Cycle computer help

SUEMOO said:

My husband has been dropping hints for a cycle computer for his birthday - he's also expressed an interest in a heart rate monitor. I haven't the faintest idea what to buy. Would I be better getting a combined computer/heart monitor or two separate items? Which ones are reliable/good value for money? I've looked on wiggle and there are two many different types for me to make a decision. Any advice would be gratefully received as I'm completely in the dark on this one. Thank you!

I think the best would be 2 units. A simple Polar HRM and a simple computer, like the Cateye Strada. With complicated (and expensive) computers that 'do it all', when they break you also 'lose it all'.

SUEMOO said:

My husband has been dropping hints for a cycle computer for his birthday - he's also expressed an interest in a heart rate monitor. I haven't the faintest idea what to buy. Would I be better getting a combined computer/heart monitor or two separate items? Which ones are reliable/good value for money? I've looked on wiggle and there are two many different types for me to make a decision. Any advice would be gratefully received as I'm completely in the dark on this one. Thank you!

I have separate units, but you can find all in one.

I like the separate computer because it stays with the bike and will keep continual mileage. It also can keep cadence and speed.

My old HRM which I've had for many years simply displayed HR and could record it for later downloading. I have a new FANCY $$ HRM+GPS unit (Garmin Forerunner 305), which adds distance, elevation, %grade and some other features along with charts and graphs. The features I'll use for cycling are elevation gain, grade and also the ability to chart routes. You can get a cadence input for this unit, but I won't bother because my bicycle computer has it.

I still like that this new unit is separate from the computer because I also use it for running and XC skiing, and it has some features that I use for some of those activities but not others.

By the way, in regards to bicycle computers, I'm a BIG fan of the Shimano Flight Deck computers. If your husband's bike's shifters are "Flight Deck Compatible" (as are most if not all Shimano 8, 9 and 10 speed shifters), consider that unit. It has all typical bike computer features, but is controllable from the shifter hoods - you don't have to take your hands off the handlebars to press computer buttons to change the display when needed. It also graphically shows which gears are being used. I've been riding bicycles for over 35 years and have used a variety of computers, but I really like these two features.

If you are on a tight budget, you can get a very adequate bicycle computer for around $20 or a little more with cadence. A very adequate HRM can be found on sale for, I'm thinking, around $50. They will likely be perfectly fine.

Extremes for gizmo-heads and those seeking more features: Flight Deck computer (all have cadence) ~$75+; Fancy-schmancy HRM/GPS unit $200-300.

SUEMOO said:

My husband has been dropping hints for a cycle computer for his birthday - he's also expressed an interest in a heart rate monitor. I haven't the faintest idea what to buy. Would I be better getting a combined computer/heart monitor or two separate items? Which ones are reliable/good value for money? I've looked on wiggle and there are two many different types for me to make a decision. Any advice would be gratefully received as I'm completely in the dark on this one. Thank you!

I'd go for two gizmos: (i'm a cheap one)
HR monitor: Performance Bikes: Sports Instruments; fitness 3 ($33) I use it for running, gym training and swimming also. (great motivator)
Computer: Performance Bikes: dB4LW wireless (no cadence-i wanted totally wireless) ($27)
Both have been great for me: had for about 1 year, cheap, no problems, easy to program, all I need.

Does your partner do any jogging at all? If si i'd recomend a polar s625x as it has a hrm and is cycling and running compatible

I had great luck with a Polar CS200cad. A cheaper option, while being equally reliable, is the Polar CS100.

Depends how much you need to spend. I would second Alienator's proposal - I also run a Polar CS200CAD (computer+hear rate+pedaling cadence).

This model has been around for a couple of years, so you can find it at a very reasonable price.

IMHO, easier to install and operate than two different gizmos, and takes up much less of the limited handlebar space.

If you have more moolah, also consider one of the Garmin GPS units, although (again IMHO) they are a bit overkill.

I would go with a Polar. As Alienator said, the CS series is excellent. I had a CS200 but crashed going 40 MPH down a mountain at nationals and it broke. I bought a CS300 and love it. It's got everything I need; speed, mileage, and most importantly HR.

I think your best bet is to go with an all in one. It is much simpler to install and what not this way and keeps less on your handlebars.

I have been using the polar CS100 for a year now, and really like it. I had a Sports Instruments (SI) before and did not think it was very good, the wireless did not work well when it was cold.

alienator said:

I had great luck with a Polar CS200cad. A cheaper option, while being equally reliable, is the Polar CS100.

I like the CS200cad as well. It's a nice unit, and easy to use.

SUEMOO said:

My husband has been dropping hints for a cycle computer for his birthday - he's also expressed an interest in a heart rate monitor. I haven't the faintest idea what to buy. Would I be better getting a combined computer/heart monitor or two separate items? Which ones are reliable/good value for money? I've looked on wiggle and there are two many different types for me to make a decision. Any advice would be gratefully received as I'm completely in the dark on this one. Thank you!

I use a Polar CS100 all last summer, HR and computer in one unit, love it.

I think a single unit is best. Who wants to mount/carry 2 units? If you go with a company like Polar or Cateye I doubt the odds of it crapping out on you is very big, plus they come with warranties. Personally, I'm waiting for the Cateye V3/V2ccateye.com461Open ↗ coming out in March. Since I can mount it to my stem since I have an integrated stem/handlebar that doesn't play nice with handlebar clamps.

But the Polar models mentioned are fine for you pruposes I'm sure. Good luck.

puma said:

I think a single unit is best. Who wants to mount/carry 2 units?

well, it depends. I run as much as I bike. When i run, i just wear my HRM as a watch and I did not want one that had complex functions. I also wear it when i work out at the gym. When i bike, I have my computer on the bike and my HRm as a watch. The bike specific computers are somewhat cumbersome to wear when you are not biking and you don't need those cycling functions that you've paid for 😉
I think it depends on what you are looking for and how you work out.

I've had all kinds of trouble with my Polar CS200. Display kept fading out. New battery did not help. Plus, I discovered that the batteries in the cadence unit and speed sensor are not user replaceable and only last 1 year. I would not buy one again, and advise you not to also. I suggest the Garmin 305, which is what I'd like to have.

OldGoat said:

I've had all kinds of trouble with my Polar CS200. Display kept fading out. New battery did not help. Plus, I discovered that the batteries in the cadence unit and speed sensor are not user replaceable and only last 1 year. I would not buy one again, and advise you not to also. I suggest the Garmin 305, which is what I'd like to have.

I had exactly the same problem with my CS200 (ok i admit I dropped it!), check the O-ring is seated properly on the batter cover! That's what caused my problems and it's a good computer. The weblink download is very useful. I wish there was a way to extract the lap data from Polar's own web pages. Anyone know of one (apart from typing it by hand) ?

If i was a runner i might think about a wrist watch option like a CS300 that you get a handle bar mount for. The batteries in my first sensor are still going, it has about 6000 miles and 3 years on it!