Cycling Computers Reviews

Garmin Forerunner 301 GPS Personal Training Device

Fat or fit – this is for you! Whether you are a triathlete in training or just want to see tangible results, the Forerunner 301 sets the pace with innovative features: Easy to use no calibration required. Just turn it on and go Customize your Forerunner 301 to get the most out of your training – Auto Pause pauses and resumes training timer based on a specified speed so you never have to start or stop the timer / Auto Lap records lap data when you reach a specified distance so you never have to punch the lap button / AutoLearn feature learns user’s heart rate zones, adjusting them as fitness levels improve / Virtual Partner lets you train against a specified time, distance or pace goals / AutoScroll cycles through data pages during a workout Included Training Center software lets you create custom workouts with templates from the experts at TrainingPeaks. The software also allows you to store and analyze data using interactive graphs that chart your speed, elevation, pace or heart rate data. Your course is overlaid on a map so you can pinpoint specific areas and see how elevation and other factors affect your performance. Garmin has also formed a partnership with MotionBased to provide Forerunner 301 users with unique internet-based performance analysis and mapping tools for GPS and heart-rate information Display – 1.44 x 0.92 (W x H); 100 x 64 pixels on FSTN display with LCD backlighting / Physical size – 3.3 x 1.7 x 0.7 (W x H x D). Battery Life – Up to 14 hours (typical use); rechargeable lithium ion. Waterproof – IEC 60529 IPX7 standards (submersible in one meter of water for up to 30 mins.) 5000 lap memory (up to 2 years worth of lap data) organized into days or weeks. Heart rate, pace, time distance, interval workout & advanced custom workout alerts

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Love my Garmin!!
I have been wanting to purchase a Garmin Forerunner. I looked at all the different units available and compaired different evaluations on all the Forerunners from a different website and saw that overall this unit was rated highly by its users. I LOVE this GPS!!!

So far – ease of use, the features offered are easy to access, and this product included a CD to load the proper program on my computer. The sync process is easy and the graphics on the program show me where I need to improve. I haven’t utilized the heartrate monitor yet so I will not be rating this.

Overall I am very please with the Garmin Forerunner 301.

5 Stars Great product!
I used to use a Timex GPS that had a separate watch, a GPS unit that strapped to my arm, a heart monitor strap, and a receiver to tie them together on my belt. The Garmin has just a watch and a heart monitor strap. It is much easier to use, and the software is fairly simple to figure out. It is not the prettiest thing, but it beats having 4 thing attached when I run!!

5 Stars Simple with many features
My wife bought me the Garmin Forerunner 301 for Christmas. I had wanted only a heart rate monitor, but this GPS device was a pleasant surprise! It works wonderful. It is simple in design and in ease of use. It appears slightly bulky, but when I wore it on my run, it didn’t bother me. In fact the large screen was easy to read. I mainly do 5K runs, so it’s not like I’m wearing it for an extended period of time either. But all in all, for what I use it for, it exceeds my expectations!

4 Stars Great running tool
When i first started running i had a horrible time pacing myself and would burn out way to easily. After purchasing this device i saw i was able to keep a more solid pace on my runs and withing 1 month of using it i saw my 1.5mile run time go from 13mins to about 11mins. This is a must have for any kind of runner due to its versatility.

5 Stars Repeat Buyer!
My wife has purchased two of the watches recently for me and another runner in our family for a gift. Neither one of us would think of going out to run without have our GPS Forerunner on! Easy to use and I like the larger display-Highly Recommended!

Buy/More Info

Garmin Forerunner 301 GPS Personal Training Device

Amazon.com Product Description The Garmin Forerunner 301 is the next exciting addition to the Forerunner lineup. Take your workouts to the next level with all the great GPS features found in the Forerunner 201, plus the added capability of a continuous heart rate monitor. Knowing your heart rate while exercising lets you measure your exercise intensity and performance, giving you a powerful training tool. The Forerunner 301 training profiles can be customized for running, cycling, and other sports. For those interested in losing weight, improving fitness, reaching peak athletic performance, or just improving health to reduce heart-related problems, the Forerunner 301 delivers.

The Forerunner 301 offers a wide variety of training features that can help you train at any level you choose.

