neal@druxv.UUCP (06/06/84)
Has anyone tried one of the computers that gives you a heart rate? I've tried various devices (watches, finger sensors) with very little success. Two cycle computers that I know of (Pacer 2000 and Velo Coach) have a strap you wear around your chest, which seems more accurate. Has anyone used one of these? I'm interested in heart rates because, in my experience, unless I'm climbing a very long hill, it's difficult to maintain a constant effort level. It is easy enough to calculate your heart rate with a watch and a finger on your throat, but on rolling hills, the rate can change easily with time, even if you strive to maintain a proper gear ratio. I would especially like to see a device which displayed current and AVERAGE heart rate. I am assuming that the Velo Coach's "total calories consumed" readout could be converted into a "colorie/hr" measure, which could be calibrated to produce average heart rate, but I'm reluctant to spend $195 without being more confident. On the other hand, I'd love to be able to ride up "left hand canyon" early in the season and then after a few months of training, and compare both total time and total calories consumed! -Neal McBurnett, ihnp4!druny!neal, DR x4852