Turning down my HRM
 

It's my B'day. Sigh, stupid formula.

Kuan,

Happy birthday. But forget about the formula! I have read that it is not very accurate for most people. For me, the simple 220-age formula says my max should be in the 180s. However, I have done two max hr tests myself, and hit 200 both times. I often hit 193-195 while doing intense speed work (running) at the track.

There are several ways to find out your max. Try to look up more info on the Internet, or if you can, pick up a good book on heart rate training. I run more than bike, so I am partial to a book by John Parker called "Heart Rate Training for the Compleat Idiot." Parker is a runner, and it is geared more toward the runner. But I'm sure there are good ones out there for cyclists too. Maybe something by Joe Friel?

Good luck.

Nice call yah those age predicted forumlas say thqt the very second that you turn a year older you become less fit. :eek: but it doesn't take into account your genetics. Its like saying "Hi fit person follow this forumula and become less fit" I would use your RPE then look at the number guage it over time to see zones that more reflect you as an individual rather than a statistic.
Velocity

The Heart Rate Monitor Book for Cyclists

I bought this book but haven't had the chance to read since my brother borrowed it before I had the chance. He tells me it's really good though. They have a couple of ways to figure out your MaxHR without doing an all out effort which really interest me since I don't want to have a heart attack everytime I want track my progress. I think your max Hr while running will be different than while biking so it's better to do a seperate test and use this info if you plan on using HR training for your cycling.

^^ That's a good book.

Just to clear up what sounds like a misunderstanding of the concept: you aren't necessarily going to die or have a heart attack by hitting your max HR. It's not a good idea to hit it frequently, nor stay at it for long (most likely you can't anyway). But being at your max HR alone won't kill you.