Which HRM Functions?
A heart rate monitor is one of the best ways of keeping track of your training and Bill Stanzeleit want to know what functions to get and which functions are of less use. We have prepared a list for him and anyone else who is thinking of splashing out on a HRM
Question:
I have started to research heart rate monitors. I have never had a HRM before, and I am trying to decide which functions are: a) must haves, b) nice to have, or c) of limited value for bicycle training.
Any suggestions for incorporating a HRM into my training program would also be appreciated.
Hi Bill,
If you are considering making your bike training count then the best way is a Heart Rate Monitor or, as more people are getting these days, a power meter. Power meters are expensive as you need either a different chain set, bottom bracket or rear wheel, depending on which one you get. HRM’s are cheaper and give you fairly accurate information on your training. So here are our thoughts on the functions available and which are useful and the others:
a) must haves:
- Pulse, in actual or in percentage.
- Time.
- Speed.
- Distance.
- Slope, up and down.
- Average speed.
- Maximum heart rate.
- Minimum heart rate.
- Total distance.
b) nice to have:
- Calories used.
- Altitude.
- Down loadable info.
- Power, unless with accurate power meter.
- Training zones.
- Stop watch.
- Pedal revs.
- Two bike settings.
- Average pulse.
c) limited value:
- Back lit screen.
- Lap times.
- Maximum speed.
- Minimum speed.
- Number of heart beats.
That’s a fair run down on the needs and wants for a HRM, Bill. There are other functions available, but these are the main ones that you need to look out for. A power meter a great way to measure your training improvements, but it has to be accurate and has to measure from either the bottom bracket, chain set or rear wheel, other methods tend to guess your power out put. The same goes for calories used, most HRM’s guess from your weight, speed, time/distance and slope, but will not know if you are riding into a head wind or behind a motor bike. A HRM is the best and cheapest method of monitoring your fitness, make sure it is accurate as this can lead to many problems, even to the extent of thinking you might have a heart problem when you don’t. Good luck and enjoy it.
