Gervase Barnes in New Zealand has sent us a comment questioning our impartiality and integrity especially on Polar HRM's. He thinks our advice is not impartial, well in a way he's correct it isn't, but then there is a good reason for this, we think that so far we have not found a better manufacturer of monitors or bike computers. Here is our reasoning
Comments: I don't find that you compare enough products for me, I feel that you are backing Polar for example and as such I don't feel that your advice is impartial? I don't think you should endorse any products, by doing so you immediately lose your impartiality, and integrity.
Hi Gervase,
Thanks for your comments, we like to hear criticisms as well as receiving a pat on the back for our advice and reviews. Our opinion on Polar is totally impartial, Polar have never paid us, have never advertised on bikecyclingreviews or given us monitors to test, all the monitors we have looked at we paid full price for them at a local bike shop. Our only connections to Polar are looking at their web-site for extra information, the same as anyone can do. We also have spoken to one of their representatives at the Tour of Spain, but in no way are we paid or helped in any way by Polar or given anything to give them a favorable review.
Our impartiality and integrity is intact as we have tried Cat Eye, Avocet, HAC Tronic, Timex, Nike, Mio, Ciclo and Cardio Sport and the reason we come back to Polar is simple, and we think they are the best. This is based on our tester/riders using them over many kilometers on the road and down-loading the information, analyzing all the facets of Polar's monitors and bike computers and we like everything about them. They are for sure the benchmark that all HRM's and bike computers should be measured to.
In the future, as we always have done, we will look at any other HRM's and bike computers or any bike equipment, with fresh eyes, we always like new stuff. Thanks again for your thoughts, Gervase, but we can't apologies for thinking that Polar make some of the best HRM's and bike computers as our experience has discovered. We tell it like it is and always will do, you can rely on that.
Since we posted this answer we have had a few comments form readers, here they are:
Anibal Menezes from
Argentina.
Comment:
Regarding Gervase Barnes' worries of partiality on Polar, I have to comment that I own a CS200CAD and I can take precise heart rate measurements even when using the meter over a T-Shirt. All measurements with a completely wireless system is precise. So, in the end, it is definitely the best. Only problem is uploading information with their sonic system. Until today I was never able to do so.
And from Dan Ryo from
Japan.
Comment:
Hi Sam,
I don't think you are impartial. But, there is a delicate point regarding this matter.
I, for one, have been using a CATEYE for 25 years, ever since I bought my bike, which is an order-made road racer, costing me some fifteen plus hundred bugs at the time I bought it. Well, amateur riders like myself, I think, will buy only one road racer in a lifetime. My bike works almost perfectly during the past 25 years, with only one trouble, a crack on the left crank a couple of years ago, which was solved easily just by a simple weld! I found the CATEYE good. In fact, I don't bother to know about other brands, and actually, only after I read you, I came to know the name of Polar HRMs!
A written evaluation by your newsletter, therefore, I think, will bear a strong influence on those amateurs who are considering which one to buy.
Cheers!
DAN
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I use Polar. It's expensive, but well engineered and user-friendly (if you are a wealthy user).
Alvin Mirabal
Puerto Rico
I've used Cateye and Sigma computers before my first Polar, the cs200, which is a great computer. When I found you can track gradient and ascent, descent info with a cyclometer, I had to hand the cs200 down to my wife and buy the cs400. What a great computer. The IRDA data transfer process is so easy and consistent. The user options make it easy to personalize the unit as you like. Gps seems interesting, but the thought of the battery going dead during a ride, would keep me from considering it further. My Polar is still on it's original watch battery, for a year!
Take care and keep up the wonderful work you do. I really enjoy it.
I have been using (now)a wireless cateye and it gives me the info I need, and when I
need it.
Thanks and keep up the good reviews.
I have read the article on Polar which is great, however I have been using the Garmin Forerunner 301 which is far better than any other HRM I have used. The features are GPS tracking, HRM for running/biking or multisports, personal training, navigation and other super features, like 13 hour battery on full charge and quick upload to garmin training centre with data and maps of run/ride. Lets compare that to others.
I have read the article on HRM, Polar is good, however I have been using Garmin Forerunner 301 which is better than any other HRM I have used. Features - GPS, HRM, Calories, navigation, speed, distance, personal assistant, running/biking or multisport & 13 hour battery life fully charged. Apart from this ther are other super features. Lets compare this.
I had like to see the Suunto T6 reveiwed against the Polar 720/725. It's specs are great but I'm wondering how you feel about it.