Heart Rate Monitor? Ditch the Strap Get the Band

[@bengt_axle]

Chest strap is measuring electrical (EKG) signals from the heart. Each beat counted is a contraction of the heart muscle, caused by the polarization and depolarization signals. Optical heart rate (arm band) is measuring the gush of blood that comes with the contraction of the heart muscle. So, they are measuring completely different physiological parameters, both of which correspond to heart beat. The advantage of chest strap is that it does not need to have an optical sensor on the skin, which is essential for the lens and light to pick up on the arm band. I like Polar chest strap for its accuracy, but you do have to be sweating a bit for the electrodes to have a good connection. The battery life is also quite good. Optical heart rate monitors can be used on different limbs, and some are even integrated into helmets.

[@D_in_DC]

Well said.

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for sharing the smart answer👍🏾

[@chadwells7562]

Buy the electroconducting gel, it’s like 5 bucks for a bunch of tubes online. Since I’ve started using that I have no dropouts with the ekg bands. I have dropouts and periods of inaccurate reading with optical depending on positioning, sweat level etc. The HR straps generally just work, though nothing beats the original Garmin HR strap they don’t sell anymore.

[@user-qj2wb7ne4e]

Polar Chest Strap restrictive? I don’t even know it’s there.

[@pureno1z]

Another problem with optical, if you have sufficiently dark skin they can not pick up the blood flow. I have some heavy black ink tattoo on my arms, and I have to move my watch around constantly to be just in the right spot. If there is a brand out there that is not affected by this, I would love to see it. Otherwise, sensors that can't be interfered with are the way for me.

[@jimjr4432]

I always love your videos! Very encouraging and since I'm 79 I need lots. Thanks so much.

[@thegoodwheel]

You're an inspiration👍🏾 Thanks for watching 🙏🏾

[@HeyWattsUpCycling]

I came across the Polar H9 2/3yrs ago. works perfect every single day. no fuss, no faff, instantly connected and integrates with my shimano data logging app.

[@thegoodwheel]

Nice! Thanks for sharing your experience 👍🏾

[@cornelhughes6763]

Our experiences differ drastically. Switched from the watch (Scosche Rhythm 24 Heart , Polah OH, Coospo, Fitcent) to the chest one (Magene H30) due to not only it being more accurate, but also the battery life of at least 6 month. Find the watch type systems tend to lose connection too easily or I will have to move it too often for it to get my pulse. Recall with a watch system having their support personnel tell me it may not work because I have dark and hairy skin. With the Magene chest strap there is no need to spend over an hour recharging, just place a new battery. It also cheap at 25.00.

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for sharing your experience 👍🏾

[@ketle369]

I have the opposite experience of you. So I guess it depends on your body type.

[@kevinlewis390]

I tried to save some money when I first started back cycling about 3 years ago and purchased a cheap HR strap, it was horrible constantly dropping signal; I thought it wasn't tight enough or I needed gel. Neither solved the issue so I purchased a more expensive strap (Wahoo), things improved, kind of, still had dropouts and periods of minutes at the same HR. I tightened the strap to the point of discomfort, added gel and nothing resolved the issue, that strap was noticeable and noticeably uncomfortable. I finally went back to Polar (H10). No gel, "loose" strap and it just works. I often forget to wet the strap prior to putting it on and it still works flawlessly. Furthermore, I have never even noticed it while riding. There will certainly be lag in a pulse (armband/wrist) sensor and HR already lags power output, so unless you are really, really, tuned into RPE, for a given effort, I could see that as an issue. I think, if you haven't, you should try a Polar strap. It's one of the few instances where a popular (I think they still are, back in the 90's they were ubiquitous in HR monitoring in cycling) brand that costs more than everything else is actually worth the extra money.

[@lokerola]

Interesting since I've 2 Polar HR monitors, and they both have annoying dropouts.

[@michaelrush208]

I switched from the strap to the arm band about a year ago. I hated the fact that it was restrictive and that the battery kept dying so quickly. I bought the wahoo tickr first and it works great, but the strap seems to wearing out fast and what I mean by that is, the velcro is as tacky as it once was. I did some research and found a brand called COROS… amazing band, it’s very soft sole the chest strap and extremely comfortable. I now use the COROS for outdoor rides and my tickr for indoor rides.

