{"id":2123796,"date":"2022-05-20T09:02:45","date_gmt":"2022-05-20T06:02:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2123796"},"modified":"2022-05-20T09:02:45","modified_gmt":"2022-05-20T06:02:45","slug":"best-heart-rate-monitors-2026-5-editor-approved-picks-after-thousands-of-indoor-and-outdoor-kilometres","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2123796","title":{"rendered":"Best heart rate monitors 2026: 5 Editor-approved picks after thousands of indoor and outdoor kilometres"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QfZAEVem5THtUT4c62HjVV-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"widgetArea4\" class=\"widget-area grid grid-cols-1 page-widget-area-4\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header class=\"header\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nGroup Tests\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"header__title \">Best heart rate monitors 2026: 5 Editor-approved picks after thousands of indoor and outdoor kilometres<\/h1>\n<p class=\"header__strapline\">Essential for indoor and outdoor riding, a good heart rate monitor needs to be durable, sweatproof, and never miss a beat<\/p>\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap items-start text-left my-4 gap-2 justify-center mx-auto max-sm:justify-start max-sm:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-with-avatar\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row items-start gap-2 text-left vds-byline-with-avatar__container flex-nowrap\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center vds-byline-with-avatar__authors gap-y-1\">\n<div class=\"w-10 h-10 vds-byline-with-avatar__avatar\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kncyVmaSXuVRA3ENMQSc3T-80-80.jpg.webp 80w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kncyVmaSXuVRA3ENMQSc3T-40-80.jpg.webp 40w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-byline-with-avatar__author text-left max-sm:text-left\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAaron Borrill <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"vds-byline-with-avatar__meta flex gap-1 justify-start max-sm:justify-start\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-sm\"><br \/>\nLast updated<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-27T11:28:15Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n27 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><span class=\"vds-byline-with-avatar__breadcrumb text-current \"><br \/>\nIn<br \/>\nBuying Guides<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-center text-center max-sm:justify-start max-sm:text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-default \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"article-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image image--hero\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QfZAEVem5THtUT4c62HjVV-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QfZAEVem5THtUT4c62HjVV-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QfZAEVem5THtUT4c62HjVV-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QfZAEVem5THtUT4c62HjVV-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QfZAEVem5THtUT4c62HjVV-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QfZAEVem5THtUT4c62HjVV-415-80.jpg.webp 415w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1024px) 970px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-1 image--hero__caption\">\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Richard Butcher)<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"0\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid xl:hidden\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap\">Jump to category:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-(--jumpto-underline-color) border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>1. Best overall<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>2. Most durable<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>3. Best rechargeable<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>4. Best budget<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>5. Best strap<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>How I tested<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Meet the tester<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>How to choose<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>FAQs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article__topcontainer\">\n<div class=\"article__container article__container-sidebar\">\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"article__body \">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid sm:hidden\">\n<p>Whatsapp<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside data-article-category=\"group-tests\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-hawk-json=\"{&quot;buyingGuideBlocksData&quot;:[{&quot;modelName&quot;:&quot;4iiii Viiiiva&quot;,&quot;navigationLink&quot;:&quot;#section-best-overall&quot;,&quot;starRating&quot;:100,&quot;productName&quot;:&quot;1. 4iiii Viiiiva&quot;,&quot;productHeader&quot;:&quot;Best overall&quot;,&quot;pros&quot;:[&quot;Huge battery life&quot;,&quot;Comfortable fit&quot;,&quot;No press studs&quot;,&quot;Easy, click-and-play setup&quot;],&quot;cons&quot;:[&quot;None&quot;],&quot;reviewText&quot;:&quot;With over a year&apos;s worth of testing spanning thousands of indoor and outdoor kilometres, I&apos;m yet to find fault with 4iiiiu2019s Viiiiva heart rate monitor. The whole setup experience is intuitive, and the strap is one of the most comfortable out there in the segment. &quot;,&quot;specs&quot;:[{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Weight&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;46g\/1.6oz&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Connectivity&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;ANT+, 1x BLE&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Battery Life&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;540+ hours&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Water resistance&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;IPX7&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Strap&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;Adjustable elastic&quot;}],&quot;reviewId&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;linkText&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;imageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN.jpg&quot;},{&quot;modelName&quot;:&quot;Garmin HRM-Pro Plus&quot;,&quot;navigationLink&quot;:&quot;#section-best-for-durability&quot;,&quot;starRating&quot;:90,&quot;productName&quot;:&quot;2. Garmin HRM-Pro Plus&quot;,&quot;productHeader&quot;:&quot;Most durable&quot;,&quot;pros&quot;:[&quot;Good battery life&quot;,&quot;High sweat resistance&quot;,&quot;Swim friendly&quot;,&quot;Records and stores data&quot;],&quot;cons&quot;:[&quot;Pricey&quot;,&quot;O-ring in battery cover prone to stretching&quot;],&quot;reviewText&quot;:&quot;Garmin heart rate monitors have come a long way over the past decade and a half, improving with each iteration and incorporating customer feedback. Like the 4iiii Viiiiva, Iu2019ve spent many hours and thousands of kilometres using the Garmin HRM-Pro Plus and have been impressed by its reliability and water\/sweat resistance. It just keeps going thanks to the impressively thought-out design that pairs a high-quality, adjustable strap with an electronic pod.&quot;,&quot;specs&quot;:[{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Weight&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;52g\/1.8oz&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Connectivity&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;ANT+, 3x BLE&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Battery Life&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;12 months (claimed)&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Water resistance&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;50 metres&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Strap&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;Adjustable elastic&quot;}],&quot;reviewId&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;linkText&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;imageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM.jpg&quot;},{&quot;modelName&quot;:&quot;Wahoo Trackr Heart Rate&quot;,&quot;navigationLink&quot;:&quot;#section-best-rechargeable-hrm&quot;,&quot;starRating&quot;:90,&quot;productName&quot;:&quot;3. Wahoo Trackr&quot;,&quot;productHeader&quot;:&quot;Best rechargeable&quot;,&quot;pros&quot;:[&quot;Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery&quot;,&quot;Very light&quot;,&quot;Competitively priced&quot;,&quot;Great strap adjustability&quot;],&quot;cons&quot;:[&quot;Battery life could be better &quot;,&quot;No internal memory&quot;,&quot;HRM pod protrudes &quot;],&quot;reviewText&quot;:&quot;Wahoo heart rate monitors of old - the Tickr and Tickr X - havenu2019t had the greatest track record when it comes to reliability, as previous iterations suffered from unreliable performance and terrible corrosion around the press studs that fasten the pod to the strap.  &quot;,&quot;specs&quot;:[{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Weight&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;39g\/1.3oz&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Connectivity&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;ANT+, 3x BLE&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Battery Life&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;100 hours&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Water resistance&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;IPX7&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Strap&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;Adjustable elastic&quot;}],&quot;reviewId&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;linkText&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;imageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN.jpg&quot;},{&quot;modelName&quot;:&quot;Hammerhead HRM&quot;,&quot;navigationLink&quot;:&quot;#section-best-budget&quot;,&quot;starRating&quot;:80,&quot;productName&quot;:&quot;4. Hammerhead HRM&quot;,&quot;productHeader&quot;:&quot;Best budget&quot;,&quot;pros&quot;:[&quot;Well priced&quot;,&quot;Very light&quot;,&quot;Massive battery life&quot;,&quot;Swim friendly&quot;],&quot;cons&quot;:[&quot;Occasional dropouts&quot;,&quot;No internal memory&quot;,&quot;Strap and sensor pad not the best&quot;],&quot;reviewText&quot;:&quot;The Hammerhead heart rate monitor has a lot going for it with an exceptional feature set that will appeal to many cyclists. Itu2019s superlight, mega comfortable, and compatible with all the indoor training apps and cycling computers. It also has blue and red LEDs that indicate the sensor pod&apos;s operational status. &quot;,&quot;specs&quot;:[{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Weight&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;43g\/1.5oz&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Connectivity&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;ANT+, 2x BLE&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Battery Life&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;900+ hours&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Water resistance&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;30 metres&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Strap&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;Adjustable elastic&quot;}],&quot;reviewId&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;linkText&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;imageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM.jpg&quot;},{&quot;modelName&quot;:&quot;Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor&quot;,&quot;navigationLink&quot;:&quot;#section-best-strap-design&quot;,&quot;starRating&quot;:80,&quot;productName&quot;:&quot;5. Polar H10&quot;,&quot;productHeader&quot;:&quot;Best strap&quot;,&quot;pros&quot;:[&quot;Comfortable&quot;,&quot;Internal data recording&quot;,&quot;Good battery life&quot;,&quot;Machine-washable strap&quot;],&quot;cons&quot;:[&quot;Heaviest on test&quot;,&quot;Pricey&quot;,&quot;CR2025 battery&quot;],&quot;reviewText&quot;:&quot;The Polar H10 is the Finnish brandu2019s premium heart rate monitor, and it shows in the build quality and aesthetics. There are a lot of great features here, including internal data recording\/memory, not to mention a machine-washable strap - something none of its rivals assembled here offers. Like the Hammerhead and Garmin, itu2019s swim-friendly, too, and can be used at depths of up to 30 metres.&quot;,&quot;specs&quot;:[{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Weight&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;60g\/2.1oz&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Connectivity&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;ANT+, 2x BLE&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Battery Life&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;400+ hours&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Water resistance&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;30 metres&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Strap&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;Adjustable elastic&quot;}],&quot;reviewId&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;linkText&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;imageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM.jpg&quot;}]}\" data-model-name=\"4iiii Viiiiva,Garmin HRM-Pro Plus,Wahoo Trackr Heart Rate,Hammerhead HRM,Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-widget-type=\"tabletop\" class=\"ecom-root\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-header-header\"><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-header-header-text\">The best picks reviewed by Cycling Weekly<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-block\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-area-clicked=\"deal-image\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31j9exB8LaL._SL500_.jpg\" alt=\"4iiii Viiiiva\" title=\"4iiii Viiiiva\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"140\" height=\"80\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-container\"><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-header\">Best overall<\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-name\">1. 4iiii Viiiiva<\/span><span><\/p>\n<div class=\"hawk-star-rating-container\"><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-pro\">Huge battery life<\/span>Read more<span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-read-more-arrow\">\u25bc<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-offers-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"true\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Merlin Cycles<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"false\" data-product-type=\"200\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">Check Amazon<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-block\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-area-clicked=\"deal-image\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31KJ3-bKYXL._SL500_.jpg\" alt=\"Garmin HRM-Pro Plus\" title=\"Garmin HRM-Pro Plus\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"140\" height=\"80\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-container\"><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-header\">Most durable<\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-name\">2. Garmin HRM-Pro Plus<\/span><span><\/p>\n<div class=\"hawk-star-rating-container\"><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\" data-type=\"half\">\u2606<\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-pro\">Good battery life<\/span>Read more<span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-read-more-arrow\">\u25bc<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-offers-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"true\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Amazon<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-block\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-area-clicked=\"deal-image\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31Co6Uv-awL._SL500_.jpg\" alt=\"Wahoo Trackr Heart Rate\" title=\"Wahoo Trackr Heart Rate\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"140\" height=\"80\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-container\"><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-header\">Best rechargeable<\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-name\">3. Wahoo Trackr<\/span><span><\/p>\n<div class=\"hawk-star-rating-container\"><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\" data-type=\"half\">\u2606<\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-pro\">Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery<\/span>Read more<span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-read-more-arrow\">\u25bc<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-offers-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"true\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Balfe&#8217;s Bikes<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"false\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Amazon<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"false\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Wahoo Fitness<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-block\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-area-clicked=\"deal-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/products\/b46541315bf990bd6688abab8bd0d9771f647b52-280-80.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Hammerhead HRM\" title=\"Hammerhead HRM\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"140\" height=\"80\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-container\"><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-header\">Best budget<\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-name\">4. Hammerhead HRM<\/span><span><\/p>\n<div class=\"hawk-star-rating-container\"><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\" data-type=\"empty\">\u2606<\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-pro\">Well priced<\/span>Read more<span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-read-more-arrow\">\u25bc<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-offers-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"true\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Merlin Cycles<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"false\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Alpinetrek UK<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"false\" data-product-type=\"200\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">Check Amazon<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-block\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-area-clicked=\"deal-image\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/318Ssk8etiL._SL500_.jpg\" alt=\"Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor\" title=\"Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"140\" height=\"80\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-container\"><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-header\">Best strap<\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-name\">5. Polar H10<\/span><span><\/p>\n<div class=\"hawk-star-rating-container\"><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\" data-type=\"empty\">\u2606<\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-pro\">Comfortable<\/span>Read more<span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-read-more-arrow\">\u25bc<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-offers-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"true\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at B&amp;Q<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"false\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Polar UK<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"false\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Amazon<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-65d216e4-a20a-11f1-af5c-61791ee49413\">Getting yourself one of the best heart rate monitors represents one of the first significant performance upgrades you can make as a cyclist. Heart rate monitors track your cardiovascular output during your ride, race, or workout, helping you become a better, stronger rider.<\/p>\n<p>The best models will not only accurately track your fitness and fatigue and sync perfectly with the best bike computers, but also predict and detect the onset of illness or rhythmic anomalies. The popularity of heart rate monitors has soared in recent years largely due to the best smartwatches, alongside now being a requirement for many of the best indoor training apps for cycling.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-65d216e4-a20a-11f1-af5c-61791ee49413-2\">What makes one heart rate monitor better than the next? They need to be comfortable and unobtrusive , but also reliable and consistently accurate. Ideally, you want one that balances performance with durability (water and sweat resistance). While this might come at a price, the upshot is that if maintained properly, it&#8217;ll last for years.<\/p>\n<p>As someone who trains and races both indoors and outdoors year-round to a high level, I&#8217;ve put most of the top heart rate monitors through the wringer and destroyed many as a result, but only a few have stood out. In this guide, you will find my top 5 HRMs from quite literally years of testing.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"best-heart-rate-monitors-for-cycling-2026-3\">Best heart rate monitors for cycling 2026<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-best-overall\"><span>Best overall<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-65d218d8-a20a-11f1-9706-f7e3ef89b575\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Richard Butcher)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"product prog-buying-guide\" id=\"elk-65d2195a-a20a-11f1-8ffa-610830d743ee\">\n<div class=\"title-and-rating\">\n<h3 class=\"product__title\" id=\"1-4iiii-viiiiva\">1. 4iiii Viiiiva<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_hawk subtitle\">Best overall heart rate monitor for cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"user-expert-review-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"expert-review\">\n<p>Our expert review:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary spec\">\n<h4>Specifications<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\">\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Weight: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">46g\/1.6oz<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Connectivity: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">ANT+, 1x BLE<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Battery Life: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">540+ hours<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Water resistance: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">IPX7<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Strap: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">Adjustable elastic<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-wrapper\">\n<aside data-article-category=\"group-tests\" data-block-type=\"buying-guide\" data-model-name=\"4iiii Viiiiva\" data-name=\"Buying Guide merchantlink widget\" data-render-type=\"editorial\" data-widget-title=\"fullPriceWidgetTitle\" data-widget-type=\"merchantlink\" class=\"ecom-root\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-main-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-title-merchantlink-title-buying-guide\">Today&#8217;s Best Deals<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-wrapper hawk-merchant-link-widget-left-alignment\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Merlin Cycles<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"200\">Check Amazon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary pros\">\n<h4>Reasons to buy<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Huge battery life<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Comfortable fit<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">No press studs<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Easy, click-and-play setup<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary cons\">\n<h4>Reasons to avoid<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">None<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-65d219d2-a20a-11f1-9525-3568f63ea6c6\">With over a year&#8217;s worth of testing spanning thousands of indoor and outdoor kilometres, I&#8217;m yet to find fault with 4iiii\u2019s Viiiiva heart rate monitor. The whole setup experience is intuitive, and the strap is one of the most comfortable out there in the segment.<\/p>\n<p>The Viiiiva is unique in that the strap connects to the heart rate pod on both sides via a swivel hinge &#8211; no snap-stud here. This also means sweat won\u2019t creep into vital contact points and destroy the metal press studs or affect performance, which improves the unit&#8217;s lifespan.<\/p>\n<p>No heart rate monitor is immune to sweat, though, and you\u2019ll still need to wipe it clean after every ride and handwash the strap in warm water if it gets a bit crusty.<\/p>\n<p>The battery life is excellent, and I&#8217;m yet to change the coin cell CR2032 battery &#8211; 4iiii pegs battery life at 540+ hours, which could last you between 12 and 18 months depending on how much you ride. While it\u2019s one of the best-performing options we\u2019ve gathered here, if you do need to replace the battery, it only takes a simple flick to open the battery door.