Cycling Computers Reviews

VDO Z2PC Link Heart Rate Monitor and Cycle Computer with PC Syncing Cable and Training Analysis Software

Elegantly designed, the wrist-style VDO Z2PC cycle computer will keep track of your training with integrated heart rate monitoring as well as calorie consumption and fully digital wireless transmission for speed, heart rate, and cadence (with optional accessory). The Z2PC offers data storage and the ability to download it to your PC for analysis with the included software. It also features ANT+Sport wireless signal coding that transmits to your computer without interference from other training computers nearby. It’s backed by a five-year warranty and includes a USB docking station.

PC Download Features

• 100 hours storage capacity (maximum 100 individual trips of 1 hour each)
• Download of all cycling, cadence, heart rate data to PC
• Lap data individually flagged for easy identification and analysis
• Graph or spread sheet-display of trip (either on time axis or on distance axis)
• Training-Analyzer-Software (by week, by month, by year)
• Docking-Station with USB connection, compatible to Windows XP and Vista

Timing and Heart Rate Monitoring Features

• Current speed and distance; average speed
• Real time comparison of actual and average speed, indication by arrows showing speed difference of +/- 1 km/h
• Second, individually programmable distance counter; either forward or backward counting possible
• Cadence Data (optional, with cadence sender equipment installed)
• Two presettable wheel circumferences (wheel sizes)
• Six selectable timers
• Current trip timer (up to 24 hours)
• Current heart rate (permanently displayed), ECG-precise measurement
• Average/maximum heart rate
• Current heart rate in % of personal maximum heart rate
• Time in % of total training time:
  • within the preset heart rate limits (Limit Zone)
  • below the preset heart rate limits (Limit Zone)
  • above the preset heart rate limits (Limit Zone)
• Calorie-consumption on current trip
• Recovery time or recovery heart rate measurement (adjustable time or heart rate)
• Lap-timer for 50 laps with data for lap time, average speed and average heart rate
• Audible signal if current heart rate is above or below limit settings.
• Personal data presettable (age, weight, sex, personal maximum heart rate)
• Automatic calculation or manual setting of upper/lower limits for each of the three training zones
• Current time, selectable 12- or 24- hour display
• Alarm function

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VDO Z3 Altimeter Heart Rate Monitor and Cycle Computer

Introducing the new VDO Z-Series Altimeters! The Z3 is a cycle computer with integrated heart rate monitoring, altimeter, cadence, calorie consumption, power measurement (WATT), fully digital wireless transmission for speed and cadence. All VDO computers are backed by a Five Year Warranty. Current Speed. Current Trip Distance. Total Distance Bike 1 (resettable). Total Distance Bike 2 (resettable). Total Distance Bikes 1 + 2. Current trip timer (Range 0-24:00:00). Total Ride Timer Bike 1. Total Ride Timer Bike 2. Total Ride Timer Bikes 1 + 2. Average Speed. Real time comparison of actual and average speed, indication by arrows showing speed difference of +/- 1 km/h. Maximum Speed. Second, individually programmable distance counter; either forward or backward counting possible (NAVIGATOR). Bike Service-Interval-Display (Service-Interval presettable individually for bike 1 and bike 2). Cadence Data (optional, with cadence Sender equipment installed). Current cadence, Average cadence, Maximum cadence. Two presettable wheel circumferences(wheel sizes).

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VDO Z3 PC Link Altimeter Heart Rate Monitor and Cycle Computer with PC Syncing Cable and Training Analysis Software

Introducing the new VDO Z-Series Altimeters! The Z3 PC-Link is a cycle computer with integrated heart rate monitoring, altimeter, cadence, calorie consumption, power measurement (WATT), data storage, PC-interface, fully digital wireless transmission for speed, heart rate and cadence. All VDO computers are backed by a Five Year Warranty. Current Speed; Current Distance; Total Distance Bike 1 (resettable); Total Distance Bike 2 (resettable); Total Distance Bikes 1 + 2; Current trip timer (Range 0-24:00:00); Total Ride Timer Bike 1; Total Ride Timer Bike 2; Total Ride Timer Bikes 1 + 2; Average Speed; Real time comparison of actual and average speed, indication by arrows showing speed difference of +/- 1 km/h; Maximum Speed; Second, individually programmable distance counter; either forward or backward counting possible (NAVIGATOR); Bike Service-Interval-Display (Service-Interval presettable individually for bike 1 and bike 2); Cadence Data (optional, with cadence Sender equipment installed); Current cadence; Average cadence; Maximum cadence; Two presettable wheel circumferences (wheel sizes).

