Average Customer Review:
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 was not happy with itJan 20, 2010
I used this monitor for about a year, until I got my Garmin Edge. The main problem I had with the Polar product was it's inability to accurately track my heart rate. It would fluctuate (while I was riding) from ~55 to ~220. It almost seemed as if it were measuring 1/2 my heart rate, or double my heart rate. It would sporadically jump from what I thought was about right (120-150 bpm) to around half that number, then stay there for a while, then go back to the range I expected. Then jump to around twice the bpm, then back down. I don't mean to say that it continuously did this. It would also track my heart rate accurately (or, at least in a reasonable range) for some periods. But the periods of inaccuracy were substantial, like 20 to 30% of my ride (usually 1-2 hrs of riding, so 15 to 40 min of incorrect readings). Enough so that I ignored all the results dependent on heart rate.
I was surprised by this - I think Polar is in the business of tracking heart rates. I thought their parent company made health care equipment?? I tried everything I could think of to correct the problem. New batteries, making sure the contact was good (moist) on the strap, limiting distance from strap to the unit, etc. Nothing helped.
Anyway, suffice it to say that my Garmin Edge 305 (which I've used for 4 years now, usually 5-10 times per week), has never had any of these issues.
I tried to Craig's List the CS200 a while back, but to no avail. I just tossed it out - an expensive experiment.
I liked the Polar's chest strap more than the Garmin's. That's why I gave the unit 2 stars instead of one. I wish I could use it's strap with the Edge.
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
 After the setup, works greatAug 10, 2009
While I understand why, it would be nice if this kit, which is specifically sold as a cadence kit, came with the computer set to have cadence on! Here is why...
Getting this mounted on the bike is a very straight forward process and the instructions walk you through the steps. But, imagine your frustration trying to get the cadence sensor to light up while installing on the bike (first few pages of the manual) when the setting to enable cadence is about 40 pages later. Even if there was a simple line, "Please make sure cadence is enabled before you test your bike installation, details on page X," that would have improved things. The manual does a nice job otherwise.
Once the unit is on the bike and you start riding, this bike computer really shines. There are a lot of settings that you can tweak to your hearts content. With auto start-stop, basically, you go out and ride. I like that I can see speed, distance, heart rate, and cadence all in one view. You have a bunch of choices for your view depending on what you like, and flipping through the views is just a single button during the ride.
Once you are back after the ride, it is very easy to review the workout data. Highly recommend and this would be a five-star rating if they managed to sell it with cadence enabled by default.
1 of 4 found the following review helpful:
 Limited wireless rangeAug 01, 2009
The manual gives the range between the sensor and the computer as between 12 and 18" (it is a wireless connection). Since my recumbent (BikeE) handlebars are about 40" away from the front wheel, clearly this doesn't work. I mounted the computer very low on the frame about 12" away and it still didn't work. Stuck the computer in my sock (so about 9" away) and that seemed to work but clearly not very useful for giving immediate feedback..
I'll be returning this checking out my options for a wired alternative.
Great cycling computerJul 17, 2009
I've been using this product for over a year and I like it a lot except for the high winds issues (See below in cons).
Pros:
- Many features supported.
- Easy navigation.
Cons:
- In high winds when my jersey flaps heart rate goes nuts (maximum). I cross checked w/ other product to make sure I wasn't having a heart attack and no, it was the problem with the sensor/transmission going bananas.
- Expected finish time is based on last second speed. Don't expect to use it to push yourself hard since every slight change in speed would change your expected completion time.
- Uplink communication requires a microphone and silent environment.
Polar makes good products.Jul 15, 2009
Great product. I have a free polar online connection and I upload after every workout. Very motivational.
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based on 7 reviews
