A heart rate monitor for cycling can be something extra for leisure riders, but an indispensable part for all the competing cyclists. This small device can give you the knowledge of how well your training is going, and help you to adjust the workload to get the best result.
However, the overwhelming number of heart rate monitor models can be a scary thing for people without much understanding in these fields, thus they can be afraid when choosing their first-time-ever monitor. Don’t worry, you can just relax and check out these top 13 best heart rate monitors for cycling to figure out the most suitable device for you!
Why Do You Need a Heart Rate Monitor For Cycling?
For bike riders who want to get an insight into their health training, getting a heart rate monitor for cycling is popular. A monitor can give you better tracking on your workout, and get a better result. Not only cyclists but also other athletes can also use this device.
Heart rate monitors help us to track the resting and working rate of the heart, from which we can calculate how efficient our riding routine is, adjust the pace and reduce the chance of overworking our bodies. Especially for professional cyclists, this decides a lot on how good their performance will be, so getting a proper heart rate monitor is essential if you are serious about your bike riding.
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Best Heart Rate Monitor For Cycling Comparison Chart 2021
No one wants an inferior heart rate monitor for cycling, a precise and long-lasting one is the aim of all cyclists. For such a wish, having a bit more information is important, especially from the fellow riders, who understand you most. So we have here this heart rate monitor for the cycling comparison chart, filled with all the ranking and thought from other cyclists:
What Are The Best Heart Rate Monitor For Cycling To Buy?
Heart rate monitors for cycling come in many sizes and shapes, it can be a chest-strap type or an optical one. It can be as small as a watch, or much bulkier like a bike computer. Moreover, if you are not familiar with this type of device. Therefore, you can check out this shortlist of the best heart rate monitors before considering purchasing one:
- Best Overall: Polar Vantage M Heart Rate Monitors
- Best For The Money: CooSpo Heart Rate Monitor
- Best Cheap Price: POLAR T31 Coded Heart Rate Monitor
- Best With Memory: Wahoo TICKR X Heart Rate Monitor
- Best Wristband: Fitbit Charge 3 Heart Rate Monitor
- Best With GPS: Coros Heart Rate Monitor
- Best For Mountain Biking: Polar Ft1 Heart Rate Monitor
- Best For Cyclists: Wahoo Fitness FIT Heart Rate Monitor
- Best For Peloton Bike: Scosche Rhythm+ Heart Rate Monitors
- Best With Chest Strap: Wahoo Fitness Tickr Heart Rate Monitors
- Best With Strava: Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitors
- Best High-End: Fitbit Charge 4 Heart Rate Monitor
- Best Water-Proof: Garmin HRM Dual Heart Rate Monitors
Top 13 Best Heart Rate Monitor For Cycling Reviews In 2021
Let’s follow us to the heart of this article, the full review of the top 13 best heart rate monitors for bike riding of 2021. This review will help you to discover all of the latest models and interesting features of each monitor, and there are also tips for choosing the most suitable device for your training style at the end. So, don’t miss out on anything!
Fitbit Charge 4 Heart Rate Monitor
Not only for cycling, but the Fitbit Charge 4 Heart Rate Monitor For Cycling is also an all-rounded heart rate monitor for all kinds of sports training. It offers various interesting features too, which make up for the high price. The reading is continuous and easy to see, you can keep track of your training perfectly.
Moreover, this device will send an alarm when you reach your target heart rate, and also can measure your calorie burn accurately. This monitor can track down the sleep stage and play music on Spotify too, which doubles the fun.
To find out more about this Heart Rate Monitor For Cycling, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Good features
- Instant and continuous heart rate reading
Cons
- High price
Product specs:
| Brand | Fitbit |
| Product Dimensions | 9.72 x 1.13 x 0.49 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.06 Ounces |
| Feature | Built-in GPS, Sleep & Swim Tracker, Music Player |
Wahoo Fitness Tickr Heart Rate Monitors
Onto the cheaper range, the Wahoo Fitness Tickr Cycling Heart Rate Monitors is an ideal choice if you prefer the chest-strap type. This one is quite compact and lightweight, you can connect it with your phone through both Bluetooth and ANT+.