[@mgmdsc]

Enjoy your videos. I ride metal bikes, rim brakes and mechanical shifting (Campy and Shimano). Based on your video I purchased an arm HRM strap. The brand you use was no longer available. I purchased a similar device. I read the instructions and watched videos on how to use the device. Very difficult to find a place on my arm to get consistent readings. Strap was hard to adjust and uncomfortable. Synced well with multiple devices. HR varied from 57 to 120 at rest with wildly inconsistent readings comparted to my chest strap HRM and Apple watch. Several posted comments showed similar experience to mine. I returned the device. Back with my chest strap that always works. Glad that you had a better experience than me. Keep up the videos.

[@lucky247365]

I have been using my Garmin forerunner watch the last few years to track HR and ditched the chest strap. It works great for me.

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for sharing your experience 👍🏾

[@ashrockdigital]

Also a Forerunner user here. I've never compared it with anything else, so always wonder about accuracy. But DC Rainmaker claims the Forerunner watches are accurate.

[@dolittle6781]

Really enjoy hearing from you (and others who take cycling seriously). It's great to learn how advanced the sport has become and all the options there are for riders that want to keep up to date, stay healthy, and be comfortable in the saddle.

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for watching 👍🏾

[@timyaiser]

ANT (originates from Adaptive Network Topology) is a proprietary (but open access) multicast wireless sensor network technology designed and marketed by ANT Wireless (a division of Garmin Canada). It provides personal area networks (PANs), primarily for activity trackers. ANT was introduced by Dynastream Innovations in 2003, followed by the low-power standard ANT+ in 2004, before Dynastream was bought by Garmin in 2006. ANT defines a wireless communications protocol stack that enables hardware operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM band to communicate by establishing standard rules for co-existence, data representation, signalling, authentication, and error detection. It is conceptually similar to Bluetooth low energy, but is oriented towards use with sensors.

[@the_derpler]

I've always had problems with the chest straps and reliability. I'm not sure if its just because I don't have a good skin / terminal connection due to me being a discusting hairy mess lol. But currently I use an optical sensor on my running watch which wireless broadcasts to my wahoo.

[@LagunaRider1961]

My chest strap would start to slip down as I started to sweat. Drove me crazy! I purchased a Polar arm band monitor and it has been flawless. Absolutely love it. Arm bands are the way to go for me

[@thegoodwheel]

Nice! Thanks for sharing👍🏾

[@JarekZgoda]

I have both armband and chest strap, I found chest strap to be less intrusive in that once fit I forget I'm wearing it, with armband coming to my viewport from time to time. Both work fine, though.

[@lukepaulson3428]

Word to the wise…tattoos will create problems for optical sensors. Polar H10, with a few dabs of conductive gel on the strap, and you will have a wonderfully accurate reading, even in the cold!

[@prestachuck2867]

I used the polar hrms for years. The old school (pre-china) models in the nineties were solidly reliable. The newer ones were terrible for me. Lots of dropouts and readings that were way off. Switched to Garmin, and had the same issues, tried Wahoo chest straps, and they were barely better than the Garmin strap monitors. Then I tried the Wahoo Tickr Fit arm strap (optical). No more whacky readings or dropouts, and a lot more comfortable than a chest strap.

[@volodymyrkomliev5849]

Whoop arm bend can work like a heart monitor pairing to the cycling computer. I have used, it woked well. Thank you for sharing your experience. I personally like arm bend heart rate monitors.

[@Omnis2]

The worst part about chest strap is that you have to get undressed again if you forget it.

[@chadwells7562]

Make it part of your prep, why is it so hard you guys are making up nonexistent problems dude 😂. Do you forget your gloves too?

[@thegoodwheel]

Yeah, I've had that annoyance before. Thanks for watching 👍🏾

[@Omnis2]

@@chadwells7562 yep, sure do. I keep extras in my trunk lol.