<\/p>\n<p>For those who train indoors, ANT+ and BLE connectivity allow you to seamlessly pair it with your favourite indoor training app and cycling computer. What I really like about the Viiiiva, however, is that because it doesn&#8217;t clip into and sit atop the strap, the flush configuration means it doesn&#8217;t protrude through your cycling jersey like some of its rivals. Furthermore, it has internal memory to store data locally for activities that don&#8217;t permit a smartwatch or cycling computer.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-best-for-durability\"><span>Best for durability<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-65d21ac2-a20a-11f1-8738-c18faca06775\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Richard Butcher)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"product prog-buying-guide\" id=\"elk-65d21b3a-a20a-11f1-8a3f-a386763b7bae\">\n<div class=\"title-and-rating\">\n<h3 class=\"product__title\" id=\"2-garmin-hrm-pro-plus\">2. Garmin HRM-Pro Plus<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_hawk subtitle\">Most durable &amp; versatile heart rate monitor<\/div>\n<div class=\"user-expert-review-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"expert-review\">\n<p>Our expert review:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary spec\">\n<h4>Specifications<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\">\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Weight: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">52g\/1.8oz<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Connectivity: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">ANT+, 3x BLE<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Battery Life: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">12 months (claimed)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Water resistance: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">50 metres<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Strap: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">Adjustable elastic<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-wrapper\">\n<aside data-article-category=\"group-tests\" data-block-type=\"buying-guide\" data-model-name=\"Garmin HRM-Pro Plus\" data-name=\"Buying Guide merchantlink widget\" data-render-type=\"editorial\" data-widget-title=\"fullPriceWidgetTitle\" data-widget-type=\"merchantlink\" class=\"ecom-root\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-main-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-title-merchantlink-title-buying-guide\">Today&#8217;s Best Deals<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-wrapper hawk-merchant-link-widget-left-alignment\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Amazon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary pros\">\n<h4>Reasons to buy<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Good battery life<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">High sweat resistance<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Swim friendly<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Records and stores data<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary cons\">\n<h4>Reasons to avoid<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">Pricey<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">O-ring in battery cover prone to stretching<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-65d21bb2-a20a-11f1-8590-179213853f4f\">Garmin heart rate monitors have come a long way over the past decade and a half, improving with each iteration and incorporating customer feedback. Like the 4iiii Viiiiva, I\u2019ve spent many hours and thousands of kilometres using the Garmin HRM-Pro Plus and have been impressed by its reliability and water\/sweat resistance. It just keeps going thanks to the impressively thought-out design that pairs a high-quality, adjustable strap with an electronic pod.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike its rivals, the electronic pod is permanently wired\/embedded into the strap assembly &#8211; no press studs here. This means it not only offers superb water- and sweat-resistance, but you can even swim with it thanks to the design&#8217;s impressive sealing properties. Unfortunately, the battery doesn&#8217;t last as long as stated (it depends on usage), but the CR2032 coin cell is very easy to replace. Simply clip off the white silicone housing and swivel the quarter-turn door, but be careful not to snag or stretch the rubber O-ring &#8211; this will affect moisture resistance and compromise the seal.<\/p>\n<p>As expected of an HRM at this price, it can measure and broadcast both heart rate and heart rate variability via ANT+ and BLE, and it has internal memory. Its electrocardiogram (ECG) gives it highly accurate heart rate data which is repeatable and consistent &#8211; no dropouts or spikes. Another great attribute is that it can be used while swimming at depths of up to 50 metres, making it one of the most versatile straps in this test and, still, the best heart rate monitor Garmin has ever produced.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-best-rechargeable-hrm\"><span>Best rechargeable HRM<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-65d21cac-a20a-11f1-bec7-25edc0710c7a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Richard Butcher)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"product prog-buying-guide\" id=\"elk-65d21d24-a20a-11f1-a67d-490cdc1482dc\">\n<div class=\"title-and-rating\">\n<h3 class=\"product__title\" id=\"3-wahoo-trackr\">3. Wahoo Trackr<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_hawk subtitle\">Best rechargeable heart rate monitor<\/div>\n<div class=\"user-expert-review-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"expert-review\">\n<p>Our expert review:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary spec\">\n<h4>Specifications<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\">\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Weight: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">39g\/1.3oz<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Connectivity: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">ANT+, 3x BLE<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Battery Life: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">100 hours<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Water resistance: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">IPX7<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Strap: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">Adjustable elastic<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-wrapper\">\n<aside data-article-category=\"group-tests\" data-block-type=\"buying-guide\" data-model-name=\"Wahoo Trackr Heart Rate\" data-name=\"Buying Guide merchantlink widget\" data-render-type=\"editorial\" data-widget-title=\"fullPriceWidgetTitle\" data-widget-type=\"merchantlink\" class=\"ecom-root\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-main-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-title-merchantlink-title-buying-guide\">Today&#8217;s Best Deals<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-wrapper hawk-merchant-link-widget-left-alignment\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Balfe&#8217;s Bikes<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Sigma Sports<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Amazon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Wahoo Fitness<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary pros\">\n<h4>Reasons to buy<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Very light<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Competitively priced<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Great strap adjustability<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary cons\">\n<h4>Reasons to avoid<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">Battery life could be better <\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">No internal memory<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">HRM pod protrudes <\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-65d21d9c-a20a-11f1-849c-6b3e718e28ab\">Wahoo heart rate monitors of old &#8211; the Tickr and Tickr X &#8211; haven\u2019t had the greatest track record when it comes to reliability, as previous iterations suffered from unreliable performance and terrible corrosion around the press studs that fasten the pod to the strap.<\/p>\n<p>With the new Wahoo Trackr, however, the American company appears to have reversed these issues, resulting in a refined, high-quality heart rate monitor. While it still utilises a traditional electronic pod, Wahoo has improved the strap and contact point interface to ensure accurate and consistent data harvesting.<\/p>\n<p>Where the previous unit could suffer from sweat ingress into the battery housing, Wahoo has introduced a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. This is a significant improvement, but the battery life could be better &#8211; 100 hours isn&#8217;t enough at this price point and is quite frankly the worst in this test. Like the Hammerhead, it also features LED lights to monitor the battery level and pairing status with devices and apps.<\/p>\n<p>In terms of fit and feel, the strap is lightweight, soft to the touch (even after months of use) and among the most comfortable options in this group test. The new hook-and-loop closure system means the strap doesn&#8217;t connect at the electronic pod like before, reducing stress and wear and tear on the press stud interface.<\/p>\n<p>That said, the pod is bulkier than its rivals and does protrude somewhat from the strap, but this isn\u2019t a dealbreaker. Overall, it\u2019s a significant improvement over its forebear and a unit I highly recommend.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-best-budget\"><span>Best budget<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-65d21e8c-a20a-11f1-a21c-833c7521b741\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Richard Butcher)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"product prog-buying-guide\" id=\"elk-65d21f04-a20a-11f1-9921-7900d5671cf6\">\n<div class=\"title-and-rating\">\n<h3 class=\"product__title\" id=\"4-hammerhead-hrm\">4. Hammerhead HRM<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_hawk subtitle\">Best rechargeable heart rate monitor<\/div>\n<div class=\"user-expert-review-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"expert-review\">\n<p>Our expert review:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary spec\">\n<h4>Specifications<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\">\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Weight: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">43g\/1.5oz<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Connectivity: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">ANT+, 2x BLE<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Battery Life: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">900+ hours<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Water resistance: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">30 metres<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Strap: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">Adjustable elastic<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-wrapper\">\n<aside data-article-category=\"group-tests\" data-block-type=\"buying-guide\" data-model-name=\"Hammerhead HRM\" data-name=\"Buying Guide merchantlink widget\" data-render-type=\"editorial\" data-widget-title=\"fullPriceWidgetTitle\" data-widget-type=\"merchantlink\" class=\"ecom-root\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-main-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-title-merchantlink-title-buying-guide\">Today&#8217;s Best Deals<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-wrapper hawk-merchant-link-widget-left-alignment\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Merlin Cycles<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Alpinetrek UK<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"200\">Check Amazon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary pros\">\n<h4>Reasons to buy<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Well priced<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Very light<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Massive battery life<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Swim friendly<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary cons\">\n<h4>Reasons to avoid<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">Occasional dropouts<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">No internal memory<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">Strap and sensor pad not the best<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-65d21f86-a20a-11f1-b5a2-091af77412c0\">The Hammerhead heart rate monitor has a lot going for it with an exceptional feature set that will appeal to many cyclists. It\u2019s superlight, mega comfortable, and compatible with all the indoor training apps and cycling computers. It also has blue and red LEDs that indicate the sensor pod&#8217;s operational status.<\/p>\n<p>The claimed 900+ hour best battery life is the best in class &#8211; and like the 4iiii Viiiiva, I&#8217;m yet to change the coin cell CR2032 and don&#8217;t see this happening any time soon. If you enjoy multi-discipline training, the Hammerhead can be used for swimming to a maximum depth of up to 30 metres.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s got a similar strap design to the 4iiii but still relies on press studs to secure it. While stud configurations historically fail over time owing to corrosion, I\u2019ve yet to see any signs of wear and tear in this regard, which bodes well for long-term use.<\/p>\n<p>That said, it\u2019s not without its issues &#8211; particularly the strap, which Hammerhead will need to address with the next iteration. It doesn&#8217;t feel or look as premium as its rivals, and the electrodes lack the quality of Garmin, Polar, 4iiii and Wahoo. Despite the great comfort it offers, this unfortunately shows up in the performance stakes, where there are occasional dropouts and spikes.<\/p>\n<p>At \u00a350, however, any foibles are easy to ignore &#8211; especially since many of the attributes it offers are truly exceptional and best in class. Overall, Hammerhead has done a good job, but it needs a better strap to compete with the segment frontrunners.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-best-strap-design\"><span>Best strap design<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-65d22076-a20a-11f1-88f7-efdb0af8aeea\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Richard Butcher)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"product prog-buying-guide\" id=\"elk-65d220ee-a20a-11f1-8736-157518d01a93\">\n<div class=\"title-and-rating\">\n<h3 class=\"product__title\" id=\"5-polar-h10\">5. Polar H10<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_hawk subtitle\">Best strap design for comfort and security<\/div>\n<div class=\"user-expert-review-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"expert-review\">\n<p>Our expert review:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary spec\">\n<h4>Specifications<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\">\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Weight: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">60g\/2.1oz<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Connectivity: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">ANT+, 2x BLE<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Battery Life: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">400+ hours<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Water resistance: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">30 metres<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Strap: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">Adjustable elastic<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-wrapper\">\n<aside data-article-category=\"group-tests\" data-block-type=\"buying-guide\" data-model-name=\"Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor\" data-name=\"Buying Guide merchantlink widget\" data-render-type=\"editorial\" data-widget-title=\"fullPriceWidgetTitle\" data-widget-type=\"merchantlink\" class=\"ecom-root\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-main-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-title-merchantlink-title-buying-guide\">Today&#8217;s Best Deals<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-wrapper hawk-merchant-link-widget-left-alignment\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at B&amp;Q<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at B&amp;Q<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Polar UK<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Amazon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary pros\">\n<h4>Reasons to buy<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Comfortable<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Internal data recording<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Good battery life<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Machine-washable strap<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary cons\">\n<h4>Reasons to avoid<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">Heaviest on test<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">Pricey<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">CR2025 battery<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-65d22170-a20a-11f1-9fce-1b50656f7ab9\">The Polar H10 is the Finnish brand\u2019s premium heart rate monitor, and it shows in the build quality and aesthetics. There are a lot of great features here, including internal data recording\/memory, not to mention a machine-washable strap &#8211; something none of its rivals assembled here offers. Like the Hammerhead and Garmin, it\u2019s swim-friendly, too, and can be used at depths of up to 30 metres.<\/p>\n<p>Of the coin cell-powered units here, it&#8217;s the only model that uses a CR2025 &#8211; this is not a downside, but with so many cycling gadgets using CR2032 stock, you\u2019ll need to ensure you have spares on hand, as you can&#8217;t swap from product to product should the battery need replacing. Battery life, however, is pegged at 400 hours, which should see you through a year of indoor and outdoor activity quite comfortably.<\/p>\n<p>At 60g (strap and pod included), it\u2019s the heaviest heart rate monitor on test, but it does have the best strap design of its peers. Not only is it easy to adjust thanks to the buckle closure and hook-and-loop adjustment, but the silicon grippers keep it securely in place, and the rubberised electrodes deliver accurate and stable readings.<\/p>\n<p>Having used the Polar H10 for several months already, I have found that the press studs and connectors have shown no signs of corrosion yet, thanks to the seamless integration between the pod and strap.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-how-i-tested-the-best-hrms\"><span>How I tested the best HRMs <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-65d22260-a20a-11f1-9e83-51b7f87992e8\">When testing these heart rate monitors, I quite literally spent years acquiring this knowledge over thousands of indoor and outdoor kilometres across almost all cycling disciplines.<\/p>\n<p>The reason for this is to really put the durability of these heart rate monitors to the test. Overall, HRMs have very few functions, and one very specific function. Assuming they&#8217;re accurate and consistent, which most are these days and something I&#8217;m still testing for, durability is likely the biggest factor many will be considering.<\/p>\n<p>This is not something that can be measured with data; this is only something that can be tested through use, sweated on and taken on and off thousands of times.<\/p>\n<p>I&#8217;m, of course, also testing for their comfort, connectivity, battery life, and overall specifications, just like any other cycling product.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-meet-the-tester\"><span>Meet the tester<\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"slice-container person-wrapper slice-container-person\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Person\" id=\"elk-65d22350-a20a-11f1-9f73-5d6848ad6db7\">\n<div class=\"person person--separator\">\n<div class=\"person__avatar-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kncyVmaSXuVRA3ENMQSc3T-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 700px) 140px, 100px\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"person__heading\">\n<div class=\"person__name-socials\"><span class=\"block person__name\">Aaron Borrill<\/span><\/p>\n<nav class=\"button-social-group person__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- person__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- person__social-buttons\">\nSocial Links Navigation\n<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"person__role\">Technical Editor<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__bio\">\n<p>Aaron is Cycling Weekly&#8217;s Technical Editor. As the former editor of\u00a0<em>off.roadcc<\/em>, tech editor of\u00a0<em>Cyclingnews<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0<em>Bike Perfect<\/em>, digital editor of\u00a0<em>Bicycling<\/em> magazine\u00a0and associate editor of\u00a0<em>TopCar<\/em>,\u00a0he&#8217;s travelled the world writing about bikes and anything with wheels for the past 20 years &#8211; he\u2019s tested hundreds of bikes spanning road, gravel, mountain, and Time Trial. <\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s his dedication to racing that sees Aaron cover tens of thousands of kilometres every year in his training both as an esports racer and out on the open road. It&#8217;s in these training kilometres where the data is most important to Aaron, tracking his progress, and why he relies so heavily on heart rate monitors. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-how-to-choose-a-heart-rate-monitor\"><span>How to choose a heart rate monitor<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul id=\"elk-65d22440-a20a-11f1-aba8-f9c0b87ba265\">\n<li><strong>First, ask why you need a heart rate monitor.<\/strong> If you are looking to capture data whilst riding or working out to analyse it on a separate device, an HRM is the perfect choice. If you just want to track health, for more general fitness or want live prompts, one of the best smartwatches might be a better option.<\/li>\n<li><strong>What device do you need to connect to?<\/strong> To connect to your bike computer, Phone, tablet or best smart trainer, your HRM will need Bluetooth or ANT+.<\/li>\n<li><strong>How many of these devices do you need to be connected to at once?<\/strong> This is more specific to indoor training, as you might want to be connected to your trainer for the riding but need to track metrics on a bike computer or provide data to your coach. Many only offer a single device at a time, so check before you buy<\/li>\n<li><strong>Optical or electrical \u2013 what&#8217;s the difference?<\/strong>\u00a0For data accuracy, especially if you&#8217;re collecting to analyse later, electrical is best. If you wish to wear it on your arm or wrist and pair it with other devices, Optical offers greater versatility.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Coin Cell or rechargeable?<\/strong>\u00a0Coin Cell units offer long battery life; the Hammerhead HRM in this guide has logged over 900 hours with no sign of stopping. Over they can be fiddly to replace, and rechargeable options are more eco-friendly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-frequently-asked-questions-about-hrms\"><span>Frequently asked questions about HRMs<\/span><\/h3>\n<section class=\"article__schema-question\" id=\"elk-65d2253a-a20a-11f1-a656-ed5cdd60bf27\">\n<h3>What is a heart rate monitor?<\/h3>\n<article class=\"article__schema-answer\">\n<p>Your heart is your body&#8217;s blood delivery agent: it pumps oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood to your limbs, and when you exercise, it has to work harder and faster to meet the body&#8217;s needs.<\/p>\n<p>In a nutshell, a heart rate monitor measures and transmits internal load in beats per minute (BPM), and when used together with one of the best power meters (which measures external load), you can optimise your training zones and track progress in a controlled, holistic way.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"article__schema-question\" id=\"elk-65d225b2-a20a-11f1-a8a8-1fa5f743edbc\">\n<h3>How can cyclists use heart rate monitors?<\/h3>\n<article class=\"article__schema-answer\">\n<p>The most common use for a heart rate monitor is to record intervals. Interval training means riding short efforts at high intensity, interspersed with rest intervals of easy pedalling. In time, this forces the body to adapt so that the intensity can be held for longer or can be increased.<\/p>\n<p>Intervals can be ridden based on RPE (rate of perceived exertion), power (which measures the actual output of the body in watts) or heart rate (which measures the effect that the effort has on the body).<\/p>\n<p>In an ideal world, power and heart rate are combined to show how much stress is required for the body to produce a given output &#8211; but the best power meters are expensive and heart rate monitors allow a rider to know that they&#8217;re riding the efforts hard enough and the recoveries easy enough.<\/p>\n<p>The intensity required during each interval will vary depending upon its length, but will usually be expressed in a &#8216;zone&#8217; which is based on a calculation of the rider&#8217;s max or threshold heart rate. So when training with a heart rate monitor, the rider just needs to know what BPM they need to hold for each interval to have the best chance at completing the training correctly.