I need a new heart rate monitor to use for fitness training on my road bike. I have been looking at the Polar CS200cad which includes a speed, cadence sensor and bike mount. I can buy one on line for about $170 to include shipping. I do currently have a Cateye computer on my bike but the cadence function has ceased to work but I do still get speed and mileage. Is it worth getting a heart rate monitor that also has the speed and cadence or just get one that does the heart rate alone? Got any ideas?
You can find the Garmin FR305 for roughly $100-$130 with a HRM, and if you really want cadence you can get an add-on for the device.
If you’re going to spend that much, also look at the Garmin Edge 500. It’s pretty sweet.
Garmin. Edge 500, 310XT, FR60.
These three products are leaps and bounds beyond anything Polar makes for a two reasons.
- ANT+
- Customizable Data Screen
That’s it. Cadence, Heart Rate, Power, etc. are all ANT+ so they all work together. Really. I have an Edge 500 with heart rate that is my cycling and tri computer, and an FR60 that is my running and casual watch. The 310XT has a multisport mode, but I really like my 500+FR60 setup.
Thanks. I really have not looked at the Garmin products. I will do so now. From where do you recommend purchasing the Garmin heart rate monitors. I intend to purchase on line.
Thanks. I am looking for the best product for the best price but still not be too expensive. Cheaper is always better.
Thanks. I will take a look at this one also.
I think trisports.com was running a deal with the FR60 + HR Strap when I got mine. I got the Edge 500 later.
You can buy them bundled or separately, depending on the deals you find I don’t know which way is the cheapest.
Also note there is a Garmin HR Strap and a Garmin Premium HR Strap. I actually like the old style solid plastic HR Strap and therefore I intentionally bought that, but some people hate them and like the soft HR strap. I’m not sure why the full plastic piece works for me, but I was always pulling the premium strap up.
Thanks. I am looking for the best product for the best price but still not be too expensive. Cheaper is always better.
I’d go with the Edge 500. It’s $200 or less if you poke around a bit, and will give you plenty of ‘growth’ opportunity.
For pure heart rate + cycling at a cheaper price point, check out the FR60 ($90). It rocks and can easily be fitted to a bike via the mount…or just worn on your wrist.
Just my two cents. If you want more than two cents worth - like, $1.92 worth of pennies, wander over to this post.
Thanks. I have just been looking at the Garmin models recommended. Looks like most do not include a chest strap? On the Polar models I like the old plastic straps over the newer straps also.
By the way thanks for the link it was very informative.
I just checked the trisports web site and unless I am missing something almost everything is listed as “Regular Pice” with very few deals or sales. Unusual for a company that sells over the internet?
Well, I know there are plenty of trisports promo codes that usually give you 10% off, but I got an amazing deal around black friday/cyber monday. Trisports.com is just the company I normally use, good customer service, great selection of products, but you can poke around on the internet to find a good deal.
I’d go REI.com for the Edge and then amazon for the HR strap and cadence sensor add-ons.
Thanks. I will give them a look. I wonder why the Garmin unlike the Polar heart rate monitors do not include a chest strap with their heart rate monitors? They are useless as a heart rate monitor without a strap. Why no include a strap - Seems like a pricing bait and switch? I have other Garmin products but have never purchased a Garmin heart rate monitor.
Thanks. I will give them a look. I wonder why the Garmin unlike the Polar heart rate monitors do not include a chest strap with their heart rate monitors? They are useless as a heart rate monitor without a strap. Why no include a strap - Seems like a pricing bait and switch? I have other Garmin products but have never purchased a Garmin heart rate monitor.
Most of the Garmin units are seen as GPS first (speed/distance/etc…) and HR second. It’s just what the market asks for.
It used to be that they included it in the base units (i.e., the FR305), but now it’s only offered if you pay extra…which is usually more than just buying the $34 strap by itself.
I would go with a polar watch and a cateye v2 for right now. I use a polar rs800sd and cateye v2. I am waiting for the new Rcx5 polar watch release with gps before purchasing again I also want to check into the polar power pedals.
Thanks for clearing that up for me. I am really looking for a heart rate monitor first then the bike computer next. I do have the Cateye wired computer on my bike now with the issue the cadence is not working. I can see the advantage of a GPS type unit though in the long run.