Bike Setup: I ride mountain. I came here to gripe and to see about more steady training methods etc.
Summary: This is the 100 lap version.
Good watch. Not a good HRM. I have two, and they are both really unreliable. I have replaced batteries in both straps and one watch. It made no difference. The main issue is getting a link between the sensor and the watch (surprise). Sometimes it drops right in, but mostly it takes 5, 10, 15 minutes of wasted time. Timex said they had a 14-16 day turnaround, but the watchmaker said it was more like 3-6 weeks.
Value rating of 3 because when it works it's OK, and it's an alright watch.
Strengths: Lots of features. Maybe too many? Nice watch to wear.
Weaknesses: See my comments. Also when I had the watch battery replaced, they refused to pressure test it because they said too many had failed and they always got the blame
Similar Products Used: None
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Summary: Save your money. The Timex HR monitor with the optional GPS and info recording unit has got issues. I bought this HR for it's simplicity and use of the intervals. During it's first month of use the monitor had problems losing connectivity while I was cycling in the drops. I took it back to the shop and they issued the 'replace the battery' fix. I did replace the battery and still had connection issues 3 out of 4 workouts while in the drops. I admit I kill HR and cycling computers with my sweat since only one has lasted more than a year. A mid-range Sigma HR has lasted me five years, but lacks the intervals, max and min values that the Timex has out of the box. I have found that the chest strap started letting sweat in around the rubber battery o-ring which gets the battery wet and as a result corrodes the battery. POS.
Strengths: Chrono and intervals
Weaknesses: Resets on it's own. Chest and Head unit eat batteries like Cap'n Crunch. Drops connectivity.
Similar Products Used: Sigma
HAC4 Plus
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Summary: Works great, until... Basically, this thing worked pretty well, but I did have to send it back a bunch. I had it nearly three years, so I guess it was OK. I would have liked it to last longer, since it had all the features I need.
Ave HR, Ave HR in Zone, Time in Zone. Custom Zone.
Strengths: Nice setup. Easy to use.
Weaknesses: It dies at random intervals. Sent it back 3 times for just dying. Eventually, it just got water in it during a rain storm and stopped working.
Similar Products Used: none
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Summary: I have had two Timex HR monitors and they fail. The first started misbehaving almost immediatly. This included one point where the alarm would not shut off and I had to wrap in a spare tee-shirt to avoid being shoved into a ditch.
The second one after warrenty replacement, Timex lost the first one when tehy received it, worked for approx three weeks. HR will not turn on, and if it does turn on, shuts off and can't be restarted.
I am moving on. I had a Cateye that lasted six years. LBS has been honoring warrenty, but I would prefer the HR to work.
Conclusion: If Timex wants me as a customer, then the Timex products need to perform as promised!
Strengths: Large display
Weaknesses: Well, I have not gotten two of them to reliably work.
Similar Products Used: Cateye, Polar
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Bike Setup: Custom Seven Alaris, D/A, FSA Cranks, Velomax wheels.
Summary: I admit I REALLY wanted a Polar. I had a SI Circuit 7 and wanted to updgrade. I went back and forth and decided to try this one so I could change my own batteries.
I haven't been disappointed. If you own an Ironman watch the operation is similar. I found it easy to set up, and have had few issues with loss of signal. I use a wireless Flight Deck and have no problems with interference. I love the fact I can take it off and use it as a watch.
I have found this to be a good value unit that is very reliable.
Strengths: It's an Ironman!
Easy to use
No problems with interference
Weaknesses: Missing some HRM features, but what should you expect at this price?
Similar Products Used: SI Circuit 7
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