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/section>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-65d2262a-a20a-11f1-85e9-2d3ce97ff531\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VkXMChQoG8iLi5YrfL9LVm-1000-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VkXMChQoG8iLi5YrfL9LVm-1000-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VkXMChQoG8iLi5YrfL9LVm-1000-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VkXMChQoG8iLi5YrfL9LVm-1000-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VkXMChQoG8iLi5YrfL9LVm-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VkXMChQoG8iLi5YrfL9LVm-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VkXMChQoG8iLi5YrfL9LVm-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VkXMChQoG8iLi5YrfL9LVm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"inline-layout \">\n<div class=\"caption-text\">\n<p>Using heart rate data can help you better understand how your body is performing<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: chris catchpole)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-65d226ac-a20a-11f1-ba37-6bd5039ead05\">Heart rate &#8216;zones&#8217; are very individual. The baseline starting point for one rider might be a threshold heart rate of 180bpm whilst it could be 160bpm for another.<\/p>\n<p>However, training forces the heart muscle to become stronger. A well-trained athlete will see their resting heart rate (which is usually measured in the morning on waking up) drop, so tracking this can show your fitness improvements during the year.<\/p>\n<p>Not only that, your resting heart rate often increases during periods of overtraining, or when you&#8217;re sick. An increased resting heart rate is therefore a red flag which can indicate it&#8217;s time to take a few days off training.<\/p>\n<section class=\"article__schema-question\" id=\"elk-65d2272e-a20a-11f1-b714-2392c92f1923\">\n<h3>Optical or electrical \u2013 what&#8217;s the difference?<\/h3>\n<article class=\"article__schema-answer\">\n<p>For data accuracy, especially if you&#8217;re collecting to analyse later, with a coach or when you have completed your workout, electrical is better. They work by detecting the electrical pulses your heart sends each time it beats. This is why they generally need to be worn around your chest. <\/p>\n<p>If you wish to wear it on your arm or wrist and pair it with other devices, Optical offers greater versatility. This is because the device uses light to pass through the skin and measures how much light is reflected from the blood to determine blood flow, which means they can be worn just about anywhere, as long as they are in close proximity to veins or arteries. <\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"article__schema-question\" id=\"elk-65d2279c-a20a-11f1-bad8-8b98d78a4945\">\n<h3>How do heart rate monitors connect to devices?<\/h3>\n<article class=\"article__schema-answer\">\n<p>Heart rate monitors typically connect to devices via Bluetooth or ANT+. This allows them to sync with cycling computers, smartwatches, or smartphones for real-time data tracking and analysis.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"article__schema-question\" id=\"elk-65d22814-a20a-11f1-95f7-bb83f9330500\">\n<h3>What&#8217;s the difference between Bluetooth and ANT+ ? <\/h3>\n<article class=\"article__schema-answer\">\n<p>Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ are common wireless protocols in cycling technology and most heart rate monitors support both. <\/p>\n<p>Compared to ANT+, Bluetooth operates at a higher bitrate to ANT+. This is great for audio streaming but it does have a higher power consumption which has obvious drawbacks for cycling, especially those training for long-duration rides and endurance. <\/p>\n<p>The advantage of ANT+ is that it&#8217;s much more power efficient and therefore an excellent choice for longer cycling sessions. Plus, ANT+ can be picked up by multiple devices. In theory, you could connect your heart rate monitor to your cycling computer and smartphone simultaneously. <\/p>\n<p>Fun fact: ANT+ is actually owned by Garmin.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/section>\n<aside data-article-category=\"group-tests\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-model-name=\"4iiii Viiiiva,Garmin HRM-Pro Plus,Wahoo Trackr Heart Rate,Hammerhead HRM,Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor\" data-name=\"Buying Guide Multimodel widget\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-widget-title=\"multimodelWidgetTitle\" data-widget-type=\"multimodelreview\" class=\"ecom-root\">\n<div class=\"hawk-multi-model-review-main\">\n<div class=\"hawk-multi-model-review-retail-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-title-container\">Round up of today&#8217;s best deals<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-items-container\" data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-container\" data-expandable=\"0\" data-stacked=\"0\" data-load-more=\"true\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-main-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-main\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\" data-expanded=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"image\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31KJ3-bKYXL._SL500_.jpg\" alt=\"Garmin HRM-Pro Plus - Premium...\" title=\"Garmin HRM-Pro Plus - Premium...\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-product-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"78\" height=\"70\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"name\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-display-name-container\">Garmin HRM-Pro Plus<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"merchant\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/logos\/merchants\/amazon-uk-14606342093191-100-80.png.webp\" alt=\"Amazon\" title=\"Amazon\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-logo-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"80\" height=\"40\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"priceLink\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-main-price-container\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-display-price-container\" data-type=\"retail\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-price\">\u00a3177.50<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>View<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"allDeals\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><span>See all prices<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-container\" data-expandable=\"0\" data-stacked=\"0\" data-load-more=\"true\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-main-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-main\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\" data-expanded=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"image\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31j9exB8LaL._SL500_.jpg\" alt=\"4iiii Viiiiva V200 Heart Rate...\" title=\"4iiii Viiiiva V200 Heart Rate...\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-product-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"78\" height=\"70\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"name\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-display-name-container\">4iiii Viiiiva<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"merchant\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/ig9ovcr5z03vnvob-16578832201197-100-80.png.webp\" alt=\"Merlin Cycles\" title=\"Merlin Cycles\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-logo-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"80\" height=\"40\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"priceLink\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-main-price-container\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-container\" data-type=\"wasPrice\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-price\">\u00a364.99<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div><span class=\"hawk-display-price-container\" data-type=\"retail\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-price\">\u00a354.95<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>View<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"allDeals\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><span>See all prices<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-container\" data-expandable=\"0\" data-stacked=\"0\" data-load-more=\"true\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-main-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-main\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\" data-expanded=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"image\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31Co6Uv-awL._SL500_.jpg\" alt=\"Wahoo Fitness TRACKR Heart...\" title=\"Wahoo Fitness TRACKR Heart...\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-product-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"78\" height=\"70\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"name\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-display-name-container\">Wahoo Trackr Heart Rate<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"merchant\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/logos\/merchants\/amazon-uk-14606342093191-100-80.png.webp\" alt=\"Amazon\" title=\"Amazon\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-logo-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"80\" height=\"40\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"priceLink\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-main-price-container\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-display-price-container\" data-type=\"retail\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-price\">\u00a378.49<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>View<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"allDeals\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><span>See all prices<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-container\" data-expandable=\"0\" data-stacked=\"0\" data-load-more=\"true\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-main-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-main\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\" data-expanded=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"image\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/products\/b46541315bf990bd6688abab8bd0d9771f647b52-100-80.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor...\" title=\"Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor...\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-product-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"78\" height=\"70\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"name\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-display-name-container\">Hammerhead HRM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"merchant\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/ig9ovcr5z03vnvob-16578832201197-100-80.png.webp\" alt=\"Merlin Cycles\" title=\"Merlin Cycles\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-logo-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"80\" height=\"40\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"priceLink\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-main-price-container\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-container\" data-type=\"wasPrice\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-price\">\u00a350<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div><span class=\"hawk-display-price-container\" data-type=\"retail\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-price\">\u00a340.96<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>View<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"allDeals\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><span>See all prices<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-container\" data-expandable=\"0\" data-stacked=\"0\" data-load-more=\"true\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-main-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-main\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\" data-expanded=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"image\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/318Ssk8etiL._SL500_.jpg\" alt=\"Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor...\" title=\"Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor...\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-product-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"78\" height=\"70\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"name\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-display-name-container\">Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"merchant\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/logos\/merchants\/amazon-uk-14606342093191-100-80.png.webp\" alt=\"Amazon\" title=\"Amazon\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-logo-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"80\" height=\"40\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"priceLink\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-main-price-container\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-display-price-container\" data-type=\"retail\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-price\">\u00a3110.89<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>View<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"allDeals\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><span>See all prices<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-footer-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-footer-description\">We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-powered-by-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-powered-by-inner-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-powered-by-powered-by-container\">powered by <\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/search-api.fie.futurecdn.net\/img\/sites\/svg\/cyclingweekly.svg\" alt=\"Cycling Weekly\" title=\"Cycling Weekly\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-site-logo-powered-by\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"60\" height=\"30\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ctnt1aRZBYYr4VmEeH8qJJ\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-ctnt1aRZBYYr4VmEeH8qJJ slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-ctnt1aRZBYYr4VmEeH8qJJ\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-ctnt1aRZBYYr4VmEeH8qJJ slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kncyVmaSXuVRA3ENMQSc3T-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 700px) 140px, 100px\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kncyVmaSXuVRA3ENMQSc3T.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kncyVmaSXuVRA3ENMQSc3T.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kncyVmaSXuVRA3ENMQSc3T.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Aaron Borrill<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Technical Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Aaron is Cycling Weekly&#8217;s Technical Editor. As the former editor of\u00a0<em>off.roadcc<\/em>, tech editor of\u00a0<em>Cyclingnews<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0<em>Bike Perfect<\/em>, digital editor of\u00a0<em>Bicycling<\/em> magazine\u00a0and associate editor of\u00a0<em>TopCar<\/em>,\u00a0he&#8217;s travelled the world writing about bikes and anything with wheels for the past 20 years &#8211; he\u2019s tested thousands of bikes spanning road, gravel, mountain, and TT. <\/p>\n<p>As a racer, he&#8217;s completed stage races such as the Cape Epic, Berg and Bush, W2W, and Gravel Burn. On the road, he\u2019s raced category 1, completed the Haute Route Alps, represented South Africa at the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships Road Race and Time Trial and is an accomplished eSports racer, too &#8211; having captained South Africa at the 2022, 2023 and 2024 UCI Cycling eSports World Championships.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:ScrollUp\" class=\"fixed z-[999] bottom-3 right-3 sm:bottom-4 sm:right-4\">\n<p>Back To Top<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"inline-block w-full my-5\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-standard-centred\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-standard-centred-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"font-article-heading tracking-[2px] font-normal text-3xl text-center text-neutral-900 pt-8 pb-4 px-0 border-t-neutral-500 border-t border-solid leading-8 uppercase mb-5 custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-6 my-4 sm:grid-cols-3\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6fiUAeWWkrzMVz2wWMeFjG-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6fiUAeWWkrzMVz2wWMeFjG-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6fiUAeWWkrzMVz2wWMeFjG-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6fiUAeWWkrzMVz2wWMeFjG-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6fiUAeWWkrzMVz2wWMeFjG-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6fiUAeWWkrzMVz2wWMeFjG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"font-ui-heading text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.5px] mt-3.5 block  custom-subheading-styles\">Deals and Bargains<\/span><span class=\"font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 custom-text-styles\">I loved my smart watch, but it just wasn&#8217;t keeping up with me, so I&#8217;ve add the Polar H10 to my basket this Amazon Prime Day<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sUteZeE9oQKxgVxiTZUFYf-1280-80.png.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sUteZeE9oQKxgVxiTZUFYf-1024-80.png.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sUteZeE9oQKxgVxiTZUFYf-768-80.png.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sUteZeE9oQKxgVxiTZUFYf-415-80.png.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sUteZeE9oQKxgVxiTZUFYf-360-80.png.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sUteZeE9oQKxgVxiTZUFYf-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"font-ui-heading text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.5px] mt-3.5 block  custom-subheading-styles\">Tour de France<\/span><span class=\"font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 custom-text-styles\">From 27bpm to 185bpm: How a cyclist\u2019s heart rate evolves during the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card-centred min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\" data-nosnippet>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"empty:hidden font-ui-heading text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.5px] mt-3.5 block\">SPONSORED_LABEL<\/span><span class=\"empty:hidden font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 custom-text-styles\">SPONSORED_HEADLINE<\/span><span class=\"empty:hidden uppercase font-article-heading text-[11px] text-neutral-500 leading-4 mx-0 my-3.5 p-0 block tracking-normal\">SPONSORED_DISCLAIMER<\/span><span class=\"empty:hidden font-article-heading text-base leading-5 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-3.5 p-0 custom-strapline-styles\">SPONSORED_STRAPLINE<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CY2JWKGrjrjWBXjFdgXorU-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CY2JWKGrjrjWBXjFdgXorU-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CY2JWKGrjrjWBXjFdgXorU-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CY2JWKGrjrjWBXjFdgXorU-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CY2JWKGrjrjWBXjFdgXorU-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CY2JWKGrjrjWBXjFdgXorU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"font-ui-heading text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.5px] mt-3.5 block  custom-subheading-styles\">Group Tests<\/span><span class=\"font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 custom-text-styles\">Best power meters 2026: 6 pedal and crank-based systems our experts tested and would actually buy<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cKdyp8SkJkKiCRK6vZuNFn-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cKdyp8SkJkKiCRK6vZuNFn-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cKdyp8SkJkKiCRK6vZuNFn-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cKdyp8SkJkKiCRK6vZuNFn-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cKdyp8SkJkKiCRK6vZuNFn-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cKdyp8SkJkKiCRK6vZuNFn-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"font-ui-heading text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.5px] mt-3.5 block  custom-subheading-styles\">Group Tests<\/span><span class=\"font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 custom-text-styles\">Best smart indoor trainers 2026: 6 direct-drive trainers reviewed and rated by our indoor experts<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card-centred min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\" data-nosnippet>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"empty:hidden font-ui-heading text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.5px] mt-3.5 block\">SPONSORED_LABEL<\/span><span class=\"empty:hidden font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 custom-text-styles\">SPONSORED_HEADLINE<\/span><span class=\"empty:hidden uppercase font-article-heading text-[11px] text-neutral-500 leading-4 mx-0 my-3.5 p-0 block tracking-normal\">SPONSORED_DISCLAIMER<\/span><span class=\"empty:hidden font-article-heading text-base leading-5 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-3.5 p-0 custom-strapline-styles\">SPONSORED_STRAPLINE<\/span><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"inline-block w-full my-5\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-standard-centred\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-standard-centred-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"font-article-heading tracking-[2px] font-normal text-3xl text-center text-neutral-900 pt-8 pb-4 px-0 border-t-neutral-500 border-t border-solid leading-8 uppercase mb-5 custom-header-styles\">Latest in Group Tests<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-6 my-4 sm:grid-cols-3\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7h4NpVMtWixAV2x7YLmRiC-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7h4NpVMtWixAV2x7YLmRiC-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7h4NpVMtWixAV2x7YLmRiC-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7h4NpVMtWixAV2x7YLmRiC-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7h4NpVMtWixAV2x7YLmRiC-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7h4NpVMtWixAV2x7YLmRiC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"font-ui-heading text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.5px] mt-3.5 block  custom-subheading-styles\">Group Tests<\/span><span class=\"font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 custom-text-styles\">Best bike floor pump 2026: workshop stalwart, or just nostalgia? I tested 10 pumps that don&#8217;t require a USB-C to inflate your tyres<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XmUwpvDKaaiwRFfikN5fWo-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XmUwpvDKaaiwRFfikN5fWo-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XmUwpvDKaaiwRFfikN5fWo-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XmUwpvDKaaiwRFfikN5fWo-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XmUwpvDKaaiwRFfikN5fWo-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XmUwpvDKaaiwRFfikN5fWo-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"font-ui-heading text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.5px] mt-3.5 block  custom-subheading-styles\">Group Tests<\/span><span class=\"font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 custom-text-styles\">I tested 6 of the latest and best radar bike lights in 2026 to see if any can topple the market leader: Garmin<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card-centred min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\" data-nosnippet>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"empty:hidden font-ui-heading text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.5px] mt-3.5 block\">SPONSORED_LABEL<\/span><span class=\"empty:hidden font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 custom-text-styles\">SPONSORED_HEADLINE<\/span><span class=\"empty:hidden uppercase font-article-heading text-[11px] text-neutral-500 leading-4 mx-0 my-3.5 p-0 block tracking-normal\">SPONSORED_DISCLAIMER<\/span><span class=\"empty:hidden font-article-heading text-base leading-5 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-3.5 p-0 custom-strapline-styles\">SPONSORED_STRAPLINE<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/befmE33nwWyFJY6XsBPTLN-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/befmE33nwWyFJY6XsBPTLN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/befmE33nwWyFJY6XsBPTLN-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/befmE33nwWyFJY6XsBPTLN-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/befmE33nwWyFJY6XsBPTLN-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/befmE33nwWyFJY6XsBPTLN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"font-ui-heading text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.5px] mt-3.5 block  custom-subheading-styles\">Group Tests<\/span><span class=\"font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 custom-text-styles\">I tested 6 of the best AirTag bike mounts for 2026 that help keep an eye on your ride &#8211; wherever you are<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DrX6XnkZjqzvpNS398dKaQ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DrX6XnkZjqzvpNS398dKaQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DrX6XnkZjqzvpNS398dKaQ-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DrX6XnkZjqzvpNS398dKaQ-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DrX6XnkZjqzvpNS398dKaQ-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DrX6XnkZjqzvpNS398dKaQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"99vw\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"font-ui-heading text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.5px] mt-3.5 block  custom-subheading-styles\">Group Tests<\/span><span class=\"font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 custom-text-styles\">Bigger is better; the gravel tyre test you should all be paying attention to in 2025 &#8211; I put 6 MTB tyres through 12 months of testing<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card-centred min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\" data-nosnippet>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span class=\"empty:hidden font-ui-heading text-xs uppercase tracking-[0.5px] mt-3.5 block\">SPONSORED_LABEL<\/span><span class=\"empty:hidden font-article-heading text-2xl leading-8 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 custom-text-styles\">SPONSORED_HEADLINE<\/span><span class=\"empty:hidden uppercase font-article-heading text-[11px] text-neutral-500 leading-4 mx-0 my-3.5 p-0 block tracking-normal\">SPONSORED_DISCLAIMER<\/span><span class=\"empty:hidden font-article-heading text-base leading-5 font-normal text-neutral-900 block mx-0 my-3.5 p-0 custom-strapline-styles\">SPONSORED_STRAPLINE<\/span><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"article__body \">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid sm:hidden\">\n<p>Whatsapp<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside data-article-category=\"group-tests\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-hawk-json=\"{&quot;buyingGuideBlocksData&quot;:[{&quot;modelName&quot;:&quot;4iiii Viiiiva&quot;,&quot;navigationLink&quot;:&quot;#section-best-overall&quot;,&quot;starRating&quot;:100,&quot;productName&quot;:&quot;1. 