[@chadwells7562]

@@Omnis2 Know thyself! Yeah I’ve forgotten my gloves on drive-to-rides too. I try to minimize thinking though to stop errors, so if it’s less than a 30 minute drive I put on all my cycling clothing sans shoes and helmet of course and pack the rest in a bag ideally the night before. For events, you need a packing list lest you drive 5 hours to a race and forget your shoes 🤣. As I get older I’ve either gotten more forgetful or wiser and I find it helps to write everything down.

[@glennnicholls8510]

Thank you Luis. I also hate the chest strap monitor. After every workout I usually pull that thing down to my waist within 5 seconds. I have been thinking about getting an arm band version so your video is very timely.

[@justsomedude7556]

My wife hates wearing a chest strap or the bras with a chest strap, so she uses an arm band as well. Like you, we sort of just picked one and it has worked wonderfully for her. When my garmin strap needs replacing, I was planning on switching over.

[@thegoodwheel]

Nice! Thanks for sharing👍🏾

[@e.con5712]

I’ve had the polar oh-1 for years, very accurate, especially with bike riding. and ended up working better for me than chest strap for HR monitoring

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for sharing 👍🏾

[@raanyroad9110]

I use a Garmin 735 watch. It can read heart rate as well as serve as a bike computer minus the map. You can set it up so that watch pairs with your bike computer to show the heart rate in both places.

[@chadwells7562]

I have a Forerunner 55 and it’s very good but not as good as a strap

[@thegoodwheel]

👍🏾

[@andrewa.3304]

I started wearing scoshe heart rate monitor and love it! Good video👍

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for watching 👍🏾

[@coreyallert1482]

Polar H10 chest strap has been flawless, every type of optical has been intermittent with me.

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for sharing Corey👍🏾

[@TropicalVibesHD]

The arm band is much more convenient for many. For example, if the HRM is forgotten until after being fully dressed in a kit with a bib and jersey, there is no awkward reaching around the back or fiddling with jersey and bib straps to place around chest. Some people also don't like the feeling of horizontal straps on their torso -bib straps are already enough and trending toward being bra-like or "50 shades-ish" (not to mention possible interference with bras for wearers of that piece of underwear). The LED/optical sensors on the forearm can detect pulsations in the skin (from radial and ulnar ateries) with acceptable accuracy for cycling/running. They are easy to adjust on the fly etc. Add USB rechargeability, and HRM becomes less of a hassle among all the other items of accessories for cyling.

[@dperreno]

I don't find the chest strap to feel restrictive, but I can certainly understand how some folks would be bothered by it. Nice to know that there is a reasonably decent arm band alternative available for around the same price.

[@timmybikester2309]

I’ve been using the Wahoo Tickr arm heart rate monitor for years. I much prefer it to a chest HR monitor as I have asthma and I don’t like the restriction on my chest. I’ve it works best if I I moisten the back of the arm HR monitor before wearing it.

[@bvergara]

I have the exact arm band HR strap (XOSS). Been using it for years. On my personal tests, it spits out numbers +12-15% higher than what I get from my Garmin Venu 2 Plus which sits on the same arm but lower down on the wrist. The key difference is that the watch will slide down when I'm climbing but the arm band sits in perfect position every time. That seems to tell me it is more accurate than the watch. Years ago, I switched to the arm band from a chest strap because it tends to hold a charge longer (at least a few years ago), it's less in the way, and I have less to wash after every ride.

[@glassacre]

For anyone wondering - and what I'm currently dealing with - optical light HR monitors won't work with tattooed areas. This is documented on Garmin's website, too. The only solution is to use an HR monitor that doesn't utilize optical sensor, or find an area not covered by tattoo ink. For my situation, that means only a chest strap (which is Garmin, along with a Garmin computer), but I am contemplating getting one of the rings for future use. I still use my Garmin Fenix 7 regularly but I no longer rely on it for any HR monitoring.

[@pureno1z]

Same, I have solid black ink with some negative space on both arms. Optical sensors are hard to line up with the negative space. The ring is interesting for sure.

