Wahoo TickrFIT Optical Heart Rate Band - First Look, Unboxing, Road Tests

First look, unboxing, and full details of the new Wahoo TickrFIT Optical Heart Rate Band. Plus a quick review of how it performed running, riding, and indoor riding.
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[@dr.deborahnixon1192]

OMG!! After fiddling for weeks with this arm strap you showed me how it works. I know, dumb. But I just couldn't figure it out. Your videos are always so helpful. You don't assume we're all technically minded.

[@brianward7724]

G'day again, Shane! Some kudos for you: I have just watched several so-called reviews of the Tickrfit but the people just waffle on about anything and everything, rather than getting down to the nitty-gritty. You're the man! Anyway, as I mentioned several months ago, I hadn't at that stage actually used mine. Well, I have now and there have been problems. I have to say that Wahoo Support were terrific! They sent me a replacement Tickrfit, no problem at all. However, there is one 'little' thing that I'll mention and it could be the answer for your wrist device, too. Because of my heart problem, I often have to take diuretics (they help the heart pump better - too much fluid in the lungs isn't good for the breathing). Of course, the diuretics also clear moisture from the skin and you NEED moisture to have these devices working properly. With your wrist-mounted unit, Shane, you may just need to tighten it quite a bit from what I saw AND wet the skin under it. Once you get some sweat happening, it should be okay, which is how I 'twigged' to the solution for me. Hope this helps some of your viewers. Happy cycling!

[@jimhansen5395]

I currently have a scoche, which is nearly identical to this. The Wahoo has much longer duration between charges (Scoche is only about 6-7 hours). I like it and use it on my trainer regularly, but I have to keep it charged. If I forget I run the risk of it running low during a ride. I normally wear mind just below my elbow with the sensor on the inside of my arm instead of outside. It seems to read more accurately/consistently there. The Scoche and the Tickr Fit suffer from one flaw, and that is the proprietary charging dock. Why not standard Micro USB or USB C? If you travel and forget your charge cradle, or it fails for some reason, you are out of luck. You can't run down to the local convenience store and pick up a Wahoo charge cradle. At least the 30 hours of battery will hopefully last long enough to support your activity, so that is a plus for Wahoo. FWIW, I don't wear mine outside (I stick with the standard Tickr). Based on some comments from Ray Maker I may try it again on my upper arm (just above the jersey sleeve ), but I don't like it on my forearm when I'm riding. If find on longer rides (4 hour plus), the device tends to migrate down my arm towards my wrist, unless I cinch it down uncomfortably tight.

[@CoolTies]

Yes!! First video to actually tell how to turn it off!! Thank you and subscribed! 😀

[@jamesmarkpriestley]

Excellent video as usual! Loving the green screen background, really nailing it!

[@nezbian]

“No ones going to have an arm that small”. Hold my beer.

[@dianatheriault2913]

I used the Scosche and it always, always spikes several times during my rides. Finally went back to my TickR and it is flawless!

[@thetheflyinghawaiian]

MAN. Wahoo needs to make an exercise watch, I'de buy that in a heartbeat.

[@LocutFilms]

AdamOrnelles stay tuned. The rep from FE sports told me they are in the works

[@kirkfletcher6028]

As long as the HR isn't locked into their own apps. The reason I bought this device was because I couldn't use either my Apple Watch or my Fitbit with third party apps (namely, "DPP Yoga Now").

[@txlangster6276]

Thank you for the concise set-up and review

[@Bearded.Wonder]

Appreciate the analysis and breakdown.

[@brianward7724]

I bought one of these yesterday without checking it out on YT but it looks as though I made a good choice. One angle that you didn't cover - probably because it doesn't occur to you young blokes! - is that this is (well, seems to be) THE answer for people like me, who have a Pacemaker. I have been unable to obtain reliable readings from the chest strap of my Garmin Edge 500, since having the Pacemaker inserted 4 years ago (now using it with the 520) or my El Cheapo wrist-mounted HR device. The latter is actually accurate and unaffected by the Pacemaker but, as soon as the screen blacks out, it stops displaying on the mobile phone - really annoying when you're riding a bike. Anyway, I'm looking forward to trying out the Wahoo TickrFIT in about a month's time.

