Reddit reviews Scosche Rhythm+ Heart Rate Monitor Armband- Optical Heart Rate Armband Monitor with Dual Band Radio ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart - Bonus Pack includes Additional Free Armband

https://www.amazon.com/Scosche-RHYTHM-Heart-Monitor-Armband/dp/B00JQHTJS2/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1496544716&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=Scosche+rhythm&psc=1&smid=A2YHD1HF9B7WGP

I'm lucky that I don't have a long commute. But this is by far the best way to get to work!

Edit: with links!

Little info on the bike for any others who are curios.

Bike: 2016 Raleigh Furley (on discount was ~$750 with tax). I love this bike it's awesome. Chromoly steel, real soft ride. Single speed so it's 0 maintenance. Last but not least, disc brakes. Not the best, but they are much better than rims especially in weather of New England.

Tires: Gatorskins 25mm

Honjo Fenders: Superb, takes a while to install. I could have a used a few more brackets to hold everything together better too. Definitely going to get a mudguard for the front maybe the back as well.

Rack is the Topeak explorer for disc brakes. Two Ortlieb back roller city panniers.

Misc: I have a cateye volt 700 for front light and the cateye rapid x3 for a tail light, both are super bright even in the daytime!

Bike computer: Old nexus 5 that I hold on with a quadlock to track everything to strava. I use Ipbike which hooks up to my duotrap and my scosche heartrate monitor.

You didn't miss out on all that much to be honest. The shoes are a nice bonus, the rest of the stuff is cheaper/better elsewhere. Snag a referral code from someone and that takes the shoes down to effectively $25.

Buy this mat for $22
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N808QIH/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Get a better heart rate monitor (the included chest strap one has connection issues if you aren't sweaty)
I bought this one, though I bought it off Google Express and used a 20% coupon.
https://www.amazon.com/Scosche-RHYTHM-Heart-Monitor-Armband/dp/B00JQHTJS2/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1543331660&sr=8-3&keywords=scosche+rhythm%2B

Weights? I had a set lying around, or just go to walmart and pick up a set. Same deal with a water bottle.
Headphones? I don't use them, but I have plenty of headphones lying around if I decide to.

Scosche Rhythm+ Heart Rate Monitor Armband

Great if you already have you smartphone with you anyway. Less finicky than chest straps.

I like my schosche rythm+ armband. Wearing on the arm is more comfortable than the chest to me and it seems very accurate and good battery life. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JQHTJS2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JruCCbN9V0D18

You may want to try some heart rate monitoring - it has been very helpful for me. I got a Scosche Rhythm+ which pairs to my iPhone (running Cyclemeter, though many apps work, including Strava).

It is relatively inexpensive, you can wear it on your wrist, arm, leg or just about anywhere, and runs for over 8 hours on a charge. I don't obsessively monitor, but using it on runs and hikes has improved my ability to self-assess intensity. Before it was a wild guess, but now that I'm calibrated it is an educated guess. I surprised myself with how often I was in high HR zones - no wonder I could hammer as hard as others, but couldn't maintain it.

Touch crowd. Since I don’t know where OP lives I can’t recommend a bike shop but it’s worth taking the time to get the right shoes and cleats. It’s worth the effort.

As for HRM straps, this one seems popular with the crowd here. Scosche Rhythm+ Heart Rate Monitor with Armband, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JQHTJS2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_gNGvDbYMG1RX2

And I like the Jaybird X4 for wireless earbuds. Jaybird X4 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones for Sport, Fitness and Running, Compatible with iOS and Android Smartphones: Sweatproof and Waterproof - Black Metallic/Flash https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GVCZPSJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jPGvDb75T1BX2

I'm a fan of the Scosche Rhythm+. It's not a wrist one, per se, as it is intended to be placed on the forearm, near the elbow (although the review below mentioned that it also worked well when placed on the upper arm, above the bicep, which keeps it out of the way).

Review here: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/05/scosche-antbluetooth-optical.html

Amazon link: http://amzn.com/B00JQHTJS2

As far as Android apps, I'm still looking for the best one, but for now, I'm using this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ndevgroup.hrmonitor

I use the Garmin 910XT with this heart rate monitor which goes around your arm rather than your chest so you don't get the chaffing. I wouldn't wear the HRM on the swim, just put it on in transition to bike.

I had a chest strap before and hated it, always chaffed on the run and was never comfortable.

I use the Scosche Rhythm+ HRM along an App called iCardio/digifit on my phone.

The app has you put in all your stats height, weight, sex, age, etc and it will continuously monitor your heart rate and give you an accurate indication on how many calories you burn for your workout.

