mongoose_dude Posted January 6, 2010 Posted January 6, 2010 Hi guys... I am starting to get a bit more serious about long distance / marathon mtb things now, so I figured it might be wise to get a HR monitor sometime. Since I am totally unfamiliar with these things, I have a few questions: 1) What models (as cheap as possible - I don't have 2 grand for this thing) of HR monitors would you recommend for HR training? I would like one that has extended training programmes (multiple week programmes for instance) 2) Which of these models allow you to download data to your PC? Is this even a useful / necessary feature? 3) Is the whole hype about HR training justified? Does it really work a lot better than riding around without heart rate in mind? 4) I saw some basic Polar HR monitors on gumtree for 300 or 400 bucks... Are these sufficient? I really don't think I need cadence monitoring etc, but extended / structured training programmes might be useful. 5) It would be nice if the monitor I get also has a programme for getting rid of excess beer-belly and other such weighty issues. Which models would have these programmes? If anyone has more info (like a small introduction to HR training or some beginner's tips) for me, I'd really value it. Thanks!
mongoose_dude Posted January 6, 2010 Author Posted January 6, 2010 Oh - forgot to add: altitude meter would be useful (not necessary though)
Spinnekop Posted January 7, 2010 Posted January 7, 2010 1) What models (as cheap as possible - I don't have 2 grand for this thing) of HR monitors would you recommend for HR training? I would like one that has extended training programmes (multiple week programmes for instance) I'd go for Polar. CS400' date=' CS600. Every now and again you get a cheapy on the Hub. 2) Which of these models allow you to download data to your PC? Is this even a useful / necessary feature? Regarding downloads......save up and get one that does the Infrared thing......NOT the the sound..... CS600. S720, S725, comes to mind. VERY useful. I like looking at what I have done and where I can improve.... 3) Is the whole hype about HR training justified? Does it really work a lot better than riding around without heart rate in mind? It helps for sure.....gives a bit of structure.....Power metering would be better but that is VERY pricey..... 4) I saw some basic Polar HR monitors on gumtree for 300 or 400 bucks... Are these sufficient? I really don't think I need cadence monitoring etc' date=' but extended / structured training programmes might be useful.[/quote'] Those would probably not be able to download your stuff to PC......BUT you can do it manually thus no problem if you are interested in averages etc. I think you are looking at anything from R1000 to R3000 5) It would be nice if the monitor I get also has a programme for getting rid of excess beer-belly and other such weighty issues. Which models would have these programmes? Go to a trainer. I am with Jaco. He then gives you a training program and advice based on HR (Or Power).....Works well and takes the guessing out of the equation. http://www.mytrainer.co.za/
DomJBo Posted January 7, 2010 Posted January 7, 2010 I have HR monitor that i use in conjuction with my phone. Records HR throughout run and ride but no software or comparisons avaliable. You could use a biasic monitor and set up an excel spreadsheet to save and compare your data. Your choice. Dad's got a polar 725 and its rather mean, ultimatly its so pricey for the software!
AndreZA Posted January 7, 2010 Posted January 7, 2010 These things are really out of hand. I have the RS800CX and the best thing is you set ip up using the PC. No strugling with menus on the watch and remember where is what. It is way more then what I need but it's fun to have.
mongoose_dude Posted January 7, 2010 Author Posted January 7, 2010 1) What models (as cheap as possible - I don't have 2 grand for this thing) of HR monitors would you recommend for HR training? I would like one that has extended training programmes (multiple week programmes for instance) I'd go for Polar. CS400' date=' CS600. Every now and again you get a cheapy on the Hub. 2) Which of these models allow you to download data to your PC? Is this even a useful / necessary feature? Regarding downloads......save up and get one that does the Infrared thing......NOT the the sound..... CS600. S720, S725, comes to mind. VERY useful. I like looking at what I have done and where I can improve.... 3) Is the whole hype about HR training justified? Does it really work a lot better than riding around without heart rate in mind? It helps for sure.....gives a bit of structure.....Power metering would be better but that is VERY pricey..... 4) I saw some basic Polar HR monitors on gumtree for 300 or 400 bucks... Are these sufficient? I really don't think I need cadence monitoring etc' date=' but extended / structured training programmes might be useful.[/quote'] Those would probably not be able to download your stuff to PC......BUT you can do it manually thus no problem if you are interested in averages etc. I think you are looking at anything from R1000 to R3000 5) It would be nice if the monitor I get also has a programme for getting rid of excess beer-belly and other such weighty issues. Which models would have these programmes? Go to a trainer. I am with Jaco. He then gives you a training program and advice based on HR (Or Power).....Works well and takes the guessing out of the equation. http://www.mytrainer.co.za/ Thank you for the detailed advice. Good to have a few model names to read up on. The idea with the trainer is also very good. Perhaps spending a few bux on that is not bad. I suppose the website you suggested gives trainers according to area? I am in Stellenbosch. Tanks again
mongoose_dude Posted January 7, 2010 Author Posted January 7, 2010 I have HR monitor that i use in conjuction with my phone. Records HR throughout run and ride but no software or comparisons avaliable. You could use a biasic monitor and set up an excel spreadsheet to save and compare your data. Your choice. Dad's got a polar 725 and its rather mean' date=' ultimatly its so pricey for the software![/quote'] Cool.. Do the basic ones at least store your HR stats for single rides? Then one can do the whole excel spreadsheet thing. Thanks
DomJBo Posted January 7, 2010 Posted January 7, 2010 The very basic ones, no just read HR at specified time, but sure as you go up slightly in pricing you'll be able to find one. I'm geussing you might have better luck with a cycle computer or Garmin type unit
mongoose_dude Posted January 7, 2010 Author Posted January 7, 2010 Ok... will do a bit of online hunting, and read some product reviews... Seems evident that one is not going to get anything decent without spending some cash. Sigh. Wallet =
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