Included Training Center software allows you to store and analyze data using interactive graphs. View larger.

The easy-to-use, two-piece system consists of the wrist unit and a digital heart rate transmitter that you wear around your chest. The transmitter is coded that so there is no interference from other heart rate monitor users nearby. The 301 unit continuously monitors heart rate, speed, distance, pace, and calories burned. A heart rate zone chart, included with the manual, helps you target specific heart rate zones for optimal training. The unit’s built-in alerts help you maintain those heart rate zones. For those who don’t want to fuss with the charts, there’s an AutoLearn feature that allows the unit to learn your maximum heart rate and set zones accordingly. Pace, time, distance, interval workout, and advanced custom workout alerts are also included. Meanwhile, the AutoPause feature pauses and resumes the training timer based on a specified speed. Finally, the AutoLap feature records lap data when you reach a specified distance. Don’t worry about running out of room for your lap data; the unit boasts a 5,000-lap memory.

Like the Forerunner 201, the 301 also doubles as a basic navigator. You can mark your starting point as a specific location, see your current position on the plotter display, and follow an electronic breadcrumb trail back to your starting point. The built-in GPS receiver provides highly accurate data, and there’s no calibration required. Just turn it on and go.

The unit’s USB data port means that connecting the unit to your computer is easier than ever. The USB connection offers fast and reliable data transmission to any USB-equipped PC. And because analyzing workout data is an important tool in reaching one’s fitness goals, the 301 comes with Garmin Training Center software, which allows you to download workout data to your PC for detailed analysis. View data for each workout, including your heart rate, time, distance, speed, path traveled, and altitude. You can also track data for multiple sports and multiple users, and you can overlay workout data onto a map. The unit is compatible with MotionBased and TrainingPeaks, which are popular third-party training software packages.

With up to 14 hours of battery life, the 301’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery is designed for extended use. It’s also rugged and waterproof for up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The unit ships with a 1-year warranty.

Get heart rate and other vital data at a glance.

Customize your workouts with programmable intervals.

Set up exercise profiles for different types of sports.

A built in Virtual partner runs alongside you, graphically displaying your goal pace/speed.

What’s in the Box
The Forerunner 301 wrist unit, the digital coded heart rate monitor, the Training Center CD-ROM, an expandable wristband, an A/C charger, a PC/USB interface cable, an owner’s manual, and a quick start guide.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great product!
I used to use a Timex GPS that had a separate watch, a GPS unit that strapped to my arm, a heart monitor strap, and a receiver to tie them together on my belt. The Garmin has just a watch and a heart monitor strap. It is much easier to use, and the software is fairly simple to figure out. It is not the prettiest thing, but it beats having 4 thing attached when I run!!

5 Stars Repeat Buyer!
My wife has purchased two of the watches recently for me and another runner in our family for a gift. Neither one of us would think of going out to run without have our GPS Forerunner on! Easy to use and I like the larger display-Highly Recommended!

5 Stars Simple with many features
My wife bought me the Garmin Forerunner 301 for Christmas. I had wanted only a heart rate monitor, but this GPS device was a pleasant surprise! It works wonderful. It is simple in design and in ease of use. It appears slightly bulky, but when I wore it on my run, it didn’t bother me. In fact the large screen was easy to read. I mainly do 5K runs, so it’s not like I’m wearing it for an extended period of time either. But all in all, for what I use it for, it exceeds my expectations!

5 Stars Love my Garmin!!
I have been wanting to purchase a Garmin Forerunner. I looked at all the different units available and compaired different evaluations on all the Forerunners from a different website and saw that overall this unit was rated highly by its users. I LOVE this GPS!!!

So far – ease of use, the features offered are easy to access, and this product included a CD to load the proper program on my computer. The sync process is easy and the graphics on the program show me where I need to improve. I haven’t utilized the heartrate monitor yet so I will not be rating this.

Overall I am very please with the Garmin Forerunner 301.

4 Stars Great running tool
When i first started running i had a horrible time pacing myself and would burn out way to easily. After purchasing this device i saw i was able to keep a more solid pace on my runs and withing 1 month of using it i saw my 1.5mile run time go from 13mins to about 11mins. This is a must have for any kind of runner due to its versatility.

