The HB100 offers a full-function cycle computer and heart rate monitor in one easy-to-use design. Features such as Current Heart Rate, Average Heart Rate, and Upper and Lower Limit signals provide some of the best heart rate training information available. Included with the owner's manual is a section on basic heart rate training. This information can be used for everything from helping you to win the local bicycle race to riding to lose weight.
Submitted by
Sandy S
a Cross Country Rider
from Bound Brook, NJ US Date Reviewed: April 8, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
Gift in Illinois
Strengths:
Calories. I don't care about cadence. I need to know how many calories I burn at each ride. I've had this product forever. I love it. Cateye
Weaknesses:
Wires, and sometimes is shorts out cuts to zero or doesn't seem to start, but we're talking about a 14 yrs old computer that has had it's sensors replaced once by cateye for free. I replace the batteries, but not as often as I shluld. I did today for this season. It should eliviate most of those issues.
Bike Setup:
Front wheel, handlebars.
Bottom Line:
I've had it a really long time and it still works. I need to know how many calories I burn. I am woman, hear me roar. I don't know any others quite like this. Most give cadence, but not calories. I prefer the latter.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter Carr
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX, USA Date Reviewed: January 17, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Have used it on my road bike for 4 years. It has always worked just fine. Long battery life. Low cost (forget how much I paid but cheaper than alternatives I looked at).
Weaknesses:
None that I've discovered.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Specialized Allez Comp road bike
Bottom Line:
On my road bike, has always been worked just fine. Have no experience of anything else to compare it with. Am about to buy one for my mountain bike because I don't see anything else on the market with same facilities at same price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Barry Evans
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: April 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Worsleys Spur
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
John Bull
Strengths:
all in one cycle computer + heart rate monitor reliability(still using after 5 yrs) It is a great entry level unit.Serious racer types may want more features.
Weaknesses:
has had a couple of new mounting bracket /sensor kits but at least you can buy parts easily.This is not really a weakness it is just life on a mountain bike. High Tension overhead wires interfere.An understandable occurence.
Similar Products Used:
nil
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR 1998 with Raceface everything,HOPE discs and hubs,xt/xtr anything else. Mongoose road bike
Bottom Line:
Easy to use,wet or dry no problems.Reliable and parts available. Oh 2 screws on back of HRM transmitter went rusty.Not bad after 5 years.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Otto
a Weekend Warrior
from Switzerland Date Reviewed: February 3, 2003
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Swiss Store
Strengths:
functionality/price
Weaknesses:
- clumsy if used as wrist HRM - wheel mag sensitive to adjustment - HRM monitor only works if you're really sweating - wire based speedo
Bike Setup:
Team Marin, Duke SL, etc
Bottom Line:
Had no major problems after more than 3 years riding in any condition. Battery efficiency suprisingly good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robin
a Racer
from Halifax Date Reviewed: January 23, 2003
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
Bike Nashbar
Strengths:
Low Cost Excellent display Comfortable HR sensor
Weaknesses:
Wheel sensor cable is a bit flimsy. After about 2 years, the contacts with the mount are intermittent in the tain. Need to get good and sweaty for reliable HR monitoring.
Bike Setup:
Giant CFR-2, Shimano (105,600,DuraAce)
Bottom Line:
Great product! I have been using this for several years now and apart from the wheel sensor kit wearing out, I have had no problems. I am buying a new mounting kit from CatEye for $10 and everything will be good as new.
I did have a spell where I thought the chest sensor was broken, did the battery replacement thing etc, etc... But in the end I found that it is just fine. Two things mess this HR monitor up: 1. EMI, I will loose my HR readings when riding under certain powerlines, and past highpower AM transmitters. 2. The chest sensor MUST be damp, preferably very sweaty to work well. If you aren't working hard enough to sweat, you probably don't need the HR monitor anyway! ;)
I highly recommend this product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roger Partington
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Canada Date Reviewed: June 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Pavement- rolling hills
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Cyclepath
Strengths:
Integrates HRM and CC into one unit. less stuff on bars and good value. Good features and functionality. Fairly easy to read
Weaknesses:
HRM crapped out after 2 weeks and then the replacement after 3 months. Warranty support in Canada was poor. Sticks up too high on handlebar
Similar Products Used:
Cateye Micro, Vectra and older cateye models
Bike Setup:
Merlin Extralight, Kyseriums, Dura-Ace
Bottom Line:
Stay away. The HRM doesn't last and the warranty support is poor. Also the reset buttons sometimes stick down.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Canada Date Reviewed: June 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Gatineau Park, Quebec
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Mountain Equipment Coop
Strengths:
Works continuously and effectively. 10m resolution on distance (see your progress!). Legible figures. See the very first review for features.
