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HR Computers

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Old 08-26-11 | 12:43 PM
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HR Computers

I'm looking at getting a heart rate computer now my training is getting more serious. I want one that measures not just heart rate, but also, speed, cadence, incline/decline, altitude, average speed, ride time etc...

So far I'm looking at the Polar CS500 and the Sigma ROX 8.0

Can anyone advise on either or both of these???

Thanks
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Old 08-26-11 | 12:50 PM
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Garmin 500. I definitely would not get the Polar. With GPS units getting cheap, there's just no reason to spend close to $300 on something that doesn't have GPS, is not ANt+ compatible, and gives you no option of adding power in the future.

Also you can find refurbished Garmin 305's on Ebay for just over $100, not power compatible, but way cheaper than the Polar, a bit cheaper than the Sigma and gives you GPS.

IMHO, today you either go with the simplest computer and HRM at very cheap price, or you get GPS.
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Old 08-26-11 | 12:51 PM
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Just get an edge 500
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Old 08-26-11 | 12:55 PM
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Thanks Merlin, I will check out the Garmin, then set about trying to convince my wife to let me spend even more money!!!!
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Old 08-26-11 | 12:56 PM
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get a watch...learn how to monitor your heart rate...money saved...
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Old 08-26-11 | 12:59 PM
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Used Polar, Cateye and just switched to a Garmin Edge 500. The Edge blows the others away - no comparison.
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Old 08-26-11 | 02:27 PM
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Looks like Garmin is the answer, thanks.
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Old 08-26-11 | 02:33 PM
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Garmin 500 for sure. Performance bike has everything for 20% off until the end of the month. So you can get it there for $200, not including tax.
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Old 08-26-11 | 03:13 PM
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Edge 500 FTW.
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Old 08-27-11 | 08:59 PM
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I definitely agree with the Edge 500 recommendations. However, if money is an issue you can look at a Bontrager Node 1. It's a decent computer and will connect to all of the Ant+ sensors. I got one when I first started riding, got the HR, speed and cadence sensors for it over time and then when I could afford it I upgraded to the 500 and put the Node on the wife's hybrid.
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Old 08-27-11 | 09:24 PM
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cadence is nice, but not a must have feature...HR and speed you need, alititude is nice, the rest is optional
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Old 08-27-11 | 09:28 PM
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Originally Posted by merlin55
cadence is nice, but not a must have feature...HR and speed you need, alititude is nice, the rest is optional

disagree completely, cadence and hr are a must have/nice feature. speed and everything else are definitely not needed.
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