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Polar CS200 Cycling Computer Heart Rate Monitor

The handlebar-mounted Polar CS200 combines all the features of a high-end cycle computer with a fully functional heart rate monitor–the Polar Wearklink 31 coded transmitter. It provides a full range of cycling computer functions, and adds three new features to Polar’s arsenal: the Polar Cycling Coach (a Web-based coaching program and diary), estimated time of arrival (based on your speed), and automatic display scroll, which switches the information on the display according to your preferences. The CS200 also adds a number of additional sophisticated functions, including memory of your last seven rides, downloading ride date to a PC via microphone, indication of whether you’re above or below your average speed, and the ability to predict your calorie expenditure. Features include:

• Wireless ECG accurate heart rate with Polar OwnCode (5kHz) to prevent cross-talk from other heart rate monitors
• Target heart rate zones with visual and audible alarms
• Graphical comparison of heart rate and speed
• Heart rate measurements: maximum of total and each lap, average of total
• Wireless cycling measurements: Speed (current, average and max); trip; distance
• Calorie consumption rate per kilometer
• Wheel size settings for two bicycles, speed sensor installation for different fork shapes
• Automatic lap recording (up to 50 laps) with exercise date
• Exercise file info page with date and time
• Semi-automatic backlighting
• Water resistance to 10 meters (protects against rain and splashes)
• SpeedPointer: Points out the difference between average speed/pace and actual speed/pace on the display by up/down arrows.
• Estimated Time of Arrival: Set the distance you are going to ride, and your cycling computer calculates the estimated time of arrival based on your cycling speed.
• Polar OwnCal: Shows your energy expenditure during one exercise session as well as your accumulated kilocalories during several exercise sessions. Because the OwnCal tracks both the energy expenditure during one exercise session and the accumulated kilocalories during a longer time e.g. one week, it helps in achieving both short term and long term goals.
• Cycling Economy/Intensity: Enables you to foresee your calorie expenditure and secure sufficient intake on a long ride. This feature is also useful for comparing and analyzing the loads of various training types.
• Compatible with Polar T31 and Polar T61 coded transmitters

Manufacturer’s Warranty
The original purchaser of this heart rate monitor is backed by a limited warranty that states that this product that the product will be free from defects in material or workmanship for two years from the date of purchase.

Note:
Polar heart rate monitors are precision instruments; consumers are not advised to change their own battery. Polar recommends that all service be done by an authorized Polar Service Center which will include a warranty for 90 days on repairs and 6 months for batteries.

About Polar
The first EKG accurate wireless heart rate monitor was invented by Polar back in 1977 as a training tool for the Finnish National Cross Country Ski Team. The concept of “intensity training” by heart rate swept the athletic world in the eighties. By the 1990s, individuals were looking to heart rate monitors not only for performance training needs, but also for achieving everyday fitness goals. Today, the same concept of heart rate training is being used by world-class athletes as well as everyday people trying to lose weight. Polar is the leading brand among consumers, coaches, and personal trainers worldwide and the company is committed to not only producing the best products, but also being the leading educator on the benefits of heart rate based exercise.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Excellent Product!
Owned since it first came out a few years ago, still performing well. Does everything it should and does it well.

5 Stars Works exactly as advertised
I have had the CS200 for a couple of months. It performs exactly as it says it will in the owners manual. Very impressive!

1 Star beware of non polar dealers with super low prices
yes your getting a great price but polar wont honor warranties from non polar authorized dealers. these people buy from 3rd parties thats why the price is so low. so if some tech prob goes wrong just throw it in the garbage because you wont be able to fix the problem.

5 Stars Did the research … and it paid off
This is a great product for those who are simply looking for a reliable, wireless computer that efficiently tracks timing, mileage, speed, and heart rate. As I am training to both compete as a road cyclist and maintain cardiovascular fitness, this product seemingly had all the details I required. Like all products/investments, I researched several computers and read countless reviews. Every product has its share of negative feedback. It all comes down to what you what parameters you require, and whether or not you want additional cables/wires vs. a wireless setup. If you seek the aforementioned parameters, I would highly recommend this computer. Great product! 400 miles to date.

1 Star Never worked
I bought this to replace a old but functional Echo W-1 that doesn’t have heart rate monitoring capabilities. Installation was as expected, though the mounts for the CS200 are cheap and cannot be adjusted after the unit and sensors are installed. This is disappointing considering that much cheaper cycling computers have better mounts. I was never able to get the speed sensor to work. The computer never got a reading, despite spending an hour trying different mount configurations.

Ultimately, I chose to return this. Lots of message boards complain about broken/erratic Polar speed sensors, so I’ve remounted my old but reliable bike computer.