[@ReallifevsPlayable]

HI Shane, after your videos ill gave wahoo products a try last april and im really impressed from the performance. I buyed a pulse and a cadence sensor and together with my one+3 smartphone i have roundabout 6 to 8 hours with wahoo or strava app to drive without a powerbank. Im so impressed, that i dont buy a bike computer anymore. My last bike computer was a sigma rox, but my smartphone can do so much more that only showing me speed and my pulse. i hear music, i have it allready with me so why not using it :-) Thanks for your content. Was not the first time, you help me making desissions. :-) keep up the great work Sascha from germany

[@geekindakitchen]

Great video - G'day from Echuca as well Shane. :)

[@SA-qm9id]

Thanks mate. This helped a lot!

[@jaycollins6792]

Thanks for that mate definitely an option 😎

[@SavedbybGrace]

Well that’s good enough for me. I’m getting one for the road and I’ll relegate the strap version to indoor rides. 👍

[@heidisausage]

I use the Mio Link HR strap, which goes on the wrist like a watch. I flashes a different colour depending on your preset HR zones and links fine with Garmin stuff and Zwift. Does leave a tan line though. Not really much of a problem in Scotland.

[@CyclingPulse]

Sagan and Bora using Tickr and Elemnt Bolt computers next season. Will be interesting to see the take up among amateurs instead of Garmin products...

[@gplama]

What pros use is determined by commercial arrangements. What amateurs use should be determined by what is a good product. However a lot of the time what amateurs use is influenced by what pros are paid to use. It's a side of cycling as a sport I honestly don't like. However, given the sport is completely broken as a business, it's how things are.

[@CyclingPulse]

Shane Miller especially what Sagan is paid to use! 😂

[@stereosteve7892]

interesting video i like the multisport watches, great deals on watches out there

[@davidfournier3355]

Thanks for your great video’s keep up the great work! That said I’m having issues with the pairing with my KICKR Core Smart bike? Would there be a “factory” reset I need to preform?

[@gplama]

Best bet would be to contact Wahoo or Zwift support (if that’s what you’re trying to pair to)

[@Andy7846]

Looks like a great device. It will mess up your tan though. ☀😂

[@samlewis4283]

I have the schoche rhythm and it has worked well, although I have had trouble with it giving high readings when it is worn underneath a base layer or jacket. Works fine when just wearing a short sleeve jersey. If I was to buy a new monitor now I would definitely go with the TickrFit, due to the excellent battery life and ease of charging. The schoche only lasts around 6 hours and it can be a a bit difficult getting it to sit properly in the charger at times.

[@iatricjb]

Sam, I have had the same issue when using a Scoche under a long sleeve jersey or jacket. Makes no sense to me why it would do that. Sometimes it reads really high and sometimes really low. Seems to get back to normal after a while during a ride. If you try the TickrFit, let us know if it has the same problem or not.

[@tylerlougheed569]

Doesn't accentuate man-boobs, so that's a thumbs up.

[@CyclingPulse]

Tyler L 😂😂😂

[@ketjuariittaa]

Polar oh1 is smaller. I like these style heartrate sensors. Easy to wear. And low price😄

[@adammillsindustries.]

Bicycle Sunday Will it work with my Wahoo bolt? It is also water resistant to 30m. It looks better. I’ve also found it 20 bucks cheaper than TickRfit. Also better battery life :)

[@fiddleronthebike]

I wonder why you have issues with that discrepancy in HR datas (FR935/TickrFIT), while you found similar percentage of discrepancy in power (fx Neo/P1) absolute perfect. Though HR is much less precise for a certain effort and HR is always delayed to the effort, so a bit more or less delay of the HR-meter does no harm. Looking on those graphs, I find the FR935 data ok...

[@gplama]

A heartbeat is a binary event. It's a beat, or it's not. It's a solved problem, YEARS ago. Measuring it in different ways (optical) is convenient, but introduces margins of error. I won't cross pollinate comparing power reporting/delays to HR reporting/delays. They are two entirely different things. The FR935 data indoors, for me, has been pretty bad.... elsewhere it seems ok. Again, back to the margins of error when recording HR in different ways at different locations on the body.

[@GoustiFruit]

What about the tan?

[@mitchellsteindler]

who doesn't love a good training tan?

[@johnhayes1641]

Very helpful! Thanks.

[@CraigLafferty]

Add me to the list of people who use Scosche RHYTHM+. I would love to see a comparison of collected data on these 2 units. Great review!

