As a cyclist, the last thing you want to do is get through a grueling training session only to realize that your heart rate monitor or fitness tracker failed to register and track your heart rate.
If this has ever happened to you, it can feel like you wasted your ride. Worse yet, you don’t know if you maintained the right heart rate zones to get the most out of your training.
We have you covered. We set out to review the best heart rate monitors for cyclists, so cyclists can focus on their training without having to worry about their technology working.
Always consult your physician before selecting a type of heart rate monitor. They will have the recommendations as to the best that fit your health needs.
Table of Contents
Chest Strap Heart Rate Monitors
Chest strap heart rate monitors are the most accurate for tracking the most important metrics. As a cyclist, you want your heart rate monitor to connect with a number of different devices. From your on-bike screen to your wrist tracking device, and even your favorite fitness tracking app on your tablet or phone. So we have chosen the best heart rate monitors that are particularly great for cyclists, so you don’t have to do the guesswork.
Our Picks
Wahoo TICKR Heart Rate Monitor
The Wahoo TICKR is a great chest strap heart rate monitor for cyclists. It tracks heart rate, training zones, and calories burned then sends the data to your smartphone app via Bluetooth.
Not only will connect to other Wahoo devices it will also connect to Garmin, Apple, Polar, and a number of other devices giving you flexibility between devices. It can also connect to over 50 smartphone apps to track your progress.
The strap is adjustable is can go from 23’’ to 48” when stretched.
What are the pros?
- Connect to the most popular device
- Can connect to over 50 apps
- Adjustable band can fit most sizes
- Connects via Bluetooth to your devices
- Tracks heart rate, training zones, and calories burned
- Waterproof up to 5 feet
- Tracks all the metrics cyclists care about
Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor
The Polar H10 is another great chest strap heart rate monitor for cyclists. Not only does it perform well, but it also has the coolest look of all the chest strap monitors we have reviewed. The Polar H10 comes in a number of colors that will fit your style.
Polar states that it works with virtually everything, and they are not wrong. From Apple to Garmin, this chest strap heart rate monitor will pair with your existing devices It also pairs with a number of apps so you can connect via Bluetooth and track your progress during and after your rides.
For Cyclists, accuracy is key when using a heart rate monitor, and the Polar H10 is one of the most accurate heart rate monitors on the market. It will even automatically update the device when software updates are issued by polar. A feature that will allow you to use this heart rate monitor for years.
What are the pros?
- Can connect to several devices simultaneously
- A high rate of accuracy when cycling
- Waterproof up to 30 meters
- Connects to many different types of devices
- Has regular software updates
- High-quality machine washable Strap
- ECG Measurements
Garmin HRM-Dual
The Garmin HRM duel has impressive battery life. Garmin claims that the battery lasts for three and a half years. You no longer have to run out of a charge in the middle of a training session (which happens all too often). The Garmin will connect to multiple devices, giving you the options you need during each ride, in order to track your heart rate.
If you want a chest strap heart rate monitor that tracks other metrics such as calories burned or ride miles, you may want to choose one of our other options. The Garmin HRM sticks to the bread and butter of HRM and just tracks your heart rate.
What are the pros?
- Great battery life
- Connects to multiple devices
- Machine washable strap
- Simple easy to use design
- Pairs great with other Garmin Devices
What are the Cons?
- Does not track other metrics beyond the heart rate
On Wrist (watch) Heart Rate Monitors for Cyclists
The on-wrist heart rate monitor is a great tool for tracking a number of metrics beyond just your heart rate. Although slightly less accurate, the on-wrist heart rate monitor still does a great job and tracking your heart rate during rides. If you pair them with a chest strap heart rate monitor via Bluetooth, then you can get the most accurate data for your cycling sessions.
Polar Ft1 Heart Rate Monitor
The Polar FT1 has a large display that is legible during your rides, even when your hands are on the handlebars. This is why we love this Polar HRM.
You can actually set up the FT1 to vibrate or make noise when you are out of your target heart rate zone, which is great when you have your hands occupied on the handlebars. It is like having a personal coach telling you when to speed up and slow down. Allowing you to focus on the road.
This Polar Ft1 heart rate monitor does come with a chest strap. The chest dimensions range from 22 inches to 55 inches. The monitor/receiver is a watch that communicates with the sensor. The chest strap is required to record your heart rate. Without it, you will only be able to see the time. So, if you are someone who would prefer a wristwatch heart rate monitor without having to use the strap, we recommend looking at our other options.
What are the pros?
- Chest strap monitor included for accuracy
- Large display visible while your hand is in many positions on the bike
- Vibrates and alerts riders when they are outside of the target heart rate zone
What are the Cons?
- Does not record heart rate with wristwatch alone (chest strap required)
Fitbit Inspire HR Heart Rate & Fitness Tracker
The Fitbit inspire is a great heart rate monitor. We recommend it for anyone who is looking for a wrist heart rate monitor that they can wear all day.
It can track your resting heart rate and heart rate zones while you are riding. It will even track your heart rate while you sleep. Thus, the Fitbit inspire always has a read on your heart rate at all times.
