As long as you’re not looking for a power meter, a gps or want to upload your exercise data to your home computer, the Polar CS100 is the best cycling computer for the money for the following reasons:
1. It performs flawlessly;
2. It is easy to mount and program;
3. The computer can be mounted on your stem, which is the best place to mount a computer on a triathlon bike;
4. It simultaneously displays the three most important items of information - speed, distance and heart rate (or, as I prefer, heart rate as a percentage of max) - in large, easy to read at a glance numbers;
5. It includes a coded and very comfortable heart monitor strap;
6. The sensor is wireless which makes it easier to mount, more streamlined and better looking;
7. The sensor can be mounted behind the fork and its shape at least appears more aerodynamic than most;
8. It starts and stops automatically;
9. It resets itself automatically if not used for an extended period of time which eliminates the need to manually reset it before every training ride or race;
10. It retails for only $119.95; and
11. You can add wireless cadence to it for $32.95 (which will be displayed in the bottom right hand corner just like the CS200 shown on the right).
The CS100 offers the triathlete a streamlined and wireless cycling computer with an on the bike heart rate monitor all for less than what a good heart rate monitor costs. If you want to add wireless cadence and the ability to upload your exercise data, you can buy the CS200 for $189.95 and get all of the features of the CS100 listed above. Additionally, the computer displays your pedaling cadence while simultaneously displaying your speed, distance and heart rate.
Polar describes the CS100 as follows:
The Polar CS100 combines all the features of a high end cycle computer with a fully functional heart rate monitor. With key features like AutoStart, Autostop and Autolap you’ll have everything you need for sport or fitness riding.
Wireless Polar CS speed sensor
New advanced sensor measuring the cycling speed.
Wireless sensor that provides current, average, and maximum speeds. Easy attachment and aerodynamic design.
Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)
Enables you to foresee the time of arrival based on your cycling speed.
Set the distance you are going to ride, and your cycling computer calculates the estimated time of arrival based on your cycling speed.
SpeedPointer
Indicates the relation between current speed and average speed.
A feature that points out the difference between average speed/pace and actual speed/pace on the display by up/down arrows.
Polar OwnCal®
Counts and displays calorie expenditure.
The Polar OwnCal feature shows your energy expenditure during one exercise session as well as your accumulated kilocalories during several exercise sessions.
You can set daily and weekly exercise goals in terms of calorie expenditure with the OwnCal feature. 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
Polar OwnCode®
Prevents cross-talk from other heart rate monitors.
As more and more people use heart rate monitors today, preventing cross talk from other devices in group situations at the gym or when jogging with a friend becomes essential. The unique coded technology blocks unwanted signals from other heart rate monitors, ensuring disturbance-free transmission of your heart rate data
Polar OwnZone®
Determines personal heart rate limits for a training session.
The Polar OwnZone (OZ) feature determines an individual exercise zone. It guides you through an appropriate warm-up routine and automatically determines a safe and effective exercise heart rate zone - your OwnZone - while taking into account your current physical condition.