This one is not water-proof, unfortunately, but it is sweat proof so you can be ensured that it will work perfectly even if you sweat a lot during training. Apart from heart rate reading, this device can record calorie burn too. Besides, it is compatible with Strava, so keeping up with your training is easier than ever.
To find out more about this Heart Rate Monitor For Cycling, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Cheap
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Not waterproof
Product specs:
| Brand | Wahoo |
| Product Dimensions | 0.5 x 1.5 x 2.75 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.01 Ounce |
| Feature | Bluetooth, ANT+, Strava, calories tracking |
Polar Ft1 Heart Rate Monitor
Another good chest-strap heart rate monitor is this Polar Ft1 Heart Rate Monitor For Cycling, a simple and down-to-earth model. To get this monitor worked, you just need to push the button and everything will be recorded.
Even though it does not have many features, it is a solid good monitor. It gets the job done precisely, and the display screen is large and easy to read. The display device can act as a real watch too, so you can make use of it.
To find out more about this Heart Rate Monitor For Cycling, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Easy use
- Good for cycling
Cons
- Not many features
Product specs:
| Brand | POLAR |
| Product Dimensions | |
| Item Weight | 2 Pounds |
| Feature | Chest strap and wristwatch device |
Garmin HRM Dual Heart Rate Monitors
For people fancy both cycling and swimming, the Garmin HRM Dual Cycling Heart Rate Monitors will be the most reasonable option. Being totally waterproof and can sustain reading while you swim for a long time, this is a reliable little device to count on.
This device can last with at most 20 hours worth of data, so if you go all out for an all-day-long journey, it can keep up with the training without any problem. The design is neat and convenient too, you may even forget its presence when wearing it.
To find out more about this Heart Rate Monitor For Cycling, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Totally waterproof
Cons
- Not many features
Product specs:
| Brand | Garmin |
| Product Dimensions | 57 x 1.5 x 0.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 2.56 ounces |
| Feature | Waterproof |
Scosche Rhythm+ Heart Rate Monitors
If you own a Peloton bike, the Scosche Rhythm+ Cycling Heart Rate Monitors is the most compatible with your training. This device is equipped with Strava, ANT+, and Bluetooth Smart, enabling data transfer to the fullest. Even though it is built like a watch, the armbands, which are replaceable, are designed to be comfortable and breathable, so they won’t leave a trace on your arms.
The Rhythm+ can work with the majority of fitness apps available now, so keeping the record is like a piece of cake with this heart rate monitor. The dual-mode processors allow you to connect to both smartwatch and smartphone alike, whichever suits your training most.
To find out more about this Heart Rate Monitor For Cycling, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Good connections with all other devices
- Waterproof
- Well ventilated
Cons
- Need other devices to display the data
Product specs:
| Brand | Scosche |
| Product Dimensions | 0.38 x 0.25 x 0.38 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.25 Pounds |
| Feature | Bluetooth, ANT+, Strava, waterproof |
POLAR T31 Coded Heart Rate Monitor
This POLAR T31 Coded Heart Rate Monitor For Cycling is an affordable and simple heart rate monitor, good for a beginner in cycling. This is a chest-strap type with an elastic band offering better comfort, and the small size would not cause any inconvenience.
This model will fit cyclists with a chest size between 25 to 54 inches. Moreover, it is totally water-proof so even training under heavy downpour would not make it faze. For the price, it is dirt-cheap, so if you don’t want to invest a fortune into a heart rate monitor, this one is the best for you.
To find out more about this Heart Rate Monitor For Cycling, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Waterproof
Cons
- Not many features
Product specs:
| Brand | POLAR |
| Product Dimensions | 0.04 x 0.04 x 0.04 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.01 Kilograms |
| Feature | Elastic band, water-proof |
Wahoo Fitness FIT Heart Rate Monitor
The Wahoo Fitness FIT Heart Rate Monitor For Cycling is the heart-winning of many professional cyclists with its superior quality. Equipped fully with Bluetooth, ANT+, and Strava, this device is compatible with most of the training apps, not only for cycling but other sports too.
