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Beginner Triathlon

Amy S.
Amy S. Sendmail

Heart rate monitor

asked about 3 years ago | Report

Training for my first tri & need a heart rate monitor. Any tips on brand, etc.. I really want to keep it simple.

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7 answers

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  • Erica G.
    Erica G. Sendmail

    Hey, I posted a response on a similar thread the other day. You can read it here: http://www.dailymile.com/forums/general-triathlon/questions/919

    I definitely would suggest a Polar brand. They're so much better than other brands. They're more comfortable, easier to use, and from what I've read, their calorie burn info is more accurate.

    If you just want something simple, check out the Polar F4. If you want something with some more bells and whistles, look into an F6 or an F11.

    If you want something that will track your mileage in addition to your heart rate stats, they make models with a foot pod, but I don't know as much about them.

    answered about 3 years ago |Report

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  • Joe C.
    Joe C. Sendmail

    I have been using the Garmin 305 for biking and running and although the software is a bit weird at first, I love the unit (Note you can't wear it in the water, but I doubt that you would be looking at it there).

    REI and other outlets sell a quick detach mount that allows you to quickly remove it from your wrist and mount to your bike (or vice versa)

    answered about 3 years ago |Report

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  • Daniel N.
    Daniel N. Sendmail

    I have a "Reebok Precision Trainer XT Heart Rate Monitor with Chest Strap" that I got off of Woot.com for $20 (plus shipping). It transmits wirelessly to any cardio machine using the Polar system. Much nicer than holding onto those bars while you try to run.

    The chest strap is comfortable and everything seems to work really nicely. It also comes with a piece that lets you strap the watch onto a bike.

    To be honest though, I haven't really done much with it. It has a lot of features, that I just have no interest in at the moment. You can get more information on the item here:

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012RMZ6C?ie=UTF8&tag=realifprieye-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0012RMZ6C

    answered about 3 years ago |Report

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  • Camilla T.
    Camilla T. Sendmail

    I've just seen that Garmin have a new forerunner 60 with a heart rate monitor and no GPS. It's cheap and straight forward if that's what you're after??

    answered about 3 years ago |Report

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  • Apollo L.
    Apollo L. Sendmail

    I really like my Polar F6 heart rate monitor. The only thing I need to figure out about it is how to get it to keep reading accurately when I'm doing tuck or box jumps.

    Other than that, it takes a licking and keeps on ticking.

    answered almost 3 years ago |Report

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  • Laura A.
    Laura A. Sendmail

    I also have a Polar F6 and it works well. There was a learning curve involved in using all the features but it was worth it. When I have more money I will probably upgarde to one of the running computers with more than just the hrm. I spent a lot of time in the store looking at the different kinds before I chose one.
    I have heard that the Polar F6 is not the best for swimming (it is not really waterproof and the buttons shouldn't be pressed underwater) but the manual says it can be used that way so I don't know.

    answered almost 3 years ago |Report

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  • Mark_Thetrigeek H.
    Mark_Thetrigeek H. Sendmail

    this may not be the answer you are looking for but do it for the training but don't do it during the race. ;-)

    I did it once and never again. Came out of the water at 175, off the bike at 185, halfway thru the run hit 195 and saw 203 at the line.

    HRM are excellent tools for training but for racing, especially sprint triathlons and such, IMHO, don't do it. Sometimes ignorance is bliss. ;-)

    answered almost 3 years ago |edited almost 3 years ago |Report

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