My very old Polar has finally given up the ghost.

I have been looking at monitors for a while and I really don't know which one to go for. I need the following options:

Wireless
Time/Date
Speed
Distance
Cadence
Lap/split times
HR Zones
Light

I'm now wondering if I need to see my Watt output as well.

I've seen a Polar CS200cad which is a computer rather than watch and this has all the above but not power meter. It also comes with 2 wheel option settings which sounds good. The only thing is the candence is not wireless.

Or do I go for the Polar S520 even though it's nearly twice as expensive?

Help please!

Hi Scooby, I’m riding with the CS200cad.

It’s more than adequate for my needs; off road rides, navigator races + spinning. One of the main points you will need to consider is whether you will want to use it off the bike. Not having a wrist strap will limit it purely for bike use, it can be mounted on a spinning bike at the gym but if you want to run, swim etc, you will need something else. Not being able to strap it to yourself also makes it easy to lose!

I just checked the Polar web site and the new CS200cad seems to have wireless cadence so that’s sorted out. Neither the CS200 or S520 has a power output, you can have that as an option with the S720i, which is what my other half rides with. It’s an incredible piece of kit- he keeps finding features he didn’t know he had! It will probably make you a cup of tea if you press the right buttons!

I got mine from www.heartratemonitor.co.uk, I found them very helpful and knowledgeable so might be worth giving them a ring.