Heart Monitor

greenspurs

I had a recent scare, and have been given the ok to go back cycling. My specialist recommended i use a heart monitor whilst cycling.
Can anyone recommend a heart monitor that could be used.
Watch V's Garmin and strap ?
Thanks in advance ...

not yet

greenspurs wrote: »

I had a recent scare, and have been given the ok to go back cycling. My specialist recommended i use a heart monitor whilst cycling.
Can anyone recommend a heart monitor that could be used.
Watch V's Garmin and strap ?
Thanks in advance ...

Best wishes, happy cycling..

NeedMoreGears

You can more easily see the garmin as you can mount it on the stem. It might be better than checking your wrist.

greenspurs

NeedMoreGears wrote: »

You can more easily see the garmin as you can mount it on the stem. It might be better than checking your wrist.

Yes, was kinda thinking that way too....
Could go well with my Garmin Virb

nilhg

If it's just cycling you do than the Edge series would be the best, that's what I got for similar reasons to yourself, but if you're throwing running or swimming into the mix then the watch would surely have the edge an advantage.

iwillhtfu

I find the bet peace of mind I get with a HRM is when I take it off.

Apparently I'm having a heart attack every 2 mins on the turbo. :eek:

Hope you're on the mend op.

ninoon

I have used the less costly watch type for years with no problem , just build up a small section of bar with tape , plastic etc to fit the strap, not much build up needed.

arybvtcw0eolkf

ninoon wrote: »

I have used the less costly watch type for years with no problem , just build up a small section of bar with tape , plastic etc to fit the strap, not much build up needed.

+1

I use a wrist monitor attached to the bars, it has the added convenience that I can remove it to wear for other exercises like jogging, circuits, spinning etc.

slideshow bob

ninoon wrote: »

I have used the less costly watch type for years with no problem

Works well for me too.

Don't let a noisy HRM signal stop you though, at least not until you're warmed up. This may be useful:
http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2010/04/troubleshooting-your-heart-rate.html

2 Wheels Good

I've an adidas heart rate monitor belt that works with both my Garmin forerunner and my Edge 500 so I use it on and off the bike. If you can wait until January you might get a good deal on a Garmin with HRM. I bought my Forerunner off them last January less 30%

C-Shore

Consider a Bluetooth HR Strap, and then you can pair it to your phone.

Just a suggestion that may save on buying any extra equipment if you already have a smartphone.

TheBlaaMan

greenspurs wrote: »

I had a recent scare, and have been given the ok to go back cycling. My specialist recommended i use a heart monitor whilst cycling.
Can anyone recommend a heart monitor that could be used.
Watch V's Garmin and strap ?
Thanks in advance ...

Glad to hear all is OK. Without knowing where the specialist was, I may be off the track here, but it might be money well spent to get comprehensive heart stress testing performed. I did this in the Whitflied Clinic in Waterford when I became a bit more serious about cycling. It wasn't cheap (c €300 I recall) but it is a comprehensive stress test (basically a ramp test) where they monitor you as you exert in 3 minute intervals. Above all, what it showed me was my maximum heart rate. A report was then sent to my GP. It is a comfort to do this under observation from a specialist. I know use a HRM strap (I wear it 95% of the time on the bike) so I know when I'm in my 'sweet spot', or approaching and then reaching my maximal rate.

As to HRM, I've tried a few cheapos wrist-watch jobbies and based on the above known max, found most of them to have a significant 'tolerance' - c10% which was a bit much for my liking. I now use one with my Garmin Edge 500 and although it has gone postal on one or two occasions, I trust it more than I ever did the wrist monitors.