[@MiniatureReview]

Hey Shane, great video. What are you using to isolate your image with the background? Are you using a green screen. It comes across really professional.

[@gplama]

Cheers. Yep, green screen.

[@brianquigley5743]

Tickr would only work when I pressed -both- sensors -hard- against my chest (even with gel on sensors). Loses connection after 3 minutes (per manual when it is idle for 3 mins).

[@norevlimitr1602]

A great item for indoors but will leave a awkward tan line if used outside in the summer.

[@rosscolyons]

Did you test it around your wrist as well by chance? If So, were the results similar?

[@spj515]

Hi Shane, Realise this is now 5 years old but I recently read a post by someone claiming to use their tickr just loose in their bib next to the leg without the strap. Have you ever heard of anyone doing that? If you still have the device I’d be curious to hear if you are willing to give it a try?

[@FPChris]

I’m here because Zwift won’t put a real time calorie display on the hud for some f’n reason but they do for running. I guess I’ll have to wear two hrm to make it happen.

[@StuWebRT]

yep so why give 5m on the website? fenix5 hr doesn't work in water so I didn't really think this would as it's similar tech. not sure about the product placement in this scenario as if I am.kitted up want the heart rate data I would get the chestbstrap on.. if I was out for a casual ride then the wrist mount one on the smart watch would do I suppose. I see ticker x as a good idea as it will record even though your watch dies so a belt and braces for endurance athletes. but really doesn't bring much to the table:-/ if your struggling for an entry level product garmin and polar both come in cheaper... I feel like they've missed the mark on this one

[@JoelSmithR1]

Looks like it works well, but I can't help but think this would be much more annoying to wear then the normal heart rate strap (which is annoying as well).

[@craigpavia2169]

Where’s the follow up on this item? As usual Wahoo has QC issues and with Tickr Fit it has effected a couple of friends. Product condition is fine, design is solid (could be thinner to accommodate tight arm warmers) but Shane mentions its “party piece” which is the convenience of putting it on after multiple layers of winter kit! However the connections for recharging have been awful. I’ve cleaned it many times but it still requires a bunch of jiggling/adjustments to connect...I’ve used tape to keep it connected...perhaps the magnets are the issue. Just trying to help...Wahoo Bolt owner (much to Shane’s reviews) Good luck

[@ramsey967]

why so short battery life a why rechargeable? I have polar and garmin chest strap with common cr2032 battery and it last for about all year.

[@ivanteo1973]

Danny D. It’s optical HRM, so battery consumption is higher.

[@kurastyles]

Hi Shane, thank you for this review. I was wondering of you could tell me if this is accurate while wearing it on tatooed arms, please? Thanks.

[@gplama]

I have no idea sorry. One for Wahoo Support.

[@kurastyles]

Thank you Shane for the super fast reply. Will give them a go now. Just watching kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5zKiKKBnLVqjLs great video, thank you.

[@olehfilipchuk8257]

Try to avoid dropping sensor like u do , cos already have mio optical hr sensor with cracked compound on sensor chip , added by simple light snapping other (screen ) side to table when have take off those watches. .. those fissure totally breaks ability of hr reading. .. Does it comfortably to wear tickr under armpit where more warm when outdoor, and we have more veins and more closer to heart (like polar oh1)?

[@ericaalbregt3765]

Hi Shane. This may be the answer to my needs as I am not a fan of wearing a heart chest strap while on Zwift. However, I would ideally like a watch with HR capabilities but with Ant+, so that it serves as a general daily watch as well as usable on Zwift. Any recommendations?

[@frogspotter7445]

Great review thanks Shane. Does it broadcast dual Bluetooth like the new Tickr HR chest straps and Kickr v5?

[@gplama]

I don’t believe this is dual BLE.

[@frogspotter7445]

@@gplama Many thanks Shane. Back to getting a new Tickr which is like getting hold of a loo roll in April 2020

[@jjb6570]

Hi Shane, after watching your reviews on the Wahoo range, my Garmin has now been sold, my question is, any idea if Wahoo are coming out with a GPS watch for running etc.?

[@donwcollins]

How do you know which is the most accurate?