Weaknesses:
Big buttons are separated by a thin plastic ridge. It's way too easy to press both at once with a single finger & reset the trip info. Cateye, please put 10mm in between!
Similar Products Used:
various cyclometers; first heart+cyclometer
Bike Setup:
Easy.
Bottom Line:
Cheap, effective, full-featured. Buy it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Racer
from Tejas Date Reviewed: April 3, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Cheap
Weaknesses:
This thing is a piece of junk
Bottom Line:
This thing is a piece of junk. The HRM part quit working after three months, so I replaced the batteries in both units. It still didn't work, sO I warrantied it. @ months later... Same story. This is my third one and it has crapped out on me as well. An inexpensive piece of equipment is wno bargain if it doesn't work. Spend the extra money on a Polar!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kristo
a Weekend Warrior
from Belgium Date Reviewed: September 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Waals Brabant
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Price Possibility's
Weaknesses:
Absolutely useless when it rains! The push buttons really sucks (they simply don't work anymore after riding in the rain) I've just crashed in a dark tunnel in Austria,Krimml Waterfalls and everything was ok except the wire is broken!
Similar Products Used:
some 10 dollar computers are much better than this one.(but without heart rate poss.)
Bottom Line:
It seems this computer whith cheap price and great possibility's is only made for INDOOR racing. The push buttons aren't working!! in the rain, and this seems a real PROBLEM with CATEYE computers (my friend has another model, with the same bad results. NEVER CATEYE again
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Willy
a Racer
from SLC, UT Date Reviewed: July 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Wasatch, Crest-UT Cottonwood Canyon-LV, NV
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Everything in one unit
Weaknesses:
Sticks up a little high
Similar Products Used:
SI HRM & Cateye Computer
Bottom Line:
Yeah this thing sticks up a little but I use riser bars and they protect the unit. Cateye has one major problem, they are a PIA to install on bikes. I've installed 3 now and you think I'd learn, but NOOO. Anyway the thing works great and it's nice to only have to worry about one thing stuck to the handle bars. Lots of features I really don't care about but better too many than not enough.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Mc
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, Australia Date Reviewed: April 22, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Mainly the cheap price and, like other Cateye products, simple to set up and reasonably simple to operate.
Weaknesses:
Big and bulky - sits up high on the bars and would be the first thing to kiss the dirt. Also the flimsy wire and sensor.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Diamondback Vertec Comp SE. SR Suntour MG80.
Bottom Line:
Bought from local bike shop after being shown this one and several Polar models - all of which were more expensive and most had more features than I needed for occasional training runs during the week and cross country fun at the weekend. The ability to change the chest belt batteries is a big advantage over the Polar units (having to send the whole thing away to change the battery was a big turn-off). This seems a pretty basic unit. It works like its supposed to etc. etc. HOWEVER after 6 months I got sick of worrying about smashing the thing every time I dropped the bike and took it off and put my Cateye Enduro back on. Its cheap, compact and has a sturdy wire.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Downhiller
from Japan Date Reviewed: March 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Iwatake
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Cheap! around $50 here in Japan on sale. Very reliable. Big readable display.
Weaknesses:
HR functions are limited. Resets too easily.