One nice feature is that you can sync the app with Myfitness Pal and it will automatically upload your workout.

One con is that you have to purchase the upgraded version to get it to work with a HRM.

My understanding is that the 220 uses HR-monitors based on ANT+ technology.

Your girfriends FR10 does not support external heartrate sensors at all - you can feel confident she does not have one. You can buy the HR-monitor bundled, or choose from one of the 66 othe rmodels http://www.thisisant.com/directory/forerunner-220

If you can spend $80 instead of $50 and want to impress I suggest you get her the coolest HR-device right now - an optical HR monitor Scosche RHYTHM
http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-RHYTHM-Heart-Monitor-Armband/dp/B00JQHTJS2

It is compatible with the FR220 and can be placed around your arm.

Ok ya. So it didn’t connect the whole work out. And my Steel hr Nokia watch didn’t stay connected either bc it was too loose. Going to get the one recommended. Is this the correct one everybody! Is the best place to get it amazon?
Scosche RHYTHM+ Heart Rate Monitor with Armband, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JQHTJS2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VrEvCbB5J1ZNQ

Welcome here! I'll jump in on some of this....

I've worn Fitbits for several years - like 'em and think they're probably very good as pedometers and overall activity trackers during the day. But they really don't work well for strenuous exercise. The technology with the optical sensors simply doesn't react quickly enough to be accurate.

Much more accuracy with a chest strap heart rate monitor (I think gold standard) - my choice, a Wahoo tickr (https://www.amazon.com/Wahoo-TICKR-Monitor-iPhone-Android/dp/B00INQVYZ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496324625&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=heart+rate+monitor&psc=1). But I've used cheaper models in the past like this Garmin (https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-MAIN-61562-Heart-Rate-Monitor/dp/B000UOD5QM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1496324625&sr=8-4&keywords=heart+rate+monitor) and they do fine. A lot of people seem to like the Scosche arm bands (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JQHTJS2/ref=twister_B00KWHQJJW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1) - I can't speak to the accuracy of those compared to a chest strap.

Regardless of what you go with, you'll want accurate heart rate feedback to sync with your bike (Bluetooth and/or ANT+ connectivity). Unless they've changed things with the newer Fitbits, I don't believe your Fitbit will sync with the bike's Android tablet - you'll want your HR monitor to "transmit" to your tablet so you can follow your heart rate data/zones on the tablet as you ride. [One nice thing you've probably noticed tho - the bike now syncs/uploads your workouts to your Fitbit page - with accurate heart rate data from the bike assuming you're using an accurate HR monitor, so you don't have to log your workouts separately to Fitbit.]

Here's the mat that we use under our bike (https://www.amazon.com/SuperMats-P-V-C-Treadmills-Machine-2-5-Feet/dp/B004IJI7HW/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1496325854&sr=1-1&keywords=supermats) - priced reasonable enough, and works fine. One note - if you're putting the bike on anything other than a hard surface (i.e. carpet), get a thick piece of plywood to go under the mat - really helps with stability.

I use Jaybirds and wouldn't ride without them, but there are much cheaper (and more expensive) options for Bluetooth earbuds. My wife doesn't like riding with earbuds and went with a small external speaker (https://www.amazon.com/SoundTorch-Generation-Bluetooth-Portable-Waterresistant/dp/B01GY84TFI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496325454&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=bluetooths+speakers&psc=1) that seems to put out pretty decent sound. Regardless of what you go with, you'll want to use something other than the speakers on the bike - they put out plenty of volume, but they're on the back of the tablet and sometimes the instructors sound "muffled" and can be hard to hear.

For what it's worth, my input.... ;-)

ps - Final thought on your concerns about moving the bike. Wheels are at the front, where most of the weight is with the flywheel and tablet, so I think you'll be fine - it's designed to be tipped at the front and wheeled into place.

Have you seen the Scosche Armband? It has great reviews and is apparently just as accurate as a chest strap. Here is a detailed review.

No wrist based HR monitor works for rowing, the problem is due to the load going through the arm muscles as you row meaning the light can't get a read on your HR - ideally stick with a chest belt

If you are desperate to lose the chest belt then the life beam hat works well, although the downsides are the sweaty hat and terrible battery life compared to a chest belt

https://www.amazon.com/LifeBEAM-Smart-Integrated-Heart-Monitor/dp/B00QLJ7Z70

I havent tested it but the Scoche may also work as it is more accurate than wrist based sensors but it may also have the same issues as the wrist ones

https://www.amazon.com/Scosche-RHYTHM-Heart-Monitor-Armband/dp/B00JQHTJS2

The arm ones are $20 cheaper on Amazon...
https://www.amazon.com/Scosche-RHYTHM-Heart-Monitor-Armband/dp/B00JQHTJS2/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1519762789&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=scosche%2Brhythm%2B&smid=A2YHD1HF9B7WGP&th=1

ive worn a chest strap style monitor a few times with no issue. wear it under a rash guard

there is also this style that you wear on your upper arm
https://www.amazon.com/Scosche-RHYTHM-Heart-Monitor-Armband/dp/B00JQHTJS2