[@glassacre]

@@pureno1z I really miss using my Garmin watch as a sleep monitor. I never realized how useful that data is to me - which is another reason to use the rings (I'm considering the RingConn version). Unless I'm doing some kind of activity, I don't really have a use for a HR monitor (like say, when I'm just at my desk working). A chest strap is fine for me for my endurance activities. The first time I tried the Fenix 7 post-tattoo to monitor my sleep, it told me my "5.2 hour sleep wasn't ideal" when in reality, I had slept 9.5 hours that night. It's a shame tattoo ink essentially paralyzes that sensor.

[@edprotas4148]

I have always used the chest strap, but cannot say that I really notice any discomfort. Also, I only use it during the off season on the indoor trainer. From that I "learn" how my body/heart responds to various efforts. During the riding season I leave the HRM at home. I mostly ride MTB and don't really value the distraction of numbers, and simply apply the body/heart "feel" to my current riding... and I am 78 years young. Personally, I think there is an overemphasis on numbers. Yeah it makes money for the industry, and then there is the Strava thing, and bottom line it moves the focus away from the simple joy of riding the bike.

[@c0olcast]

ANT+ is the original standard used to broadcast data from sports sensors. Note that I say "broadcast". Contrary to Bluetooth there's no actual pairing other that the receiving unit learning the MAC address (hardware address) of the sending unit. Because the standard is so old, you may find it is ver common. I'm still using HR chest strap I got with my Garmin 305 back in 2009! That band only supports ANT+, so that's being around for a while.

[@donbarnard82]

They're both accurate when sitting on the couch, but they're also susceptible to different problems. Chest straps can have problems when you're not sweating because they don't make good skin contact. This can pop up at the start of the ride if you don't' pre-wet the strap or possibly on an easy-going ride on a cold day where it might dry out. Optical, on the other hand, can be susceptible to vibrations being interpreted as the Rythm of a hear beat. In my experience, optical works perfectly on a trainer (no vibrations), but can be hit or miss on an outdoor ride. I recall one experience with my wife's optical where it read one thing on the ride up the slight grade of a gravel rail trail, but then when we turned onto a paved downhill road coasting it started reporting an HR 40 beats higher, which made no sense. I've come not to trust them so I still use a strap where at least it's problems when they occur are obvious.

[@pbalerig]

Great video. Will look them up. Keep the videos coming!!😊

[@klcbsoft]

I'm pretty much in your camp: I hate chest straps with a vengance and a capital "h". Two major problems for me: I am a heavy sweater and every chest strap I had (Garmin and Magene) started to act up after some months. On tough rides all i got after an hour ot two was totally erratic readings with heartbeats between 40 and 270 in rapid sequences. And if it wasn't that, the battery was empty. Second problem: I ride all year long and in Austria this means to wrap yourself up like an onion when it's chilly. As soon as you have your 2 shirts, your jacket and your windbreaker on, guess which sensor you forgot to put on? Correct ... long story short: got me some arm-sensor similar to yours (LIVLOV), and I couldn't be happier. Additional bonus: my model is rechargeable, so one 2032 cell less. Maybe chest bands are more precise, but that is not something I have seen over the last 4 years riding with both types of sensors. Great content btw, really like how you go about cycling - thx for sharing.

[@HasanIbrahim147]

My concern with optical sensors is their accuracy. I actually used my garmin watch for the longest time since I too find the chest strap a bit uncomfortable. But over time, it was obvious the numbers were way off. I cleaned it thoroughly with rubbing alcohol etc. As recommended by Garmin - seemed to be accurate again but soon after it returned to reading significantly lower than what I was feeling. Never had this issue with my very inexpensive Megene chest strap. Definitely interested in hearing your long term findings around its accuracy in the future.

[@ketle369]

I switched to the wahoo armband some years ago. It’s so much better than the chest strap. It needs never miss a beat and also much more comfortable.

[@rtscycling]

Agreed. I just switched to the Wahoo one and like it so far.

[@YetAnotherAdventure]

So interesting that you made a video like this now I’m probably going to notice my chest strap more. A couple of things I use Garmin edge 1040 but I use it with the wahoo chest strap. I find that one a little bit more comfortable, but I also noticed when I wear race fit jerseys I don’t notice the strap at all. However, when I use a jersey that’s a little loose fitting then I noticed the strap.

