Heart rate monitors.....worth it?

[thunderlips76]

Are heart rAte monitors any good for training. Thinking about getting one for turbo sessions

 

[Berk on a Bike]

I've been wondering the same thing (for road, not turbo). I'll be watching replies with interest.

 

[G3CWI]

@rob3ert usually has some useful input on such matters.

 

[welsh dragon]

Its a personal thing. Personally, it seems to be more trouble than they are worth, what with garmins, and diet apps, yada yada, how many things do you want attached, strapped to, you and or your bike? Just get on your bike and ride it for crying out loud. Youll probably buy it, use it a couple of times, then throw it in a drawer never to be used again

 

[Rob3rt]

Useful if you know how to use it, utterly useless otherwise! It is a tool, the degree to which it is useful lies in the operators knowledge!

 

[Berk on a Bike]

Its a percoanl6 thing. Personally, it seems to be more trouble than they are worth, what with garmins, and diet apps, yada yada, how many things do you want attached, strapped to, you and or your bike? Just get on your bike and ride it for crying out loud. Youll probably buy it, use it a couple of times, then throw it in a drawer never to be used again

I get all that, but there is something about having HR data which appeals to my inner geek. What am I saying? Outer geek!

 

[welsh dragon]

I get all that, but there is something about having HR data which appeals to my inner geek. What am I saying? Outer geek!

If it floats your boat, then go for it.

 

[Rob3rt]

I would say, if you have to ask this question (especially so vaguely and superficially), then for you the device will be useless because the very nature of the question suggests a lack of knowledge about the nature and use of such a device. As I said before, the degree to which such a tool will be useful is entirely down to the skill and knowledge of the person using it (the question suggests you do not have this). Data is only any use if you know how to interpret it and take the appropriate actions based on what the data is telling you.

I would further say, given this question is in the beginner section, in general heart rate monitors & indeed structured training programmes are not intended for beginners. Most beginners would simply do well to establish a habit of riding regularly and increasing the amount of riding they do over time.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

I would say, if you have to ask this question (especially so vaguely and superficially), then for you the device will be useless because the very nature of the question suggests a lack of knowledge about the nature and use of such a device. As I said before, the degree to which such a tool will be useful is entirely down to the skill and knowledge of the person using it (the question suggests you do not have this). Data is only any use if you know how to interpret it and take the appropriate actions based on what the data is telling you.

I would further say, given this question is in the beginner section, in general heart rate monitors & indeed structured training programmes are not intended for beginners. Most beginners would simply do well to establish a habit of riding regularly and increasing the amount of riding they do over time.

Yeah but: people can learn to use gadgets, beginners don't stay beginners forever.
Not that I'm remotely considering buying one btw

 

[fossyant]

Get yourself a Garmin and look at the data on the computer. You need to spend some time realising how your heart responds and knowing what it means. It's good if to see progress, eg climbing a particular hill, and you can see your speed going up whilst your HR is the same (getting fitter). It can also confirm if you aren't well.

 

[Rob3rt]

Yeah but: people can learn to use gadgets, beginners don't stay beginners forever.
Not that I'm remotely considering buying one btw

Indeed they can and I didn't suggest otherwise.

The OP asked whether such a device would be "any good", having read the post, thought about the question itself and also about how it was phrased (and also having had a quick look at the posters other contributions to the forum to at least get a feel for their background and level of experience), I gave an honest answer informed by several years of training and racing using both heart rate monitors and power meters, both independently and with the guidance of a coach (who is a world class athlete himself) and with the experience of having helped others utilise such tools or understand what the data was telling them in the past.

In my experience, when people ask questions like the one in the original post, the people asking said questions are GENERALLY simply not yet at a level whereby such a device will prove useful!

I could just tell everyone heart rate monitors are great and that they should all go and buy one, that they will benefit hugely etc, but I'd rather help people make informed decisions.

 

[fossyant]

Robs advice is sound. He is a pretty handy TTer up this way. The key is riding and riding more at first. Rob does a lot of his performance side of training on a turbo, where you have to be disciplined, and having lots of data and some sound advice is key.

As a beginner, don't get too wound up with numbers. Simple stuff like commuting to work every day will see massive benefits.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

I'd rather help people make informed decisions.

Cool, steer the OP in the right direction with a few links to study then
There are now 2 beginners on this thread wondering about the same thing, maybe more lurking ...

 

[screenman]

I have used one on most ride for the last 22 or so years, habit I suppose. It helps keep me focused, bearing in mind I cycle for exercise and not so much leisure.

 

[Tin Pot]

Are heart rAte monitors any good for training.

Yes.