Heart Monitor/Bike Computer Combo Recc? - Triathlon Week

08-23-2004, 07:09 PM

I'm just getting into the sport of Triathlon, and I have one piece of
equipment that I'm doing a bit of back and forth on - a heart monitor.

I definitely want one, but I'm trying to decide if I want a combo heart
monitor/bike computer like Polar USA's S520
([Only registered and activated users can see links. ]), or if I should get a
less expensive heart monitor and get a separate bike computer.

Does anyone have any experience with the S520, or other combo computers?
Can you tell me what you think about them?

Polar also has the S150, which combines both functions for a lot less, but
it's not wireless, and there is no cadence option. I think tracking your
cadence is much more important than tracking your speed. Does anyone have
the S150? What are your feelings about it?

One last question - can you use the bike computer while racing? I find
myself (from past cycling experience) being able to ride much better if I
can track my cadence. I'd really like that option.

Thanks,

Steve

08-23-2004, 07:09 PM

Steve Anderson wrote:
> I'm just getting into the sport of Triathlon, and I have one piece of
> equipment that I'm doing a bit of back and forth on - a heart monitor.
>
> I definitely want one, but I'm trying to decide if I want a combo heart
> monitor/bike computer like Polar USA's S520
> ([Only registered and activated users can see links. ]), or if I should get a
> less expensive heart monitor and get a separate bike computer.
>
> Does anyone have any experience with the S520, or other combo computers?
> Can you tell me what you think about them?
>
> Polar also has the S150, which combines both functions for a lot less, but
> it's not wireless, and there is no cadence option. I think tracking your
> cadence is much more important than tracking your speed. Does anyone have
> the S150? What are your feelings about it?
>
> One last question - can you use the bike computer while racing? I find
> myself (from past cycling experience) being able to ride much better if I
> can track my cadence. I'd really like that option.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Steve
Hi Steve,

I've got an s510, which has been brilliant for a long time now. The
cadence monitor has been pretty crap all along, but, as I have a
softride, it's not the simplest of bikes to mount it on. The speedo is
ok, but there are multiple power settings available by moving a jumper
in the sensor... I found that the lowest power setting wasn't enough.
Power sensors are so expensive I've never tried them.

I also like the ability to log everything to my PC... all you need is a
microphone.

Like I said, I've had it for 3 or 4 years now, and it's still going
strong - and on the original battery. If that's not the kiss of death, I
don't know what is!

Cheers,

Steve

08-23-2004, 07:09 PM

I have the 520. Be certain that you mount the speed sensor on the same
side of the stem as the 'watch' unit. I was receiving strange speed
readings until I move the sensor.

My cadence works fine.

The computer link via microphone produces nice graphs and data.

good luck.

Joel

Steve Anderson wrote:

>I'm just getting into the sport of Triathlon, and I have one piece of
>equipment that I'm doing a bit of back and forth on - a heart monitor.
>
>I definitely want one, but I'm trying to decide if I want a combo heart
>monitor/bike computer like Polar USA's S520
>([Only registered and activated users can see links. ]), or if I should get a
>less expensive heart monitor and get a separate bike computer.
>
>Does anyone have any experience with the S520, or other combo computers?
>Can you tell me what you think about them?
>
>Polar also has the S150, which combines both functions for a lot less, but
>it's not wireless, and there is no cadence option. I think tracking your
>cadence is much more important than tracking your speed. Does anyone have
>the S150? What are your feelings about it?
>
>One last question - can you use the bike computer while racing? I find
>myself (from past cycling experience) being able to ride much better if I
>can track my cadence. I'd really like that option.
>
>Thanks,
>
> Steve
>
>

08-23-2004, 07:09 PM

Depends on what your priorities and cash flow are. If you just want to
stay in a certain zone, then buy and inexpensive monitor and a cycling
computer. If you want to be able to track workouts on the computer,
there are many choices. Polar has several models in the "S" series
that have a variety of features and prices. You can add speed sensors
at will, which I like since I have mountain and road. You could even
add one to a trainer on the rear wheel. There are also Cadence sensors
that are inexpensive, but if you want the Power Sensor, be prepared to
shell out some money. There are other sensors from Nike , etc. and
some of them have GPS. Nike also has a footpod as does another company
to track mileage. PC Coach can be used to work with some Polar models
for training plans. If you go to the US Polar site you can compare
models. Wired cycling computers are inexpensive and pretty much
bomb-proof. There is a Flightdeck computer that may be compatible with
your current STI levers you are already using and allow you to change
functions without ever leaving the grips.