Polar XT Cycle Heart Rate Monitor - A More Versatile Choice than Protrainer XT
Written: Jul 22 '01 (Updated Aug 24 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good design, versatility
Cons: Out of zone alarm is too quiet, speed sensor kit may not be included
The Bottom Line: Excellent monitor for crosstrainers but ensure that the speed sensor kit is included with the watch.
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| rugged14's Full Review: Polar Protrainer XT |
This submission is part of bgoodday’s Helping Hands Write-Off. My wife MariaEkaterina and I will donate our proceeds to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Please take the time and read the opinions of the rest of the participants listed at the end. Thanks for supporting our cause.
If you are an athlete who crosstrains the Polar Protrainer XT Cycle is the heart rate monitor for you. It is able to monitor your training heart rate as well as perform as a cycle computer that provides speed and distance information.
Recently I bought a bicycle and wanted to expand my training program to include biking as well as running. I did some research on heart rate training and I believe that I have found a good companion in the Polar XT Cycle.
Features
The Protrainer XT Cycle offers many features that make it superior to most heart rate monitors. For the serious trainer it provides three programmable target zones. When you train within one of these zones the watch is able to provide information on the time spent in, above and below the target zone. It has an optional alarm signaling when your heart rate is outside of the target zone. The only problem with the alarm is that in some conditions it is difficult to hear.
The best feature that the XT Cycle has is its bicycle function. I haven’t seen another heart rate monitor that is as versatile. The monitor is able to provide average and maximum speed, riding time, and distance information as well as track your heart rate. This is useful information that athletes who monitor their training can keep in their log.
I do suggest that runners who plan on biking and using heart rate monitors do some research on their training heart rates when biking because they are different.
Components
The heart rate monitor is relatively easy to use but learning its more elaborate functions will take a little bit of reading and practice. The watch has a solid feel but is not bulky. The chest strap may take some getting used to but can be easily adjusted for a comfortable fit. One great feature of the chest strap is its compatibility with many treadmills and stationary bikes. Most indoor machines that provide heart rate information are able to pick up the signals from the chest strap and monitor your heart rate without the watch.
As far as I have seen the Speed Sensor Kit, which attaches to the front bike fork, is now sold as a single unit with the watch. Polar did not originally include the speed sensor kit but the watch without it is not as versatile. The speed sensor kit can be easily attached to your bike and includes a mount to place the watch on the handlebars.
Heart Rate Training
If you are new to using a heart rate monitor I suggest doing some research on the topic. One book that I highly recommend is “Precision Heart Rate Training” by Ed Burke. In it he outlines ways to find your target heart rate for different sporting events.
Conclusion
The Polar XT Cycle is an excellent monitor for athletes who crosstrain but ensure that the speed sensor kit is included with the watch.
rugged14 and MariaEkaterina’s charity:
St. Jude Children’s Hospital http://www.st.jude.com
You can also donate safely online with your credit card and give a child hope for the future.
Helping Hands Web Site: http://63.200.217.166
Host: bgoodday
Participants:
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amysmum, AshleyA, bluehawq, bmcnichol,
bops_mom, CANS4US, Char.mike, Cartman_2k, cntaur5,
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MariaEkaterina, nwinston, mimi369, mom2girlz,
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Viper1963, Vormancian, Wanbli_Gleska,
and willeftk
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
rugged14
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Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 5 members
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