[@thegoodwheel]

I've heard others say the Magene and Wahoo strap is comfy. I have had the many I have used just make themselves known. But you seem to have a method that works. Pegadito😂

[@mvp_kryptonite]

Ant+ I believe is a Garmin wireless protocol designed to talk between multiple paired devices concurrently. Licensed out now too and data fields growing by the decade. Bluetooth is usually limited to 1 or 2 simultaneous connections and also draws a little more power whereas Ant+ isn’t limited to just a handful of connections. Chest strap for sure uncomfortable and I tend to forget to wash the strap as recommended.

[@LLroomtempJ]

I started with a band and moved to chest and I hate the chest as well. What the chest does give me is better accuracy under layers. I find that the armband occasionally hallucinates once I put it under a base layer or a jacket - no such behavior from the chest. With that said - I dislike how the chest HRM feels, but I am assuming that I'll get over it eventually. I've forced myself to wear it on indoor workouts. Ive got Coospo HRMs. They're cheap and they work. Customer service is...ok. their more expensive rechargeable chest HRM does not contact sweat on your body at all, so it will likely last for a very long time

[@ryanS593]

Been using a chest strap for about 5 years. Yeah it can definitely be a pain especially when sweating. My wife wears the arm band and she loves the thing. Been debating on switching for sometime.

[@deanb61]

Similar to you I dislike wearing a chest strap. I put up with one during training for the data, especially on zwift; but I never wear one in a race (for me that's an ironman) as it's just too distracting. I used to use just the optical sensor on my watch, but that's just too inacurate at times. I went for the Coros strap in the end as I have a Coros watch. Like you I find it accurate and comfortable. A tip, don't wear it on the peak of your bice, wear it just above.

[@ceazy1861]

been using an armband monitor for about 4 years now and its been great imo

[@thegoodwheel]

👍🏾

[@n22pdf]

I’ve never liked chest heart rate monitors for the same reasons as you Louis.. I use a whoop mounted on my bicep had it on for a few years work great 😊 also have an Apple Watch but tend to use the whoop and on my indoor trainer 👍👍🚴🏻 Pete

[@thegoodwheel]

Hey Pete! Thanks for sharing👍🏾

[@darrelduke]

riding without tracking on occasion is nice at times. nice video, thanks.

[@thegoodwheel]

It is indeed👍🏾

[@GotDamBoi]

If you already have a garmin watch you can likely just broadcast your HR to your bike computer as another option. I think the arm band monitors might be slightly more accurate but I feel like I get useful enough real time data just broadcasting my garmin forerunner to my wahoo head unit.

[@thegoodwheel]

That's a good option. Thanks for sharing👍🏾

[@andyeunson270]

I don’t mind the chest strap at all. What was annoying was my first pulse monitor by Seiko. It had a chest strap but the electrodes attached to the strap. Badly. Sometimes they fell off. But most annoying was the wiring running out the shirt sleeve and down the arm to the watch. I’m currently using a Garmin Fenix but the wrist based pulse monitor is not as accurate as the old chest strap. So I use the chest strap for rides and for cross country skiing. Interesting that the arm strap was about as accurate as the chest strap. I thought it was the optical versus electrical that was the difference.

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for sharing Andy. Despite lag, they are usually between one or two ticks of each other.

[@James-KL]

Me too, hate the restricted feeling of the strap around the chest, even if not so accurate I now use an arm band.

[@ZenEndurance]

Ant + is just Bluetooth without the mandatory 1 to 1 security. It’s 1 to anybody and everybody. That allows you to pick up your HR with multiple devices no problem.

[@thegoodwheel]

Thank you for that 👍🏾

[@garypremo]

I’ll keep my Wahoo chest strap monitor. It’s accurate and reliable. I don’t feel the chest strap restricts me at all. I forget that it’s even there. Do any pros use an arm band monitor?