4iiii Viiiiva&quot;,&quot;productHeader&quot;:&quot;Best overall&quot;,&quot;pros&quot;:[&quot;Huge battery life&quot;,&quot;Comfortable fit&quot;,&quot;No press studs&quot;,&quot;Easy, click-and-play setup&quot;],&quot;cons&quot;:[&quot;None&quot;],&quot;reviewText&quot;:&quot;With over a year&apos;s worth of testing spanning thousands of indoor and outdoor kilometres, I&apos;m yet to find fault with 4iiiiu2019s Viiiiva heart rate monitor. The whole setup experience is intuitive, and the strap is one of the most comfortable out there in the segment. &quot;,&quot;specs&quot;:[{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Weight&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;46g\/1.6oz&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Connectivity&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;ANT+, 1x BLE&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Battery Life&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;540+ hours&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Water resistance&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;IPX7&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Strap&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;Adjustable elastic&quot;}],&quot;reviewId&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;linkText&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;imageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN.jpg&quot;},{&quot;modelName&quot;:&quot;Garmin HRM-Pro Plus&quot;,&quot;navigationLink&quot;:&quot;#section-best-for-durability&quot;,&quot;starRating&quot;:90,&quot;productName&quot;:&quot;2. Garmin HRM-Pro Plus&quot;,&quot;productHeader&quot;:&quot;Most durable&quot;,&quot;pros&quot;:[&quot;Good battery life&quot;,&quot;High sweat resistance&quot;,&quot;Swim friendly&quot;,&quot;Records and stores data&quot;],&quot;cons&quot;:[&quot;Pricey&quot;,&quot;O-ring in battery cover prone to stretching&quot;],&quot;reviewText&quot;:&quot;Garmin heart rate monitors have come a long way over the past decade and a half, improving with each iteration and incorporating customer feedback. Like the 4iiii Viiiiva, Iu2019ve spent many hours and thousands of kilometres using the Garmin HRM-Pro Plus and have been impressed by its reliability and water\/sweat resistance. It just keeps going thanks to the impressively thought-out design that pairs a high-quality, adjustable strap with an electronic pod.&quot;,&quot;specs&quot;:[{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Weight&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;52g\/1.8oz&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Connectivity&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;ANT+, 3x BLE&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Battery Life&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;12 months (claimed)&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Water resistance&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;50 metres&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Strap&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;Adjustable elastic&quot;}],&quot;reviewId&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;linkText&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;imageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM.jpg&quot;},{&quot;modelName&quot;:&quot;Wahoo Trackr Heart Rate&quot;,&quot;navigationLink&quot;:&quot;#section-best-rechargeable-hrm&quot;,&quot;starRating&quot;:90,&quot;productName&quot;:&quot;3. Wahoo Trackr&quot;,&quot;productHeader&quot;:&quot;Best rechargeable&quot;,&quot;pros&quot;:[&quot;Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery&quot;,&quot;Very light&quot;,&quot;Competitively priced&quot;,&quot;Great strap adjustability&quot;],&quot;cons&quot;:[&quot;Battery life could be better &quot;,&quot;No internal memory&quot;,&quot;HRM pod protrudes &quot;],&quot;reviewText&quot;:&quot;Wahoo heart rate monitors of old - the Tickr and Tickr X - havenu2019t had the greatest track record when it comes to reliability, as previous iterations suffered from unreliable performance and terrible corrosion around the press studs that fasten the pod to the strap.  &quot;,&quot;specs&quot;:[{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Weight&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;39g\/1.3oz&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Connectivity&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;ANT+, 3x BLE&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Battery Life&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;100 hours&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Water resistance&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;IPX7&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Strap&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;Adjustable elastic&quot;}],&quot;reviewId&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;linkText&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;imageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN.jpg&quot;},{&quot;modelName&quot;:&quot;Hammerhead HRM&quot;,&quot;navigationLink&quot;:&quot;#section-best-budget&quot;,&quot;starRating&quot;:80,&quot;productName&quot;:&quot;4. Hammerhead HRM&quot;,&quot;productHeader&quot;:&quot;Best budget&quot;,&quot;pros&quot;:[&quot;Well priced&quot;,&quot;Very light&quot;,&quot;Massive battery life&quot;,&quot;Swim friendly&quot;],&quot;cons&quot;:[&quot;Occasional dropouts&quot;,&quot;No internal memory&quot;,&quot;Strap and sensor pad not the best&quot;],&quot;reviewText&quot;:&quot;The Hammerhead heart rate monitor has a lot going for it with an exceptional feature set that will appeal to many cyclists. Itu2019s superlight, mega comfortable, and compatible with all the indoor training apps and cycling computers. It also has blue and red LEDs that indicate the sensor pod&apos;s operational status. &quot;,&quot;specs&quot;:[{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Weight&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;43g\/1.5oz&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Connectivity&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;ANT+, 2x BLE&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Battery Life&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;900+ hours&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Water resistance&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;30 metres&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Strap&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;Adjustable elastic&quot;}],&quot;reviewId&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;linkText&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;imageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM.jpg&quot;},{&quot;modelName&quot;:&quot;Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor&quot;,&quot;navigationLink&quot;:&quot;#section-best-strap-design&quot;,&quot;starRating&quot;:80,&quot;productName&quot;:&quot;5. Polar H10&quot;,&quot;productHeader&quot;:&quot;Best strap&quot;,&quot;pros&quot;:[&quot;Comfortable&quot;,&quot;Internal data recording&quot;,&quot;Good battery life&quot;,&quot;Machine-washable strap&quot;],&quot;cons&quot;:[&quot;Heaviest on test&quot;,&quot;Pricey&quot;,&quot;CR2025 battery&quot;],&quot;reviewText&quot;:&quot;The Polar H10 is the Finnish brandu2019s premium heart rate monitor, and it shows in the build quality and aesthetics. There are a lot of great features here, including internal data recording\/memory, not to mention a machine-washable strap - something none of its rivals assembled here offers. Like the Hammerhead and Garmin, itu2019s swim-friendly, too, and can be used at depths of up to 30 metres.&quot;,&quot;specs&quot;:[{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Weight&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;60g\/2.1oz&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Connectivity&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;ANT+, 2x BLE&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Battery Life&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;400+ hours&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Water resistance&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;30 metres&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Strap&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;Adjustable elastic&quot;}],&quot;reviewId&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;linkText&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;imageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM.jpg&quot;}]}\" data-model-name=\"4iiii Viiiiva,Garmin HRM-Pro Plus,Wahoo Trackr Heart Rate,Hammerhead HRM,Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-widget-type=\"tabletop\" class=\"ecom-root\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-header-header\"><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-header-header-text\">The best picks reviewed by Cycling Weekly<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-block\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-area-clicked=\"deal-image\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31j9exB8LaL._SL500_.jpg\" alt=\"4iiii Viiiiva\" title=\"4iiii Viiiiva\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"140\" height=\"80\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-container\"><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-header\">Best overall<\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-name\">1. 4iiii Viiiiva<\/span><span><\/p>\n<div class=\"hawk-star-rating-container\"><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-pro\">Huge battery life<\/span>Read more<span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-read-more-arrow\">\u25bc<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-offers-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"true\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Merlin Cycles<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"false\" data-product-type=\"200\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">Check Amazon<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-block\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-area-clicked=\"deal-image\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31KJ3-bKYXL._SL500_.jpg\" alt=\"Garmin HRM-Pro Plus\" title=\"Garmin HRM-Pro Plus\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"140\" height=\"80\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-container\"><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-header\">Most durable<\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-name\">2. Garmin HRM-Pro Plus<\/span><span><\/p>\n<div class=\"hawk-star-rating-container\"><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\" data-type=\"half\">\u2606<\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-pro\">Good battery life<\/span>Read more<span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-read-more-arrow\">\u25bc<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-offers-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"true\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Amazon<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-block\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-area-clicked=\"deal-image\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31Co6Uv-awL._SL500_.jpg\" alt=\"Wahoo Trackr Heart Rate\" title=\"Wahoo Trackr Heart Rate\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"140\" height=\"80\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-container\"><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-header\">Best rechargeable<\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-name\">3. Wahoo Trackr<\/span><span><\/p>\n<div class=\"hawk-star-rating-container\"><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\" data-type=\"half\">\u2606<\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-pro\">Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery<\/span>Read more<span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-read-more-arrow\">\u25bc<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-offers-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"true\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Balfe&#8217;s Bikes<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"false\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Amazon<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"false\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Wahoo Fitness<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-block\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-area-clicked=\"deal-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/products\/b46541315bf990bd6688abab8bd0d9771f647b52-280-80.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Hammerhead HRM\" title=\"Hammerhead HRM\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"140\" height=\"80\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-container\"><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-header\">Best budget<\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-name\">4. Hammerhead HRM<\/span><span><\/p>\n<div class=\"hawk-star-rating-container\"><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\" data-type=\"empty\">\u2606<\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-pro\">Well priced<\/span>Read more<span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-read-more-arrow\">\u25bc<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-offers-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"true\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Merlin Cycles<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"false\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Alpinetrek UK<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"false\" data-product-type=\"200\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">Check Amazon<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-block\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-area-clicked=\"deal-image\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/318Ssk8etiL._SL500_.jpg\" alt=\"Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor\" title=\"Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"140\" height=\"80\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-container\"><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-header\">Best strap<\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-name\">5. Polar H10<\/span><span><\/p>\n<div class=\"hawk-star-rating-container\"><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\" data-type=\"empty\">\u2606<\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-pro\">Comfortable<\/span>Read more<span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-read-more-arrow\">\u25bc<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-offers-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"true\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at B&amp;Q<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"false\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Polar UK<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"false\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Amazon<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-65d216e4-a20a-11f1-af5c-61791ee49413\">Getting yourself one of the best heart rate monitors represents one of the first significant performance upgrades you can make as a cyclist. Heart rate monitors track your cardiovascular output during your ride, race, or workout, helping you become a better, stronger rider.<\/p>\n<p>The best models will not only accurately track your fitness and fatigue and sync perfectly with the best bike computers, but also predict and detect the onset of illness or rhythmic anomalies. The popularity of heart rate monitors has soared in recent years largely due to the best smartwatches, alongside now being a requirement for many of the best indoor training apps for cycling.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-65d216e4-a20a-11f1-af5c-61791ee49413-2\">What makes one heart rate monitor better than the next? They need to be comfortable and unobtrusive , but also reliable and consistently accurate. Ideally, you want one that balances performance with durability (water and sweat resistance). While this might come at a price, the upshot is that if maintained properly, it&#8217;ll last for years.<\/p>\n<p>As someone who trains and races both indoors and outdoors year-round to a high level, I&#8217;ve put most of the top heart rate monitors through the wringer and destroyed many as a result, but only a few have stood out. In this guide, you will find my top 5 HRMs from quite literally years of testing.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"best-heart-rate-monitors-for-cycling-2026-3\">Best heart rate monitors for cycling 2026<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-best-overall\"><span>Best overall<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-65d218d8-a20a-11f1-9706-f7e3ef89b575\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Richard Butcher)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"product prog-buying-guide\" id=\"elk-65d2195a-a20a-11f1-8ffa-610830d743ee\">\n<div class=\"title-and-rating\">\n<h3 class=\"product__title\" id=\"1-4iiii-viiiiva\">1. 4iiii Viiiiva<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_hawk subtitle\">Best overall heart rate monitor for cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"user-expert-review-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"expert-review\">\n<p>Our expert review:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary spec\">\n<h4>Specifications<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\">\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Weight: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">46g\/1.6oz<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Connectivity: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">ANT+, 1x BLE<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Battery Life: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">540+ hours<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Water resistance: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">IPX7<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Strap: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">Adjustable elastic<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-wrapper\">\n<aside data-article-category=\"group-tests\" data-block-type=\"buying-guide\" data-model-name=\"4iiii Viiiiva\" data-name=\"Buying Guide merchantlink widget\" data-render-type=\"editorial\" data-widget-title=\"fullPriceWidgetTitle\" data-widget-type=\"merchantlink\" class=\"ecom-root\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-main-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-title-merchantlink-title-buying-guide\">Today&#8217;s Best Deals<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-wrapper hawk-merchant-link-widget-left-alignment\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Merlin Cycles<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"200\">Check Amazon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary pros\">\n<h4>Reasons to buy<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Huge battery life<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Comfortable fit<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">No press studs<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Easy, click-and-play setup<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary cons\">\n<h4>Reasons to avoid<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">None<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-65d219d2-a20a-11f1-9525-3568f63ea6c6\">With over a year&#8217;s worth of testing spanning thousands of indoor and outdoor kilometres, I&#8217;m yet to find fault with 4iiii\u2019s Viiiiva heart rate monitor. The whole setup experience is intuitive, and the strap is one of the most comfortable out there in the segment.<\/p>\n<p>The Viiiiva is unique in that the strap connects to the heart rate pod on both sides via a swivel hinge &#8211; no snap-stud here. This also means sweat won\u2019t creep into vital contact points and destroy the metal press studs or affect performance, which improves the unit&#8217;s lifespan.<\/p>\n<p>No heart rate monitor is immune to sweat, though, and you\u2019ll still need to wipe it clean after every ride and handwash the strap in warm water if it gets a bit crusty.<\/p>\n<p>The battery life is excellent, and I&#8217;m yet to change the coin cell CR2032 battery &#8211; 4iiii pegs battery life at 540+ hours, which could last you between 12 and 18 months depending on how much you ride. While it\u2019s one of the best-performing options we\u2019ve gathered here, if you do need to replace the battery, it only takes a simple flick to open the battery door.<\/p>\n<p>For those who train indoors, ANT+ and BLE connectivity allow you to seamlessly pair it with your favourite indoor training app and cycling computer. What I really like about the Viiiiva, however, is that because it doesn&#8217;t clip into and sit atop the strap, the flush configuration means it doesn&#8217;t protrude through your cycling jersey like some of its rivals. Furthermore, it has internal memory to store data locally for activities that don&#8217;t permit a smartwatch or cycling computer.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-best-for-durability\"><span>Best for durability<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-65d21ac2-a20a-11f1-8738-c18faca06775\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Richard Butcher)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"product prog-buying-guide\" id=\"elk-65d21b3a-a20a-11f1-8a3f-a386763b7bae\">\n<div class=\"title-and-rating\">\n<h3 class=\"product__title\" id=\"2-garmin-hrm-pro-plus\">2. Garmin HRM-Pro Plus<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_hawk subtitle\">Most durable &amp; versatile heart rate monitor<\/div>\n<div class=\"user-expert-review-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"expert-review\">\n<p>Our expert review:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary spec\">\n<h4>Specifications<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\">\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Weight: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">52g\/1.8oz<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Connectivity: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">ANT+, 3x BLE<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Battery Life: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">12 months (claimed)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Water resistance: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">50 metres<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Strap: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">Adjustable elastic<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-wrapper\">\n<aside data-article-category=\"group-tests\" data-block-type=\"buying-guide\" data-model-name=\"Garmin HRM-Pro Plus\" data-name=\"Buying Guide merchantlink widget\" data-render-type=\"editorial\" data-widget-title=\"fullPriceWidgetTitle\" data-widget-type=\"merchantlink\" class=\"ecom-root\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-main-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-title-merchantlink-title-buying-guide\">Today&#8217;s Best Deals<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-wrapper hawk-merchant-link-widget-left-alignment\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Amazon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary pros\">\n<h4>Reasons to buy<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Good battery life<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">High sweat resistance<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Swim friendly<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Records and stores data<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary cons\">\n<h4>Reasons to avoid<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">Pricey<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">O-ring in battery cover prone to stretching<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-65d21bb2-a20a-11f1-8590-179213853f4f\">Garmin heart rate monitors have come a long way over the past decade and a half, improving with each iteration and incorporating customer feedback. Like the 4iiii Viiiiva, I\u2019ve spent many hours and thousands of kilometres using the Garmin HRM-Pro Plus and have been impressed by its reliability and water\/sweat resistance. It just keeps going thanks to the impressively thought-out design that pairs a high-quality, adjustable strap with an electronic pod.