Cycling Computers Reviews

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

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Polar RS400 Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Designed for the active endurance athlete who wants to improve his or her performance by planning, monitoring and analyzing training data, the Polar RS400 wrist heart rate monitor helps you to easily and accurately measure your heart rate to help you get to just the right intensity or your exertion level. The RS400 has one of the largest displays in the industry and a fully user-configurable exercise view with countless combinations. And it comes with Polar’s ProTrainer 5 software–the most advanced and dynamic training, planning and analyzing software on the market. Easily prepare a detailed training program and transfer your daily training plan to the RS400 via a wireless infrared connection.

With the optionally available S1 foot pod, you’ll be able to take advantage of the RS400’s Speed and Distance functions, such as speed, distance and pace per kmph/mph, target pace (with alarms and differential), trip odometer, run distance, totals for mileage, calories and time training, and summaries for distance and speed/pace.

Heart rate monitoring includes maximum heart rate (fitness test-based and age-based), maximum/average of total exercise and of each lap (up to 99 laps), three target zones, and audible alarms. It also offers such timing features as time of day (12/24-hour display), dual time zone, day and date display, stopwatch, and alarm with snooze. It features an oversized display, easy to manipulate buttons while on the run, and a comfortable WearLink fabric transmitter. It also includes the following exclusive Polar features:

• Polar Sport Zones: Polar sport zones provides an easy way to select and monitor the intensity of your training and to follow Polar’s sport zones based training programs. The training is divided into five zones based on percentages of your maximum heart rate: very light (50-60%HRmax), light (60-70% HRmax), moderate (70-80%HRmax), hard (80-90% HRmax) and maximum (90-100% HRmax).
• Polar OwnCal: This feature shows your energy expenditure during one exercise session as well as your accumulated kilocalories during several exercise sessions. You can set daily and weekly exercise goals in terms of calorie expenditure with the OwnCal feature. 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.
• Polar OwnZone: This feature guides you through an appropriate warm-up routine and automatically determines a safe and effective exercise heart rate zone–your OwnZone–while taking into account your current physical condition.

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 Does not come with IR Adapter!!!!!!!
Why do they not clearly state that this product does not come with a IR Adapter. Why provide software for analyzing data when they do not provide a way to transfer the data to the computer.

Have they not heard that IR is out and Bluetooth is in!!!!

3 Stars Excellent watch
Excellent watch, the main problem is that when running in the gym with the Life Fitness machines, the heart rate lectures vary drastically.

5 Stars Perfect for planning workouts and maintaining workout records
Often products that have a multitude of functions and settings can be a little daunting. I was a bit concerned that this heart rate monitor would be too difficult to program, but was really interested in having the ability to program/customize my own workout zones. Much to my delight, the watch is very simple to program, the directions are easily understood, and I am able to transfer data back and forth between my watch and my laptop via the infrared function. (People with computers without infrared readers will need to purchase the optional cable.) I now have records of my workouts and am able to plan my interval training in advance and program the workouts, including 5 zones, into the watch. The only downside is that there is not a design/color option for women. The watch appears to have been designed more for a man than a woman.

5 Stars My third Polar and the best yet
I have no problems with the IR transfer others have mentioned, although this has been problematic on my two previous models (one i broke and one I gave to a friend as an excuse to buy this cool new one). My S610 worked well for the first couple of years but then struggled to connect via IR. One thing I will say is steer very clear of that Polar after marker IR device (see my other review on that specifically). It is an absolute overpriced piece of garbage (I usually don’t speak out that strongly against something but after spending $120 on two of them I want to help others not flush good money down the drain). For $20 you can get a Startech model that works flawlessly. I use this monitor 5 days a week and the Polar Precision Performance software that comes with it is solid. I do recommend upgrading to a model that includes this software as their weblink tool is pretty worthless (my wife uses it because her F55 is not supported by the Polar Precision Performance software). Overall though the Polar watches and chest bands are the best.

1 Star Polar WebLink is useless
I have been using a RS200 for a few months. The unit works fine capturing the data but the hassle that one needs to go through to get the data uploaded to the Polar site via Weblink is very very cumbersome. It is a hit and a miss and I have given up on transmitting my data because of this useless feature.

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Polar RS100B Computerized Running and Heart Rate Monitor Black

If running is what you do to stay in shape, the RS100 will give you valuable feedback that can help improve your fitness or lose those last few pounds. It combines all the heart rate features you need with the stopwatch you’re used to. Track your average heart rate and time for each lap, so you can integrate heart rate easily into your fitness running program. Maximum heart rate of total exercise Average heart rate of total exercise Average heart rate of each lap Exercise Date Alternating / repeating countdown timers Transfer logos from Polar web site to wrist unit (UpLink) Edit wrist unit settings with Polar UpLink Tool and transfer them to your Polar product 1 Exercise File with summaries Exercise file info page with date and time Total Exercise Time Time in target zone Target zone limits Heart rate displayed as bpm Heart rate displayed as % of maximum heart rate Heart rate displayed as graphical trend Automatic & Manual target zone (% / bpm) Visual and audible alarm in target zones HeartTouch, button-free operation of wrist unit Easy start (setting wizard) Time of day (12/24h) with alarm Date and weekday indicator Automatic exercise reminder (visual) Exercise reminder (visual/alarm) Alarm with snooze Polar T31 coded transmitter Polar WearLink 31 coded transmitter (changeable battery) Polar T61 coded transmitter

