General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Combined HRM/Computer or separate units ? Rss Feed  
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2006-06-19 8:33 PM

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Veteran
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San Jose, CA
Subject: Combined HRM/Computer or separate units ?

Having bought a new bike , I feel the need to install a computer (w/ cadence, of course!) but at the same time I'd rather not have separate units for my runs and my biking . So , my problem is should I go for a combined unit and hence pay the hefty cost of a Garmin 305/Polar S625X (+cadence module) or should I go for separates instead ? What do most people do for their bike/run needs ...

What I like about one unit is that all my workouts are stored in one place . Apart from showing cadence , I get to see my HR also instead of twisting my arm to see the watch

Or is the addl. cost not really worth the features ? I am after all , a "beginner triathlete" i.e. while I like my toys and have used a HRM in the past , its not like I run that fast that I absolutely need a HRM for my runs !

Having plonked down the moolah on a new bike , I'd like to avoid the addl. cost if I can but don't want waste the money on a cyclocomputer if it becomes necc. to upgrade anyway .



2006-06-20 8:28 AM
in reply to: #459624

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Champion
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Atlanta, Ga
Subject: RE: Combined HRM/Computer or separate units ?

I started out having a seperate computer on each bike.  One had HR and the other didn't.  One had cadence the other did not.  Then I got a S625X and I'm in HEAVEN! 

I personally think that if you can get the "all in one", do it.  I found that I can turn the watch on my wrist so that I can read it while I'm in the Aerobars. Then I just spin it to it's "normal" position when I run.  This, for me, is key for racing.  But if I'm just going for a ride, then I put it on the bike in it's "holder".  You can get an awesome deal on E-bay for the S625X.  But keep in mind that you will have to buy a cadence and speed sensor seperate ($40 each retail).  But you can find those on e-bay too.  Actually, I think there is someone selling some used ones right now.  Both went for $52 last saturday.  I missed out by 10 min...

2006-06-20 7:08 PM
in reply to: #459947

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Veteran
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San Jose, CA
Subject: RE: Combined HRM/Computer or separate units ?

Wow , thats going to be a bit expensive . Guess , I didn't realize that the Cadence AND Speed sensor are not bundled with the S625X

Knew about the fact that I'd have to buy the cadence sensor but ... Its amazing that Polar gets to position this HRM for multi-sports and then miss out packaging both these sensors !

Enough with the rant ... any idea if the sensors are wireless ? If not how easy is it to setup on your own assuming not much of bike knowledge .

Guess am mulling over the addl. 350$ or so that this HRM solution will cost me ... on top of a 1400$ bike-purchase

2006-06-22 9:22 AM
in reply to: #459624

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Champion
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Atlanta, Ga
Subject: RE: Combined HRM/Computer or separate units ?

Actually, I just got done putting my speed and cadence sensors on yesterday.  They are both wireless. 

It took me about 45 min from in the box to on the bike and cleaned up.  The only limiter is that the speed sensor has to be on the front wheel.  No biggie, but just limits your speed getting on a trainer.

I got a bit of a discount on the sensors from my LBS ($32/each = $70 out the door with Tax).  I understand about the money aspect.  I'm very cheap and only buy things after thinking about them ALOT!  I say get the S625X off of e-bay.  You shouldn't pay more than $210 for it.  Then you can get the sensors there too, or at your LBS.  $300 for all you need in the HRM/bike computer department.  I'd say that's a good price...and I squeak when I walk I'm so cheap.

Here is the mother load for you!!  :  http://cgi.ebay.com/Polar-S625X-625X-Running-Heart-Computer-Bike-Cadence_W0QQitemZ7250307596QQihZ015QQcategoryZ15277QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Everything I just bought.

Or just the sensors: http://cgi.ebay.com/Polar-Speed-Cadence-Sensors_W0QQitemZ7249973012QQihZ015QQcategoryZ30108QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Hope that helps!

2006-06-22 9:40 AM
in reply to: #459624

Master
1315
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Shreveport, LA
Subject: RE: Combined HRM/Computer or separate units ?
Might I suggest the Garmin Forerunner 301. It doesn't have a "cadence" sensor, but you can get your Heart Rate, GPS, Speed, etc all in one place for ~$150. Many people around use this model.

If you want Cadence, you can add a $25 Cat Eye Astrale 8 Bike Computer to your bike.

The ideal situation is the Garmin 305 with the cadence sensor, but that is $300-$400 compared to <$200 for the above.

Edited by mnewton 2006-06-22 9:41 AM
2006-06-22 9:53 AM
in reply to: #459624

Master
1315
1000100100100
Shreveport, LA
Subject: RE: Combined HRM/Computer or separate units ?


2006-07-14 6:58 PM
in reply to: #459624

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Veteran
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1001002525
San Jose, CA
Subject: RE: Combined HRM/Computer or separate units ?

Thanks for the input , folks .

Unfortunately , due to budget constraints (damn!) , I ended up going with a Cateye Astrale 8 itelf . Although the Polar/Garmin would've been a bit better , feature-wise , seem to be shelling out a bit too much for this bike and bike-related expenses .

 

2006-07-15 2:51 AM
in reply to: #462648

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Expert
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Portland,OR
Subject: RE: Combined HRM/Computer or separate units ?

Mike,

I was thinking about getting the 301 but I read that it isn't waterproof.  Is that true?  Do you wear it during a race and if so how do you keep it dry?  Wouldn't it be nice to know your HR during the swim?

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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Combined HRM/Computer or separate units ? Rss Feed