Polar CS200cad

sergen

I like the look of this unit - especially the way that HR can be displayed as a % of MHR rather than just BPM. Two main thoughts I had are as follows:

1)How do you store data for your training rides? On the higher end Polar models you get a CD containing software allowing you to upload the data from rides direct from your unit. But the CS200cad seems to require you to go to an on-line website. Is this a free service? Does it allow you to store data graphically, especially one's cadence? How much storage room are you allowed on this website?

2) I don't like the idea of fitting the computer on the stem for safety reasons. Computers that sit on the stem require you to change your line of vision from the road slightly more than those sitting on the handlebar (this may sound paranoid to some forum users but I personally get freaked out about the idea and prefer handlebar mounts). Is the accuracy of the cadence unit affected by positioning the computer on the handlebar rather than stem - I guess this last question applies only to those users who already have their CS200's on the handlebar.

Many thanks

alienator

I like the look of this unit - especially the way that HR can be displayed as a % of MHR rather than just BPM. Two main thoughts I had are as follows:

1)How do you store data for your training rides? On the higher end Polar models you get a CD containing software allowing you to upload the data from rides direct from your unit. But the CS200cad seems to require you to go to an on-line website. Is this a free service? Does it allow you to store data graphically, especially one's cadence? How much storage room are you allowed on this website?

2) I don't like the idea of fitting the computer on the stem for safety reasons. Computers that sit on the stem require you to change your line of vision from the road slightly more than those sitting on the handlebar (this may sound paranoid to some forum users but I personally get freaked out about the idea and prefer handlebar mounts). Is the accuracy of the cadence unit affected by positioning the computer on the handlebar rather than stem - I guess this last question applies only to those users who already have their CS200's on the handlebar.

Many thanks

To number 2: you'd have to measure the distance from the cadence sensor mount to where you intend to mount the computer. Polar gives a value for the max distance, which I don't have off the top of my head. But FWIW, if your head is 2 feet above the computer the angular difference between the spot on stem and a spot on the handlebar, 3cm away, is only 1.5 degrees. If you move the computer to a position 6cm away, the angular difference is 2.5 degrees, roughly. In both cases, there is very little difference between lines of sight. The bigger issue would be if your eye had to focus at a significantly shorter distance and then focus back down the road. That doesn't happen here, cuz the distance between a computer on the bars and one on the same is virtually the same to your eye.

koops63

Have been using the cs200 for about 3 months now. I love the thing.

Firstly up loading is via a site that u download from polar. The unit Chirps either through dymanic speakers or mic and all stored data is kept in a day to day diary. It is a free service.

Secondly the unit can be both stem or bar mounted. On the bar it must be mounted on the same side as the speed sender on the forks. The cadence sender off hand must be with in 2.5 feet of the unit. I dont think the bar or stem position will be a problem.
cheers.

sergen

Thanks for the response.

By the way..... is it true that when the battery goes on the cadence and speed sensors that you have to buy complete new units? From what I could see on the website it seemed to suggest you can't change the battery on these two units.

peterlip

Have been using the cs200 for about 3 months now. I love the thing.

Firstly up loading is via a site that u download from polar. The unit Chirps either through dymanic speakers or mic and all stored data is kept in a day to day diary. It is a free service.

Secondly the unit can be both stem or bar mounted. On the bar it must be mounted on the same side as the speed sender on the forks. The cadence sender off hand must be with in 2.5 feet of the unit. I dont think the bar or stem position will be a problem.
cheers.Question: How much data does the cs200 store for a session. Does it store summaries, or summaries per lap, or data for the entire training session?

alienator

Data is saved as a session summary, with the following values:

-avg HR & max HR
-limits set for target HR zone
-time in/above/below target HR zone
-Kcalories burned
-distance
-avg speed & max speed
-avg cadence & max cadence
-ride time

for laps:
-# of laps
-best lap number and time
-split time and lap time for each lap
-avg HR & max HR for each lap
-avg lap speed & speed when lap was recorded
-avg cadence for lap & cadence when lap was recorded
-lap distance and split distances

If you don't have the cadence sensor for the CS200, then the cadence features aren't recorded.

Hypnospin

i've got one, the cadence sensor was replaced by colorado cyclist upon being DOA. pays to buy from a big retailer sometimes even if ya gotta pay 10 bucks more...

upon speaking to the guy at colo cyclist, he mentioned there is actualy a replaceable battery in these speed and cadence sensores, but they are made to snap together in a way were they do not allow easy acess. kinda brings to mind sti levers.

i like my cs 200 cad, there are some things in my opinion that would make it a better unit to serve the serious cyclist, but it is vastly better than my previous polar units that had no storage, ect, capability.

Thanks for the response.

By the way..... is it true that when the battery goes on the cadence and speed sensors that you have to buy complete new units? From what I could see on the website it seemed to suggest you can't change the battery on these two units.