[@brucifurrose9956]

Luis, I have the Coospo arm band and it works great. I use it with my smart trainer. I let my Garmin watch broadcast my heart rate to my Garmin unit on my road bike. I'm not sure but I think the chest straps use an electric signal from your heart. Love your videos.😮

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for sharing 👍🏾

[@vincedavis5326]

Good timing and thanks for the info. I have recently been looking at arm band hrm's. Was curious if other brands would pair with a garmin unit. This helps, thanks!

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for watching Vince👍🏾

[@atlantaswelder]

I found if i flip my wrist watch face down i got tremendously better accuracy during my cycling activities. I also use a Coospo arm band which is accurate but leaks power between uses 👎.

[@morelandhouse1]

Nice thought on the topic.

[@Al.2]

I got the CYCPLUS one not XOSS but they look very similar. It's not always accurate when running or walking fast, depending on how well it's fixed on your arm, but when cycling it's spot on and I totally prefer it over the chest strap. The rechargeable battery will last 200 hours (if you go from 100% to 0%, which I don't recommend - you'd probably want to keep it between 40 and 80%); I'm not kidding - much more than in the product description.

[@thegoodwheel]

Good tip! Thanks for sharing👍🏾

[@thedownunderverse]

The Wahoo Tickr armband is fabulous: comfortable, reliable and accurate. Never going back to a chest strap.

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for watching 👍🏾

[@Soccergirly.and.VeloDad]

I monitor heart rate variability (HRV) using a polar H10 strap. I don't know about all the optical monitors out there, but the polar OH1 - Polar's new optical sensor - cannot be used to measure HRV. My smartwatch does a rudimentary measurement of HRV as a "stress" metric. Regardless, I use HRV to track the impact of and recovery from my structured training. HR data is a very useful metric for me, along side power data, to see how I am responding to my training and if I am showing any signs of fatigue. I need my heart rate data to be as accurate as possible, and I have gone through a couple of different heart rate monitors until I found that the polar H10 rarely lets me down, and also gives me access to advanced metrics like HRV.

[@elleffeff]

How do you view and analyze the HRV data from the Polar strap? Thanks in advance!

[@Soccergirly.and.VeloDad]

@@elleffeff I use elite HRV to analyze my HRV first thing after I wake up each morning, and if I'm feeling off or amazingly well I'll take a snapshot reading during the day so I have data to compare on how my HRV fluctuates after exercise after my heart rate stabilizes closer to resting.

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for sharing 👍🏾

[@ericharman4064]

Thanks for another great video. I know what you mean about the chest strap discomfort. I just got a new HRM myself in January and was very close to going with one of the optical armband monitors. In the end I decided to stick with the chest strap, but I know that feeling. I've actually gone on a couple of rides lately where I forgot to put the chest strap on and used my Garmin watch. I was afraid there would be data gaps due to it being wrist mounted, but haven't had a problem. Looking forward to your review of the Magene rims. I think they're very interesting since they're not hookless and I am not interested in the hookless rims. Again, thanks!

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for sharing your experience 👍🏾

[@a.m.d.6679]

I have one of each - a Polar H10 chest strap and a Polar Verity Sense for my forearm. They both work very well. I bought the Verity mostly for indoor training, but I've even worn it lately for some outdoor rides underneath a LS jersey or arm warmers. When the warmer weather hits, I'll go back to the H10 chest strap. Don't want a weird tan line on my left arm. 😁 I had previously gone through 2 Wahoo Tickrs that both died far too soon.

[@thegoodwheel]

Yeah, that new tan line😂

[@paulterpstra6705]

What a commercial non-issue. I've been wearing breast straps for many years and never noticed them during workouts and are very reliable and accurate.

[@youngsuk3329]

I got a huawei gt4 for running since it has the best hr monitor among android (99% accuracy rate compared to polar chest strap, according to the quantified scientist). Just found out last week it can broadcast hr straight into my bicycle computer, so no need to buy separate hr strap or band for me 😅😅

[@stuartmisfeldt3068]

Nice t-shirt, 2004-2014 Pinarello!

[@billkallas1762]

Most people do not mind the chest strap. Before I put the strap on, I put some spit on my finger and wet the part of my chest where the electrodes sit. I start showing a HR in a few seconds. The sensor on my Polar picks up electrical signals from my heart, like what you get in a Doctor's office, I've been using Polar since the early 90's.