[@jonjurgens7412]

Curious if anyone with a pacemaker has any experience with this product. I use a wrist based garmin, but it's not accurate, and often get severely low readings. Garmin HRM Dual doesn't work at all, and Wahoo Tickr works, but also gives random severely low readings. I had a Scosche rhythm 24 and it worked the best, but stopped working completely after about one year. Not sure if I'm just doomed to have poor accuracy due to my pacemaker, or if there is actually a viable solution. Any help is appreciated!

[@HDHD-pe1cl]

Hi Shane, i have some questions about HR monitor. 1. Can we use chest HR monitor on our arm? 2. Can we connect any brand of HR monitor to any brand of bike computer? 3. Can we run Bryton 420 without speed sensor? just using the GPS to run the speed meter.? i have a plan to buy Bryton 420, and iGPsport armband HR monitor. thank you Shane.

[@gplama]

1: No 2: Yes as long as they support the ANT+ standard or Bluetooth Smart. 3: Yes.

[@HDHD-pe1cl]

@@gplama thx shane, and number 3?

[@gplama]

@@HDHD-pe1cl Sorry, typo, fixed. 3: Yes.

[@EugeneTayam]

Know what sensor they use? Looks similar to the scosche...

[@drewsky1722]

Will it hold up on sweaty arms , I've seen so riders arms looks as if they turned on a faucet ?

[@zzathros]

lol ty couldn't figure out how to work strap till you showed me. ty again hate being a dim bulb

[@alwin2001]

Is the shorter strap long enough so that you can strap the TickrFit to your upper arm?

[@gplama]

That really depends on how big your arms are. The two straps should give an option that works.

[@tkeffer]

Hello Does the blue indicator light stay on while Bluetooth is connected/during whole ride?

[@gplama]

I believe it does

[@richardmiddleton7770]

Isn't it designed for the upper arm? Does it matter??

[@gplama]

Doesn't matter. Most sports watches use similar tech on the wrist.

[@jasonhearne1174]

Can you imagine the tan lines though?

[@grazryan]

Can I connect it to garmin bike computer?

[@gplama]

Yes.

[@nuttysquirrel8816]

1:39 🤣😆

[@FRamirez1A]

Can you pair it with the karoo 2? Thanks!!

[@gplama]

I assume so, it’s ANT+ and Bluetooth

[@nocrossing2010]

I just want to ask if the Wahoo Tickr Fit calculates pace, distance and cadence as well like the tickr X? I already have the tickrX but would love to purchase the Tickr FIT if it does. Thank You!

[@gplama]

No. Just HR.

[@nocrossing2010]

Bummer! Thanks for that info

[@hughmoore2]

Do you have to wear it up high on the arm or can it be in watch position?

[@bernardlinde4214]

That's a question I'd also like answered. I can't think why is should NOT work, and yet nobody ever mentions it.

[@kevinpunter7960]

I have two of these on pre order ... waiting, waiting, waiting ... :(

[@Untravelled03]

Can this be worn on the wrist or forearm is the only place to wear it...

[@gplama]

It might work on the wrist.... I'm not sure to be honest. Check the Wahoo Support site.

[@matthewholberton]

Couldn’t you put it higher on the arm so it’s under the jersey sleeve?

[@gplama]

Maybe.

[@matthewholberton]

Shane Miller can you try that and let us know? Perhaps if it’s under the sleeve and facing inwards? Will it stay there is the next question...

[@scoop98]

Yep you can, you can also put it under your kicks/shorts too. once your find the general area. Have validated the Scosche RHYTHM+ against chest Garmin HRM-RUN. you just need a "muscle area" not "fat Area" I find

[@bmp713]

Does the Tickr Fit work on your forehead like the Polar OH1?

[@gplama]

No idea. Something I haven’t tested.

[@bmp713]

@@gplama Would it be possible that you could try? I think all it would take to test is hold it up to your forehead and see if its accurate.

[@Sertao2013]

I have a fitbit watch that has a heart beat sensor and some how it goes to my phone app. can I connect my fitbit to zwift ?

[@gplama]

If it broadcasts HR over Bluetooth... then maybe. I don't have one to check sorry. Zwift Support would be your next port of call.

[@Sertao2013]

Okay thanks . I have watched a few videos and I see that the apple watch connects to zwift for the heart rate which would be a lot better for than a band like your showing .

[@Sertao2013]

will you make a video using the apple smart watch and zwift ?