Not only does it track your heart rate, but it also tracks your steps, calories burned, and distance traveled during your rides.
It can hold a charge up to 5 days, depending on how it is used. The Inspire can be 100% charged in two hours. This is a great battery life compared to other wrist heart rate monitors.
If you cross-train with swimming, it is waterproof up to 50 meters.
What are the Pros?
- Tracks a number of different fitness metrics
- Tracks heart rate zones while cycling
- Long battery life and charges quickly
- Tracks cycling heart rate data in 1-second intervals
- Waterproof up to 50 meters
- Multiple band options to fit your style
Garmin Forerunner 35
If you are looking for a GPS enabled heart rate monitor then the Garmin Forerunner should definitely be on your radar. Marketed to runners, it has a number of features that are just as well suited to cyclists.
One of the best features is that you do not need your phone to track your GPS data. It will track your GPS via satellite and has no problems under tree cover as cheaper models do.
The Garmin Forerunner tracks your heart rate at all times. In addition, it will track and record your speed which can be helpful data to review after your rides. It may not be as accurate as your bike LCD odometer, but it is a great tool to record your speed during each ride and track your training progress.
It syncs with all major phone brands and a number of different apps.
What are the Pros?
- No phone needed for GPS or HRM
- Tracks speed and distance
- Tracks Heart rate all-day
- Automatically uploads training data to Garmin Connect
- Vibrates when outside of Heart Rate Zones
- Number of styles
HalfSun Fitness Tracker
The HalfSun fitness tracker is a great budget option for those who want an on-wrist heart rate monitor. It has a sleek design that will track your heart rate all day long.
It will also track the distance of your rides and calories burned. This data can be saved and stored so you can review your progress later.
What are the Pros?
- 24/7 Heart Rate Monitor
- Tracks steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes and sleep
- Blood Pressure Monitor
- Great price for the features
- Connects to your phones GPS
What are the Cons?
- Some of the metrics seem to be less accurate
What to look for in a Heart Rate Monitor
Most cyclists want accuracy when they are looking for a heart rate monitor. To get the most accurate monitor for your training sessions, you definitely want to make sure you have a chest strap. This is more accurate than the wrist only heart rate monitor which only accounts for your pulse.
There are a number of metrics you want your heart rate monitor to display depending on your cycling goals.
Calories Burned
This is a great feature for cyclists as they can track the number of calories they are burning based on their heart rate. This is also a great feature for cycling enthusiasts who use the sport as a way to manage their weight. The heart rate monitor will use data such as your current weight, intensity of your cycling session, and length of your ride to arrive at your total calories burned.
Recovery Time
Some heart rate monitors will tell you how long it will take to get to your resting heart rate level. Target Zone: Once you calculate your target heart rate zone, some heart rate monitors will alert you when outside of your heart rate zone. This is typically found in watch or on-wrist heart rate monitors. They will vibrate or beep to alert you to pick up the pace or slow it down.
Waterproof
Some cyclists perform cross-training in the water. If you do, you will want to look for a heart rate monitor that has waterproof capabilities.
Distance
Fancier on-wrist heart rate monitors will use GPS to track your distance traveled and record them so you can build up your endurance.
Speed Tracker
Some on-wrist heart rate monitors will also track your speed.
Battery Life
You want to make sure that your heart rate monitor will last through each day and training session without having to worry about constantly charging it.
What is the Importance of a Heart Rate Monitor for Cyclists?
A heart rate monitor is an extremely important tool for all endurance athletes, particularly cyclists. Here are a few reasons why:
It will give you your target heart rate zone. This is very important for cyclists who want to stay in the fat-burning zone. Staying in the target heart rate zone will allow cyclists to utilize fat storage properly so that they can push when they need to in a race or while training.
Tracking your heart rate allows you to find the ranges where you can push when cycling. If you have been cycling for some time, you know that some cyclists can push the limits more than others. Finding when you can do the same (safely) is a competitive advantage.
For those who choose to cycle for weight management, a heart rate monitor will help you monitor the fat-burning zone to help you maximize your fat-loss goals.
An HRM is fantastic for interval training.
How to Find Your Heart Rate Zone
Finding your target heart rate does not require a bunch of fancy equipment. In fact, you can do it with some simple math. The Mayo Clinic suggests the following formula:
Step 1: Subtract your age from 220. As an example, let’s say you are 42. So you would subtract 220-42 to get 172.
Step 2: Next, take your resting heart rate (it is best to take first thing in the morning) and subtract it by the number you came up with in step 1. Let’s say it is 85. You would take 172 and subtract it from 85 to get your HHR of 87.
Step 3: Multiply 87 by 0.7 (70%) to get 60.9. Then add the resting heart rate that you calculated in step 2 to get 145.9.
Step 4: Now Multiply your HHR 87 by 0.85 (85%) to get 73.95. Then add your resting heart (85) in step 2 to get 158.95.
Step 5: Your target heart rate zone os 145.9 – 158.95.
