A heart rate monitor offers several advantages to serious cyclists. It can be a motivational tool by providing objectivity to your training regimen, and it allows you to conserve energy for your final effort. A cycling heart rate monitor can also help you design a personalized fitness program -- for example, it can tell you if you're over-training, which will allow you to make necessary adjustments to your workout.
Garmin Edge 705
The Garmin Edge 705 is the ultimate bike computer, according to the website Bike Radar. In addition to being a great heart rate monitor, the 705 also features a mapping GPS receiver which allows you to plan and record rides. It mounts onto your bike and includes easy-to-read displays and convenient joystick and button controls which are easily accessible -- even with gloves. The 705 connects to the Internet via the Garmin Training Center and provides you with information such as how much time you spent in your heart rate zones and how your heart rate correlates to the steepness of the road you're on. The Garmin Edge 705 retails for $499 as of early 2011.
Polar CS600X
Like the Garmin, the Polar CS600X is a cycling-specific heart rate monitor offering GPS capabilities and training software. It is reliable, hassle-free and the display is visible in even the worst weather. The CS600X is a great tool for competitive cyclists. It can determine whether or not your training and recovery times are helping your performance, offers altitude measurements to determine your climbs and descents -- and comes with software that allows you to keep a training diary. The Polar CS600X retails for $420 as of early 2011.
Timex Ironman 30-Lap
For cyclists who just need a heart rate monitor without all of the frills, the Timex Ironman 30-lap is a good choice, according to "Bicycling" magazine. It features a 30-lap memory recall, 100-hour chronograph with lap and split times and a 99-lap counter in addition to the heart rate features. The display shows average heart rate, recovery time and training zones -- all in what reviewers describe as a "stylishly athletic" package. The Timex Ironman 30-Lap retails for $45 as of early 2011.
Polar FT60
For cyclists who have an eye on the Polar CS600X but don't have $420 to plunk down, the Polar FT60 is a great alternative. It is the best reviewed heart rate monitor on the Internet, according to the website Consumersearch. It doesn't offer the GPS features of it's big brother, but it does track your heart rate and calories and a built-in training program calculates your training zones based on your fitness level. Unlike other Polar heart rate monitors, the FT60 has a user-replaceable battery, so you won't have to send it to the company to have it serviced. The Polar FT60 retails for $199 as of early 2011.
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