I am in the market for a computer that will allow me to train using a HRM. I currently have a cateye astrale 8 that works well but I am tired of having wires running throughout my bike. For this reason, I am looking for a computer that is both a cyclometer and a heart rate monitor and can calculate cadence for me. I had originally had my mind set on the Polar CS200CAD but have read some things about it getting funky readings. Apparently this was a problem with the first batch and Polar has since solved the issue but it still leads me to wonder if its worth the risk to drop that much money. That model costs around 150$ with cadence. I cannot find any other computers in the price range that offer anything similar. The next price level would be that of the S520 or 720i. The first runs 230 and the 720 would run around 260. The benefits to these seem to be their ability to do a ton of calculations, upload data, etc. The problem is that from what it looks like, I would have to maintain the use of my astrale 8 if I went with either the S520 or 720i. Am I correct with this assumption? The chart on Polar's wensite is a little confusing. The last option would be to make the jump to the Garmin Edge 305. This is obviously the best device but at 470$ for the edge with cadence and HR that is a hefty price tag. For that amount, I could spend a little more and get some sort of device that measurespower instead.

My second question is one regarding date uplink and its necessity. How necesarry is it to have this feature if I plan on training for races? I ride 6-7 days per week and try to get the most out of each week. I am trying to become a competitive cyclist. I didn't know if this was a necessity or even something that those of you who have the capability even use. One nice feature that I would like to have that only is offered on the nicer models like the 720i is the ability to read altitude and temperature.

Any advice is welcome. I want to spend as little as possible but like with anything in this sport, I accept the fact that you get what you pay for.
~Nick

Vetta V100HR Wireless Heart Rate, Speed and Cadence Think of it as Polar CS200cad without the uplink and a longer track record.

I don't know the whole point of a integrated unit is so I can upload it to my computer. It's not that useful just having it displayed on the bike computer itself.

I have had the Polar cs200cad for the last month with no problems whatsoever. Cadence works, HR works, Odometer works. Don't forget that all the one's with problems were returned to the manufacturer on warranaty and replaced so it's not like your losing out if you get a dud.
For the price to features comparison i can't think of a better option. It has a funky uplink where it plays a series of beeps and you record it on your computer microphone and then it's decoded into data. I've never bothered with this but if your serious about keeping a record of each ride i'd upgrade to the better Polar models that have a real uplink.

I appreciate the feedback. I like the idea and price of the Vetta, but without uplink capabilities I am wondering if it is even worth it? It seems like it would be hard to keep track of the details while riding. I haven't given up on the idea of the CS200CAD as I think it would be a good unit, but its uplink method seems sketchy and I am trying to figure out if it would be a good idea to have temperature and altitude as well.
~Nick

The edge is about $300 for cadence and HR from sites lke chumbo.com. Still a hefty price, but an awesome computer!

Do you think its even worth that much? I hear a lot of users complaining about the altimeter function not working properly. It would be nice to have a unit that is completely wireless and requires no calibrations...just goes as soon as you install it. Any other advice is welcome!
~Nick

Wireless is not to be trusted.

Mine has been good. I would buy it again. And yes the altimeter is not always perfect. But it is better than my previous computer (which didn't have an altimeter)

-D

Well what should I look at getting then? I do not see any units that arent wireless in some way or anther (especially HRMs). Also if anyone can give me feedback regarding data unloading, please do. That is the only factor truly holding me back from buying a Polar CS200CAD. The date uploading process seems a little strange. Seems like other models are more practical.
~Nick

How is the data uploading program? I hear it costs a monthly amount?

You basically have 3 options. Well more, but I use 3 options.

1. Training Center software- Free. Comes with the edge.
2. Sporttracks- Free open source. Similar to Training Center, but with other features
3. Motionbased website- Free version. Paid version really necessary to harness it's power. I haven't paid for it yet. I personally don't think it is worth the money until they work out the performance issues.

I love the edge. It's geek/gadget factor is awesome. The fact that it gives me all the data, as well as the physical track personally helps to motivate me more. But it is not without it's downsides.

1. Battery life. For a ride it has been fine. But it is not like a normal bike computer etc. It needs to be charged. Unlike most polar units or other bike computers that last months on a single battery. IE the edge needs more babysitting.

2. It is still a little quirky. It has only been out a few months. And the firmware keeps getting better.

It is a luxury bike computer. But I love it. Well when I get to use it (read my other thread). But I can still play with my data now until I can get back to riding again.

-D

I mean, your HRM is always going to be wireless. No way around that.