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for sharing👍🏾

[@TheAttyjace]

i heard somewhere that if you have arm tattoos the optical monitor like the armband reading may get affected

[@thegoodwheel]

That's curious. Let's see if someone weighs in with that issue. Thanks for sharing 👍🏾

[@glassacre]

@@thegoodwheel I'm currently dealing with this and it's 100% true. Optical sensors (for me, specifically my Garmin Fenix 7) won't read my HR now that I've got a new tattoo on my wrist. I have ink down to both wrists so it won't read either. That'd also apply to an arm band for me, so not an option. For me, it's chest strap or nothing. I have heard - although haven't tried - that some folks put epoxy stickers over the optical sensor on their watches and that somewhat helps, but can be unpredictable?

[@WariWahab]

If you do like data, the arm band sensor might not record HRV. (Only some tools shows the HRV though, like Runalyze). I do find the arm band sometimes reads too low even during hard efforts though most of the time its ok-ish

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for sharing 👍🏾

[@aldrinclementina4297]

Hi there brother. I do use a heartrate monitor from the brand Magene. I don't have a problem on it on my chest, yet.. lol. Wait a minute.. Is that a Madone in the background? lol🤣

[@thegoodwheel]

Hey Aldrin! Yes it is a Madone

[@RhandellG]

Good video. Just by seeing your videos I just realized that I still have my arm band on my arm from today’s ride. 😂 I switched to arm band after I could not find my chest strap about a year ago.

[@thegoodwheel]

Ha ha. Love this👍🏾

[@raymondherrick1942]

Great review!!!

[@caperider1160]

Optical sensors used to have trouble capturing blood density under dark skins. Have they improved?

[@tonymammone1653]

Spot on video. No longer a need for the chest strap. The arm bands are nearly as good. I use a Coros heart monitor. It has the new optical sensor. It does a great job; even on intervals. 30 hour battery life.

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for watching 👍🏾

[@mtbkev8935]

I believe chest monitor responds to the electrical activity of the heart. (Like EKG)

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for sharing 👍🏾

[@not-fishing4730]

I've had a Garmin Fenix 6 for over a year now and find I must take off the watch because it tears up my arms. It doesn't matter if it's on the left or right, on top of the forearm or under the forearm. I can only wear it for about 12 hours per day. The heart rate chest strap never bothered me but then I'd only wear it for a ride, row, paddle, whatever.

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for sharing 👍🏾

[@steveindorset]

Good video Luis. As a man of “similar age”😁, I’ve been looking into heart rate monitors myself. Surely you’d just use your Apple/Android watch? Most people seem to have them nowadays. Or are they no good for that kind of thing?

[@anthonycattouse1841]

Loving it

[@salva.]

Nice, but I honestly don't need another suntan line on my body. 😅

[@JibbaJabber]

@3:50 Bike change please!! Gave up on straps years ago - also hated the feeling. Moved over to Scosche Rhythm+ band and didn't look back BTW, thought you were old school. Where did that Trek come from?

[@thegoodwheel]

I love all bikes, though I have my preferences. Thanks for watching 👍🏾

[@JibbaJabber]

@@thegoodwheel Time to rate them in a video :)

[@donwinston]

I've read that the optical device is not very accurate measuring very high heart rates. I had an Oura ring for a couple of years and it was terrible at this. My chest strap is very accurate measuring high heart rates. I'm a cyclist and measuring high heart rate periods is important to me. I don't even notice my strap when I'm wearing it. I'm not as lean as you so maybe that is a reason why or maybe you have it too tight.

[@daviddjerassi]

WOW its great companies are reaching out to you bikes wheels and im sure more and more i saw a Trek and Colnago behind you ? what's with those please so many gadgets not invented in my time thank you for this enlightening video keep safe Luis .

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks David🙏🏾 Yeah, I live doing these reviews 👍🏾

[@IronHorsey3]

Want to see you on that Colnago. Looks beautiful.