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike its rivals, the electronic pod is permanently wired\/embedded into the strap assembly &#8211; no press studs here. This means it not only offers superb water- and sweat-resistance, but you can even swim with it thanks to the design&#8217;s impressive sealing properties. Unfortunately, the battery doesn&#8217;t last as long as stated (it depends on usage), but the CR2032 coin cell is very easy to replace. Simply clip off the white silicone housing and swivel the quarter-turn door, but be careful not to snag or stretch the rubber O-ring &#8211; this will affect moisture resistance and compromise the seal.<\/p>\n<p>As expected of an HRM at this price, it can measure and broadcast both heart rate and heart rate variability via ANT+ and BLE, and it has internal memory. Its electrocardiogram (ECG) gives it highly accurate heart rate data which is repeatable and consistent &#8211; no dropouts or spikes. Another great attribute is that it can be used while swimming at depths of up to 50 metres, making it one of the most versatile straps in this test and, still, the best heart rate monitor Garmin has ever produced.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-best-rechargeable-hrm\"><span>Best rechargeable HRM<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-65d21cac-a20a-11f1-bec7-25edc0710c7a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Richard Butcher)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"product prog-buying-guide\" id=\"elk-65d21d24-a20a-11f1-a67d-490cdc1482dc\">\n<div class=\"title-and-rating\">\n<h3 class=\"product__title\" id=\"3-wahoo-trackr\">3. Wahoo Trackr<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_hawk subtitle\">Best rechargeable heart rate monitor<\/div>\n<div class=\"user-expert-review-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"expert-review\">\n<p>Our expert review:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary spec\">\n<h4>Specifications<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\">\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Weight: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">39g\/1.3oz<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Connectivity: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">ANT+, 3x BLE<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Battery Life: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">100 hours<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Water resistance: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">IPX7<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Strap: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">Adjustable elastic<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-wrapper\">\n<aside data-article-category=\"group-tests\" data-block-type=\"buying-guide\" data-model-name=\"Wahoo Trackr Heart Rate\" data-name=\"Buying Guide merchantlink widget\" data-render-type=\"editorial\" data-widget-title=\"fullPriceWidgetTitle\" data-widget-type=\"merchantlink\" class=\"ecom-root\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-main-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-title-merchantlink-title-buying-guide\">Today&#8217;s Best Deals<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-wrapper hawk-merchant-link-widget-left-alignment\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Balfe&#8217;s Bikes<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Sigma Sports<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Amazon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Wahoo Fitness<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary pros\">\n<h4>Reasons to buy<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Very light<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Competitively priced<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Great strap adjustability<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary cons\">\n<h4>Reasons to avoid<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">Battery life could be better <\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">No internal memory<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">HRM pod protrudes <\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-65d21d9c-a20a-11f1-849c-6b3e718e28ab\">Wahoo heart rate monitors of old &#8211; the Tickr and Tickr X &#8211; haven\u2019t had the greatest track record when it comes to reliability, as previous iterations suffered from unreliable performance and terrible corrosion around the press studs that fasten the pod to the strap.<\/p>\n<p>With the new Wahoo Trackr, however, the American company appears to have reversed these issues, resulting in a refined, high-quality heart rate monitor. While it still utilises a traditional electronic pod, Wahoo has improved the strap and contact point interface to ensure accurate and consistent data harvesting.<\/p>\n<p>Where the previous unit could suffer from sweat ingress into the battery housing, Wahoo has introduced a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. This is a significant improvement, but the battery life could be better &#8211; 100 hours isn&#8217;t enough at this price point and is quite frankly the worst in this test. Like the Hammerhead, it also features LED lights to monitor the battery level and pairing status with devices and apps.<\/p>\n<p>In terms of fit and feel, the strap is lightweight, soft to the touch (even after months of use) and among the most comfortable options in this group test. The new hook-and-loop closure system means the strap doesn&#8217;t connect at the electronic pod like before, reducing stress and wear and tear on the press stud interface.<\/p>\n<p>That said, the pod is bulkier than its rivals and does protrude somewhat from the strap, but this isn\u2019t a dealbreaker. Overall, it\u2019s a significant improvement over its forebear and a unit I highly recommend.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-best-budget\"><span>Best budget<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-65d21e8c-a20a-11f1-a21c-833c7521b741\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Richard Butcher)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"product prog-buying-guide\" id=\"elk-65d21f04-a20a-11f1-9921-7900d5671cf6\">\n<div class=\"title-and-rating\">\n<h3 class=\"product__title\" id=\"4-hammerhead-hrm\">4. Hammerhead HRM<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_hawk subtitle\">Best rechargeable heart rate monitor<\/div>\n<div class=\"user-expert-review-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"expert-review\">\n<p>Our expert review:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary spec\">\n<h4>Specifications<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\">\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Weight: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">43g\/1.5oz<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Connectivity: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">ANT+, 2x BLE<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Battery Life: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">900+ hours<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Water resistance: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">30 metres<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Strap: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">Adjustable elastic<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-wrapper\">\n<aside data-article-category=\"group-tests\" data-block-type=\"buying-guide\" data-model-name=\"Hammerhead HRM\" data-name=\"Buying Guide merchantlink widget\" data-render-type=\"editorial\" data-widget-title=\"fullPriceWidgetTitle\" data-widget-type=\"merchantlink\" class=\"ecom-root\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-main-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-title-merchantlink-title-buying-guide\">Today&#8217;s Best Deals<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-wrapper hawk-merchant-link-widget-left-alignment\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Merlin Cycles<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Alpinetrek UK<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"200\">Check Amazon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary pros\">\n<h4>Reasons to buy<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Well priced<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Very light<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Massive battery life<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Swim friendly<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary cons\">\n<h4>Reasons to avoid<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">Occasional dropouts<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">No internal memory<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">Strap and sensor pad not the best<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-65d21f86-a20a-11f1-b5a2-091af77412c0\">The Hammerhead heart rate monitor has a lot going for it with an exceptional feature set that will appeal to many cyclists. It\u2019s superlight, mega comfortable, and compatible with all the indoor training apps and cycling computers. It also has blue and red LEDs that indicate the sensor pod&#8217;s operational status.<\/p>\n<p>The claimed 900+ hour best battery life is the best in class &#8211; and like the 4iiii Viiiiva, I&#8217;m yet to change the coin cell CR2032 and don&#8217;t see this happening any time soon. If you enjoy multi-discipline training, the Hammerhead can be used for swimming to a maximum depth of up to 30 metres.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s got a similar strap design to the 4iiii but still relies on press studs to secure it. While stud configurations historically fail over time owing to corrosion, I\u2019ve yet to see any signs of wear and tear in this regard, which bodes well for long-term use.<\/p>\n<p>That said, it\u2019s not without its issues &#8211; particularly the strap, which Hammerhead will need to address with the next iteration. It doesn&#8217;t feel or look as premium as its rivals, and the electrodes lack the quality of Garmin, Polar, 4iiii and Wahoo. Despite the great comfort it offers, this unfortunately shows up in the performance stakes, where there are occasional dropouts and spikes.<\/p>\n<p>At \u00a350, however, any foibles are easy to ignore &#8211; especially since many of the attributes it offers are truly exceptional and best in class. Overall, Hammerhead has done a good job, but it needs a better strap to compete with the segment frontrunners.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-best-strap-design\"><span>Best strap design<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-65d22076-a20a-11f1-88f7-efdb0af8aeea\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Richard Butcher)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"product prog-buying-guide\" id=\"elk-65d220ee-a20a-11f1-8736-157518d01a93\">\n<div class=\"title-and-rating\">\n<h3 class=\"product__title\" id=\"5-polar-h10\">5. Polar H10<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_hawk subtitle\">Best strap design for comfort and security<\/div>\n<div class=\"user-expert-review-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"expert-review\">\n<p>Our expert review:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary spec\">\n<h4>Specifications<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\">\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Weight: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">60g\/2.1oz<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Connectivity: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">ANT+, 2x BLE<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Battery Life: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">400+ hours<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Water resistance: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">30 metres<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Strap: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">Adjustable elastic<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-wrapper\">\n<aside data-article-category=\"group-tests\" data-block-type=\"buying-guide\" data-model-name=\"Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor\" data-name=\"Buying Guide merchantlink widget\" data-render-type=\"editorial\" data-widget-title=\"fullPriceWidgetTitle\" data-widget-type=\"merchantlink\" class=\"ecom-root\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-main-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-title-merchantlink-title-buying-guide\">Today&#8217;s Best Deals<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-wrapper hawk-merchant-link-widget-left-alignment\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at B&amp;Q<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at B&amp;Q<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Polar UK<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Amazon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary pros\">\n<h4>Reasons to buy<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Comfortable<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Internal data recording<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Good battery life<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Machine-washable strap<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary cons\">\n<h4>Reasons to avoid<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">Heaviest on test<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">Pricey<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">CR2025 battery<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-65d22170-a20a-11f1-9fce-1b50656f7ab9\">The Polar H10 is the Finnish brand\u2019s premium heart rate monitor, and it shows in the build quality and aesthetics. There are a lot of great features here, including internal data recording\/memory, not to mention a machine-washable strap &#8211; something none of its rivals assembled here offers. Like the Hammerhead and Garmin, it\u2019s swim-friendly, too, and can be used at depths of up to 30 metres.<\/p>\n<p>Of the coin cell-powered units here, it&#8217;s the only model that uses a CR2025 &#8211; this is not a downside, but with so many cycling gadgets using CR2032 stock, you\u2019ll need to ensure you have spares on hand, as you can&#8217;t swap from product to product should the battery need replacing. Battery life, however, is pegged at 400 hours, which should see you through a year of indoor and outdoor activity quite comfortably.<\/p>\n<p>At 60g (strap and pod included), it\u2019s the heaviest heart rate monitor on test, but it does have the best strap design of its peers. Not only is it easy to adjust thanks to the buckle closure and hook-and-loop adjustment, but the silicon grippers keep it securely in place, and the rubberised electrodes deliver accurate and stable readings.<\/p>\n<p>Having used the Polar H10 for several months already, I have found that the press studs and connectors have shown no signs of corrosion yet, thanks to the seamless integration between the pod and strap.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-how-i-tested-the-best-hrms\"><span>How I tested the best HRMs <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-65d22260-a20a-11f1-9e83-51b7f87992e8\">When testing these heart rate monitors, I quite literally spent years acquiring this knowledge over thousands of indoor and outdoor kilometres across almost all cycling disciplines.<\/p>\n<p>The reason for this is to really put the durability of these heart rate monitors to the test. Overall, HRMs have very few functions, and one very specific function. Assuming they&#8217;re accurate and consistent, which most are these days and something I&#8217;m still testing for, durability is likely the biggest factor many will be considering.<\/p>\n<p>This is not something that can be measured with data; this is only something that can be tested through use, sweated on and taken on and off thousands of times.<\/p>\n<p>I&#8217;m, of course, also testing for their comfort, connectivity, battery life, and overall specifications, just like any other cycling product.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-meet-the-tester\"><span>Meet the tester<\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"slice-container person-wrapper slice-container-person\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Person\" id=\"elk-65d22350-a20a-11f1-9f73-5d6848ad6db7\">\n<div class=\"person person--separator\">\n<div class=\"person__avatar-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kncyVmaSXuVRA3ENMQSc3T-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 700px) 140px, 100px\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"person__heading\">\n<div class=\"person__name-socials\"><span class=\"block person__name\">Aaron Borrill<\/span><\/p>\n<nav class=\"button-social-group person__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- person__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- person__social-buttons\">\nSocial Links Navigation\n<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"person__role\">Technical Editor<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__bio\">\n<p>Aaron is Cycling Weekly&#8217;s Technical Editor. As the former editor of\u00a0<em>off.roadcc<\/em>, tech editor of\u00a0<em>Cyclingnews<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0<em>Bike Perfect<\/em>, digital editor of\u00a0<em>Bicycling<\/em> magazine\u00a0and associate editor of\u00a0<em>TopCar<\/em>,\u00a0he&#8217;s travelled the world writing about bikes and anything with wheels for the past 20 years &#8211; he\u2019s tested hundreds of bikes spanning road, gravel, mountain, and Time Trial. <\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s his dedication to racing that sees Aaron cover tens of thousands of kilometres every year in his training both as an esports racer and out on the open road. It&#8217;s in these training kilometres where the data is most important to Aaron, tracking his progress, and why he relies so heavily on heart rate monitors. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-how-to-choose-a-heart-rate-monitor\"><span>How to choose a heart rate monitor<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul id=\"elk-65d22440-a20a-11f1-aba8-f9c0b87ba265\">\n<li><strong>First, ask why you need a heart rate monitor.<\/strong> If you are looking to capture data whilst riding or working out to analyse it on a separate device, an HRM is the perfect choice. If you just want to track health, for more general fitness or want live prompts, one of the best smartwatches might be a better option.<\/li>\n<li><strong>What device do you need to connect to?<\/strong> To connect to your bike computer, Phone, tablet or best smart trainer, your HRM will need Bluetooth or ANT+.<\/li>\n<li><strong>How many of these devices do you need to be connected to at once?<\/strong> This is more specific to indoor training, as you might want to be connected to your trainer for the riding but need to track metrics on a bike computer or provide data to your coach. Many only offer a single device at a time, so check before you buy<\/li>\n<li><strong>Optical or electrical \u2013 what&#8217;s the difference?<\/strong>\u00a0For data accuracy, especially if you&#8217;re collecting to analyse later, electrical is best. If you wish to wear it on your arm or wrist and pair it with other devices, Optical offers greater versatility.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Coin Cell or rechargeable?<\/strong>\u00a0Coin Cell units offer long battery life; the Hammerhead HRM in this guide has logged over 900 hours with no sign of stopping. Over they can be fiddly to replace, and rechargeable options are more eco-friendly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-frequently-asked-questions-about-hrms\"><span>Frequently asked questions about HRMs<\/span><\/h3>\n<section class=\"article__schema-question\" id=\"elk-65d2253a-a20a-11f1-a656-ed5cdd60bf27\">\n<h3>What is a heart rate monitor?<\/h3>\n<article class=\"article__schema-answer\">\n<p>Your heart is your body&#8217;s blood delivery agent: it pumps oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood to your limbs, and when you exercise, it has to work harder and faster to meet the body&#8217;s needs.<\/p>\n<p>In a nutshell, a heart rate monitor measures and transmits internal load in beats per minute (BPM), and when used together with one of the best power meters (which measures external load), you can optimise your training zones and track progress in a controlled, holistic way.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"article__schema-question\" id=\"elk-65d225b2-a20a-11f1-a8a8-1fa5f743edbc\">\n<h3>How can cyclists use heart rate monitors?<\/h3>\n<article class=\"article__schema-answer\">\n<p>The most common use for a heart rate monitor is to record intervals. Interval training means riding short efforts at high intensity, interspersed with rest intervals of easy pedalling. In time, this forces the body to adapt so that the intensity can be held for longer or can be increased.<\/p>\n<p>Intervals can be ridden based on RPE (rate of perceived exertion), power (which measures the actual output of the body in watts) or heart rate (which measures the effect that the effort has on the body).<\/p>\n<p>In an ideal world, power and heart rate are combined to show how much stress is required for the body to produce a given output &#8211; but the best power meters are expensive and heart rate monitors allow a rider to know that they&#8217;re riding the efforts hard enough and the recoveries easy enough.<\/p>\n<p>The intensity required during each interval will vary depending upon its length, but will usually be expressed in a &#8216;zone&#8217; which is based on a calculation of the rider&#8217;s max or threshold heart rate. So when training with a heart rate monitor, the rider just needs to know what BPM they need to hold for each interval to have the best chance at completing the training correctly.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/section>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-65d2262a-a20a-11f1-85e9-2d3ce97ff531\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VkXMChQoG8iLi5YrfL9LVm-1000-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VkXMChQoG8iLi5YrfL9LVm-1000-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VkXMChQoG8iLi5YrfL9LVm-1000-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VkXMChQoG8iLi5YrfL9LVm-1000-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VkXMChQoG8iLi5YrfL9LVm-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VkXMChQoG8iLi5YrfL9LVm-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VkXMChQoG8iLi5YrfL9LVm-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VkXMChQoG8iLi5YrfL9LVm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"inline-layout \">\n<div class=\"caption-text\">\n<p>Using heart rate data can help you better understand how your body is performing<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: chris catchpole)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-65d226ac-a20a-11f1-ba37-6bd5039ead05\">Heart rate &#8216;zones&#8217; are very individual. The baseline starting point for one rider might be a threshold heart rate of 180bpm whilst it could be 160bpm for another.<\/p>\n<p>However, training forces the heart muscle to become stronger. A well-trained athlete will see their resting heart rate (which is usually measured in the morning on waking up) drop, so tracking this can show your fitness improvements during the year.<\/p>\n<p>Not only that, your resting heart rate often increases during periods of overtraining, or when you&#8217;re sick. An increased resting heart rate is therefore a red flag which can indicate it&#8217;s time to take a few days off training.<\/p>\n<section class=\"article__schema-question\" id=\"elk-65d2272e-a20a-11f1-b714-2392c92f1923\">\n<h3>Optical or electrical \u2013 what&#8217;s the difference?<\/h3>\n<article class=\"article__schema-answer\">\n<p>For data accuracy, especially if you&#8217;re collecting to analyse later, with a coach or when you have completed your workout, electrical is better. They work by detecting the electrical pulses your heart sends each time it beats. This is why they generally need to be worn around your chest. <\/p>\n<p>If you wish to wear it on your arm or wrist and pair it with other devices, Optical offers greater versatility. This is because the device uses light to pass through the skin and measures how much light is reflected from the blood to determine blood flow, which means they can be worn just about anywhere, as long as they are in close proximity to veins or arteries. <\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"article__schema-question\" id=\"elk-65d2279c-a20a-11f1-bad8-8b98d78a4945\">\n<h3>How do heart rate monitors connect to devices?<\/h3>\n<article class=\"article__schema-answer\">\n<p>Heart rate monitors typically connect to devices via Bluetooth or ANT+. This allows them to sync with cycling computers, smartwatches, or smartphones for real-time data tracking and analysis.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"article__schema-question\" id=\"elk-65d22814-a20a-11f1-95f7-bb83f9330500\">\n<h3>What&#8217;s the difference between Bluetooth and ANT+ ? <\/h3>\n<article class=\"article__schema-answer\">\n<p>Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ are common wireless protocols in cycling technology and most heart rate monitors support both. <\/p>\n<p>Compared to ANT+, Bluetooth operates at a higher bitrate to ANT+. This is great for audio streaming but it does have a higher power consumption which has obvious drawbacks for cycling, especially those training for long-duration rides and endurance. <\/p>\n<p>The advantage of ANT+ is that it&#8217;s much more power efficient and therefore an excellent choice for longer cycling sessions. Plus, ANT+ can be picked up by multiple devices. In theory, you could connect your heart rate monitor to your cycling computer and smartphone simultaneously. <\/p>\n<p>Fun fact: ANT+ is actually owned by Garmin.