I have a HRM that attaches on my forearm and I love it. It stays put and doesn't cause chafing or migration issues that you get with a chest strap. I have this one http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-RHYTHM-Heart-Monitor-Armband/dp/B00JQHTJS2/ref=lp_2530359011_1_3_a_it?srs=2530359011&ie=UTF8&qid=1464727140&sr=8-3

Is this what you were looking for?

Ideally worn over the forearm and not wrist, but I have heard of people using it on their wrists

But I would say you could also consider something more watch like for a few dollars more if you want.

Thanks all, great feedback! Getting ready to check out stuck on the $100 referral code. ALL of their accessories ... are much cheaper elsewhere in variants.

So, how best to spend it? Per @Kraphtyone, shoes for my wife seems like the best bet (spending an additional $25)?

​

Shoes: I still don't understand options with the shoes to buy elsewhere (more so for my giant wide feet). Do I need to buy a particular type of cycling shoe with certain cleats?

​

Heart Rate Monitor: Is this the recommended option? http://amzn.com/B00JQHTJS2 - what about sharing? Would you recommend something over the wrist or chest for sharing?

​

I would go with Scosche Rhythm for martial arts though... I think the reason watch are not allowed is because you don't want something on the wrist as your wrist is heavily involved in the activities... Wearing Scosche Rhythm on your upper arm or upper forearm should be fine...

https://amzn.com/B00JQHTJS2

I'll add my voice to the crowd endorsing measuring your effort by heart rate, rather than pace.

An inexpensive option for doing this, assuming you have a smartphone already, is this HR monitor, sync'ed to RunKeeper or other running app on your phone.

If you check DCRainmaker's website you can compare watches to find the right one for you. He reviews almost everything in detail. I would suggest you get one that has ANT+ at least so you can add any other device besides the HR monitor.

It looks like the Polar V800 does not have ANT+ and only works with a HR strap. From what I have been reading among the reviews, the watches that have a HR on the wrist alone are not as accurate as a HR strap. Some people like a HR strap but I hate dealing with the batteries, gel and that damn strap wrapped around me. I instead got a Scosche Rhythm+ armband strap that goes on your forearm or bicep. Its has ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity so I can view my heart rate on my watch (Garmin Forerunner), or my phone if I want, or just on my phone only.

I have gone through a couple of watches myself until I found the one that works for me. If you decide to buy another watch go through Amazon and dig. You'll find some good deals out there. I am currently in rehab to get my heart back in shape and when I compare the Rhytm+ do the heart rate monitors, it is exact. The nurses even were impressed. Good luck!

I like the Scosche Rhythm+. I use it with Endomondo (it requires a connection to a phone or some other bluetooth enabled device). I've heard it's not great for upper body weight lifting workouts, but I don't have firsthand experience with that. I do Insanity and it works well for me.

I have a Garmin FR230 and am interested in heart rate training. I also have Apple Watch S2, which seems to give me inconsistent readings. For that reason I sort of scoffed at wrist HRMs and didn't get the Garmin FR 235 that has an HRM.

Now what are my best options? I see the Scosche RHYTHM+ mentioned around here as well as various chest straps. I could also sell off and get the 235 if folks think the HRM is pretty good.

If it matters I'm doing Pfitz 18/55 training so there will be some long runs where the effort must be very dialed in. Thanks!

Thanks for the suggestion! Is this the band you are referring to:
http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-RHYTHM-Heart-Monitor-Armband/dp/B00JQHTJS2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1451587234&sr=8-2&keywords=scosche+rhythm+%2B

Not sure about your friend's budget, but I have a Scosche Rhythm and it works great. It's just a HRM, nothing else, not even an app! It's super basic but pretty good; I also have a Fitbit Charge HR and the data from each is usually pretty similar.

I pair the Rhythm with an app called Digifit, which analyzes the data provided by the HRM. There are other apps you can use as well, but that one works best for me. (Android phone, btw.)

I'm convinced the Rhythm+ is working great and with movement as well. Here's the review I mentioned above. Amazon reviews are positive as well.

Now I hope the Fitbit HR and Surge yield similar results with it's HRM!

