I need to get a heart rate monitor for cycling. I’ve narrowed it down to:
Bowflex hybrid, no gps
Garmin FR60 red, no gps
Garmin 305 w/ gps
Bowflex will not support cycling speed & cadence, but seems simpler. Both Garmins use the same cadence/speed
sensor and seem to have fair reviews.
Any personal experiences with any of these, or a compariably price alternative would be appreciated.
I know I am breaking the rules…have you looked at the Timex options? I have had nothing but great ersults (no cadence, dont know why I would need it). I also love that fact that the Timex is not picked up by every tredmill and bike in the gym. Customer support is great and they are a huge sponsor of our sport - far larger than Garmin, Polar or any other.
If it’s just for the bike, why not the Garmin 500? I’ve also used the FR 305 with the bike mount kit, cadence, and heart rate strap. Worked out pretty well.
Interesting that is a possibility. Cateye has a triple wireless now that might work as well. The disadvantage with it is that it is only for cycling.
It seems like there is no middle ground for either Polar or Garmin. Customers either love them or hate them and most don’t like the software. So much fun.
Why not any of the Polar CS series?
They are arguably the best HRM, and the CS series are fine bike computers also.
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I was looking at cs200cad, but reviews mentioned issues with:
1- sensor does not work on rear wheel
2- inconsistent HR data reporting
3- can’t move data to local tools, i.e., spreadsheets
4- polar software is twitchy
5- polar support is poor
6- vendor must be polar approved
but did say display was good.
I was looking at cs200cad, but reviews mentioned issues with:
1- sensor does not work on rear wheel - I don’t know why they newer sensors are less powerful than the S series.
2- inconsistent HR data reporting - I have always found Polar to be more reliable
3- can’t move data to local tools, i.e., spreadsheets - If you went with the CS400 w/irDA and Protrainer software, you can get at the raw files.
4- polar software is twitchy - I like the Protrainer software and use it for my training log, but am not a big fan of PolarPersonalTrainer.com
5- polar support is poor - I have always had great support from Polar, not that I have needed it much
6- vendor must be polar approved
but did say display was good.
thanks for the feedback. I’ll look over the cs400
Just fyi, Garmin is currently running a $50 mail in rebate on the 310XT, if that puts it in your price strike zone. I like the new HR strap although teh old one never really bothered me…
The Cateye V3 wireless is a pretty nice unit, I have set up several clients with them and they seem happy although the screen is a bit small and not configurable.
Go with the Garmin - the wealth of data you get with a GPS is well worth any fiddly problems you have downloading it.
I’ve had a 305 for 2+ years and it has been reliable and a great unit for all that time. That said, I got an Edge 500 recently
which is way better as a bike computer. If you are only looking for a bike unit, the 500 is the way to go. For under $150 however,
the 305 is a steal.
305 is awesome.
Though 310xt is more awesome.
Just fyi, Garmin is currently running a $50 mail in rebate on the 310XT, if that puts it in your price strike zone. I like the new HR strap although teh old one never really bothered me…
The Cateye V3 wireless is a pretty nice unit, I have set up several clients with them and they seem happy although the screen is a bit small and not configurable.
Thank you all for suggestions. I did look at the V3. I currently have the double wireless. The only problem is the display is so small.
I decided to go with the Garmin 500. I got a great price from westernbikeworks up in oregon. I caught a sale on Friday for $50 off. Hopefully I will have a good experience with it. BTW, is a used cateye double wireless worth anything?