On Jul 31, 10:39 am, "Phil Cox" <
[email protected]> wrote:
> I am looking at getting a HRM to help with training. I have a couple of
> friends who use the Edge 305. Seems like overkill, but what a cool piece of
> technology. I am trying to get recomendations on HRM's that provide the best
> bang for the buck.
>
> Note that I want it for general fitness, I do not plan on racing, but I do
> charity rides (longest is a 24 hr ride), so I need to be in shape for them.
>
> Thanks for any input.
>
> As a side note, I have had a Timex before that I liked, as well as a ECG5
> that seemed to be pretty good.
>
> Phil
I have one made by CardioSport that shows 0 heart rate when near power
lines. Presumably the newer models with digital connection or
something between the strap and the watch do not cutout when near
power lines. Something to check.
As for using it to train, not really. As a toy, yes.
Heart rate is not a very good indicator of training or even effort.
Many things such as dehydration, time of day, heat/humidity of the
environment, etc. affect heart rate. Heart rate is a general in the
ballpark aid. Of course in the ballpark means anything from an inside
the ballpark homerun to a flyball pop out to the catcher. Lot of
difference.
To train, you need a plan. Variety of books discuss this so you can
get a decent general plan. Then you need to execute the plan. If it
calls for hard interval work 2 days a week, you have to do it. You
can't ride along with your buddies. If it calls for a rest day of
easy pedaling, you can't ride a medium-hard pace with your buddies.
If you are serious about training, getting the most benefit for time
spent, you have to train by yourself most days. You can throw in a
group ride once a week if it fits into the training plan. But most
group riding is just recreational riding time. Not training time.
You more or less know if you are riding easy, medium, or hard without
a heart rate monitor.
Nashbar has heart rate monitors from $19.95 on up. Free shipping
right now. How much more bang for your buck do you want.
http://www.nashbar.com/results.cfm?...rice1&pagename=Shop by Subcat: Heart Monitors