Buy/More Info

Garmin Forerunner 301 GPS Personal Training Device

Amazon.com Product Description The Garmin Forerunner 301 is the next exciting addition to the Forerunner lineup. Take your workouts to the next level with all the great GPS features found in the Forerunner 201, plus the added capability of a continuous heart rate monitor. Knowing your heart rate while exercising lets you measure your exercise intensity and performance, giving you a powerful training tool. The Forerunner 301 training profiles can be customized for running, cycling, and other sports. For those interested in losing weight, improving fitness, reaching peak athletic performance, or just improving health to reduce heart-related problems, the Forerunner 301 delivers.

The Forerunner 301 offers a wide variety of training features that can help you train at any level you choose.

Included Training Center software allows you to store and analyze data using interactive graphs. View larger.

The easy-to-use, two-piece system consists of the wrist unit and a digital heart rate transmitter that you wear around your chest. The transmitter is coded that so there is no interference from other heart rate monitor users nearby. The 301 unit continuously monitors heart rate, speed, distance, pace, and calories burned. A heart rate zone chart, included with the manual, helps you target specific heart rate zones for optimal training. The unit’s built-in alerts help you maintain those heart rate zones. For those who don’t want to fuss with the charts, there’s an AutoLearn feature that allows the unit to learn your maximum heart rate and set zones accordingly. Pace, time, distance, interval workout, and advanced custom workout alerts are also included. Meanwhile, the AutoPause feature pauses and resumes the training timer based on a specified speed. Finally, the AutoLap feature records lap data when you reach a specified distance. Don’t worry about running out of room for your lap data; the unit boasts a 5,000-lap memory.

Like the Forerunner 201, the 301 also doubles as a basic navigator. You can mark your starting point as a specific location, see your current position on the plotter display, and follow an electronic breadcrumb trail back to your starting point. The built-in GPS receiver provides highly accurate data, and there’s no calibration required. Just turn it on and go.

The unit’s USB data port means that connecting the unit to your computer is easier than ever. The USB connection offers fast and reliable data transmission to any USB-equipped PC. And because analyzing workout data is an important tool in reaching one’s fitness goals, the 301 comes with Garmin Training Center software, which allows you to download workout data to your PC for detailed analysis. View data for each workout, including your heart rate, time, distance, speed, path traveled, and altitude. You can also track data for multiple sports and multiple users, and you can overlay workout data onto a map. The unit is compatible with MotionBased and TrainingPeaks, which are popular third-party training software packages.

With up to 14 hours of battery life, the 301’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery is designed for extended use. It’s also rugged and waterproof for up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The unit ships with a 1-year warranty.

Get heart rate and other vital data at a glance.

Customize your workouts with programmable intervals.

Set up exercise profiles for different types of sports.

A built in Virtual partner runs alongside you, graphically displaying your goal pace/speed.

What’s in the Box
The Forerunner 301 wrist unit, the digital coded heart rate monitor, the Training Center CD-ROM, an expandable wristband, an A/C charger, a PC/USB interface cable, an owner’s manual, and a quick start guide.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Great running tool
When i first started running i had a horrible time pacing myself and would burn out way to easily. After purchasing this device i saw i was able to keep a more solid pace on my runs and withing 1 month of using it i saw my 1.5mile run time go from 13mins to about 11mins. This is a must have for any kind of runner due to its versatility.

5 Stars Repeat Buyer!
My wife has purchased two of the watches recently for me and another runner in our family for a gift. Neither one of us would think of going out to run without have our GPS Forerunner on! Easy to use and I like the larger display-Highly Recommended!

5 Stars Great product!
I used to use a Timex GPS that had a separate watch, a GPS unit that strapped to my arm, a heart monitor strap, and a receiver to tie them together on my belt. The Garmin has just a watch and a heart monitor strap. It is much easier to use, and the software is fairly simple to figure out. It is not the prettiest thing, but it beats having 4 thing attached when I run!!

5 Stars Love my Garmin!!
I have been wanting to purchase a Garmin Forerunner. I looked at all the different units available and compaired different evaluations on all the Forerunners from a different website and saw that overall this unit was rated highly by its users. I LOVE this GPS!!!

