Polar for cycling?

TheTrimTim

Which Polar for cycling, calorie counting and heart rate monitoring?

Hi there, I currently have a Polar FT80 (and Polar WearLink+ transmitter and Polar FlowLink data transfer unit) which I use for mainly gym work but I'm looking for something that can help me with cycle. I'm only wanting, at this stage, a calorie counter and heart rate monitor and I'm looking for as basic a model as I can get that will do these things.

1. Is there a special model I should be looking for to use when cycling, or would my FT80 be just fine? I suppose with the FT80 being a watch, I wondered if there was a good addition for something to mount to my bike, although it's not 100% necessary. If I were to buy something else as well as my FT80, I'd like to be able to sync it to the FlowLink data transfer unit for www.polarpersonaltrainer.com, although this isn't a priority.

As a couple of side questions, I'd like to ask:

2. In this picture, the cyclist has a monitor strapped to his arm. Is this instead of the WearLink+ transmitter that I got with my FT80 for wearing around the chest, or can you just buy something that affixes it to an arm instead of the chest?



3. What's the cheapest model of calories counter and heart rate monitor that Polar do? I'm looking for something also that I don't mind getting bashed about and scratched too much - for some more extreme/dirty sporting activities.

Thanks in advance for your help.

TheTrimTim

*bump*

cyclingben

I don't use polar just bk I bought a different brand. But I can tell you I cycle 3-4 times a week and use a chest strap with no problems. Also you will get more accurate readings using a chest strap. There is an awesome app called strava you can put on your phone and it logs speed,distance,elevation.

Bubblefoot

Hi,

I own an RS300X Polar monitor so I will try to answer the questions...

1. I suppose it depends on what you want to do with it. Polar's product for cycling is the CS500 which when coupled with the GPS unit can do everything. For general calorie logging or stuff the FT80 will be sufficient but there is no cadence option so if that is important then the cycling models will be inevitable. All of Polar's non-entry level products will sync at polarpersonaltrainer.com as far as I am aware, and the higher end models such as the RS800CX can actually download from there too.

You can get a mounting unit for the bike (http://www.polar.fi/en/products/accessories/Universal_Bike_Mount) to strap the HRM on to.

2. I think what that guy has on his arm isn't the heart rate monitor but the GPS unit.

3. I think the cheapest model they do with polarpersonaltrainer.com uploads is the FT7.

Hope that helps.