heart rate monitors-cadence & crosstalk

[m_g]

Howdy folks,

hope you can help me decide on a heart rate monitor...
currently Im looking at the new Polar CS200cad (http://www.polarusa.com/Products/cs/cs200cad.asp?cat=consumer)(RRP $ 349), and the Echowell X-XR (http://www.bicyclestore.com.au/Echowell-Echo-X-XR-pr-20809.html)(RRP $190)....

Both have wireless speed, wireless cadence, and pretty good heart rate monitor (from what I can tell)...First of all, does anyone have any experience with either products? I like the Polar, but to use the 2 bike function I would need to get another speed sensor and mounting kit (~$100), and for that I could just get another Echowell...but interested in others thoughts....

What Im also wondering is how crosstalk works...the polar has owncode so I assume Im safe with that one...but if I get the Echowell, will I only get crosstalk with other users of an Echowell, or any wireless transmission??

Also, I am getting one with cadence for my road bike, but does anyone see any point in getting cadence on a mountain bike computer??

Thanks heaps

[Beena]

Get the Polar. No doubt about it.

Non-coded receivers tend to get interference from any other hr monitor as well as power lines, transformers etc.

With a Polar you can also be confident that many shops will carry spare parts and that the HR Monitor will work with almost all gym equipment.

The CS200cad is a great unit and is actually quite cheap for what it is. (compare it to a Mavic WinTech which has only basic computer functions and no HR at $315!)

[Grover]

Polar, have no hesitation.

As Beena has said you'll get interference from any other signals with the Echowell. Even if it wasn't for that reason the only HRM I'd ever buy are the Polar's, they work the best and have excellent customer service through Pursuit Performance.

Compared to not only the Mavic Wintech but also the Cateye Double Wireless at 335, this thing is unbeatable value.

And don't bother with cadence on the MTB except if you're doing long/open races like the Mitta Mitta - Mt. Beauty point to point which is all open fire road. On any decent sort of MTB ride you don't have time to watch the cadence and you aren't pedalling constantly enough to get a great gain out of maintaining such an even cadence.

[freeride_sweet]

well, im gonna have to say get the polar as well, dont own one but all the people i train with have polar, all love them, so i'd say that properly the way to go,