Cycle computer - polar - THANKS!

[Bazzer]

I just received a new (second hand) bike today and the seller supplied it with the Polar kit fully installed (power meter) cadence sensor etc. The polar mounting has two little pins which obviously interface with the watch / computer. This wasn't part of the purchase and now I find myself with this whole fancy gadget without the machine to give the feedback. Any idea on what model of polar interfaces with this particular kit considering the polar range changes all the time and I reckon this kit is at least 1 yr old. Anybody got one to sell as they are upgrading to a fancier model? Thanks

 

The advice has been outstanding. Thanks once again Hubbers! You really impress me. Lots of food for thought

Bazzer2008-02-14 12:05:02

[applezunepod]

I thought the Polar computers/sensors were wireless like their watches.

 

 

 

If the cadence and speed sensor are wireless then you should be able to buy a polar watch for around R900-R1700 and it should work with the sensors. Plus I assume you'll want a heart rate chest strap to work with the watch.

 

 

 

If the sensors have wires running to the computer mount on the handlebars then it looks like you have to get the specific model of computer that fits the mount. I assume it should be a standard mount to the different Polar models of cycle computers (I assume the Polar CS200 or CS400 computers.)

 

 

 

If you need a cycle computer I'm not sure you'll find one that is being sold new or 2nd hand that doesn't come with the sensors.

 

 

 

You can always pop into a Sportmans Warehouse and see what they have in terms of Polar, you should be able to get someone at SWH to crack open a Polar watch/computer box to see if things are compatible. I usually get sales people to open the box anyway before I buy stuff to make sure everything is in there.

[applezunepod]

Oh BTW you can pop onto the Polar site and download manuals for the different polar devices. I suggest you download the cycle computer manuals to see how things get installed and operate.

 

 

 

This will give you an idea of what model you're looking for in terms of Polar device.

[ewep]

Bazzer, drop me a PM.  I had one of these power meters on my other bike.  Very nice to train with (if you have a coach and you're willing to SUFFER) or just plain handy to use as a reference tool (hill1, my power went up by 2W over the last 2 months!).

[Ox_Wagon]

So what bike did you buy?

[Willehond]

I have a Polar S725 and have the option of getting a power meter second hand, is it worth getting or is it not accurate enough?  I've heard it is a bit difficult to set up, but I've had a taste of power with ROnelle's Power-Tap and now I want more!  Is the Polar really up to the job?

 

Thing is; I can get the Polar for R1000, compared to the +R5000 for a Power-Tap.  If the Polar can do the job I'm getting it, but your advise/experience would be appreciated.

[Windbreaker]

 

 

In my opinion it is better than the iBike but it will drive you to drink!!

 

I started with a 725 + power combination and try as hard as I could to set it up with special brackets etc etc etc it was not consistent across the gear range. But having said that it sure is better than nothing. It will result in you buying a PT :-)

 

ps To demonstrate how desperate I am about riding with power (note that I can't use the word training again just yet) I bought a new version for the tandem but have given up on that too.

 

Windbreaker2008-02-14 10:15:23

[bruce]

Bazzer, the power sensor will work with the 720i and 625x models for sure, not sure if it will work with any of the other models.

 

Willehond, the polar is definitely tricky to set up and get working properly.  I never managed to get mine consistent across all gear combinations.  There is a lot of wiring with the older unit, and the memory capacity is not great.  Sample storage is every 5 seconds which in power terms is very coarse.

[hot stuff]

I had the polar power metre, was very tricky, it had to be reset for me every time I washed the bike. I got frustrated. but when it did work it was great. now have to ride with out power in more ways than one