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/section>\n<aside data-article-category=\"group-tests\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-model-name=\"4iiii Viiiiva,Garmin HRM-Pro Plus,Wahoo Trackr Heart Rate,Hammerhead HRM,Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor\" data-name=\"Buying Guide Multimodel widget\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-widget-title=\"multimodelWidgetTitle\" data-widget-type=\"multimodelreview\" class=\"ecom-root\">\n<div class=\"hawk-multi-model-review-main\">\n<div class=\"hawk-multi-model-review-retail-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-title-container\">Round up of today&#8217;s best deals<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-items-container\" data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-container\" data-expandable=\"0\" data-stacked=\"0\" data-load-more=\"true\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-main-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-main\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\" data-expanded=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"image\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31KJ3-bKYXL._SL500_.jpg\" alt=\"Garmin HRM-Pro Plus - Premium...\" title=\"Garmin HRM-Pro Plus - Premium...\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-product-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"78\" height=\"70\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"name\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-display-name-container\">Garmin HRM-Pro Plus<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"merchant\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/logos\/merchants\/amazon-uk-14606342093191-100-80.png.webp\" alt=\"Amazon\" title=\"Amazon\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-logo-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"80\" height=\"40\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"priceLink\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-main-price-container\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-display-price-container\" data-type=\"retail\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-price\">\u00a3177.50<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>View<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"allDeals\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><span>See all prices<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-container\" data-expandable=\"0\" data-stacked=\"0\" data-load-more=\"true\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-main-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-main\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\" data-expanded=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"image\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31j9exB8LaL._SL500_.jpg\" alt=\"4iiii Viiiiva V200 Heart Rate...\" title=\"4iiii Viiiiva V200 Heart Rate...\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-product-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"78\" height=\"70\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"name\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-display-name-container\">4iiii Viiiiva<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"merchant\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/ig9ovcr5z03vnvob-16578832201197-100-80.png.webp\" alt=\"Merlin Cycles\" title=\"Merlin Cycles\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-logo-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"80\" height=\"40\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"priceLink\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-main-price-container\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-container\" data-type=\"wasPrice\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-price\">\u00a364.99<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div><span class=\"hawk-display-price-container\" data-type=\"retail\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-price\">\u00a354.95<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>View<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"allDeals\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><span>See all prices<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-container\" data-expandable=\"0\" data-stacked=\"0\" data-load-more=\"true\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-main-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-main\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\" data-expanded=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"image\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31Co6Uv-awL._SL500_.jpg\" alt=\"Wahoo Fitness TRACKR Heart...\" title=\"Wahoo Fitness TRACKR Heart...\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-product-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"78\" height=\"70\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"name\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-display-name-container\">Wahoo Trackr Heart Rate<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"merchant\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/logos\/merchants\/amazon-uk-14606342093191-100-80.png.webp\" alt=\"Amazon\" title=\"Amazon\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-logo-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"80\" height=\"40\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"priceLink\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-main-price-container\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-display-price-container\" data-type=\"retail\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-price\">\u00a378.49<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>View<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"allDeals\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><span>See all prices<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-container\" data-expandable=\"0\" data-stacked=\"0\" data-load-more=\"true\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-main-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-main\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\" data-expanded=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"image\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/products\/b46541315bf990bd6688abab8bd0d9771f647b52-100-80.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor...\" title=\"Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor...\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-product-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"78\" height=\"70\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"name\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-display-name-container\">Hammerhead HRM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"merchant\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/ig9ovcr5z03vnvob-16578832201197-100-80.png.webp\" alt=\"Merlin Cycles\" title=\"Merlin Cycles\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-logo-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"80\" height=\"40\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"priceLink\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-main-price-container\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-container\" data-type=\"wasPrice\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-price\">\u00a350<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div><span class=\"hawk-display-price-container\" data-type=\"retail\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-price\">\u00a340.96<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>View<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"allDeals\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><span>See all prices<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-container\" data-expandable=\"0\" data-stacked=\"0\" data-load-more=\"true\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-main-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-main\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\" data-expanded=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"image\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/318Ssk8etiL._SL500_.jpg\" alt=\"Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor...\" title=\"Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor...\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-product-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"78\" height=\"70\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"name\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-display-name-container\">Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"merchant\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/logos\/merchants\/amazon-uk-14606342093191-100-80.png.webp\" alt=\"Amazon\" title=\"Amazon\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-logo-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"80\" height=\"40\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"priceLink\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-main-price-container\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-display-price-container\" data-type=\"retail\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-price\">\u00a3110.89<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>View<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"allDeals\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><span>See all prices<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-footer-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-footer-description\">We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-powered-by-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-powered-by-inner-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-powered-by-powered-by-container\">powered by <\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/search-api.fie.futurecdn.net\/img\/sites\/svg\/cyclingweekly.svg\" alt=\"Cycling Weekly\" title=\"Cycling Weekly\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-site-logo-powered-by\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"60\" height=\"30\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"article__body \">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] 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newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside data-article-category=\"group-tests\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-hawk-json=\"{&quot;buyingGuideBlocksData&quot;:[{&quot;modelName&quot;:&quot;4iiii Viiiiva&quot;,&quot;navigationLink&quot;:&quot;#section-best-overall&quot;,&quot;starRating&quot;:100,&quot;productName&quot;:&quot;1. 4iiii Viiiiva&quot;,&quot;productHeader&quot;:&quot;Best overall&quot;,&quot;pros&quot;:[&quot;Huge battery life&quot;,&quot;Comfortable fit&quot;,&quot;No press studs&quot;,&quot;Easy, click-and-play setup&quot;],&quot;cons&quot;:[&quot;None&quot;],&quot;reviewText&quot;:&quot;With over a year&apos;s worth of testing spanning thousands of indoor and outdoor kilometres, I&apos;m yet to find fault with 4iiiiu2019s Viiiiva heart rate monitor. The whole setup experience is intuitive, and the strap is one of the most comfortable out there in the segment. &quot;,&quot;specs&quot;:[{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Weight&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;46g\/1.6oz&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Connectivity&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;ANT+, 1x BLE&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Battery Life&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;540+ hours&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Water resistance&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;IPX7&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Strap&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;Adjustable elastic&quot;}],&quot;reviewId&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;linkText&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;imageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN.jpg&quot;},{&quot;modelName&quot;:&quot;Garmin HRM-Pro Plus&quot;,&quot;navigationLink&quot;:&quot;#section-best-for-durability&quot;,&quot;starRating&quot;:90,&quot;productName&quot;:&quot;2. Garmin HRM-Pro Plus&quot;,&quot;productHeader&quot;:&quot;Most durable&quot;,&quot;pros&quot;:[&quot;Good battery life&quot;,&quot;High sweat resistance&quot;,&quot;Swim friendly&quot;,&quot;Records and stores data&quot;],&quot;cons&quot;:[&quot;Pricey&quot;,&quot;O-ring in battery cover prone to stretching&quot;],&quot;reviewText&quot;:&quot;Garmin heart rate monitors have come a long way over the past decade and a half, improving with each iteration and incorporating customer feedback. Like the 4iiii Viiiiva, Iu2019ve spent many hours and thousands of kilometres using the Garmin HRM-Pro Plus and have been impressed by its reliability and water\/sweat resistance. It just keeps going thanks to the impressively thought-out design that pairs a high-quality, adjustable strap with an electronic pod.&quot;,&quot;specs&quot;:[{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Weight&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;52g\/1.8oz&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Connectivity&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;ANT+, 3x BLE&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Battery Life&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;12 months (claimed)&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Water resistance&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;50 metres&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Strap&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;Adjustable elastic&quot;}],&quot;reviewId&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;linkText&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;imageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM.jpg&quot;},{&quot;modelName&quot;:&quot;Wahoo Trackr Heart Rate&quot;,&quot;navigationLink&quot;:&quot;#section-best-rechargeable-hrm&quot;,&quot;starRating&quot;:90,&quot;productName&quot;:&quot;3. Wahoo Trackr&quot;,&quot;productHeader&quot;:&quot;Best rechargeable&quot;,&quot;pros&quot;:[&quot;Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery&quot;,&quot;Very light&quot;,&quot;Competitively priced&quot;,&quot;Great strap adjustability&quot;],&quot;cons&quot;:[&quot;Battery life could be better &quot;,&quot;No internal memory&quot;,&quot;HRM pod protrudes &quot;],&quot;reviewText&quot;:&quot;Wahoo heart rate monitors of old - the Tickr and Tickr X - havenu2019t had the greatest track record when it comes to reliability, as previous iterations suffered from unreliable performance and terrible corrosion around the press studs that fasten the pod to the strap.  &quot;,&quot;specs&quot;:[{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Weight&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;39g\/1.3oz&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Connectivity&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;ANT+, 3x BLE&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Battery Life&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;100 hours&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Water resistance&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;IPX7&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Strap&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;Adjustable elastic&quot;}],&quot;reviewId&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;linkText&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;imageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN.jpg&quot;},{&quot;modelName&quot;:&quot;Hammerhead HRM&quot;,&quot;navigationLink&quot;:&quot;#section-best-budget&quot;,&quot;starRating&quot;:80,&quot;productName&quot;:&quot;4. Hammerhead HRM&quot;,&quot;productHeader&quot;:&quot;Best budget&quot;,&quot;pros&quot;:[&quot;Well priced&quot;,&quot;Very light&quot;,&quot;Massive battery life&quot;,&quot;Swim friendly&quot;],&quot;cons&quot;:[&quot;Occasional dropouts&quot;,&quot;No internal memory&quot;,&quot;Strap and sensor pad not the best&quot;],&quot;reviewText&quot;:&quot;The Hammerhead heart rate monitor has a lot going for it with an exceptional feature set that will appeal to many cyclists. Itu2019s superlight, mega comfortable, and compatible with all the indoor training apps and cycling computers. It also has blue and red LEDs that indicate the sensor pod&apos;s operational status. &quot;,&quot;specs&quot;:[{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Weight&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;43g\/1.5oz&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Connectivity&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;ANT+, 2x BLE&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Battery Life&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;900+ hours&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Water resistance&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;30 metres&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Strap&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;Adjustable elastic&quot;}],&quot;reviewId&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;linkText&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;imageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM.jpg&quot;},{&quot;modelName&quot;:&quot;Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor&quot;,&quot;navigationLink&quot;:&quot;#section-best-strap-design&quot;,&quot;starRating&quot;:80,&quot;productName&quot;:&quot;5. Polar H10&quot;,&quot;productHeader&quot;:&quot;Best strap&quot;,&quot;pros&quot;:[&quot;Comfortable&quot;,&quot;Internal data recording&quot;,&quot;Good battery life&quot;,&quot;Machine-washable strap&quot;],&quot;cons&quot;:[&quot;Heaviest on test&quot;,&quot;Pricey&quot;,&quot;CR2025 battery&quot;],&quot;reviewText&quot;:&quot;The Polar H10 is the Finnish brandu2019s premium heart rate monitor, and it shows in the build quality and aesthetics. There are a lot of great features here, including internal data recording\/memory, not to mention a machine-washable strap - something none of its rivals assembled here offers. Like the Hammerhead and Garmin, itu2019s swim-friendly, too, and can be used at depths of up to 30 metres.&quot;,&quot;specs&quot;:[{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Weight&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;60g\/2.1oz&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Connectivity&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;ANT+, 2x BLE&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Battery Life&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;400+ hours&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Water resistance&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;30 metres&quot;},{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Strap&quot;,&quot;value&quot;:&quot;Adjustable elastic&quot;}],&quot;reviewId&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;link&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;linkText&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;imageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM.jpg&quot;}]}\" data-model-name=\"4iiii Viiiiva,Garmin HRM-Pro Plus,Wahoo Trackr Heart Rate,Hammerhead HRM,Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-widget-type=\"tabletop\" class=\"ecom-root\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-header-header\"><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-header-header-text\">The best picks reviewed by Cycling Weekly<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-block\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-area-clicked=\"deal-image\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31j9exB8LaL._SL500_.jpg\" alt=\"4iiii Viiiiva\" title=\"4iiii Viiiiva\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"140\" height=\"80\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-container\"><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-header\">Best overall<\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-name\">1. 4iiii Viiiiva<\/span><span><\/p>\n<div class=\"hawk-star-rating-container\"><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-pro\">Huge battery life<\/span>Read more<span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-read-more-arrow\">\u25bc<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-offers-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"true\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Merlin Cycles<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"false\" data-product-type=\"200\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">Check Amazon<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-block\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-area-clicked=\"deal-image\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31KJ3-bKYXL._SL500_.jpg\" alt=\"Garmin HRM-Pro Plus\" title=\"Garmin HRM-Pro Plus\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"140\" height=\"80\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-container\"><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-header\">Most durable<\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-name\">2. Garmin HRM-Pro Plus<\/span><span><\/p>\n<div class=\"hawk-star-rating-container\"><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\" data-type=\"half\">\u2606<\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-pro\">Good battery life<\/span>Read more<span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-read-more-arrow\">\u25bc<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-offers-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"true\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Amazon<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-block\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-area-clicked=\"deal-image\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31Co6Uv-awL._SL500_.jpg\" alt=\"Wahoo Trackr Heart Rate\" title=\"Wahoo Trackr Heart Rate\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"140\" height=\"80\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-container\"><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-header\">Best rechargeable<\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-name\">3. Wahoo Trackr<\/span><span><\/p>\n<div class=\"hawk-star-rating-container\"><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\" data-type=\"half\">\u2606<\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-pro\">Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery<\/span>Read more<span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-read-more-arrow\">\u25bc<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-offers-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"true\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Balfe&#8217;s Bikes<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"false\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Amazon<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"false\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Wahoo Fitness<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-block\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-area-clicked=\"deal-image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/products\/b46541315bf990bd6688abab8bd0d9771f647b52-280-80.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Hammerhead HRM\" title=\"Hammerhead HRM\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"140\" height=\"80\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-container\"><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-header\">Best budget<\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-name\">4. Hammerhead HRM<\/span><span><\/p>\n<div class=\"hawk-star-rating-container\"><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\" data-type=\"empty\">\u2606<\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-pro\">Well priced<\/span>Read more<span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-read-more-arrow\">\u25bc<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-offers-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"true\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Merlin Cycles<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"false\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Alpinetrek UK<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"false\" data-product-type=\"200\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">Check Amazon<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-block\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-image-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-area-clicked=\"deal-image\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/318Ssk8etiL._SL500_.jpg\" alt=\"Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor\" title=\"Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"140\" height=\"80\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-container\"><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-header\">Best strap<\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-product-name\">5. Polar H10<\/span><span><\/p>\n<div class=\"hawk-star-rating-container\"><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\">\u2606<\/span><span class=\"hawk-star-rating-star-container hawk-star-rating-star-tabletop\" data-type=\"empty\">\u2606<\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-pro\">Comfortable<\/span>Read more<span class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-read-more-arrow\">\u25bc<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-block-offers-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"true\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at B&amp;Q<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"false\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Polar UK<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-inner\" data-last-hovered=\"false\" data-product-type=\"1000\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-tabletop-offer-cta-uppercase\">View at Amazon<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-65d216e4-a20a-11f1-af5c-61791ee49413\">Getting yourself one of the best heart rate monitors represents one of the first significant performance upgrades you can make as a cyclist. Heart rate monitors track your cardiovascular output during your ride, race, or workout, helping you become a better, stronger rider.