Similar Products Used:
Different seperated heart moniters and Vetta cyclocomputers
Bike Setup:
Fisher hardtail
Bottom Line:
I use this unit in training on a cycling road here in Tokyo. I've used it on a daily basis and it has performed very well for me. This is the second unit for me as the first one went on the blink and acted sporatically even with a battery change after about 2 years. I have not had the trouble with the powerlines that others have mentioned with the second model. I did notice that the first unit started to be affected by powerlines close to the time it finally died. Initially I had trouble getting a reading with the HR and found that in addition to putting some water between the skin and sensor, I needed to shave a strip of hair from my chest so that the chest sensor would make good contact. After that no problems. I would like to see some improvements in the HR functions like a beeper for low and high ranges in HR. Maybe even average time spent within the HR zone the user defines. Although not quit as fancy as a similarly equipped Polar unit, it's SEVEN times cheaper!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a cross-country rider
from Germantown, Tennessee Date Reviewed: March 12, 1999
Bottom Line:
I love the design and functions of this unit since it incorporates the standard cyclocomputer functions plus HRM. I purchased the unit a year ago and use it on my road bike (about 1500 miles). The computer-functions all work great and I haven't had the problem zeroing out the display as some of the other reviewers have (Tip: Use your left hand, not your right!!!!). With respect to the HRM, the transmitter belt failed shortly after purchase and Cateye sent me a new one under warranty within 2 weeks of its return. 8 months later, the belt appears to have failed again. It's in the mail to Cateye for another try. My rating: Design and features - 5 chilis, HRM 3 chilis (since my experience with the transmitter belts has been poor). Average is:
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Abe
a
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: March 10, 1999
Bottom Line:
Commuter :I have used it for over 6 months now on a daily basis. No probs so far...The monitor goes to zero when passing under some power lines - But I can cope with that.I have fat fingers, but have never had probs with reseting the unit. (Never done it by accident) It is the best unit (for a bike) that I have had till now.It is just as accurate as my Polar Edge monitor.Five Farshtunkener chillis...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete
a cross-country rider
from Milton, Ont, Canada Date Reviewed: August 31, 1998
Bottom Line:
I've had this thing for about eight months now. It's very reliable, as it has been in a number of spills and the worse thing to happen is that it has reset itself (which is what it is supposed to do when both buttons are pushed together). It has an easy to read display, very nice to see the heart rate and speed and choice of elapsed time, or distance all at the same time. The HR limits are not very useful since you ca hardly see them (so what), and a light would be nice. But at the price (,$100 CDN) for a HR monitor and a cyclocomputer, this is excellent value.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a cross-country rider
from Switzerland Date Reviewed: May 27, 1998
Bottom Line:
With the HB100, you get what you paid for. I have now used it extensively for 3 months and on every other ride I reset the computer when I want to check the distance or time. Also, once, it somehow was exposed to too many vibrations, because suddenly it had lost all its settings (odometer, metric system, wheel size...). I do not understand why they had to use such a high handle bar mount. This makes it, without the heart rate function, the worst cycle computer I have ever owned. Concerning the heart rate monitor, I think that it works well, but the upper / lower limit thing is useless: I know what my max and min heart rates are, so those little flashig things underneath the heart rate don't add anything (it is anyway tough to see which one is flashing, they are so close and small). The purpose of the min/max function is to warn you that you are not in the target zone even if you do not have your eyes on the monitor, for this, you need a beep or some other sound to warn you. If I would have to do it over, I would spend 20% more and would get a basic Polar HRM and a cheap, but good cycle computer. But I guess that for the money it is okay.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
r piette
a cross-country rider
from ottawa canada Date Reviewed: May 15, 1998
Bottom Line:
The product is pretty good for the price(100$ can). The display is not back lit so don't try to read it in the dark. the biggest complaint i have is that the range of the monitor is to short as soon that i ride up to stretch i loose the heart rate on the monitor an it is new(good battery-yes).the handle bar mount is to high above the headset so i know the first thing that will break in a fall in the wood.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wayne Consolla
