dcteague

I'm interested in purchasing a HRM since my watch doesn't seem to be very accurate during rides and I'd like to be able to see what is happening over time. I'm new to the sport and have been working myself up to longer rides so I'd like to see if my HRM readings improve as I get used to distances and level of effort. That said, I'm having a hard time figuring out which Wahoo can track HRV - nothing seems to show which of their models do this. Anyone have any insights? I searched but only came across discussions of Afib.

TimothyH

Some polar products measure HRV.

The Vantage V multisport watch does orthostatic test as does the M460 cycling GPS. The M460 doesn't have maps though.

There may be other models I'm not aware of.

This is what it looks like in the Polar app.

dcteague

Thanks - I think the Polar H10 that connects with the M460 might work - was thinking I'd just connect to my Strava account and use them in combination. Is there any advantage to the M460 type device vs using Strava with a HRM for a newby rider?

TimothyH

Well, if navigation is important to you then the M460 doesn't have maps. It does have GPS and will record your route but it won't help you navigate while on the bike. My understanding is that Strava has maps and provided the phone is mounted in a visible location, it can be a navigation tool. I could be wrong.

The M460 will do heart rate zones for training and can be set up to help you do structured workouts such as interval training.

It is also dedicated - won't wear your phone battery down. It isn't a huge device and the screen is black and white.

Maybe someone can chime in about the Whahoo. I would be running Wahoo if I wasn't so heavily invested in Polar.

dcteague

I've looked at the Wahoo as well - the phone mount I have nicely mounted in the same location I'd probably put the M460, and I use google maps for navigation so I may just go that route - its cheaper and having confirmed it can track HRV if I use a separate app, it'll not tie me into a single system so much.

John_V 

One problem with using HRV as a training guide is that, unless you can actually see the rhythm, the unit can't distinguish between SA variances and PACs (premature atrial contractions). I would suggest seeing a physician and getting an EKG to make sure that you don't have PACs, especially if you are an older cyclist.

dcteague

I wasn't really planning to use it for heart health monitoring so much as just understanding how my heart rate and variability during exercise changed vs resting. I guess if I were to see something or feel something I'd go to the doc though - hopefully that doesn't happen.