So far – ease of use, the features offered are easy to access, and this product included a CD to load the proper program on my computer. The sync process is easy and the graphics on the program show me where I need to improve. I haven’t utilized the heartrate monitor yet so I will not be rating this.

Overall I am very please with the Garmin Forerunner 301.

5 Stars Simple with many features
My wife bought me the Garmin Forerunner 301 for Christmas. I had wanted only a heart rate monitor, but this GPS device was a pleasant surprise! It works wonderful. It is simple in design and in ease of use. It appears slightly bulky, but when I wore it on my run, it didn’t bother me. In fact the large screen was easy to read. I mainly do 5K runs, so it’s not like I’m wearing it for an extended period of time either. But all in all, for what I use it for, it exceeds my expectations!

Buy/More Info

Vetta VL110HR HD HR SmartLite Cycling Computer

Maximize your performance, improve your endurance, and keep your cycling workout safe and controlled with the Vetta VL110HR HD Heart Rate Cycling Computer. The VL110HR HD uses a wireless heart rate transmitter to pick up reliable heart rate readings as you workout, while recording your speed and distance among other features. Allowing you to program targeted heart rate zone workouts, and with memory displays of time spent in, above, and below target heart rate zones, the VL110HR HD has 9 different heart rate readings, allowing you to control your workout and develop your fitness level safely. Programmable visual and auditory alarms provide added control, helping you remain in the safe zone. NiteLite and SmartLite screen illumination allow you to use the computer in low light and after dark, and the Auto Fire-Up function helps to prolong the computer’s battery life.

Combining heart rate functions with the ability to record and interpret your speeds, distances, and time make the VL110HR HD Computer is the serious fitness cyclist’s ideal companion. The with over 20 functions to help you track and record distance, speed, and time, operate a stopwatch, and follow weather conditions the VL110HR HD is more than just a fitness aid. Dual Bike Memory makes is possible to record and store information for more than one bike or rider, and Vetta’s exclusive Service Timer signals the rider when the bike or any component on it is scheduled for service.

The VL110HR HD is easy to use. The heart rate monitor communicates wirelessly with the computer, eliminating uncomfortable wires. It is equipped with an energy saving sleep mode so that you don’t have to worry about running the battery down, and also has a low battery warning so that you don’t run out of power unexpectedly. Auto Fire-Up functions save battery run time and allow you to reboot quickly. After dark and in low light conditions, the NiteLite illuminates the screen with the press of its button. SmartLite works in conjunction with NiteLite, to illuminate the screen when any button is pressed within a defined time interval that the rider sets. The computer comes equipped with all the necessary mounting materials, so that it can be installed with ease.

Specifications:

• functions: current speed, average speed, maximum speed, and speed comparator
• Distance functions: cumulative odometer, trip distance, and intermediate distance
• heart rate functions: current heart rate, average and maximum heart rate, percent of maximum heart rate, EZ-Set programmable upper and lower heart rate limit, time-in, above, and below target heart rate zone, average heart rate in, above, and below time zone, user selected audible and visible alarms, and wireless heart rate transmission
• Time functions: 12/24 hour clock, stopwatch, ride time/total time, and service timer
• Temperature functions: current temperature and maximum/minimum temperatures
• Memory functions: dual bike memory and freeze frame memory
• Speed functions: energy saving sleep mode and low battery warning on head unit
• Operational functions: energy saving sleep mode, low battery warning on head unit, auto fire-up (auto start and auto awake), and NiteLite with SmartLite function

What’s in the Box?
VL110HR HD head unit, Head Unit Battery (CR2450,3-Volt), Heart Rate Transmitter, Transmitter CR2050 Battery, Bladed Spoke Magnet (SPD Magnet), Spacer, Bracket Rubber Pad, Bracket Rubber Pad (Riser Handlebar), Alternative HR Transmitter Battery Pack(CR2032 battery & Rubber Shim), Wired Speed Sensor with Mounting Bracket, Wireless Transmitter Shim/Torpedo Shim, Wire Securing Tape, Zip-Ties

Manufacturer’s Warranty
Three-year limited warranty

Buy/More Info

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.

Buy/More Info