a weekend warrior
from Warrenton, VA Date Reviewed: April 28, 1998
Bottom Line:
Had mine since 1995. Have put many trouble free hours on it. Last month the chest strap went bad ( a battery only lasted one day ). I got a new one from Bikeworld.com for $45 and now everything is fine, I have had no trouble other than that and think enough of my Cateye that I just bought one for my wife. (Also from Bikeworld.com.) I had a wrist monitor but I like the idea of just one unit on my handle bars that tells me everything. I use the heart monitor most to pace myself up hills and to see if I'm in over my head when riding with a fast group.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a cross-country rider
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: April 22, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have used it for more than a year. Have to admit that it makes a good first heart rate monitor. Pros: 1) Large readout 2) Affordable 3) Little interference 4) Excellent cyclcocomputer Cons: 1) Bulk if worn on wrist 2) The sensor belt is too heavy and slips easily 3) A backlight would be nice. 4) not enough functions(as a heart rate monitor) 5) The bike mount and the wire are too flimsy.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a weekend warrior
from Amelia Island, FL Date Reviewed: April 14, 1998
Bottom Line:
This is a GREAT Heart rate monitor/computer. I enjoy using this combination. You have one unit that does both functions. I have been using it for about a year. The original battery is still working. The only drawback is that I have to look at the owners manual to reprogram the upper and lower target heart rates. This unit is a GREAT value. The price is right.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jim
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver, canada Date Reviewed: February 11, 1998
Bottom Line:
costs a very reasonalbe $99 Canadian bux. lasted oh, about 4 months, and perhaps 20 uses. then the left push tab started sticking beyond repair, and i returned it. even the vetta hrm 50 lasted longer before it died (1.5 yrs.) so now i'm on a new fangled one (name escapes me) but I'm saving the receipt for the 2 yr. warranty.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Pelchat
a weekend warrior
from La Plaine, Quebec, Canada Date Reviewed: January 23, 1998
Bottom Line:
Can't go wrong with this model... It is, and by 80 $ of our mickey mouse money, the cheapest in my part of the world; also, the calorie counter is a great benefit that my brother's Vetta does not have. The product works great, too . I would like a more positive action on the buttons, and a screw to hook up the sensor to the fork, but it works.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jim
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver, Canada Date Reviewed: December 19, 1997
Bottom Line:
lasted about 3 months. the depression feature stuck down. After only light use, and a bad Vetta HRM50 experience, I gave up on these multipurpose things...maybe Polar has it right? there's an new one on the market sport something?) that seems better, butill wait until the reviews are in. Great Ideas, but they don't perform!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sverre Petlund
a cross-country rider
from Oslo, Norway Date Reviewed: December 8, 1997
Bottom Line:
Bought the cc-hb100 this summer to monitor my heart rate (ie. intensity vs. aerobic capacity). Apart from bicycling, I have used it with a wristband during skiing, running and kayak training. The equipment measures well with three info-digits up at the same time, but the monitor buttons are not protected, so it is too easy to reset or stop the program accidently during the training period (has happened also on offroad bicycling trips). I also miss the ability to read the max heart rate and fluctuations pr time (Polar-functions). The built-in kcal burner-meter is probably ment for weightwatchers, but does not make sense for crosstraining purposes where the calorie consumption will differ from sport to sport. Battery change on chest-sensor was easy (not possible on Polar-belt). The worst aspect of the cc-hb100 is the potential of losing the monitor during training, as the locking mechanism on the wristband is not 100 % schock-proof and the unit stands out a as big bulky mass on the wrist. The max-min HR function is worthless without beep-sounds. Light on display is nice, but must be measured against more valuable battery capacity/consistency.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Lima
a weekend warrior
from San Jose CA Date Reviewed: September 30, 1997
Bottom Line:
