enough for me. Just rinse it off after every ride. Don't know about up there in Canada, but here in the US I was able to nab my second at Best Buy online for $50 US and pick up in store same day. My son was able to do the same last year.
#5
It may be a case of stating the obvious, but if you are going to throw the strap in the wash, be sure to remove the sensor first.
Depending on your own perspiration patterns, you may only need to wash the strap every 4th ride or so.
One more piece od advice. You will eventually need to change the battery. Unlike other systems that use a twist-off battery cover, the Garmin system uses four, tiny retaining screws. I highly suggest buying a set of small screwdrivers to do the job and avoid damaging the screw head.
These are the ones that I use. You can get them from Amazon.
Good luck.

#6
Heft On Wheels
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 561
From: South Dakota
Bikes: Specialized,Cannondale,Argon 18
Agree 100%.
It may be a case of stating the obvious, but if you are going to throw the strap in the wash, be sure to remove the sensor first.
Depending on your own perspiration patterns, you may only need to wash the strap every 4th ride or so.
One more piece od advice. You will eventually need to change the battery. Unlike other systems that use a twist-off battery cover, the Garmin system uses four, tiny retaining screws. I highly suggest buying a set of small screwdrivers to do the job and avoid damaging the screw head.
These are the ones that I use. You can get them from Amazon.
Good luck.

I wash my strap every 6 rides.....and I have had my strap now for 3 years. No issues.
#7
Just wanted add a quick note Garmin calls for a phillps #0 for the battery cover. If you go Garmin route get the right screwdriver before you try anything else...I didn't on my first sensor and never again. Everyone complains about the 4 screws but the sensor is pretty darn water tight when installed properly...its a design feature.
I wash my strap every 6 rides.....and I have had my strap now for 3 years. No issues.
I wash my strap every 6 rides.....and I have had my strap now for 3 years. No issues.
My set of screwdrivers are JIS standards. I am not sure if that makes a difference; the ones made by Moody have a very strong tip and a great grip.
#10
Heft On Wheels
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 561
From: South Dakota
Bikes: Specialized,Cannondale,Argon 18
#11
Full Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 322
Likes: 12
From: Sydney
Bikes: Co-Motion Mocha Co-pilot, Habanero custom commuter, Seven Axiom SL, Seven Axiom SLX, Blom Track
I've given up on Garmin straps as I've lost count how many have stopped working between myself and my wife.
We are now using the Wahoo Tickr strap. Lasts longer - about 3 years of regular use and the bluetooth lets it connect directly to our Direto without the need of an ANT dongle thingy
We are now using the Wahoo Tickr strap. Lasts longer - about 3 years of regular use and the bluetooth lets it connect directly to our Direto without the need of an ANT dongle thingy
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