scotty_

Hi,

I've been looking to get a heart rate monitor for ages but I just can't work out a number of things.

Something that does everything is ideal. That will be some Polar S5billion costing about that much plus the cost of having my current computer which my parents (I'm 16) paid $85.00 (of the Aussie variety) rendered useless.

So before spending almost as much money on a HRM as my bike I've decided I should buy an el-Cheapo HRM to use until I can afford to throw money at Polar. Is this wise?

Also, I've noticed that some HRMs don't display intesity as a % of Max. How important is this feature? I've been reading up on using heart rate monitors and I figure using my LTHR (Lactate Threashold Heart Rate) would be the number I'd want to work off. If I had a HRM that didn't display this would it be a hassle to constantly be calculating numbers in your head?

So I need to find something cheap that will work and last. I've been looking on eBay and found G-Pulse HRMs going for about $30 (AUD) and they look like something that fits the description. Does anybody know of any better deals or similar HRMs that would suit better?

Thank you.

Guest

It's hard to say what you can buy in Australia. By the time you pay taxes and import fees, it's expensive.

See if you can find an online store where you can buy it instead. Then have your parents get you a nice one for christmas.

If you know your heart rate ranges, you really don't need all the bells and whistles if you really can't afford it. I would just recommend a heart rate monitor that gave a summary at the end of your ride instead.

Koffee

demoncyclist

I'm putting together an order of HRMs for my Spinning students. I have a friend that can get the SigmaSport PC15 for $50 US if we buy 5 or more at a time. Check out their website at www.sigmasport.com

karlfitt

Right now Performance has the sigma PC14 for $50.00, no group purchase needed. It is in their catallog, I am not sure their on line price. I know in the store though, you pay whichever price is cheapest (if you tell them) store, catalog, or on line.

This won't help you, but in my local store they also have a Timex HRM on clearance for $30.00.

merlinextraligh

I have a Sigma Sport that works fine. As for % of maximum, I don't think its very helpful. Once you learn your HR at LT that will dictate your workouts. You only need to figure your target HR for various workouts once, and then you'll know them. It's not like you have to do math in your head every time you ride.
For me, all I need from the HRM is my HR, max HR for the workout, and average HR.

scotty_

Do you know what kind of charges there would be if I bought it from an online store in the US or eBay? Or what about if it was a person (like demoncyclist) just mailing it over, do you have to pay taxes on that?

Thanks for all your help!

johnny99

Get a HRM with a HR display and a programmable training zone. The training zone featire will measure how much time you spend within the zone and have some kind of alarm (e.g., flashing display) when your HR goes above or below the zone. You can find several models like this in the lower price ranges.

Az B

I saw a HRM monitor at Target for $10. I have no idea how good it is. I had one I paid $20 for, but I took it back as there was no way to turn the heart monitor alarm off and I got tired of listening to it during high intensity work outs. I don't need much... all those training tips and zones are pretty useless, I simply need something that allows me to keep track of my heart rate. Other people may have uses for all those features, but I don't.

I found another similar priced cheapo that allows the alarm to be turned off. It's an Oregon Scientific. It even came with a rubber spacer to mount the watch/monitor to the handlebars of the bike!

Az

quitchat

Sigma PC15 for US$50 sounds like a decent price.
I'm currently using a PC14 and it works fine.
Nashbar is selling PC14 for US$40 but I'm not sure how much the shipment will be.

RoboCheme

I have a bottom of the line Polar. All it does is give HR, nothing else. It cost me about $40US. I think that you can calculate % intensity in your head or do it before hand so that you know that X HR = Y % intensity.

60cycle

i also have the cheap-o polar. it's lasted through much abuse...