I purchased the HB100 four weeks ago and have used it extensively since. I find it to be easy to use, easy to read, and quite reliable. The combined features are a very nice balance between simple and elegant. I have had no trouble with the HRM portion, and find it very interesting. One starts to get a pretty good indication of one's condition as you see the rate at which your heart speeds up and recovers as you exert yourself. I do have on minor complaint (echoed elsewhere in these reviews): it is too easy to reset the computer (simply operate both switches together). It has happened once to me; Cateye, if you are listening, fix this one complaint and you have an outstanding product. One note re Cateye. I bought this product based on excellent reliability and usability of an earlier model (new in 1989, over 10K miles on that one). Between the durability and the fact that the new unit improved several minor annoyances with the old, I think that Cateye is a company you can count on for better than average performance.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin Scheffer
a cross-country rider
from Brussels Belgium Date Reviewed: September 25, 1997
Bottom Line:
Good: Easy to use,automatic start/stop (unlike polar) The calories spend are close to what my computrainer displays (based on watts instead of heart beats) Bad: Not wireless,when put in pocket it frequently resets the counter.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Milan Sames
a cross-country rider
from Czech republic Date Reviewed: September 24, 1997
Bottom Line:
Excellent, I have no problem with this (Maybe the connection to PC is missing, but for this price...?)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sorin Srbu
a cross-country rider
from Uppsala/Sweden Date Reviewed: September 6, 1997
Bottom Line:
Have been using for about three weeks and it still works fine. 8-) The senseor at the fork lokks a bit sesitive while it's sticking out that much, sooner or later i'll brake it... I like kcal counter and the other features as well, though the HR does blip off from time to time, guess cateye should make the max 70cm transmition limit longer, at least 1m would be fine. Haven't noticed that the HR resets under power lines as some ppl claim.One thing I don't like though is that it's to easy to reset the time/trip if you accidentaly push the wrong button. Also the buttons themselves are a bit unsensitive, often one has to push twice or more to chanhge function.But going from a sigmasport 500 to this baby is quite awesome. 8-) Simply put I like.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter Mork
a cross-country rider
from Stockholm, Sweden Date Reviewed: August 10, 1997
Bottom Line:
This is a review of the AT-100 instead of the HB-100, but since there is'nt a page for the AT-100 I'll review it here. The computer is quite bulky, yet quite easy to handle. Is has several Main modes and under them there are sub modes which you reach by pressing and keeping the mode button pressed down until the sub mode appears(which takes 2-3 seconds) I would have preferred that you pressed the mode button again, without having to keep it pressed down 2-3 seconds. The Sigma BC-series have that. The display is wide, but not especially tall which I would have liked. there is a lot of empty space there if you know what I mean. The digits are quite small, at least compared to my wifes BC-700 and not as good of a display(crisp and sharp digits) as the Sigma The speedometer is graded in the .1 region which makes it flash like a pinball game. What I mean by that is that the speed changes for every .1 of a kilometer (Miles too) so it changes all the time so it can be hard to follow it all the time. I would have preferred that it showed the speed in the single digit without the decimal, the speedometer would have been calmer to view a reading from. The distance shows only per houndred meter, there it would have been more appropriate with a decimal. The elapsed time clock differed 15 second from my Timex Ironman wristwatch on a 50 minute ride. I don't know if its the Timex or the computer that is'nt right. The timex at least keeps the time right. It has a thermometer built in and it shows about 1-2 degrees centigrade more then it actually is. It is also equipped with a altitude meter. I don't really trust it. I always set it for every ride like the instructions tell you to do and when I come back from the ride the altitude differs +/- 3 to 6 meters from the default value. I take the bike to work and I work on the fifth floor. Last time it showed that I was - 9 meters . Outside is the baltic sea at 0 meters sea level! Thats really the reason I bought the thing to get the altitude meter. It also has a 12-hour clock. I don't really think so. when the time becomes twelve it becomes 0(zero) It does'nt tell if its AM or PM either O well thats my review, it would be fun if anyone who has one would submit a review or mail me(that goes for you too CAT EYE Co) so we could share experiences, or maybe I just got it wrong.Peter Mork
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Colin
a weekend warrior
from California Date Reviewed: July 24, 1997
Bottom Line:
I picked up and HB-100 about three days ago and so far I LOVE it. It works flawlessly and realiably (so far). I had an unusual experience at a local bike shop that did not carry Cateye products. The salesguy was showing me some Vettas and actually told me that they were crap, and to save my money and go look at Cateye products. I am glad that I did!! Just out of curiousity can anyone share any info on how accurate the HRM is on the Cateye?? Please e-mail me.Colin
