Recommend Computer / HRM

DAC

Hi,
to break the boredom while using the turbo trainer I'd like to buy a (rear wheel) computer and possible a Heart rate monitor I'd appreciate any first hand recommendations - I just want the Trip & speed on computer nothing too fancy/expensive. I've about €100 -150 to spend - Thanks

blorg

I would get a Garmin so you can see where you've been Seriously though, Garmin is my only personal experience with a HRM but I like Cateye computers a lot (very reliable) and this one looks good for €69.50, wireless speed and heart rate so you can fit it to the back wheel. Note you can get a back wheel kit for most computers including the entry-level Cateyes, it costs around £10.

For €100-150 if you were focusing on the HRM you would get a very decent Polar, well beyond the entry-level - something like the Polar CS200 which I believe does logging and data transfer to a PC (so you can see what you did at any time during your workout.)

xz

blorg wrote: »

I would get a Garmin so you can see where you've been Seriously though, Garmin is my only personal experience with a HRM but I like Cateye computers a lot (very reliable) and this one looks good for €69.50, wireless speed and heart rate so you can fit it to the back wheel. Note you can get a back wheel kit for most computers including the entry-level Cateyes, it costs around £10.

For €100-150 if you were focusing on the HRM you would get a very decent Polar, well beyond the entry-level - something like the Polar CS200 which I believe does logging and data transfer to a PC (so you can see what you did at any time during your workout.)

I use the Polar CS200 CAD, which has a cadence sensor as well as all the functions of the CS200, it does indeed do logging and data transfer, and you can set yourself training programmes to follow on https://www.polarpersonaltrainer.com/. Havent really used the HRM much though, it was scaring me, especially on climbs, so I stopped using it

smithslist

if you keep an eye on ebay you probably will get one for a very good price from USA.......

Chips Lovell

Most cycling computers, such as the Polar and the Cateye use a front wheel sensor. Relatively few employ a rear wheel one, although I think the Garmin does, but you'd have to check that. Getting a Garmin though just for indoor training is a bit of overkill since it's main selling point is that its a GPS device.

Having said that, speed and distance are pretty useless metrics for indoor training. What matters is time and effort.

tunney

SRM or powertap

BaBiT

Yep, the Polar is a front wheel sensor and the Garmin is rear wheel....I use a Polar on a bike I have set up on a home trainer cos I don't need to know what 'virtual speed and distance' I've done and it logs everything else I need, HR/Cad/Time...Its a CS200CAD which I believe is quite low in price now

DirkVoodoo

+1 on the CS200. I haven't got a chance to use it properly, but the heart rate monitor is pretty cool if you set your limits correctly.

Signal_ rabbit

I too have been looking for a computer that works on the back wheel for when I'm on the trainer. The polar stuff is a bit overkill (and expensive) as all i want is a speedo effectively. I have a separate HR monitor.

EH

I just picked up a cateye strada cadence. The sensor goes on the rear wheel, I presume this is because it was the easiest way to accommodate both the speed and cadence sensors. I got it for £24.99 with free delivery from here