The armband is made from breathable and soft material, so it would not be hard on your skin when wearing it for a long time. This heart rate monitor, apart from heartbeat tracking, can calculate calories burned during workout and training zone effectively and provide real-time data on display.
To find out more about this Heart Rate Monitor For Cycling, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- High-quality
- Good for pro riders
- Easy to use
Cons
- Need another device for displaying
Product specs:
| Brand | Wahoo |
| Product Dimensions | 6.69 x 4.8 x 7.09 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.1 Pounds |
| Feature | Bluetooth, ANT+, Strava |
Coros Heart Rate Monitor
If you want a heart rate monitor with several useful features, the Coros Heart Rate Monitor For Cycling would be our recommendation. This wristwatch-like monitor has GPS to help you to navigate properly and huge battery life, so for a long ride, this is the best.
There are 13 workout modes integrated into this small device, suitable for different kinds of sports training. The altimeter, barometer, and even compass are equipped in this monitor, so tracking down every single data will not be a problem. For data transfer, Bluetooth, ANTS, and Strava are more than enough.
To find out more about this Heart Rate Monitor For Cycling, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Good for multiple workouts
- Has GPS
Cons
- Bulky
Product specs:
| Brand | Coros |
| Product Dimensions | |
| Item Weight | |
| Feature | GPS, Bluetooth, ANT+, Strava, 13 workout modes |
Fitbit Charge 3 Heart Rate Monitor
Another good and multi-purpose heart rate monitor is this Fitbit Charge 3 Heart Rate Monitor For Cycling, with the functions to track calories burned, track sleep cycle, and measure heartbeat. The long battery life of more than a week and short charging time is also a thumb-up for it.
This device has more than 15 built-in exercise modes for you to choose freely from, and the ability to work when totally submerged in the water. That says this monitor can endure the toughest conditions and still give you the best reading of how good you are performing.
To find out more about this Heart Rate Monitor For Cycling, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Good for multiple workouts
- Various training mode
- Waterproof
Cons
- High price
Product specs:
| Brand | Fitbit |
| Product Dimensions | 1.63 x 4.04 x 8.9 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.76 Ounces |
| Feature | 15 exercise mode, calories and sleep tracking, waterproof |
Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitors
The Polar H10 Cycling Heart Rate Monitors is a mid-end monitor that basically is compatible with anything. You can pair it up with all kinds of third devices, from smartwatches to iPhones and other fitness apps. Equipped with Bluetooth, ANT+, Strava, and 5kHz, connecting to other display devices and transferring data is a child’s play.
This monitor is quite small, but the firm and durable strap band provide stability and accuracy for the reading. The internal memory storage is good enough for a typical training session, and it is water-proof, too!
To find out more about this Heart Rate Monitor For Cycling, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Can connect with a lot of other devices
- Waterproof
Cons
- High price
Product specs:
| Brand | POLAR |
| Product Dimensions | 9.06 x 7.09 x 0.63 inches |
| Item Weight | 2.08 Ounces |
| Feature | Bluetooth, ANT+, Strava, waterproof |
Wahoo TICKR X Heart Rate Monitor
If you care about both the overall performance and real-time reading, the Wahoo TICKR X Heart Rate Monitor For Cycling is just the right one for you. With internal memory and smartphone compatibility, you can keep all the data of the cycling workout when training and transfer it later to analyze when the session ends.
This device can help you to track down how many calories you burned and provide an accurate instant reading of your heart rate. You can connect this monitor with smartphones, tablets, and bike computers to get the data displayed. It is not waterproof though, only sweatproof to make sure that things go out nicely even under intensive training.
