Introduction

Heart Rate Monitors (HRM) have been used to measure riders’ performance in both training and competition since the late 1980s. They provide an accurate measurement of the heart rate during a session and as such give an indication of the stress on a rider’s body. Data taken from a rider during training or racing can be used to accurately map areas of their performance that need to be focused on through a structured training regimen.

An HRM can assist riders of all levels due to its relative ease of use and low expense compared to other data recording equipment such as power meters. It requires no mechanical adaptation to ensure it works and can be purchased from most sports stores due to the widespread use of this apparatus in many other sports.