Cycling is an endurance sport requiring specific training intensity levels for improved performance. To track the training intensity, cyclists use heart rate monitors for instant feedback on their heart rates while riding. Heart rate monitors for cycling come with several pieces of equipment and features that improve the overall effectiveness and performance during training and competitions.
Equipment
Basic heart rate monitor equipment includes the receiver and monitor. Receivers come in a watch-style worn on the wrist or a basic type mounted to the handlebars or bike stem. The monitor is typically a chest strap that detects the beats per minute and transfers the information in a wireless way to the receiver. Additional cycling-specific equipment may include bike mounts or foot pods that detect cadence and power output.
Features
The most important feature of heart rate monitors for cycling is the ability to instantly see your heart rate and intensity zone. After setting the heart rate monitor with your maximum heart rate, the monitor will automatically calculate your training intensity zones based on the corresponding heart rate percentage. When your heart rate increases or decreases out of the training intensity zone, the monitor will use a series of visual and audible alarms to inform you of the intensity level. Additional features of cycling heart rate monitors include estimated calories and a scrolling information screen that displays speed, time and heart rate.
Benefits
Using heart rate monitors for cycling has several performance and training advantages. The monitor can be used as a personal coach and motivational tool to maintain proper intensity levels during training. For beginning cyclists, the heart rate monitor can teach proper tempo and cadence while preventing over-training. Overall, the heart rate monitors track efforts and intensity levels to design and edit personalized cycling training programs.
Considerations
Cycling heart rate monitors have several performance-based benefits, but there are things to consider. Numerous environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and dehydration can affect your heart rate, changing the effectiveness of the heart rate monitor. At times, the heart rate monitors may display inaccurate information resulting in changes to the intensity level. Watching the heart rate monitor display screen can also distract from dangerous road hazards.
Member Comments