Taking up training.

johnnyc71
johnnyc71 Posts: 178
edited December 2008 in Training, fitness and health
I've only be cycling for two years - 1600 miles last year, nearly 3500 miles this year - not really training for a goal - just cycling for fun.

In 2009 I want a structured approach to training and want to start using a HRM to help regulate my efforts.

So...

What HRM should I get?

Ideally something with an accurate reading - and good software for logging data would be helpful - any ideas?

Comments

  • doyler78
    doyler78 Posts: 1,951
    The Polar CS600 is a brilliant cycle computer and if you are going to be doing hr zone training then you will be able to use the software that comes with it to create your planned workout which you can then follow on the bike mounted computer. The CS600 also uses 2.4ghz sensors which much less susceptible to interference which can be a problem with the lower model sensors. I personally have not experienced any sort of interference and I used to get 250+mph speed readings on the same section road just before the turn off to work. That's been eliminated now however having said that the error correction in the Polar software is really easy to use so it wasn't really like it was a big problem but just one less thing to think about.

    I used the following company for all my polar stuff as they are very competitive (not the best) but crucially for the price you will pay you will want the full warranty that comes with it and they are authorised dealers so you get that.

    http://www.heartratemonitor.co.uk/polar ... s_hrm.html

    Loads of features which you can see on the website above.

    If you want a cheap way of getting a structured programme buy the Cycling Weekly Health & Fitness Winter training guide. They come out every 3 months with a new 12 week programme to follow. Using it myself and I found it very helpful and once you get to know what's working or not you then can start fiddling with the programme's yourself.
  • GavH
    GavH Posts: 933
    I'll second the recommendation for the Polar CS600. A great bit of kit. If you are struggling to come up with your own plan, download one from the Polar site, load it into the ProTrainer 5 software and then when you connect the CS600 to it. it'll install all the training sessions you need to do onto the head unit. The only problem is that the IR data adapter can be a pain.

    An alternative though would be the Suunto T6c which I've read good things about.

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