Been thinking about getting a smart watch/chest strap for a while and the above conversation is the catalyst for asking for a bit of advice as apart from the built-in units on a treadmill or bike at the gym have never used one of any kind.
In terms or requirements, the exercise type is cycling so I’m after something that would measure the fundamental elements of the physical load on any given ride. Wouldn’t know if I’d need a cycling specific unit or whether they all do the same thing regardless. I don’t necessarily need gps tracking etc as I record routes themselves through Komoot, it’s more about the information on the heart rate, energy consumption (that’s probably a rubbish vague term but you know what I mean) and so on.
I’ve always been fortunate enough to have reasonably decent fitness levels but never any particular ‘power’, the muscle strength required for climbing etc, and the last couple of years on the hills and trails have seen a big improvement in that area. I don’t necessarily need to ride harder or longer generally, but as my muscle improvement and build-up has matched the fitness (from once hating hills) have surprisingly become quite a strong climber and really enjoy it, and take the hills as an opportunity to press hard for the fitness build which also makes all other parts of a ride become a breeze.
Have noticed a few times particularly in hot weather having ‘jelly legs’ when stopping after a hard climb so there must be nutritional elements that need looking at too, but the climbing is where the heart rate and energy usage sky-rockets and where I’d like to continue focus and improve, so anything that gives information to help in that area would be great.
Watch/chest strap etc etc, any suggestions appreciated.