[@gplama]

Sure, if I can get one.

[@rvinthesky]

Can it connects to any cyclocomp?

[@gplama]

Yes. ANT+ and/or Bluetooth.

[@lyrictenor1]

Any issues using this with arm warmers?

[@gplama]

Wear it under them.

[@lyrictenor1]

Thanks! I guess more specifically, did you have a chance to try under an arm warmer, and was it difficult to put the arm warmer on over it?

[@TrevyTrev-andTheFunkyPets]

Why is to be placed up on your arm and not around your wrist? My nurse wife is telling my that’s not an accurate pulse reading.

[@gplama]

It’s an optical sensor, it’s not taking your pulse by feel (the usual way it’s done on the wrist).

[@TrevyTrev-andTheFunkyPets]

@@gplama thank you! She is now convinced.

[@shpstr]

"Some heart rate monitors don't fit under her tops". Is "tops" another one of those australian words that mean something else in "standard english"? Like "thongs", "golden gaytime" or "root"? Just kidding, awesome video as always! ;-)

[@kayg2125]

Is this sold as a cycling heart rate monitor only? You should check the data from this product against the tickr while running or performing some other high intensity-type workout.

[@gplama]

Best watch the video...... I compare the data from a run, bike ride, and indoor ride.

[@tomolonotron]

Using the forerunner 235 optical, absolutely rubbish and shocking hr reading compared to ant+ garmin chest strap. Wanted to try this but skeptical of optical hr readings.

[@gplama]

It varies from person to person, situation to situation. The data I get from the FIT has been pretty reliable. That's N=1 though.

[@WillEyedOney]

25 notes more than the old tickr, should've called it the shaftr :)

[@Mindblower008]

Shane. You Always forget the euro’s €€🙃

[@gplama]

And Pesos. I never cover Pesos. ;)

[@StuWebRT]

boo I thought ipx7 5m meant I could swim in it?

[@gplama]

From the Googles.... "Protected against heavy splashing and rain. Must not fail or show water seepage when exposed, but not when immersed. IPX-7 Waterproof Standard. Protected against short durations of water immersion. Max immersion for less than 30 minutes and at a depth of less than 1 meter." So I'd swim at your own risk. You might be mistaken as a shark with frickin lasers! (Dr Evil style)

[@StuWebRT]

as with most of these things it's no till you look around. Polar's offering is 5 pounds more expensive. water proof to.30m and records the data.... smart money goes where:-)

[@Krisszhu1990]

I have no problem with the chest straps. I just simply hide them between my belly and my man boobs, its invisible. xD

[@tedgodfrey2708]

Interesting I bet it will give ya a strange tan line. Non cyclist look at you strange with a full on cycling tan. But now try to explain white band around your fore arm.

[@jamesroe5171]

My Garmin move optical sensor is awful inside, outside much better. I think it is due to the sweat on the skin

[@nebukanezer73]

Alone, indoors, sweating like a pig, this is probably fine. But kitted up outdoors, looking good on a sunny day, this is a total double thumbs down for looks.

[@JeffBurke]

Martin P. Hoff I have been using a Scoche for the past two years on my upper arm over the bicep. Always covered by the jersey. I’m sure this will work just as well on the upper arm. I’m sold on optical straps and will never go back to a chest strap.

[@kevinpunter7960]

Martin are you really that vain or are you just joking?

[@nebukanezer73]

I doubt you'll ever see these on a pro for that exact reason. You can't hide an arm-based hrm with an aero-jersey. But with looks/style everyone has their own opinion, usually based on their level of cycling, and even if I don't particularly like the look of oversized bidons, short socks, flapping jerseys, gloves when training, or arm-based HRM monitors, feel free to wear wantever you want if it makes you happy.

[@harryfitzgibbon5797]

Dude are you there to look good or there to ride? Who cares what it looks like

[@nebukanezer73]

@@harryfitzgibbon5797 Not you apparently.

[@bobbypez6537]

great for females who struggle with chest straps

[@JogBird]

another doodad to buy, just effing go out and ride

[@gplama]

Chill.... I'm not covering eBikes where going out for ride isn't actually going out for a ride.

[@mjk2613]

Isn’t this a tech KZbin channel where people come to watch videos about new tech....

[@fallenentity2]

God forbid some people like to do more than just ride and, I don't know, train?