Any got a Polar cycle computer & Heart Rate Monitor?

[Bowland Rider]

Hi, does anyone have a Polar cycle computer & heart rate monitor? Im looking at getting the CS200 and id appreciate any feedback from folk who have got a Polar make. I've read mixed reviews about the heart rate readings and speed readings going blank / cutting out. Cheapest one i've found is the CS200 for £80. Bargain! If it works!

[The Mechanic]

I too have heard dire tales about CS200. However, I have had mine since 2005 and it has never let me down. I have always had difficulty with the CAD function but otherwise, berilliant. The only problem I have at the moment is that I can't find my wearlink chest strap. I think my Wife has tidied it up somewhere now neither of us can find it.

[JohnCKirk]

I Have a Polar RS800cx, which I've been using for a couple of years, and I'm pretty happy with it. It works well for cycling and running, but it's no good for swimming (even though it was originally marketed as a watch for triathletes). You can configure up to 3 bikes, so I have a speed and cadence sensor on my touring bike but I just use the GPS unit on my Brompton. If I borrow a bike (e.g. Barclays Cycle Hire) then I tell the watch that I'm on my Brompton, and it won't expect to find any other sensors.

You need to synch the watch with software on your PC; this uses an infrared link, so you have to establish line of sight, which can be a bit of a faff. I think it would have been better to use some kind of wireless link, since that's what the watch does to communicate with all the other sensors, but it's not a major problem. The watch has a limited memory capacity, and you fill it up faster if you turn on more sensors and/or record data at shorter intervals. For instance, if you have 4 sensors turned on (RR-data, speed, GPS, altitude), the watch will record 4h10m of data if you sample every second, or 15h if you sample every 5 seconds. In practical terms, that means that it's fine for a daily commute, but you'll probably run out of space if you go touring for a week, so you may need to take a laptop with you.

I've never had any problem with the actual heart rate monitor, or the speed/cadence/GPS sensors, but the altitude sensor inside the watch sometimes goes a bit weird. It's based on air pressure, so I think it can get confused by wind. If you are buying extra sensors, make sure that you get the right type for your watch, e.g. WIND.

[Richard]

I've got a CS200 and it's been ok. The battery in the transmitter died and they are sealed units however a search on the internet revealed that they've got a standard button cell battery inside and gentle knifework to break the seal makes replacement dead easy.

[eileithyia]

Can't vouch forthe computers but have had polar hrm and get fed up of them when they stop working, have 2-3 around the house that just don't work any more... and yes batteries in the receiver and sender units have all been changed.

[Cunobelin]

Also look at the software. I used a Polar HRM and downloading was a case of holding it near a microphone whilst it beeped at the computer.. hardly high tech, and if any background noise it was corrupted.

[Cunobelin]

... and not Mac compatible!

[Bowland Rider]

Thank you to "The Mechanic" and everyone who has replied. I am still considering the CS200 as it is the cheapest cyclo computer with a HRM which is from a reasonable "make."

[blackbike]

Yes. I've got one. I was given it as a present.

I've never used it though. As long as my heart is beating I'm not to fussed at what rate it does it.