To be honest the wrist is just a terrible place to measure in general when you're moving your arms around a lot. I use the HW1 for passive reading and then a Scosche Rhythm+ between my bicep and shoulder for actual exercise. Or you could go the chest strap route.

I have an optical one that I wear on my upper arm.

Here's a review of it comparing to other HRM. It's accurate.

I've had numerous problems with their straps and getting reimbursed for it. Awful corporate policies and management. You can buy the new arm band for $80 off Amazon, just search scosche rhythm+

Scosche RHYTHM+ Heart Rate Monitor with Armband, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JQHTJS2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_qaquzb2CDCCF8

I’d recommend the Peloton shoes and mat. The rest of the accessories are garbage

My recommendations:


Bose SoundSport Wireless Headphones, Black

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L7PSJFO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OXyBCb5JSY0ZE

Clean Bottle 2-Pack 22oz. Water Sport Cycling Running No Mold Easy Clean

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S9RY8FE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_AYyBCbSGR54MG

Scosche RHYTHM+ Heart Rate Monitor with Armband, Black

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JQHTJS2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_aZyBCb218X9F9


KinHwa Microfiber Sports Gym Towel Fast Drying Fitness Sweat Towels Multi-Purpose Travel Towel for Men and Women Workout 3 Pack 16Inch x 31Inch

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B2BGD2Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OZyBCb2MYFBG7

Yea maybe not directly to get calories but it's probably easier to estimate than guesstimating. Anyways I was looking at this one which synchs to bluetooth on your phone. It's optical so I'm curious how well those work compared to the banded ones. How do the bands fit around a female's chest, any interference with their breasts or uncomfortableness while exercising?

I bought this Scosche HRM: since it syncs to your bike, it doesn’t require any adjustments for swapping between users... We don’t use it at the same time so no input on if it gets too sweaty to share....

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JQHTJS2?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I purchased this based on DC Rainmaker's rec and I have found it to be both extremely accurate and comfortable, as did he.

Many people will have different opinions on which watch/brand is "best". It all comes down to what you value most: battery life? satellite acquisition time? super accurate pace? All GPS watches will tell you distance, time, pace, and splits. Most of them, however, will usually round your pace to the nearest 5 seconds.

Two biggies for me were satellite acquisition time and battery life. I started out with a Garmin FR10, which was a great starter watch, but I found myself standing around for 5, 10, even 15 minutes just waiting for it to find a signal! I now have a Garmin FR230, which is way speedier due to its ability to use GPS and GLONASS. I am even able to pick up a signal while still inside. I can turn my watch on while I tie my shoes, and by the time I'm done, it has acquired a signal and I can start my run right away.

Optical HR tech is fairly new, so you won't find too many watches implementing it. Additionally, you have to remember that you will have to wear the sensor directly against your skin in order for it to pick up your HR, so if you live in a place where it may be cold enough for you to wear multiple layers a majority of the time, a watch with an integrated optical sensor may not be the best investment. Instead, you may look into purchasing a separate optical HR monitor such as the Scosche Rhythm+, which connects to Bluetooth/ANT+ compatible devices and can be worn on your forearm.

My recommendation would be the Garmin 230 (or 235 if you are dead-set on getting a watch with an integrated optical HR sensor) since it fits your requirements. I have had good experience with Garmin devices, their customer service is great, and their products work well. I hope that helps!

For less messy amazon links you can extract the part after "/dp/" in

https://www.amazon.com/Scosche-RHYTHM-Heart-Monitor-Armband/dp/B00JQHTJS2/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1484234312&sr=8-2&keywords=scosche+heart+rate+monitor

and make it:

https://amzn.com/B00JQHTJS2

Or via smile link:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00JQHTJS2

BEEP BOP

Plz send any recommendations via PM

The OTF Flex Arm Band is their soon to be released HR sensor which is a re-branded Scosche arm band.

You can see the OTF branded one here: https://i.redd.it/ssm8bv4thdzx.jpg

You can see the Scosche version on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Scosche-RHYTHM-Heart-Monitor-Armband/dp/B00JQHTJS2/

I've never had an issue using the Hr monitor. I can understand when moving it can be a bit off but shouldn't be anything crazy. I also use a hr band that goes on my forearm and it's very accurate. I find the chest ones to be uncomfortable after a period of time.

Scosche RHYTHM+ Heart Rate Monitor with Armband, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JQHTJS2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_VvLIyb63KR8C0

I've tested the Apple Watch, Scosche, and the equipment used at my doctors office and they all hit the same number ever time. Just thought I'd share. :)

buy a scosche rhythm+

http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-RHYTHM-Heart-Monitor-Armband/dp/B00JQHTJS2