HRM Advice
Helenca76
Posts: 125 Member
Hi,
I am wondering which HRM would be best to use for cycling and running.
I have looked at the Polar RC3 and RCX5 and Garmin Forerunner 310XT GPS but to be honest, I am confused as to what is best for me. Is there another watch out there I should be considering? I don't want to spend a huge sum of money but need something decent.
What do you guys use? Looking for recommendations please.
Cheers
I am wondering which HRM would be best to use for cycling and running.
I have looked at the Polar RC3 and RCX5 and Garmin Forerunner 310XT GPS but to be honest, I am confused as to what is best for me. Is there another watch out there I should be considering? I don't want to spend a huge sum of money but need something decent.
What do you guys use? Looking for recommendations please.
Cheers
0
Replies
-
I have the Garmin Forerunner 610, it is the older version of the FR620 however, you are able to swap between cycling and running. it is also compatible with the Garmin HRM and cadence meter. You can also connect to a foot pod if need be.0
-
CycleOps PowerCal is fairly inexpensive, syncs easily with most devices and will give you HRM & power meter (based on math, but good enough for post-ride analysis). I personally used Wahoo stuff and was not impressed. So far CycleOps has worked very well.0
-
CycleOps PowerCal is fairly inexpensive, syncs easily with most devices and will give you HRM & power meter (based on math, but good enough for post-ride analysis). I personally used Wahoo stuff and was not impressed. So far CycleOps has worked very well.
Agreed - it's almost a no-brainer - maybe £20 more than a standard Garmin HR belt, much easier to swap batteries on, better construction standard than the garmin one AND it gives an indication (okay not absolutely accurate, but it IS consistent - which for training is arguably just as important) of power development. I've actually got a Stages Powermeter on the roadbike, but for the 'Crosser or the MTB the powercal is "good enough" to not let me "blow up" before I get home, and give me a decent indication of how much work I've actually done.
As to the actual "head unit" or Watch... personally, I'd get a Edge 510 for the bike, and something else for running - can't recommend anything specific, though it would probably make sense to go with a Garmin - maybe something like the Forerunner 220 ?
The reason I say get dedicated units is simple, the display requirements for riding a bike can be very different to running, with lots of things you may want to monitor at a glance, while not taking your eyes off the road for too long, and without having to press buttons to cycle through a display.
i'd have a look on the DC Rainmaker site - he's a pretty tech-savvy multi-sports type blogger, and does great reviews of kit...
here's the review of the forerunner 220 - http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/11/garmin-forerunner-depth-review.html0 -
I use a Garmin 310XT with a hard chest strap. Fully submersible. Has alot more bells & whistles than I use, but they are there if I decide later I want them. I like all that I use now, too. Never had any issues with it. Garmin has a great "live" person in their customer service to help out with programming, too. I liked that. They walked me thru several instructions with me over the phone.0
-
dcrainmaker.com is your friend in this one. I have garmin 310xt (and a 901xt, as well) and they both are pretty awesome. Garmin can be a bit frustrating to work with at times. I cringe every time they "update" their software, but overall i am happy with them.0
-
Thank you gentlemen for the advice, have ended up with a Suunto Quest......very cheap in the sale here, am easily swayed by a bargain!!:happy: It's actually pretty good. Can be used for all exercise with the added GPS pod for cycling and running and syncs to Strava so am itching to get out on my bike to see how it goes.
Helen 0 -