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Vetta VL110HR WL HR SmartLite Cycling Computer

Maximize your performance, improve your endurance, and keep your cycling workout safe and controlled with the Vetta VL110HR WL Heart Rate SmartLite Wireless Cycling Computer. Easy to install, the wireless computer has no wires to wrap and tuck. The VL110HR WL also 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 WL 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 WL 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 WL 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 WL 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 and 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 WL Head Unit, Wireless Transmitter Shim/Torpedo Shim, Bladed Spoke Magnet (SPD Magnet), Spacer, WL Wireless Speed Transmitter, Bracket Rubber Pad, Head Unit Battery (CR2450,3-Volt), Alternative HR Transmitter Battery Pack(CR2032 battery & Rubber Shim), WL Wireless Speed Active Mount, Bracket Rubber Pad (Riser Handlebar), Heart Rate Transmitter (CR2050 battery included), Wireless Transmitter Battery Cap, Wireless Transmitter Battery (A23,12-Volt), Zip-Ties

Manufacturer’s Warranty
Three-year limited warranty

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Character Visibility
I have bought Vetta’s computer before. This one seems to have a cheaper “feel” to it. I don’t like the tactile feedback from the buttons as well, and the display does not line up with the opening in the frame quite right.

The digits on the right side are partially hidden by the frame. For example, if there is a ‘1′ on the right side, you can’t see it well.

I still like the functions; but I will think twice before getting another one whenever this one “wears out”.

1 Star Hear rate function is not reliable
I bought this product for the heart rate function. However, it is unreliable about 95% of the time. According to the computer, my heart rate would vary from 146 to 228 within a matter of a couple of seconds even though my effort had not changed. By the way, my max heart rate is 198. The cycling functions work OK but I would buy a more solid one for the money. This computer has a cheap feel to it.

3 Stars Vetta Bicyle computer
This is a good product that I have used for several years. I found the Vetta people quite responsive to warranty claims and the computer does everything it says it does very well. The mileage is very accurate. My only negative observation is that the batteries have to be changed more than once per season in regular use.

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Vetta VL110 WL SmartLite Wireless Cycling Computer

With the ability to record and interpret your speeds, distances, and time, and SmartLite to illuminate your screen, the Vetta VL110 WL SmartLite Wireless Computer keeps you from guessing and approximating, even after dark. Auto Start and Awake save battery run time and the VL110 WL offers 21 functions to help you track and record distance, speed, and time, operate a stopwatch, and follow weather conditions even after dark with SmartLite and NiteLite functions. With a Dual Bike Memory, it is possible to record and store information for more than one bike or rider. Vetta’s exclusive Service Timer signals the rider when the bike or any component on it is scheduled for service.

The VL110 WL is easy to use. 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 Start and Awake 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. And, wireless technology makes it easy to install with no wires to wrap and tuck.

Specifications:

• Speed functions: current speed, average speed, maximum speed, and speed comparator
• Distance functions: cumulative odometer, trip distance, and intermediate distance
• Time functions: 12/24 hour clock, stopwatch, ride time/total time, and service timer
• Temperature functions: ambient temperature and maximum/minimum temperatures
• Memory functions: dual bike memory and freeze frame memory
• Speed 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?
VL110 WL head unit, WL Wireless Speed Transmitter, WL Wireless Speed Active Mount, Wireless Transmitter Battery Cap, Bladed Spoke Magnet (SPD Magnet), Spacer, Bracket Rubber Pad (Riser Handlebar), Zip-Ties, Wireless Transmitter Battery (A23,12-Volt), Bracket Rubber Pad, Head Unit Battery (CR2450,3-Volt), Wireless Transmitter Shim/Torpedo Shim

Manufacturer’s Warranty
Three-year limited warranty

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars Erratic Reset
I purchased this device in April. Now, it is September. The first problem that appeared was its inability to keep accurate time. The clock advances too fast. I first noticed this maybe two months ago. The first couple times there was a difference I would reset/adjust the clock. It kept happening, so I decided to leave it alone for a month and the clock was over 20 minutes off by then. Then the past week, new problems. Now, it resets randomly and enters setup mode. Not sure why, but its in setup mode and the settings/clock is reset in the morning when I ride to work and the evening on the way home. Finally, now the light does not turn off. Arrggh! There is no indication on the device of a weak battery. Seems that device is problematic. I will attempt to get this replaced as it should still be under warranty. I did like the device for all its features in the beginning. Hopefully, it’s just my device. Anyway, buyer beware.

4 Stars Review of VL110 WL Wireless Cycling Computer
The computer works great with one serious exception. When using the computer while I have my “NiteRider” bicycle light turned on, the computer readings become erratic. (Same thing happens when riding under power lines, but those are typically only for brief periods of time.) I attempted to contact Vetta customer service to see if there was anything that might be done to prevent this, but got no reply. Other than that, it’s a great device and very easy to setup and operate.

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