<\/p>\n<p>The best models will not only accurately track your fitness and fatigue and sync perfectly with the best bike computers, but also predict and detect the onset of illness or rhythmic anomalies. The popularity of heart rate monitors has soared in recent years largely due to the best smartwatches, alongside now being a requirement for many of the best indoor training apps for cycling.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-65d216e4-a20a-11f1-af5c-61791ee49413-2\">What makes one heart rate monitor better than the next? They need to be comfortable and unobtrusive , but also reliable and consistently accurate. Ideally, you want one that balances performance with durability (water and sweat resistance). While this might come at a price, the upshot is that if maintained properly, it&#8217;ll last for years.<\/p>\n<p>As someone who trains and races both indoors and outdoors year-round to a high level, I&#8217;ve put most of the top heart rate monitors through the wringer and destroyed many as a result, but only a few have stood out. In this guide, you will find my top 5 HRMs from quite literally years of testing.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"best-heart-rate-monitors-for-cycling-2026-3\">Best heart rate monitors for cycling 2026<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-best-overall\"><span>Best overall<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-65d218d8-a20a-11f1-9706-f7e3ef89b575\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dc8Gp8KAhwCCXdMYzi96GN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Richard Butcher)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"product prog-buying-guide\" id=\"elk-65d2195a-a20a-11f1-8ffa-610830d743ee\">\n<div class=\"title-and-rating\">\n<h3 class=\"product__title\" id=\"1-4iiii-viiiiva\">1. 4iiii Viiiiva<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_hawk subtitle\">Best overall heart rate monitor for cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"user-expert-review-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"expert-review\">\n<p>Our expert review:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary spec\">\n<h4>Specifications<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\">\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Weight: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">46g\/1.6oz<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Connectivity: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">ANT+, 1x BLE<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Battery Life: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">540+ hours<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Water resistance: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">IPX7<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Strap: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">Adjustable elastic<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-wrapper\">\n<aside data-article-category=\"group-tests\" data-block-type=\"buying-guide\" data-model-name=\"4iiii Viiiiva\" data-name=\"Buying Guide merchantlink widget\" data-render-type=\"editorial\" data-widget-title=\"fullPriceWidgetTitle\" data-widget-type=\"merchantlink\" class=\"ecom-root\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-main-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-title-merchantlink-title-buying-guide\">Today&#8217;s Best Deals<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-wrapper hawk-merchant-link-widget-left-alignment\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Merlin Cycles<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"200\">Check Amazon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary pros\">\n<h4>Reasons to buy<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Huge battery life<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Comfortable fit<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">No press studs<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Easy, click-and-play setup<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary cons\">\n<h4>Reasons to avoid<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">None<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-65d219d2-a20a-11f1-9525-3568f63ea6c6\">With over a year&#8217;s worth of testing spanning thousands of indoor and outdoor kilometres, I&#8217;m yet to find fault with 4iiii\u2019s Viiiiva heart rate monitor. The whole setup experience is intuitive, and the strap is one of the most comfortable out there in the segment.<\/p>\n<p>The Viiiiva is unique in that the strap connects to the heart rate pod on both sides via a swivel hinge &#8211; no snap-stud here. This also means sweat won\u2019t creep into vital contact points and destroy the metal press studs or affect performance, which improves the unit&#8217;s lifespan.<\/p>\n<p>No heart rate monitor is immune to sweat, though, and you\u2019ll still need to wipe it clean after every ride and handwash the strap in warm water if it gets a bit crusty.<\/p>\n<p>The battery life is excellent, and I&#8217;m yet to change the coin cell CR2032 battery &#8211; 4iiii pegs battery life at 540+ hours, which could last you between 12 and 18 months depending on how much you ride. While it\u2019s one of the best-performing options we\u2019ve gathered here, if you do need to replace the battery, it only takes a simple flick to open the battery door.<\/p>\n<p>For those who train indoors, ANT+ and BLE connectivity allow you to seamlessly pair it with your favourite indoor training app and cycling computer. What I really like about the Viiiiva, however, is that because it doesn&#8217;t clip into and sit atop the strap, the flush configuration means it doesn&#8217;t protrude through your cycling jersey like some of its rivals. Furthermore, it has internal memory to store data locally for activities that don&#8217;t permit a smartwatch or cycling computer.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-best-for-durability\"><span>Best for durability<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-65d21ac2-a20a-11f1-8738-c18faca06775\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/P2AXwsFjutdP69F7PHidmM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Richard Butcher)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"product prog-buying-guide\" id=\"elk-65d21b3a-a20a-11f1-8a3f-a386763b7bae\">\n<div class=\"title-and-rating\">\n<h3 class=\"product__title\" id=\"2-garmin-hrm-pro-plus\">2. Garmin HRM-Pro Plus<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_hawk subtitle\">Most durable &amp; versatile heart rate monitor<\/div>\n<div class=\"user-expert-review-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"expert-review\">\n<p>Our expert review:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary spec\">\n<h4>Specifications<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\">\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Weight: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">52g\/1.8oz<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Connectivity: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">ANT+, 3x BLE<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Battery Life: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">12 months (claimed)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Water resistance: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">50 metres<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Strap: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">Adjustable elastic<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-wrapper\">\n<aside data-article-category=\"group-tests\" data-block-type=\"buying-guide\" data-model-name=\"Garmin HRM-Pro Plus\" data-name=\"Buying Guide merchantlink widget\" data-render-type=\"editorial\" data-widget-title=\"fullPriceWidgetTitle\" data-widget-type=\"merchantlink\" class=\"ecom-root\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-main-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-title-merchantlink-title-buying-guide\">Today&#8217;s Best Deals<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-wrapper hawk-merchant-link-widget-left-alignment\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Amazon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary pros\">\n<h4>Reasons to buy<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Good battery life<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">High sweat resistance<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Swim friendly<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Records and stores data<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary cons\">\n<h4>Reasons to avoid<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">Pricey<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">O-ring in battery cover prone to stretching<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-65d21bb2-a20a-11f1-8590-179213853f4f\">Garmin heart rate monitors have come a long way over the past decade and a half, improving with each iteration and incorporating customer feedback. Like the 4iiii Viiiiva, I\u2019ve spent many hours and thousands of kilometres using the Garmin HRM-Pro Plus and have been impressed by its reliability and water\/sweat resistance. It just keeps going thanks to the impressively thought-out design that pairs a high-quality, adjustable strap with an electronic pod.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike its rivals, the electronic pod is permanently wired\/embedded into the strap assembly &#8211; no press studs here. This means it not only offers superb water- and sweat-resistance, but you can even swim with it thanks to the design&#8217;s impressive sealing properties. Unfortunately, the battery doesn&#8217;t last as long as stated (it depends on usage), but the CR2032 coin cell is very easy to replace. Simply clip off the white silicone housing and swivel the quarter-turn door, but be careful not to snag or stretch the rubber O-ring &#8211; this will affect moisture resistance and compromise the seal.<\/p>\n<p>As expected of an HRM at this price, it can measure and broadcast both heart rate and heart rate variability via ANT+ and BLE, and it has internal memory. Its electrocardiogram (ECG) gives it highly accurate heart rate data which is repeatable and consistent &#8211; no dropouts or spikes. Another great attribute is that it can be used while swimming at depths of up to 50 metres, making it one of the most versatile straps in this test and, still, the best heart rate monitor Garmin has ever produced.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-best-rechargeable-hrm\"><span>Best rechargeable HRM<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-65d21cac-a20a-11f1-bec7-25edc0710c7a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G49GZSMTLTW2GWAdbV24GN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Richard Butcher)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"product prog-buying-guide\" id=\"elk-65d21d24-a20a-11f1-a67d-490cdc1482dc\">\n<div class=\"title-and-rating\">\n<h3 class=\"product__title\" id=\"3-wahoo-trackr\">3. Wahoo Trackr<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_hawk subtitle\">Best rechargeable heart rate monitor<\/div>\n<div class=\"user-expert-review-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"expert-review\">\n<p>Our expert review:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary spec\">\n<h4>Specifications<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\">\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Weight: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">39g\/1.3oz<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Connectivity: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">ANT+, 3x BLE<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Battery Life: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">100 hours<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Water resistance: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">IPX7<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Strap: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">Adjustable elastic<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-wrapper\">\n<aside data-article-category=\"group-tests\" data-block-type=\"buying-guide\" data-model-name=\"Wahoo Trackr Heart Rate\" data-name=\"Buying Guide merchantlink widget\" data-render-type=\"editorial\" data-widget-title=\"fullPriceWidgetTitle\" data-widget-type=\"merchantlink\" class=\"ecom-root\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-main-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-title-merchantlink-title-buying-guide\">Today&#8217;s Best Deals<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-wrapper hawk-merchant-link-widget-left-alignment\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Balfe&#8217;s Bikes<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Sigma Sports<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Amazon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Wahoo Fitness<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary pros\">\n<h4>Reasons to buy<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Very light<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Competitively priced<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Great strap adjustability<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary cons\">\n<h4>Reasons to avoid<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">Battery life could be better <\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">No internal memory<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">HRM pod protrudes <\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-65d21d9c-a20a-11f1-849c-6b3e718e28ab\">Wahoo heart rate monitors of old &#8211; the Tickr and Tickr X &#8211; haven\u2019t had the greatest track record when it comes to reliability, as previous iterations suffered from unreliable performance and terrible corrosion around the press studs that fasten the pod to the strap.<\/p>\n<p>With the new Wahoo Trackr, however, the American company appears to have reversed these issues, resulting in a refined, high-quality heart rate monitor. While it still utilises a traditional electronic pod, Wahoo has improved the strap and contact point interface to ensure accurate and consistent data harvesting.<\/p>\n<p>Where the previous unit could suffer from sweat ingress into the battery housing, Wahoo has introduced a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. This is a significant improvement, but the battery life could be better &#8211; 100 hours isn&#8217;t enough at this price point and is quite frankly the worst in this test. Like the Hammerhead, it also features LED lights to monitor the battery level and pairing status with devices and apps.<\/p>\n<p>In terms of fit and feel, the strap is lightweight, soft to the touch (even after months of use) and among the most comfortable options in this group test. The new hook-and-loop closure system means the strap doesn&#8217;t connect at the electronic pod like before, reducing stress and wear and tear on the press stud interface.<\/p>\n<p>That said, the pod is bulkier than its rivals and does protrude somewhat from the strap, but this isn\u2019t a dealbreaker. Overall, it\u2019s a significant improvement over its forebear and a unit I highly recommend.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-best-budget\"><span>Best budget<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-65d21e8c-a20a-11f1-a21c-833c7521b741\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hZAvTb7vghbdUgpzvpjxzM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Richard Butcher)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"product prog-buying-guide\" id=\"elk-65d21f04-a20a-11f1-9921-7900d5671cf6\">\n<div class=\"title-and-rating\">\n<h3 class=\"product__title\" id=\"4-hammerhead-hrm\">4. Hammerhead HRM<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_hawk subtitle\">Best rechargeable heart rate monitor<\/div>\n<div class=\"user-expert-review-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"expert-review\">\n<p>Our expert review:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary spec\">\n<h4>Specifications<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\">\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Weight: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">43g\/1.5oz<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Connectivity: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">ANT+, 2x BLE<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Battery Life: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">900+ hours<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Water resistance: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">30 metres<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Strap: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">Adjustable elastic<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-wrapper\">\n<aside data-article-category=\"group-tests\" data-block-type=\"buying-guide\" data-model-name=\"Hammerhead HRM\" data-name=\"Buying Guide merchantlink widget\" data-render-type=\"editorial\" data-widget-title=\"fullPriceWidgetTitle\" data-widget-type=\"merchantlink\" class=\"ecom-root\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-main-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-title-merchantlink-title-buying-guide\">Today&#8217;s Best Deals<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-wrapper hawk-merchant-link-widget-left-alignment\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Merlin Cycles<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Alpinetrek UK<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"200\">Check Amazon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary pros\">\n<h4>Reasons to buy<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Well priced<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Very light<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Massive battery life<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Swim friendly<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary cons\">\n<h4>Reasons to avoid<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">Occasional dropouts<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">No internal memory<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">Strap and sensor pad not the best<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-65d21f86-a20a-11f1-b5a2-091af77412c0\">The Hammerhead heart rate monitor has a lot going for it with an exceptional feature set that will appeal to many cyclists. It\u2019s superlight, mega comfortable, and compatible with all the indoor training apps and cycling computers. It also has blue and red LEDs that indicate the sensor pod&#8217;s operational status.<\/p>\n<p>The claimed 900+ hour best battery life is the best in class &#8211; and like the 4iiii Viiiiva, I&#8217;m yet to change the coin cell CR2032 and don&#8217;t see this happening any time soon. If you enjoy multi-discipline training, the Hammerhead can be used for swimming to a maximum depth of up to 30 metres.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s got a similar strap design to the 4iiii but still relies on press studs to secure it. While stud configurations historically fail over time owing to corrosion, I\u2019ve yet to see any signs of wear and tear in this regard, which bodes well for long-term use.<\/p>\n<p>That said, it\u2019s not without its issues &#8211; particularly the strap, which Hammerhead will need to address with the next iteration. It doesn&#8217;t feel or look as premium as its rivals, and the electrodes lack the quality of Garmin, Polar, 4iiii and Wahoo. Despite the great comfort it offers, this unfortunately shows up in the performance stakes, where there are occasional dropouts and spikes.<\/p>\n<p>At \u00a350, however, any foibles are easy to ignore &#8211; especially since many of the attributes it offers are truly exceptional and best in class. Overall, Hammerhead has done a good job, but it needs a better strap to compete with the segment frontrunners.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-best-strap-design\"><span>Best strap design<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-65d22076-a20a-11f1-88f7-efdb0af8aeea\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZtRoqucqtMVGuTMp3XeyM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Richard Butcher)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"product prog-buying-guide\" id=\"elk-65d220ee-a20a-11f1-8736-157518d01a93\">\n<div class=\"title-and-rating\">\n<h3 class=\"product__title\" id=\"5-polar-h10\">5. Polar H10<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"_hawk subtitle\">Best strap design for comfort and security<\/div>\n<div class=\"user-expert-review-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"expert-review\">\n<p>Our expert review:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary spec\">\n<h4>Specifications<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\">\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Weight: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">60g\/2.1oz<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Connectivity: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">ANT+, 2x BLE<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Battery Life: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">400+ hours<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Water resistance: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">30 metres<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"spec__entry\"><span class=\"spec__name\">Strap: <\/span><span class=\"spec_value\">Adjustable elastic<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-wrapper\">\n<aside data-article-category=\"group-tests\" data-block-type=\"buying-guide\" data-model-name=\"Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor\" data-name=\"Buying Guide merchantlink widget\" data-render-type=\"editorial\" data-widget-title=\"fullPriceWidgetTitle\" data-widget-type=\"merchantlink\" class=\"ecom-root\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-widget-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-main-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-title-merchantlink-title-buying-guide\">Today&#8217;s Best Deals<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-wrapper hawk-merchant-link-widget-left-alignment\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at B&amp;Q<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at B&amp;Q<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Polar UK<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"hawk-merchant-link-widget-item-container\" data-product-type=\"1000\">View at Amazon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary pros\">\n<h4>Reasons to buy<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Comfortable<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Internal data recording<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Good battery life<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk pros__value\"><span class=\"pros__marker\">+<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pros__entry\">Machine-washable strap<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"product-summary cons\">\n<h4>Reasons to avoid<\/h4>\n<div class=\"product-summary__container\"><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">Heaviest on test<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">Pricey<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"_hawk cons__value\"><span class=\"cons__marker\">&#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cons__entry\">CR2025 battery<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-65d22170-a20a-11f1-9fce-1b50656f7ab9\">The Polar H10 is the Finnish brand\u2019s premium heart rate monitor, and it shows in the build quality and aesthetics. There are a lot of great features here, including internal data recording\/memory, not to mention a machine-washable strap &#8211; something none of its rivals assembled here offers. Like the Hammerhead and Garmin, it\u2019s swim-friendly, too, and can be used at depths of up to 30 metres.<\/p>\n<p>Of the coin cell-powered units here, it&#8217;s the only model that uses a CR2025 &#8211; this is not a downside, but with so many cycling gadgets using CR2032 stock, you\u2019ll need to ensure you have spares on hand, as you can&#8217;t swap from product to product should the battery need replacing. Battery life, however, is pegged at 400 hours, which should see you through a year of indoor and outdoor activity quite comfortably.<\/p>\n<p>At 60g (strap and pod included), it\u2019s the heaviest heart rate monitor on test, but it does have the best strap design of its peers. Not only is it easy to adjust thanks to the buckle closure and hook-and-loop adjustment, but the silicon grippers keep it securely in place, and the rubberised electrodes deliver accurate and stable readings.<\/p>\n<p>Having used the Polar H10 for several months already, I have found that the press studs and connectors have shown no signs of corrosion yet, thanks to the seamless integration between the pod and strap.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-how-i-tested-the-best-hrms\"><span>How I tested the best HRMs <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-65d22260-a20a-11f1-9e83-51b7f87992e8\">When testing these heart rate monitors, I quite literally spent years acquiring this knowledge over thousands of indoor and outdoor kilometres across almost all cycling disciplines.