Cadance, HRM, computer?



koger

New Member
Apr 5, 2005
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Hello

I'm wondering what equipment I should get. Could you give me any advice?

Should I get all 3 things?
Should I get all things in 1 unit or in 2 units?
Any recommendations, as cheap as possible. I don't have to much money to spend on this.

Thank you
 
I think it might just be cheaper to go for 2 things on this one. The Cateye Astrale is a great bike computer for $30. With it you get cadence, ride mileage, max speed, average speed, current speed, and total mileage. Not a bad deal for $30.

Then grab an HRM for cheap. A three in one would be difficult, especially with cadence. I've found it's hard to find things integrated with cadence, most higher end bike computers seem to ignore cadence. Though if you didn't go with cadence, there are several bike computer/HRM combos.

There are numerous sites where you can find both of these things extremely cheap.

~BG
 
TheCycologist said:
I think it might just be cheaper to go for 2 things on this one. The Cateye Astrale is a great bike computer for $30. With it you get cadence, ride mileage, max speed, average speed, current speed, and total mileage. Not a bad deal for $30.

Then grab an HRM for cheap. A three in one would be difficult, especially with cadence. I've found it's hard to find things integrated with cadence, most higher end bike computers seem to ignore cadence. Though if you didn't go with cadence, there are several bike computer/HRM combos.

There are numerous sites where you can find both of these things extremely cheap.

~BG
If cost is a big concern, I agree. If you're able to spend a little more, I've been very happy with the Vetta 100 HRM, which does all three and has some other nice features as well.
 
Another thing you might want to consider is would you want to use the HRM for anything other than cycling. For example, if you swim in the off season to keep fit, then its a bit tricky to bring you handlebar mount HRM to the pool!!!
 
Out of interest, can anybody suggest any units that can perform all 3 functions in one - cadence monitor, HRM, and general cycling computer to calculate speed, distance, etc.

I'm thinking of treating myself to something to a birthday present so price isn't so much of an issue.
 
sergen said:
Out of interest, can anybody suggest any units that can perform all 3 functions in one - cadence monitor, HRM, and general cycling computer to calculate speed, distance, etc.

I'm thinking of treating myself to something to a birthday present so price isn't so much of an issue.
If you're looking for an all in one package, there are a few on the market. I use the Polar s720i. It pretty much has it all. Speed, distance, avg speed, max speed, avg HR, max HR, laps, intervals, cadence, altitude.... a ton of features. I also use it when I go running.

Check it out on Polar's website: http://polarusa.com/Products/consumer/s720.asp
 
sergen said:
Out of interest, can anybody suggest any units that can perform all 3 functions in one - cadence monitor, HRM, and general cycling computer to calculate speed, distance, etc.

I'm thinking of treating myself to something to a birthday present so price isn't so much of an issue.
I use the Ciclio HAC4+, which has all those functions plus altitude, climb grade, stopwatch, and countdown timers (for intervals). And, I'm pretty sure the top end Polar units have all those functions as well. But, now that I have a power meter (PowerTap SL), the only functions I use are climb grade and the countdown timers. And, that's only because I already own it. If you're looking to treat yourself to a birthday present, consider getting a power meter.
 
sergen said:
Out of interest, can anybody suggest any units that can perform all 3 functions in one - cadence monitor, HRM, and general cycling computer to calculate speed, distance, etc.

I'm thinking of treating myself to something to a birthday present so price isn't so much of an issue.

The Vetta 100 HRM which I mentioned earlier does all of that. I've ridden 1,100 miles with it and been very satisfied with it. (I've got the wireless.)
 
Ashley3 said:
The Vetta 100 HRM which I mentioned earlier does all of that. I've ridden 1,100 miles with it and been very satisfied with it. (I've got the wireless.)

I owe everyone an up date. 75 miles after the last posting -- and two miles into a race -- the Vetta bonked out on me spectacularly for no apparent reason. Then, by weird coincidence, when I started to rant about it just past the finish line, my riding buddy said her Vetta had crapped out too! So, we both went to the bike shop, and we were told there had been so many Vetta problems that they were considering switching out all they'd sold with new Polar units.
 
go with a polar cs200 if you only want to keep in on the bike.. if you have the litte extra cash go with the s720 with cadence. i have used them all for the past 7 years of cycling. and i mean ALL different brands. and now i wouldnt get anything but a polar.
 
peterlip said:
I purchased an Echo XR back in April which does all 3 in one, and displays all 3 at once, so you don't have to play with buttons while riding.
I reviewed it here: http://www.cyclingforums.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=355&sort=7&cat=30&page=1
It cost me AUS$165.00 here in Australia, and it does everything I need in a computer/HRM.
Does anyone know if the CatEye CC-TR100 has ever been released?

Is their a computer with HRM and cadence that will measure speed from the rear wheel? My wife spends more time on the trainer than on the road, and rear wheel speed and distance are a must.
 
RickF said:
Does anyone know if the CatEye CC-TR100 has ever been released?

Is their a computer with HRM and cadence that will measure speed from the rear wheel? My wife spends more time on the trainer than on the road, and rear wheel speed and distance are a must.

it's not listed on there website but your LBS should be able to get it for u
 
koger said:
Hello

I'm wondering what equipment I should get. Could you give me any advice?

Should I get all 3 things?
Should I get all things in 1 unit or in 2 units?
Any recommendations, as cheap as possible. I don't have to much money to spend on this.

Thank you
Buy a Cateye Astrale Cadence Computer, then a Polar heart rate monitor of your choice. I have tried multiple combinations and found this to be the most reliable and useful. You can upgrade to the Cateye Wireless with Cadence, but you'll spend about $100 more and will have the same functions. Plus the Astrale is easier to read.

I have tried the expensive cycling computers from Polar and others, I wasn't happy for the money.
 
Well, it's too early for me to weigh in on the Polar. In my two postings above I first praised the Vetta (and if it kept working I still would, because I liked its features and the way they interacted) and then lamented that it gave out on me during a race, when a friend riding with a Vetta had the same experience in the same race (weird coincidence).
Anyway, I used my new Polar CS200 Cad for the first time today and really liked the features and ease of use. The display is nice, large and has all four functions that matter to me on a single screen (speed, distance, cadence and HR). Also, I like the way it mounts (flat on the stem) better than other computer mounts I've used.
As to cost -- and here's another reason to patronize your LBS -- when the Vetta went bad they acknowledged there were problems, said they were frustrated by too many Vetta problems, and just swapped it out for the Polar at no cost to me.
I'll let you all know how I like the Polar in a few hundred miles, but it's great after the first ride!
 
I'll preface this with that I'm very new to cycling... but today I just received my Polar CS200cad and took it out for a ride today.

I liked it alot. It has all the basic info. I wanted (speed, distance, cadence, hrm) and cheaper than the higher priced Polar units.

Like the other poster said it has a nice clear display and mounts nicely on the stem. Installing the other components weren't too hard either.

So far so good and it was finally nice to go out and see what I was actually doing. It felt great. Even though on my limited knowledge I would recommend the Polar CS200cad.