What is the best heart rate monitor for cycling? Monitoring your heart rate while cycling can be really a tough thing to do. This is the case because you are constantly moving and this will affect the reading. At the same time, it can be difficult to focus on that monitor while you are cycling.
As such, it is great to have a heart rate monitor that has certain alerts. In this way, you know your heart rate or at least have an idea of it even though you are not looking at the monitor. However, this is easier said than done since there are a lot of heart rate monitors available.
Do not worry, though, as we are going to discuss three heart rate monitors. We are going to take a look at their features as well as the pros and cons of using them.
Best Heart Rate Monitor for Cycling Comparison Chart
Best Heart Rate Monitor for Cycling: Our Three Picks
1. Garmin Chest Strap HRM-Tri Heart Rate Monitor
This heart rate monitor has the capacity to store up to 20 hours of data that can then be forwarded to other Garmin accessories. Also, if the monitor is already out of the water, it automatically sends the data to the watch. What is so special about it is that it can provide information about a lot of activities.
For example, it can give feedback on running dynamics or running form. It also has an accelerometer which helps in measuring torso movement when cycling or running. You can get a lot of metrics, especially when you have other Garmin products because you can see data about your cadence, vertical oscillation, and even ground contact time.
It can also be connected to a mobile application, so you cannot only track your body metrics but also be part of a community. You can also see training plans, workouts, and meal plans. Other metrics that can be viewed by this are swim pace, stroke type, heart rate graphs, and maps.
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Pros:
- Compact
- Comfortable to wear
- Can store a lot of data
- Perfect for running and swimming
- Can easily pair with a watch
- Easy to clean
- Dries fast
Cons:
- Poor construction
- Not that durable and accurate
- Battery problems
[easyazon_link identifier=”B012H8IPQS” locale=”US” tag=”womenfitnessgear-20″]Click here for more info on Garmin Chest Strap HRM-Tri Heart Rate Monitor[/easyazon_link]
2. iGPSPORT Heart Rate Monitor
This heart rate monitor is actually the upgraded version of the HR35. This time, you have a more accurate heart rate monitor that has Bluetooth Smart Technology. This is also compatible with a lot of ANT+ equipment such as EDGE 1000/810/800/520/510/500, Bryton 310/100, and iGPSPORT iGS618/50E/20E/10.
It is also very easy to install and you can put it on your chest with the use of the chest strap. It can also be synced with a lot of fitness applications. There is also a dedicated iGPSPORT application that is available for Android and iOS.
You can use your sport watches, tablets, smartphones, and computers with it just as long as there is Bluetooth connectivity or ANT+. This one also has a waterproof rating of IPX7. Lastly, it has a good battery life which can last for a whole year if you just use it an hour a day.
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Pros:
- Can connect easily with a device
- Comfortable
- Easy to set up
- Has accurate readings
- Has a lot of alerts
- Great for all sports activities
- Looks nice
Cons:
- A bit hard to remove
- Hard to change the battery
- iGPSPORT app needs improvement
- Connection with a Pixel is problematic
- No customer service support
[easyazon_link identifier=”B07MJPZNCW” locale=”US” tag=”womenfitnessgear-20″]Click here for more info on iGPSPORT Heart Rate Monitor[/easyazon_link]
3. TomTom Heart Rate Monitor
The last heart rate monitor that we are going to review also has Bluetooth Smart Technology. It can be synced to a lot of applications and sports accessories, even the ones that are not the same brand as this heart rate monitor. As for its battery life, it is quite good just as long as you do not use it for over an hour per day.
What is so unique about it is that it has the ability to slow down or speed up based on the current activity that you are doing. When you think about it, this is perfect especially for cycling when you tend to not be consistent with your movements.
In that case, you can get a more accurate reading. Its strap was also designed for your comfort. Thus, no matter what sports activity you are doing, you will not see it as a hindrance. A lot of people tend to say that you might not even notice that you are wearing it.
It also comes with another longer strap which you can use to put on your chest. Lastly, the data feedback is instant and in real time.
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Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Compact and lightweight
- Has accurate readings
- Easy to connect with devices and accessories
- Has a simple set up
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Not a lot of settings for customization
- Hard to change the battery
- Not that durable
- Bluetooth can disconnect
- Can chafe the chest
- Can unexpectedly turn off
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00ENWESCM” locale=”US” tag=”womenfitnessgear-20″]Click here for more info on TomTom Heart Rate Monitor[/easyazon_link]
Which One to Get?
Amongst the three, the best of the best heart rate monitor for cycling is the iGPSPORT Heart Rate Monitor. This might come as a surprise because it has such simple settings and interface, but the thing is, it makes up for it in accuracy.
Just like what we have mentioned earlier, it is great to have a heart rate monitor that has certain alerts when you reach a certain rate. In this way, you can monitor your progress without even looking at the monitor. This is exactly what you can expect from the iGPSPORT Heart Rate Monitor.
What is also great is the fact that it is so comfortable to put on. Of course, you already have a lot on your plate while cycling and you do not need that extra weight to hinder your activity. On the other hand, there is a bit of a setback in terms of their own application, but you do not have to worry because you can use other applications and this will still sync with those properly.
With all of that said, the other two heart rate monitors are still good. However, they are better used in different sports activities like swimming and running. If cycling is your jam, then go for the iGPSPORT Heart Rate Monitor!