<\/p>\n<p>The reason for this is to really put the durability of these heart rate monitors to the test. Overall, HRMs have very few functions, and one very specific function. Assuming they&#8217;re accurate and consistent, which most are these days and something I&#8217;m still testing for, durability is likely the biggest factor many will be considering.<\/p>\n<p>This is not something that can be measured with data; this is only something that can be tested through use, sweated on and taken on and off thousands of times.<\/p>\n<p>I&#8217;m, of course, also testing for their comfort, connectivity, battery life, and overall specifications, just like any other cycling product.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-meet-the-tester\"><span>Meet the tester<\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"slice-container person-wrapper slice-container-person\" data-component-name=\"Slice:Person\" id=\"elk-65d22350-a20a-11f1-9f73-5d6848ad6db7\">\n<div class=\"person person--separator\">\n<div class=\"person__avatar-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kncyVmaSXuVRA3ENMQSc3T-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 700px) 140px, 100px\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"person__heading\">\n<div class=\"person__name-socials\"><span class=\"block person__name\">Aaron Borrill<\/span><\/p>\n<nav class=\"button-social-group person__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- person__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- person__social-buttons\">\nSocial Links Navigation\n<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"person__role\">Technical Editor<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__bio\">\n<p>Aaron is Cycling Weekly&#8217;s Technical Editor. As the former editor of\u00a0<em>off.roadcc<\/em>, tech editor of\u00a0<em>Cyclingnews<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0<em>Bike Perfect<\/em>, digital editor of\u00a0<em>Bicycling<\/em> magazine\u00a0and associate editor of\u00a0<em>TopCar<\/em>,\u00a0he&#8217;s travelled the world writing about bikes and anything with wheels for the past 20 years &#8211; he\u2019s tested hundreds of bikes spanning road, gravel, mountain, and Time Trial. <\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s his dedication to racing that sees Aaron cover tens of thousands of kilometres every year in his training both as an esports racer and out on the open road. It&#8217;s in these training kilometres where the data is most important to Aaron, tracking his progress, and why he relies so heavily on heart rate monitors. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-how-to-choose-a-heart-rate-monitor\"><span>How to choose a heart rate monitor<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul id=\"elk-65d22440-a20a-11f1-aba8-f9c0b87ba265\">\n<li><strong>First, ask why you need a heart rate monitor.<\/strong> If you are looking to capture data whilst riding or working out to analyse it on a separate device, an HRM is the perfect choice. If you just want to track health, for more general fitness or want live prompts, one of the best smartwatches might be a better option.<\/li>\n<li><strong>What device do you need to connect to?<\/strong> To connect to your bike computer, Phone, tablet or best smart trainer, your HRM will need Bluetooth or ANT+.<\/li>\n<li><strong>How many of these devices do you need to be connected to at once?<\/strong> This is more specific to indoor training, as you might want to be connected to your trainer for the riding but need to track metrics on a bike computer or provide data to your coach. Many only offer a single device at a time, so check before you buy<\/li>\n<li><strong>Optical or electrical \u2013 what&#8217;s the difference?<\/strong>\u00a0For data accuracy, especially if you&#8217;re collecting to analyse later, electrical is best. If you wish to wear it on your arm or wrist and pair it with other devices, Optical offers greater versatility.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Coin Cell or rechargeable?<\/strong>\u00a0Coin Cell units offer long battery life; the Hammerhead HRM in this guide has logged over 900 hours with no sign of stopping. Over they can be fiddly to replace, and rechargeable options are more eco-friendly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-frequently-asked-questions-about-hrms\"><span>Frequently asked questions about HRMs<\/span><\/h3>\n<section class=\"article__schema-question\" id=\"elk-65d2253a-a20a-11f1-a656-ed5cdd60bf27\">\n<h3>What is a heart rate monitor?<\/h3>\n<article class=\"article__schema-answer\">\n<p>Your heart is your body&#8217;s blood delivery agent: it pumps oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood to your limbs, and when you exercise, it has to work harder and faster to meet the body&#8217;s needs.<\/p>\n<p>In a nutshell, a heart rate monitor measures and transmits internal load in beats per minute (BPM), and when used together with one of the best power meters (which measures external load), you can optimise your training zones and track progress in a controlled, holistic way.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"article__schema-question\" id=\"elk-65d225b2-a20a-11f1-a8a8-1fa5f743edbc\">\n<h3>How can cyclists use heart rate monitors?<\/h3>\n<article class=\"article__schema-answer\">\n<p>The most common use for a heart rate monitor is to record intervals. Interval training means riding short efforts at high intensity, interspersed with rest intervals of easy pedalling. In time, this forces the body to adapt so that the intensity can be held for longer or can be increased.<\/p>\n<p>Intervals can be ridden based on RPE (rate of perceived exertion), power (which measures the actual output of the body in watts) or heart rate (which measures the effect that the effort has on the body).<\/p>\n<p>In an ideal world, power and heart rate are combined to show how much stress is required for the body to produce a given output &#8211; but the best power meters are expensive and heart rate monitors allow a rider to know that they&#8217;re riding the efforts hard enough and the recoveries easy enough.<\/p>\n<p>The intensity required during each interval will vary depending upon its length, but will usually be expressed in a &#8216;zone&#8217; which is based on a calculation of the rider&#8217;s max or threshold heart rate. So when training with a heart rate monitor, the rider just needs to know what BPM they need to hold for each interval to have the best chance at completing the training correctly.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/section>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout \" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-65d2262a-a20a-11f1-85e9-2d3ce97ff531\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VkXMChQoG8iLi5YrfL9LVm-1000-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VkXMChQoG8iLi5YrfL9LVm-1000-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VkXMChQoG8iLi5YrfL9LVm-1000-80.jpg.webp 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VkXMChQoG8iLi5YrfL9LVm-1000-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VkXMChQoG8iLi5YrfL9LVm-768-80.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VkXMChQoG8iLi5YrfL9LVm-415-80.jpg.webp 415w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VkXMChQoG8iLi5YrfL9LVm-360-80.jpg.webp 360w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VkXMChQoG8iLi5YrfL9LVm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 710px) 670px, calc(100vw - 30px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"inline-layout \">\n<div class=\"caption-text\">\n<p>Using heart rate data can help you better understand how your body is performing<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><div class=\"credit\">(Image credit: chris catchpole)<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-65d226ac-a20a-11f1-ba37-6bd5039ead05\">Heart rate &#8216;zones&#8217; are very individual. The baseline starting point for one rider might be a threshold heart rate of 180bpm whilst it could be 160bpm for another.<\/p>\n<p>However, training forces the heart muscle to become stronger. A well-trained athlete will see their resting heart rate (which is usually measured in the morning on waking up) drop, so tracking this can show your fitness improvements during the year.<\/p>\n<p>Not only that, your resting heart rate often increases during periods of overtraining, or when you&#8217;re sick. An increased resting heart rate is therefore a red flag which can indicate it&#8217;s time to take a few days off training.<\/p>\n<section class=\"article__schema-question\" id=\"elk-65d2272e-a20a-11f1-b714-2392c92f1923\">\n<h3>Optical or electrical \u2013 what&#8217;s the difference?<\/h3>\n<article class=\"article__schema-answer\">\n<p>For data accuracy, especially if you&#8217;re collecting to analyse later, with a coach or when you have completed your workout, electrical is better. They work by detecting the electrical pulses your heart sends each time it beats. This is why they generally need to be worn around your chest. <\/p>\n<p>If you wish to wear it on your arm or wrist and pair it with other devices, Optical offers greater versatility. This is because the device uses light to pass through the skin and measures how much light is reflected from the blood to determine blood flow, which means they can be worn just about anywhere, as long as they are in close proximity to veins or arteries. <\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"article__schema-question\" id=\"elk-65d2279c-a20a-11f1-bad8-8b98d78a4945\">\n<h3>How do heart rate monitors connect to devices?<\/h3>\n<article class=\"article__schema-answer\">\n<p>Heart rate monitors typically connect to devices via Bluetooth or ANT+. This allows them to sync with cycling computers, smartwatches, or smartphones for real-time data tracking and analysis.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"article__schema-question\" id=\"elk-65d22814-a20a-11f1-95f7-bb83f9330500\">\n<h3>What&#8217;s the difference between Bluetooth and ANT+ ? <\/h3>\n<article class=\"article__schema-answer\">\n<p>Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ are common wireless protocols in cycling technology and most heart rate monitors support both. <\/p>\n<p>Compared to ANT+, Bluetooth operates at a higher bitrate to ANT+. This is great for audio streaming but it does have a higher power consumption which has obvious drawbacks for cycling, especially those training for long-duration rides and endurance. <\/p>\n<p>The advantage of ANT+ is that it&#8217;s much more power efficient and therefore an excellent choice for longer cycling sessions. Plus, ANT+ can be picked up by multiple devices. In theory, you could connect your heart rate monitor to your cycling computer and smartphone simultaneously. <\/p>\n<p>Fun fact: ANT+ is actually owned by Garmin.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/section>\n<aside data-article-category=\"group-tests\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-model-name=\"4iiii Viiiiva,Garmin HRM-Pro Plus,Wahoo Trackr Heart Rate,Hammerhead HRM,Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor\" data-name=\"Buying Guide Multimodel widget\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-widget-title=\"multimodelWidgetTitle\" data-widget-type=\"multimodelreview\" class=\"ecom-root\">\n<div class=\"hawk-multi-model-review-main\">\n<div class=\"hawk-multi-model-review-retail-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-title-container\">Round up of today&#8217;s best deals<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-items-container\" data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-container\" data-expandable=\"0\" data-stacked=\"0\" data-load-more=\"true\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-main-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-main\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\" data-expanded=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"image\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31KJ3-bKYXL._SL500_.jpg\" alt=\"Garmin HRM-Pro Plus - Premium...\" title=\"Garmin HRM-Pro Plus - Premium...\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-product-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"78\" height=\"70\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"name\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-display-name-container\">Garmin HRM-Pro Plus<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"merchant\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/logos\/merchants\/amazon-uk-14606342093191-100-80.png.webp\" alt=\"Amazon\" title=\"Amazon\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-logo-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"80\" height=\"40\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"priceLink\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-main-price-container\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-display-price-container\" data-type=\"retail\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-price\">\u00a3177.50<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>View<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"allDeals\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><span>See all prices<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-container\" data-expandable=\"0\" data-stacked=\"0\" data-load-more=\"true\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-main-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-main\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\" data-expanded=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"image\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31j9exB8LaL._SL500_.jpg\" alt=\"4iiii Viiiiva V200 Heart Rate...\" title=\"4iiii Viiiiva V200 Heart Rate...\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-product-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"78\" height=\"70\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"name\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-display-name-container\">4iiii Viiiiva<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"merchant\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/ig9ovcr5z03vnvob-16578832201197-100-80.png.webp\" alt=\"Merlin Cycles\" title=\"Merlin Cycles\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-logo-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"80\" height=\"40\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"priceLink\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-main-price-container\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-container\" data-type=\"wasPrice\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-price\">\u00a364.99<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div><span class=\"hawk-display-price-container\" data-type=\"retail\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-price\">\u00a354.95<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>View<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"allDeals\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><span>See all prices<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-container\" data-expandable=\"0\" data-stacked=\"0\" data-load-more=\"true\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-main-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-main\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\" data-expanded=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"image\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31Co6Uv-awL._SL500_.jpg\" alt=\"Wahoo Fitness TRACKR Heart...\" title=\"Wahoo Fitness TRACKR Heart...\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-product-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"78\" height=\"70\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"name\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-display-name-container\">Wahoo Trackr Heart Rate<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"merchant\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/logos\/merchants\/amazon-uk-14606342093191-100-80.png.webp\" alt=\"Amazon\" title=\"Amazon\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-logo-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"80\" height=\"40\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"priceLink\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-main-price-container\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-display-price-container\" data-type=\"retail\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-price\">\u00a378.49<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>View<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"allDeals\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><span>See all prices<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-container\" data-expandable=\"0\" data-stacked=\"0\" data-load-more=\"true\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-main-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-main\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\" data-expanded=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"image\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/products\/b46541315bf990bd6688abab8bd0d9771f647b52-100-80.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor...\" title=\"Hammerhead Heart Rate Monitor...\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-product-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"78\" height=\"70\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"name\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-display-name-container\">Hammerhead HRM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"merchant\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/ig9ovcr5z03vnvob-16578832201197-100-80.png.webp\" alt=\"Merlin Cycles\" title=\"Merlin Cycles\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-logo-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"80\" height=\"40\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"priceLink\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-main-price-container\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-container\" data-type=\"wasPrice\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-price\">\u00a350<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div><span class=\"hawk-display-price-container\" data-type=\"retail\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-price\">\u00a340.96<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>View<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"allDeals\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><span>See all prices<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-container\" data-expandable=\"0\" data-stacked=\"0\" data-load-more=\"true\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-main-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-main\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\" data-expanded=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"image\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/318Ssk8etiL._SL500_.jpg\" alt=\"Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor...\" title=\"Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor...\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-product-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"78\" height=\"70\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"name\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-display-name-container\">Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"merchant\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.fie.futurecdn.net\/logos\/merchants\/amazon-uk-14606342093191-100-80.png.webp\" alt=\"Amazon\" title=\"Amazon\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-logo-image\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"80\" height=\"40\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"priceLink\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\">\n<div class=\"hawk-main-price-container\">\n<div><span class=\"hawk-display-price-container\" data-type=\"retail\"><span class=\"hawk-display-price-price\">\u00a3110.89<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>View<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-grid-item-block-container hawk-multimodel-review-items-grid-item-block\" data-name=\"allDeals\" data-product-type=\"1000\" data-button-type data-stacked=\"0\"><span>See all prices<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-footer-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-footer-description\">We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices<\/div>\n<div class=\"hawk-powered-by-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-powered-by-inner-container\">\n<div class=\"hawk-powered-by-powered-by-container\">powered by <\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/search-api.fie.futurecdn.net\/img\/sites\/svg\/cyclingweekly.svg\" alt=\"Cycling Weekly\" title=\"Cycling Weekly\" class=\"hawk-lazy-image-site-logo-powered-by\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"60\" height=\"30\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<article class=\"article__schema-answer\">\n<p>Your heart is your body&#8217;s blood delivery agent: it pumps oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood to your limbs, and when you exercise, it has to work harder and faster to meet the body&#8217;s needs.<\/p>\n<p>In a nutshell, a heart rate monitor measures and transmits internal load in beats per minute (BPM), and when used together with one of the best power meters (which measures external load), you can optimise your training zones and track progress in a controlled, holistic way.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"article__schema-answer\">\n<p>The most common use for a heart rate monitor is to record intervals. Interval training means riding short efforts at high intensity, interspersed with rest intervals of easy pedalling. In time, this forces the body to adapt so that the intensity can be held for longer or can be increased.<\/p>\n<p>Intervals can be ridden based on RPE (rate of perceived exertion), power (which measures the actual output of the body in watts) or heart rate (which measures the effect that the effort has on the body).<\/p>\n<p>In an ideal world, power and heart rate are combined to show how much stress is required for the body to produce a given output &#8211; but the best power meters are expensive and heart rate monitors allow a rider to know that they&#8217;re riding the efforts hard enough and the recoveries easy enough.<\/p>\n<p>The intensity required during each interval will vary depending upon its length, but will usually be expressed in a &#8216;zone&#8217; which is based on a calculation of the rider&#8217;s max or threshold heart rate. So when training with a heart rate monitor, the rider just needs to know what BPM they need to hold for each interval to have the best chance at completing the training correctly.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"article__schema-answer\">\n<p>For data accuracy, especially if you&#8217;re collecting to analyse later, with a coach or when you have completed your workout, electrical is better. They work by detecting the electrical pulses your heart sends each time it beats. This is why they generally need to be worn around your chest. <\/p>\n<p>If you wish to wear it on your arm or wrist and pair it with other devices, Optical offers greater versatility. This is because the device uses light to pass through the skin and measures how much light is reflected from the blood to determine blood flow, which means they can be worn just about anywhere, as long as they are in close proximity to veins or arteries. <\/p>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"article__schema-answer\">\n<p>Heart rate monitors typically connect to devices via Bluetooth or ANT+. This allows them to sync with cycling computers, smartwatches, or smartphones for real-time data tracking and analysis.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"article__schema-answer\">\n<p>Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ are common wireless protocols in cycling technology and most heart rate monitors support both. <\/p>\n<p>Compared to ANT+, Bluetooth operates at a higher bitrate to ANT+. This is great for audio streaming but it does have a higher power consumption which has obvious drawbacks for cycling, especially those training for long-duration rides and endurance. <\/p>\n<p>The advantage of ANT+ is that it&#8217;s much more power efficient and therefore an excellent choice for longer cycling sessions. Plus, ANT+ can be picked up by multiple devices. In theory, you could connect your heart rate monitor to your cycling computer and smartphone simultaneously. <\/p>\n<p>Fun fact: ANT+ is actually owned by Garmin.<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingweekly.com\/group-tests\/heart-rate-monitors-351068&#8243;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QfZAEVem5THtUT4c62HjVV-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] Group Tests Best heart rate monitors 2026: 5 Editor-approved picks after thousands of indoor and outdoor kilometres Essential for indoor and outdoor riding, a good heart rate monitor needs to be durable, sweatproof, and never miss a beat By Aaron Borrill Last updated 27 August 2026 In Buying Guides When you purchase [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[226,85],"class_list":["post-2123796","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingweekly-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2123796","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2123796"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2123796\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2123796"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2123796"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2123796"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}