Cardiosport Heartsafe

Price Paid:  $50.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
MS150

Bike Setup:
Specialized Allez upgraded with 105's and Mavic Aksium wheels.

Summary:
I bought a Cardiosport because they were the only brand I could find that allowed the user to replace the batteries. Unfortunately the thing was extremely finicky about when it would pick up the signal, even after installing brand-new batteries and spitting profusely on the contacts (really impresses the ladies in the middle of a ride).

Over a few years I amused myself by noting the conditions that seemed to cause the receiver to stop picking up a signal: (a) riding into the wind, (b) sun shining on the unit, (c) within 100' of power lines, (d) when the planets aligned a certain way (never did figure that one out). I continued to use it since it did actually work about 75% of the time. Finally it died.

Strengths:
User-replaceable batteries (other manufacturers now do this).

Weaknesses:
Unreliable signal-receiver.

Similar Products Used:
Polar (died after 1 year, couldn't replace the @$%! batteries)