Well, I’ll be getting a new tri bike in 2-3 months, and want to get a new cptr w/ it (wired flight deck is about clapped out). Ideally, I’d like to get a bike computer that has wireless speed and cadence, plus HRM functions, and has 3+ HR zones that can be set; that way, I can have just 1 HRM and not screw around w/ 2-3 different electronic gadgets. I may be asking for a bit much… Seems like those polar 625/800’s may do the job. Not sure about the signal on Garmin. If the all-in-one isn’t possible, I’ll get a separate cptr and HRM, but want a HRM that can be used for run and bike. What works for you guys? Are there any limitations to the all-in-one units?
Hey Man,
I would definitely go with the S625X. It has multiple zones and, in addition to the bike functions (you need to buy the bike sensor separately for about $30), you get the running foot pod which is a really useful tool.
Disadvantages? Only one I can think of would be during a race. I typically wear my monitor (rather than using the bike mount) but you won’t get run data unless you switch modes during transition.
Hope this helps.
Alan
I can recommend the Polar as well, i´ve got the 725x model and it works without a flaw for bike and run (and swim). Not quite sure of the differences between 625 and 725, but you can check at www.polar.fi
thanks, good info! I’m starting to lean towards the polar now…
dissenters?
My Polar 720 worked pretty well as a bike computer and HRM. I think the difference b/w the 720 and the 625 is that the 625 can work with the running pod. And the 720 works with the polar power unit, not sure about the 625.
One thing to keep in mind is that the zone alarms on the 720 do not work if you are in bike mode. Kind of annoying.
I second that vote. Works great on all functions.
yup right now the 625 or 720/725 is your best bet. Soon the new bike computers will be out and they are pretty damn nice. The CS200cad is already an awesome computer but only has one zone.
Soon the new bike computers will be out and they are pretty damn nice.
Just curious, is that new Polar bike computers? Are there any details anywhere on the web yet?
haven’t seen many concrete details on the web, just some random mentionings on interbike postings. Saw them at Interbike and they look like a sleekified CS200 in a black casing if I remember right. Two new versions, a CS600 and a CS800 or something like that. The higher end jumps up to thier 5ghz transmission and is compatible with the new wireless power system they are offering. Not sure of all the details on the watches but they are in a lot of ways a tweaked S725 in a cycling package. Wireless speed, cadence and HR, multiple target zones, multiple interval modes, and thank god IR downloading versus the horrible sonic link on the CS200 models. Gotta love my CS200 but the sonic link has gotta go.
Not quite sure of the differences between 625 and 725
The Polar S725X, newly released, is not really a new product but rather a new packaging combination. Cosmetic differences aside (it has a carbon-fiber look, instead of black), it is the same product as the S625X - packaged for cyclists.
The s625x comes with the footpod and the cycling stuff can be added.
The s725x comes with the cycling stuff and the foot pod can be added.
The specs on polar.fi also show them as the same except for the optonal stuff.
I would definitely go with the S625X.
Disadvantages? Only one I can think of would be during a race. I typically wear my monitor (rather than using the bike mount) but you won’t get run data unless you switch modes during transition.