Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I've had a few cycling computers in the past that were decent for giving me the basics (speed and distance), then moved to a Polar CS200 as my cycling advanced so that I could add heart rate and cadence to the mix. About 6 months later, I wanted to add power output to the mix. Daunted by the really high price of a PowerTap or it's ilk (not to mention the hassle and expense of re-doing the hub in my rear wheel), I opted to move up to the CS600 so I could "have it all". I've been very happy with the results. I have found that I have all the reliability of the CS200 for heart rate, distance and cadence, and have also added the altimeter, which processes the information to give me the grade of the hills I ride plus the advantage of my power output with the upgrade kit for the CS600.
The power sensor, which incorporates the cadence pick-up is a minimal hassle to set-up, but much less of a hassle than replacing the rear hub (such as with other popular power meters)--and you can install it at home pretty easily. All that is necessary is to place a pick-up on the rear derailler (by replacing a screw in one of the jockey wheels) and to place zip-ties to hold the rest of it in place. There is a little fidgeting to adjust the pick-ups--then you're done. Another really good improvement from Polar is the digital W.I.N.D. wireless transmission. This allows the sensors to be a greater distance from the computer (rather than the prior limited 40cm distance) and no interference from other wireless cycling computers that may be nearby on a group ride. That means more reliable transmission--and also the flexibility to place the speed pick-up on the rear wheel (which I have done).
It is necessary to calibrate this unit for chain weight (a chart with standard weights for popular chains is provided in the instructions), however knowing your actualy chain weight will improve precision. Your local bike shop or the box the chain came in should be able to provide more accurate information. Also, for greater precision, as with all cycling computers, taking a standard measure of rolling tire circumference (in mm) is necessary to calibrate the computer. Once this is done, you're all set to ride!
The data from this computer seems to be quite reproducible. I cannot vouch as to whether the watt output is exactly precise if compared with a "gold standard", but it provides good consistency so you can easily compare one work-out to another and track your progress.
The included software is pretty easy to use and offers really good tracking of progress over time as well as a very good graphical display of each workout, including all the parameters you're set-up to use. (Even if you choose this unit without the power-output, it will still record and display everything else, including speed, heart rate, cadence, distance, duration of the workout, altitude and even temperature. With the power pick-up, the watts are recorded as well.) The software allows you to do a very detailed analysis of each work-out that is easy to follow. You can see how many watts you pulled and what your heart rate was when you were really gutting it out on that steep hill--and it will also calculate the grade to see just how steep that hill was. Another really appreciated feature is that this program and data are on *your* computer, not stored on Polar's website--although you may upload it to their site if you wish. That means you are not subject to having to bow to Polar's website changes or accessibility to access and analyze your workouts.
The one real dissapointment is that although the computer analysis is great and really makes this a powerful tool, Polar chose not to include an IRDA (infra-red) port reader with this cycling computer. The CS600 transmits its data to your home computer through an IRDA port, so it is necessary to purchase this as well if you don't already have one on your computer--and you don't discover until after you've opened the box. If you don't have an IRDA port, you can't access the data from the CS600, so the IRDA port is a critical component to access the value of this cycling computer. Polar should have either chosen to include that port with the CS600 or more clearly stated that it is necessary if you don't have an IRDA port already on your computer.
All in all, I'm very happy with this unit. So much so, in fact, that when I had lost this unit at one point, I ordered a replacement one so I could continue using its features. This is my best recommendation for it--not only *would* I buy it again, I *did*!
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Designed for demanding cyclists, the Polar CS600 cycling computer enables you to track the most important data from your training rides with wireless sensors. The CS600 incorporates a comprehensive feature set combining measurements for time, speed, distance, altitude, and incline as well as cadence (with optional sensor). You can prepare a detailed training program with the included Polar ProTrainer 5 software (for Windows). It can also be used with the optional Polar Power Sensor W.I.N.D. wireless transmitter, which offers 2.4 GHz disturbance-free transmission and an aerodynamic design (another version of the CS600 includes the W.I.N.D. transmitter). Features include:
Polar W.I.N.D transmission technology (compatible, not included): 2.4 GHz coded transmission for disturbance-free connections from wireless speed, cadence and power sensors and WearLink heart rate transmitter.
Large customizable display showing four separate elements of information. Two timeline trend graphs can be displayed simultaneously providing "at-a-glance" feedback during exercise.
Smooth and aerodynamic case design made from tough reinforced polycarbonates for maximum durability.
Polar OwnIndex Fitness Test calculates aerobic fitness (comparable to maximal oxygen uptake, VO2max) providing a reference to base training intensity and measure improvement.
Target heart rate zones with visual and audible alarms (three each)
Graphical comparison of heart rate and speed
Heart rate measurements: maximum of total and each lap, average of total
Automatic lap recording (up to 99 laps) with exercise date
Exercise file info page with date and time
Semi-automatic backlighting
Water resistance to 10 meters (protects against rain and splashes)
Polar OwnOptimizer: Shows the status of training load to help you find the perfect balance between training and recovery.
Cycling Efficiency Index: Improvement in cycling efficiency (your energy expenditure converted into the power that propels the bike forward) indicates improved economy of cycling performance.
Incline Measurement: Provides uphill or downhill steepness in percentages and grades calculated from altimeter data. Numerical information helps you to track your cycling effort accordingly.
SpeedPointer: Points out the difference between average speed/pace and actual speed/pace on the display by up/down arrows.
Estimated Time of Arrival: Set the distance you are going to ride, and your cycling computer calculates the estimated time of arrival based on your cycling speed.
Polar OwnCal: Shows your energy expenditure during one exercise session as well as your accumulated kilocalories during several exercise sessions. Because the OwnCal tracks both the energy expenditure during one exercise session and the accumulated kilocalories during a longer time e.g. one week, it helps in achieving both short term and long term goals.
Cycling Economy/Intensity: Enables you to foresee your calorie expenditure and secure sufficient intake on a long ride. This feature is also useful for comparing and analyzing the loads of various training types.
About Polar The first EKG accurate wireless heart rate monitor was invented by Polar back in 1977 as a training tool for the Finnish National Cross Country Ski Team. The concept of "intensity training" by heart rate swept the athletic world in the eighties. By the 1990s, individuals were looking to heart rate monitors not only for performance training needs, but also for achieving everyday fitness goals. Today, the same concept of heart rate training is being used by world-class athletes as well as everyday people trying to lose weight. Polar is the leading brand among consumers, coaches, and personal trainers worldwide and the company is committed to not only producing the best products, but also being the leading educator on the benefits of heart rate based exercise.
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