Garmin...HRM and cadence

[paulw1969]

Need some advice here folks.
A couple of weeks ago i posted regarding a Garmin 200 stating that it would be sufficient for my needs.......now (as usual) i am beginning to wonder whether i should go for the 500 as it would allow me to monitor heart rate and my cadence.
So does anyone out their want to share their views on the advantages of using both the cadence and HR functions in relation to monitoring their progress and or training to get bike fit and losing weight in real terms of use. I am unfit (although i have been on the X trainer the last few weeks whilst waiting for my bike) and overweight. Is it worth going the extra money for these functions or do you quickly reach a plateau whereby you dont tend to use these functions anyway?

I'm sort of thinking along the lines of using the extra functions as an improvement aid/target to reach type of tool so i would appreciate any feedback from people who have used these functions to do the same.
hope the above makes sense.

Paul

 

[deckertim]

I find the HRM a very useful indicator of how hard I am riding. I know my maximum HR and so I know when I am approaching my limit if pushing up a big hill. To be honest I have not done any training where I try to stay in one band. I like the cadence meter, but I have got used to spinning quite fast now, so tend not to use this so much.

 

[rb58]

I used the HRM monitor for a coule of rides, but haven't bothered since. My rides are not so intense (usually) over a long enough period to make it worth monitoring heart rate - although as DeckerTim says, they can give you warning if you're overdoing it on a hill. With regards the cadence meter, I use that quite a lot. My tendency is to grind, and I've been making a real effort recently to increase cadence and I use the cadence meter to keep an eye on it. I've gone from averaging about 75 rpm to around 85rpm using it that way. Still some improvement to be had, but much better than it was.

 

[Andrew_P]

HRM I use all the time, just because I like to know no real training reason but it has been good to monitor Heart Rate Recovery and nice to see the improvements. The cadence I use all the time and I use it as a rev counter changing gears to keep it at 90-95. Looking back at early rides I can see my HRR was a lot less than now and that avg cadence was only 70.

 

[Andrew_P]

Not sure if you have seen Garmin Connect, but this is the type of info you get, this is taken form a 705

 

[HLaB]

Going back in time I had a similar decision the 205 or the 305, in the end I plumped for the 305 (it had HRM and Cadence) tbh I don't use them much the cadence monitor is on my summer bike; cycled 758 miles with that last year cycled over 6000miles with my other bikes and never felt like I missed it. I used the HRM for a bit last year again but it was more for information after the event. I prefer to ride how I feel (and at the moment I feel cr'p doesn't bode well for tomorrow's ride !). Others however, are dedicated to them. I think if you can afford it I'd go for the 500, if down the line you feel you do or dont need them its not a big issue.

 

[paulw1969]

thanks for the replies folks, they are all helpful.
Mmm a mixed bag here with how much these are used, also which are more useful to the individual. I like the idea of using the cadence to increase spin rate as from memory i am a grinder. i can however see quite a few advantages for both.....but what i can glean from what has been said the usefulness might be a little short lived.....mmm i guess if i dont go for the 500 i will never have the option to use them as has been said.....lot of money though so i will have to see how cheap i can get one..even if it means getting the base and then the sensors at a later date.......there are a few on ebay

 

[MickeyBlueEyes]

I have the cad + hr with my 800 and wouldn't be without them. Using your hr gives you a real visual of your performance, sticking to a hr band for a duration of a ride will give you real benefits longer term. Use my cad sensor for hill climbing training etc and again find it a huge benefit.

 

[paulw1969]

I have the cad + hr with my 800 and wouldn't be without them. Using your hr gives you a real visual of your performance, sticking to a hr band for a duration of a ride will give you real benefits longer term. Use my cad sensor for hill climbing training etc and again find it a huge benefit.

i presume when you are talking about heart rate bands you are talking maintaining an elevated level which over time increases your fitness and or aids weight loss, sorry not very clued up on training/fitness so i presume this is what you mean.

need to read up a little on the subject of weight loss and fitness in relation to cycling to get the most out of the bike i guess

 

[MickeyBlueEyes]

i presume when you are talking about heart rate bands you are talking maintaining an elevated level which over time increases your fitness and or aids weight loss,

Yeah thats it. Last months Cycling Plus included a good supplement on fitness and covered this topic, a good read if you can get your hands on one. I always much prefer reading from a mag rather than a comp screen, seem to take more in somehow.

 

[paulw1969]

Yeah thats it. Last months Cycling Plus included a good supplement on fitness and covered this topic, a good read if you can get your hands on one. I always much prefer reading from a mag rather than a comp screen, seem to take more in somehow.

not keen on the mags for anything to be honest......trouble is i get through a mag very quickly no matter what subject....but i will have a look for it thanks

 

[rockyraccoon]

.....lot of money though so i will have to see how cheap i can get one..even if it means getting the base and then the sensors at a later date.......there are a few on ebay

The cheapest I could find is from Halfords. The complete 500 kit for £179.99

 

[paulw1969]

The cheapest I could find is from Halfords. The complete 500 kit for £179.99

oh they are back in now, they were showing out of stock earlier in the week!!! Cheers for that

 

[lulubel]

I have a HRM and use it all the time, but my Garmin can't connect to a cadence monitor, so it isn't an option for me. I find it extremely frustrating because I love gadgets and can spend ages studying my ride data. I can't really afford to replace the Garmin.

So, I'd say make sure you get one that can take those things even if it doesn't actually come bundled with them. Then you have the option to add them in the future if you want to.

 

[Nebulous]

I managed to get a 500 for £100 last year and really like it. I have logged just about every mile I've done since. For Christmas I got the cadence sensor, and am also happy with that. I have a Polar HR watch, and will add the HRM strap once the polar one dies - though it has been running around 3 times a week for over a year and has always been very reliable.