HR monitor for running and cycling

[stephenmarklay]

I want to get one for my wife but she runs more than cycles. It would be great if the wrist ones were accurate but it does not seem like they are there yet.

So what are good choices for her? Also, she does not really need or want a traditional cycling computer.

[crownjewelwl]

The forearm one gets the best reviews...I have one inbound

The mio link is garbage

[stephenmarklay]

The forearm one gets the best reviews...I have one inbound


Which one is that?

[BSBD]

Which one is that?

The Rhythm+: http://www.scosche.com/rhythm+

[stephenmarklay]

Got it. I like that for both of us. She will need a watch to go with it.

[brockd15]

I have a Garmin 310XT and my wife has a 910XT and we both use them for running and cycling. They've been great for us. The 910 is a bit sleeker and may fit better. Garmin just came out with a 920XT so now is a good time to pick up a lightly used 910.

[bewheels]

I would suggest being clear on what data you want to deal with. HR monitor range from displaying only your HR to all kinds of additional info (time, laps, GPS, yada, yada, yada).

Do you want an ANT+ so that in the future you can integrate it with other ANT+ devices?

It can get over whelming. For years I went with the simplest (cheapest) HR monitor I could find - HR and time. Polar used to make these dirt simple models. I used watch style with a strap and just mounted the watch on the bars.

Most of the time when you read poor review it has to do with people not being able to get the readings to start. There is a fool proof way to get these things to work - adjust the strap properly to be snug enough...but not too tight, take it back off and lick (yes, with your tongue) the two pick-up areas, put it on and go.

[stephenmarklay]

Thanks you guys. I am not 100% what features but thinking about it I am getting a better picture.

I was thinking basic but I bet she would like HR, elapsed time, distance (GPS) and pace (or speed). Again while she will ride a bike running is her thing.

I wil have to look at what has these features.

This one covers that functionality but it looks like reviews are just ok with 150+ rating of 1.

[teleguy57]

If you haven't yet, check out DCRainmaker (http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/11/winter-gadget-recommendations.html); from my POV his expertise and breadth of devices he tests out is unparalleled.

[stephenmarklay]

If you haven't yet, check out DCRainmaker (http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/11/winter-gadget-recommendations.html); from my POV his expertise and breadth of devices he tests out is unparalleled.


Thanks - I read his bike trainer stuff but not about this so I will.

[stephenmarklay]

He recommends the Polar M400 and that looks nice. It may be the way to go for her.
http://www.polar.com/us-en/products/improve_fitness/running_multisport/m400

[Charles M]

TickR X...

The suite of VERY easy to use tools that comes with it are awesome and if she wants to do other exercises, the thing is fantastic.

They will be launching a multiple exercise REP counting tool very shortly that is incredible for body weight work outs. (using motion sensing). I'm using a beta of that right now and it's really fantastic as an all around tool. It also kicks ass as a stand alone...

Even without the Rep counting it's a great all around tool. way more than simple heart for bike run other workouts...


http://www.wahoofitness.com/wahoo-tickr-x-heart-rate-strap.html

[stephenmarklay]

TickR X...

The suite of VERY easy to use tools that comes with it are awesome and if she wants to do other exercises, the thing is fantastic.

They will be launching a multiple exercise REP counting tool very shortly that is incredible for body weight work outs. (using motion sensing). I'm using a beta of that right now and it's really fantastic as an all around tool. It also kicks ass as a stand alone...

Even without the Rep counting it's a great all around tool. way more than simple heart for bike run other workouts...


http://www.wahoofitness.com/wahoo-tickr-x-heart-rate-strap.html

Thanks Charles I will check this out.

[bjf]

I bought the Scosche Rhythm+ after reading about it in this forum, and I'm really happy with it. The forearm position is much more comfortable and easier to deal with than a chest strap. It communicates with a Garmin Vivofit, which is a slim wrist band, as well as the Garmin Edge 500. I think the Rhythm is more accurate than a wrist pulsemeter, because of the forearm position. Might be a good option.

[Gummee]

I've run with my Edge 500 in my pocket. ...but I'm a gadget kind of guy so after reading DC Rainmaker's reviews, I figured out I didn't need the bells and whistles of the 620 or 920 Forerunners and bought myself a 220.

The 620 and 920 have cycling specific settings. The 220 doesn't.

...the other reason I stuck with the big G is the fact that I'm uploading my 510 to Garmin Connect as the tracking site. If you're using something else, it may not be as big an issue.

Oh. I pulled the 220 out of the box and was immediately astounded how light it is. Bout as light as my Timex Ironman from way back when.

HTH

M