[@thegoodwheel]

Oh, that's coming soon👍🏾

[@Bob_Shy_132]

OK Luis, it begs the question. How does the monitored exertion compare to the organic one in your brain? I have been doing the latter for decades. Pretty much been doing it like this forever. I warm up for a few minutes, blast intervals for about an hour, then chill on the way home when worn out. I don't do group rides so that I can blast whenever I recover from the previous blast.

[@bb-r5710]

Chest strap works best for me. ❤❤

[@thegoodwheel]

Thanks for sharing 👍🏾

[@bonbonflippers4298]

Man I ditched the HR completely after I noticed that you could just listen to your body. I know for racers and group competitive rides it's a good metric to have but I'm just solo riding and enjoying my rides like everyone else that doesn't do it for a job.

[@thegoodwheel]

I've found this approach refreshing 👍🏾

[@ThePensionerAdventurer]

Hello Luis, Good video, thank you... like you I am not a fan of the chest strap. Take care Paul,,

[@thegoodwheel]

Thank you Paul!

[@Po500Po]

Great video. Have you tested it while wearing a long sleeve jersey?

[@mikeburton8426]

Kinda hard to take a review seriously when it includes words like “I’m not even sure what ANT+ connectivity means :)”. I had heard surgery about 16 months ago and had to start training with an optical arm band. I find the wahoo or garmin chest straps much more accurate and have used them for a few decades. But the optical arm band seems to be fine and I may make it a default this spring

[@NintendoCafe]

Where did you buy the tshirt?

[@Alex.8081]

My health watch is the best does what i want and great for all my sport activities.

[@thegoodwheel]

👍🏾

[@charlesmansplaining]

I bought a Garmin Epix Pro Smartwatch about a year ago. You want to talk about some data. I still don't understand a lot of what the watch does. But I do get heartrate out of it. $1100 Buck a Roos and the damn thing doesn't provide me with the weather temps in real time. It's suppose to. But like I said, I don't fully understand some of the features, probably because I don't take the time to read directions. The mapping is difficult too because it's so tiny. But, at least I can brag about having the cool stuff right 🤔😕🤣🤣I'm an idiot.

[@thegoodwheel]

We don't read instructions 😂

[@Filthy_Rich_556]

For those of us with lighter skin, we will have wicked tan lines

[@raanyroad9110]

I didn’t like the cheat strap either. It would never stay in place

[@thegoodwheel]

Agreed 👍🏾

[@D_in_DC]

I'll just quickly echo some other comments. The chest strap picks up electrical signals from the heart.

[@thegoodwheel]

👍🏾

[@Yurkevich22]

But you already have a watch on your hand - don't tell me it doesn't already measure HR.

[@scottboepple7903]

do you have a suggested brand for white bar tape that doesnt get dirty after every ride and i always wear gloves (clean)....i have tried supcaz and lizard skin and both get dirty after every ride ....best iv found so far is fizik white tape that works the best

[@thegoodwheel]

They've always gotten dirty for me... regardless of the brand.

[@GeekonaBike]

How does it work in cold weather? I've always found the chest straps to be nearly unusable around freezing or below. my smart watch does a bit better but can't connect to my garmin or wahoo headunits :/

[@thegoodwheel]

The two occasions I've used it in lower Temps, I didn't notice any issues.👍🏾

[@Kelekona_808]

Any reason it's resting on the arm vs. the wrist? Haven't had any experience with either of these style of monitors as I've only ever used wrist watch monitors.

[@thegoodwheel]

That's the manufacturers recommended placement 👍🏾

[@marcdavidson3676]

can't I just use my smart watch as a heart rate monitor?

[@thegoodwheel]

Hi Marc. You could. I found my watch readings a bit lower than the hrm. Thanks for watching 👍🏾

[@Pje3ski]

I have the polar varitas I will never go back to the chest mounted rig

[@thegoodwheel]

👍🏾

[@triatheletewolf7279]

I love your videos, but you have been in oxygen debt toooo much. Chest strap over and arm band??? No-way. Keep on Riding Campy!!!

[@Silidons91]

The arm strap gave me rashes.

[@roxic1212]

Now you guys know why women throw off their bras the minute we get home.😂

[@thegoodwheel]

😂😂😂 Indeed!