Why a Heart Rate Monitor Strap with an internal rechargeable battery is the future

[@thecyclingchiropractor]

Let me know if you thunk rechargeable HRM are the way to go.

[@chocolate_squiggle]

No. I just dug out an old strap I haven't used for some years, thew in a new CR2032 and it worked flawlessly first run. Leave a lithium rechargeable uncharged for several years and that thing is never charging up again, ever. It's trash for the landfill unless you have the skills to open the device and solder new battery (if you can even FIND the same size specialty battery) without damaging it, or have to pay someone else to do so which is probably as expensive as just buying a new one. No - definitely a $2 CR2032 for the win. And though I haven't used it for years, when I first got it I was amazed how long the battery lasted (years?) while running multiple times per week.

[@chocolate_squiggle]

I'd also add that if damaging screws is an excuse for this device, well damaged charging ports is the counter-argument. I've had to throw away bluetooth headphones and other things because of internally broken USB charging ports, and even for items that use magnetic contacts instead, I've had lot of trouble with said contacts corroding or wearing. The robot vacuum where I've been house-sitting is problematic like that, they require regular cleaning. And you should see the convoluted way I have to connect my Garmin to it's magnetic charger, it involves a shim of some kind to tilt the watch just-so and a stiff plastic clamp on the other side to make sure it doesn't move or loosen once I manage to get it started. Don't get me wrong, I use rechargeable bicycle lights and it's handy to just take them both off and plug them both in when I get home from a night ride, but I would be JUST as happy if I could flip off the top and drop out the lithium cells to pop them in a desk charger - that's exactly what I do with my AA/AAA headlamps and frankly it takes seconds, it's just no hardship at all and I really can't understand people who complain about tech with user replaceable batteries. Built-in rechargeable is okay, but it's not the massive boost in quality of life that some people rave about.

[@thecyclingchiropractor]

Hi chocolate and thank you for your comment. I am sure both sides of the story has positive and negative experiences. I've been using batteries forever and managed pretty well, but for my Garmin unit where the screws are really worn. I keep thinking about the next battery change and hope it turns out well. Of course this new unit a=is brand spanking new but mostly it's quick and easy for indoor riding. You don't have to put a wet strap on in the winter either. Outside i don't but inside you need to wet the strap. I hope the USB, clip on system keeps working. The wahoo strap worked well but not for long and my garmin is only ant+

[@thecyclingchiropractor]

I also use CR2032 on my Garmin strap. Perfect but as you, my lights are rechargeable. Maybe a clip system instead of tiny screws, i don't know. We will have to see where tech takes us.

[@johnnyweismuller579]

That might just save us a lot of heartache mate. Good job and thank you for the tip!

[@thecyclingchiropractor]

I hope so mate. Let's see how it runs in a couple of months. Now it is so easy and great to use.