Polar heart rate monitors are probably the best known. There are others, but it seems that Polar is the monitor that others are judged by. Polar makes heart rate monitors for every sport, including cycling, running, triathlon, outdoor sports, general fitness, and weight management, and also for cardiac recovery.
There are cycling-specific models, which also tell your speed, altitude, and temperature and with an extra sensor, pedal revs.
In the polar range of heart rate monitors, there are nearly 30 different models. Most you wear on your wrist or with a special fitting can be strapped to the handlebars, and they are also barred, specific models.
If you want to read a review on a full-featured monitor, have a look at what we have to say about the Polar S720i.
Polar Cycling Heart Rate Monitors
For cycling, there is the S range of wrist monitors. These can cope with any training you would want to undertake.
The Polar S725 and Polar S720i have the option to download your performance data to your Nokia 5140 mobile phone for instant feedback. It can be sent to your home PC, your coach, or to show off to your friends that you are out on your bike when they are stuck in the office.
All in this rage can download data to your PC for examination later. Other features include:
- target zones,
- stress level tests to detect overtraining,
- recovery tests plus all the usual speed,
- distance,
- heart rate,
- pedal revs,
- altitude,
- power output,
- and ascents and descents for route profiling.
The CS range of Polar heart rate monitors is only for bikes. It fits the handlebars, very reasonably priced, but with all the functions you need.
The other models can be used for cross-training, for when you are running or swimming and on your bike. In conjunction with a standard cycle computer they can tell the speed, time, distance, etc.
This set up will tell you all you need for general fitness or super fitness for racing or giving your club mates a hard time on your favorite run.
The chest strap transmits your heart rate to the monitor. These are WearLink coded to your transmitter and won’t affect your training companions data. Also, they are made from a soft fabric material. Therefore, the chest strap will comfortably conform to the contours of your body.
Polar Designs
The designs of the wrist fitting heart rate monitors are very stylish and futuristic. You can choose from different colors and materials, including the robust and waterproof plastic, carbon, stainless steel, alloy, and the ultimate combination of comfort, design and lightness, titanium.
Polar makes many heart rate monitors. Your biggest problem will be to decide which is the best for you, their website and their official dealers will help with your decision.