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Polar CS100 Cycling Computer Heart Rate Monitor

The handlebar-mounted Polar CS100 combines all the features of a high-end cycle computer with a fully functional heart rate monitor–the Polar T31 coded transmitter. (The similarly featured CS100B offers heart rate monitor compatibility, but does not come with a monitor.) The CS100 provides a full range of cycling computer functions, and adds three new features to Polar’s arsenal: the Polar Cycling Coach (a Web-based coaching program and diary), estimated time of arrival (based on your speed), and automatic display scroll, which switches the information on the display according to your preferences. Features include:

• Wireless ECG accurate heart rate with Polar OwnCode (5kHz) to prevent cross-talk from other heart rate monitors
• Target heart rate zones with visual and audible alarms
• Graphical comparison of heart rate and speed
• Heart rate measurements: maximum of total and each lap, average of total
• Cycling measurements: Speed (current, average and max); trip; distance
• Calorie consumption rate per kilometer
• Wheel size settings for two bicycles, speed sensor installation for different fork shapes
• Automatic lap recording (up to 50 laps) with exercise date
• Exercise file info page with date and time
• Semi-automatic backlighting
• Water resistance to 10 meters (protects against rain and splashes)
• SpeedPointer: Points out the difference between average speed/pace and actual speed/pace on the display by up/down arrows.
• Estimated Time of Arrival: Set the distance you are going to ride, and your cycling computer calculates the estimated time of arrival based on your cycling speed.
• Polar OwnCal: Shows your energy expenditure during one exercise session as well as your accumulated kilocalories during several exercise sessions. Because the OwnCal tracks both the energy expenditure during one exercise session and the accumulated kilocalories during a longer time e.g. one week, it helps in achieving both short term and long term goals.
• Compatible with Polar WearLink 31 and Polar T61 coded transmitters

Manufacturer’s Warranty
The original purchaser of this heart rate monitor is backed by a limited warranty that states that this product that the product will be free from defects in material or workmanship for two years from the date of purchase.

Note:
Polar heart rate monitors are precision instruments; consumers are not advised to change their own battery. Polar recommends that all service be done by an authorized Polar Service Center which will include a warranty for 90 days on repairs and 6 months for batteries.

About Polar
The first EKG accurate wireless heart rate monitor was invented by Polar back in 1977 as a training tool for the Finnish National Cross Country Ski Team. The concept of “intensity training” by heart rate swept the athletic world in the eighties. By the 1990s, individuals were looking to heart rate monitors not only for performance training needs, but also for achieving everyday fitness goals. Today, the same concept of heart rate training is being used by world-class athletes as well as everyday people trying to lose weight. Polar is the leading brand among consumers, coaches, and personal trainers worldwide and the company is committed to not only producing the best products, but also being the leading educator on the benefits of heart rate based exercise.

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star Didn’t work…
Bought it for a Trek 4500 mountain bike. The heart rate monitor worked with no problems. But the speed sensor would not work on my bike. The manual said it might not and it certainly didn’t.

4 Stars Good Cyclo-Computer
I don’t think the negative reviews of this are fair. I have never seen the problems the others have described. It took about 10 minutes to install, and worked the first time out, with one small adjustment to move the speed sensor closer to the spokes. The HR monitor, as expected with Polar, works perfectly. The computer functions are not “Apple like” intuitive, but after about 5 minutes you should be able to use most of the functionality. The only complaint I have is that the setting function (time, bike, date, etc) only seem to go forward, so it is a pain to set the time to something like 7:49. It does far more than most riders will really need, computing calories burned based on entry of the persons weight, average speed, lap feature to divide a ride, total mileage, etc. I am very happy with mine and glad I made the choice. I do wish they included the rubber o-rings the manual mentions as options (probably more paint friendly) to using the zip ties.

1 Star Not up to Polar standards
I am not happy with this product. The cycling functions are OK but not really intuitive. The heart rate monitor consistently gives erratic readings that are often WAY above my max heart rate. I often see heart rates as high as 220; I know from years of using a monitor that my max is around 185-190. As a result, summary data such as maximum heart rate and time in “own zone” is useless. I also agree with one of the other reviewers regarding the buttons; they’re too stiff. My main regret is not returning my CS100 prior to the return expiration date…

2 Stars Disappointed
I am one of those who likes to see all the little facts and figures to show progress of my workouts. I purchased a POLAR product because I have had good luck with this brand in the past. However, this model (CS100) is one I cannot recommend. If you chuck down $100+ for a bike computer, you would expect it to work properly. I doubled and triple checked the installation (very straight forward) and everything is correct. I think the engineers need to go back to the drawing board.

Pluses:

* Very Easy Installation

* Fairly solid construction & design

* Instruction manual is well written

Minus:

* Looses speed signal often

* Rarely registers any speed below 8 mph.

* Online Customer Support/Warranty support not great.

1 Star VERY disappointed
Bought the CS100 with 2 speed sensors – one for each of my road and mountain bikes. The performance on one is inconsistent – on the other it simply doesn’t work. Have replaced both with basic computers, and wear a separate (NON-Polar!!) HRM.

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