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Following on from my previous thread about a turbo trainer I took the plunge and bought the Elite Zumo which is working well so far. https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/do-i-want-a-turbo-trainer/
Today's question is around Hr straps and sweat...
During an hour long session today I started having dropouts on HR readings - I was wet through with sweat and sweat was dripping off me, the strap was soaking- could it be a failing battery? Would having the strap tighter help?
I did use the strap on a steady outdoor Ride at the weekend and it gave constant readings
It is a boggo garmin strap and monitor that's quite a few years old - do they go bad?
IME if it starts dropping out it's the battery starting to go. Worth chucking in another one and trying again. They need some moisture to work, so doubt it's anything to do with you
It could be any of those things. Straps do get knackered. Batteries do run out. If your chest-strap is loose, readings can wander. The connectors can corrode and stop working reliably etc. I think it's a process of elimination/experimentation. I wouldn't have thought it was the sweat, unless the strap was sliding down and no longer making good contact.
I've switched to an arm mounted, optical Wahoo Tickr Fit, which is all round much more pleasant to use and is USB rechargeable. It sits on my bicep and readings are comparable with a Wahoo Tickr chest-strap HRM worn at the same time.
I'd start with the battery replacement and a wee tightening of the strap. Sweat should be a benefit rather than drawback...
yep, I also sweat loads, corroded countless chest HRMs, also recently moved to the Tickr Fit & it seems better in every way!I’ve switched to an arm mounted, optical Wahoo Tickr Fit, which is all round much more pleasant to use
Thanks - will try a new battery
Are people remembering to chuck the strap in the wash? More sweating, more washing. Wouldn't have thought it'd be sitting salty for long enough to corrode
Are people remembering to chuck the strap in the wash?
I just chuck mine in the shower tray while I'm washing after a ride.
It is a boggo garmin strap and monitor that’s quite a few years old – do they go bad?
Yes, they corrode. I buy Garmin HRM1 two for less than a tenner on eBay (god know where the vendor gets them). They get soaked in sweat and eventually a new battery doesn’t work in them.
Would also try switching off all your unecessary bluetooth devices before switching them back on one at a time and retrying, traced my dropouts down to wireless headphones I was using.
It's deffo not sweat.. i drop 2-3kg in a Zwift session in sweat and no drop-outs.... I've had drop outs of course, but like people say, it's been battery related.