To find out more about this Heart Rate Monitor For Cycling, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Good internal memory
- Accurate reading
Cons
- Not waterproof
Product specs:
| Brand | Wahoo |
| Product Dimensions | 2.75 x 5 x 1.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.92 Ounces |
| Feature | Bluetooth, ANT+, Strava |
CooSpo Heart Rate Monitor
For people who want a really lightweight and compact heart rate monitor, the CooSpo Heart Rate Monitor is what you can ever wish for. With the total weight of only 55grams, this chest-strap monitor is also soft and elastic, ensuring the maximum comfort for the users.
This model can capture real-time heart rate, calories burned, and training zone effectively and display the data on various types of devices and apps. Moreover, it is compatible with GPS units, so for long-distance cycling training, this will be advantageous.
To find out more about this Heart Rate Monitor For Cycling, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- GPS units compatible
Cons
- Need beforehand moistening to get the reading
Product specs:
| Brand | CooSpo |
| Product Dimensions | 2.6 x 1.5 x 0.57 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.94 Ounces |
| Feature | Bluetooth, ANT+, GPS |
Polar Vantage M Heart Rate Monitors
One of the priciest models of heart rate monitor, the Polar Vantage M Cycling Heart Rate Monitors is the friend of all the pro cyclists. Having the most desirable set of functions as a fitness tracker with specific loads, distance, and pace real-time trackers and heart rate monitors, this one can give you the best insight of your training without any hassle.
Equipped with the most modern and advanced technology, the data this monitor can pull out is the most precise among all kinds of the monitor for cycling. The long battery life and wide-range ability of connection are undisputable making this the best choice for andy long-ride training.
To find out more about this Heart Rate Monitor For Cycling, you can watch this video here:
Pros
- A lot of features
- Accurate reading
Cons
- High price
Product specs:
| Brand | POLAR |
| Product Dimensions | 6 x 4 x 4 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.6 Ounces |
| Feature | Fitness tracker, waterproof |
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Heart Rate Monitor For Cycling In 2021
Heart rate monitor is not that easy to select, one can cost you from 20 bucks to over a few hundred. Therefore, these are the facts and information that you must know before getting a monitor for your cycling:
Type
Basically, there are three types of heart rate monitors for cycling: chest strap, touching wrist-watch, and continuous-reading wrist-watch. The two latter kinds look quite the same, only different about the way they read the figure.
The chest-strap heart rate monitor for cycling is worn on your chest and directly read your heartbeat to transfer the data to another watch, or your phone is connected. The reading will be continuous, and the device is small and meticulous, you will feel a lot more comfortable with it. However, to see your heart rate, you have to get your phone or at least a smartwatch to display, which means double the amount of device.
The touch-type wristwatch heart rate monitor is much more common and of course, cheaper, it resembles an ordinary watch. When you need to get the reading, you have to touch and wait a few seconds for the device to work. However, this may be inconvenient for bike riders, since it can be a bit distracting during cycling.
Lastly, the continuous-reading watch is the newest and most upgraded among those three. It will provide real-time reading instantly whenever you need it, and the device is compact too. However, the price of this type is also the highest of all three.
Feature
The most fundamental purpose of a heart rate monitor for cycling is for measuring your heart rate, but you can opt for some other features too. If you are training under bad weather frequently, getting a water-proof or at least splash-proof one is ideal. A heart rate monitor can also count calories or take the role of a sports clock too, so you should make use of these features.
FAQs
What is the best heart rate monitor for cycling?
Some of the best heart rate monitors for cycling are:
- Scosche Rhythm + Heart Rate Monitor Armband.
- Scosche Rhythm24.
- Fitbit Charge 3.
- 4iiii Innovations V100 Heart Rate Monitor.
- Garmin Flexible FR60-310XT Heart Rate Monitors.
- Wahoo TICKR Heart Rate Monitor.
Is a heart rate monitor worth it for cycling?
Yes, it is.
What happens if you exceed your maximum heart rate?
It can cause you musculoskeletal injuries, sore joints, and muscles.
What is a good average heart rate when cycling?
The good average heart rate when cycling is between 133 and 162 beats per minute.
How accurate is the Apple watch for cycling?
The Apple Watch for cycling is quite accurate.