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a racer
from Milwaukee, WI Date Reviewed: May 27, 1997
Bottom Line:
When it works it is great! Lots of features, big display (easy to read), plus you can take the thing and put in on your wrist when you jog (have to buy wriststrap seperate though). When it don't work it sucks. Display greys out in the sun, heartrate works then doesn't, calorie counter reads too low (compare with calculations I have made with math formulas from books), sometimes display freaks out if you ride under power lines. So, since it works right about 75% of the time, I'll compromise and give it a 3.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
celly
a cross-country rider
from Calgary, AB, Canada Date Reviewed: May 23, 1997
Bottom Line:
I just started using this computer and so far, so good I guess. It doesn't seem as durable as the Vetta version but is satisfactory. It's also got more information than the Vetta (calories expended is one intersting feature, if it works). The wrist mount sucks (sticks out way too far). I do like the fact you can have the heart rate, speed and one more piece of info (unlike Vetta where you only have 2 peices of info at once). My biggest beef though is that the machine resets way too easily. All you have to do is hit both buttons which is too easy to do. With the Vetta you have to hit two buttons as well, but for a few seconds. I reset the Cateye twice on a ride yesterday. The buttons are real small so I have a feeling this will happen lots. The heart rate sensor is more comfortable than Vetta and the price is right. I hope they work out that reset feauture. I hate that part of it!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Karnes
a racer
from Powell, TN Date Reviewed: April 25, 1997
Bottom Line:
Most of the time, This thing works great. The hr is erratic at times, but works much better than my old Vetta. I did have to replace the computer due to a problem with the auto on/off function. It took some time, but Cateye did eventually send me a whole new unit, so give them credit for customer service.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Allan Cruz
a cross-country rider
from Date Reviewed: April 1, 1997
Bottom Line:
I love them! It's nice to see three displays on one screen. I just hate them whenever I go underneath power wires because the HR disappears.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Beven
a weekend warrior
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: March 5, 1997
Bottom Line:
A neat little unit. I only purchased mine a couple days ago and have had no problems with it. Love the Kcal count, good for estimating how many cream cakes you can eat after each ride. My only gripes are the buttons, they're too big; the display, it's not clear, especially when compared to the cateye TOMO; and the fact that it's not bundled with the wrist-strap. Apart from this, it works! Go buy one.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter Donohue
a cross-country rider
from Redwood City, CA Date Reviewed: January 30, 1997
Bottom Line:
I like the Cateye enough that I have two - 1 for my road bike and one for my mountain bike. It works well and provides enough info for me. And at about $80 from mail order, it is decently priced. One downside is that it is too easy to reset and/or pause the trip counter.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard Abbott
a racer
from Provo, UT USA Date Reviewed: January 8, 1997
Bottom Line:
I've been using my Cateye for about 1.5 years (got it soon after they first came out). For background, I've also owned an old Polar, Vetta VHR50, and Vetta HR1000. Basically, the Polar worked the best, but the Cateye is pretty close. I've had a fair amount of trouble with the Vetta giving erratic readings (or just plain breaking). The Cateye's battery goes dead kind of quickly. Like everyone else, I accidently reset it sometimes. The buttons sometimes get grimey and don't work too well, but just washing it fixes this. I miss the time above in and below heart zone. In my opinion average HR is a worthless feature because it doesn't differentiate between hard sprints with recoveries in between and just cruising for a while at moderate pace.Show I give it 4 marks for functionality (I'll reserve five for the Polar) but only 2 marks for the features.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Garry Lee
a
from Ireland Date Reviewed: December 18, 1996
Bottom Line:
I have had Nissei units in the past but I like this one because it has average heartrate and the heartrate display is more stable than my previous units. It is like all Cateye units too easy to accidentally zero. It would be better with pulse alarms but all in all is a fine unit.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vince Smith
a weekend warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: November 17, 1996
Bottom Line:
I bought the Cateye because it would do both measurements of cycle comp and heart rate monitor. I have now given up on it since I have gone through two models, all failing in the same way. The heart monitor failed to read. Yes I did replace the batteries, yes I did make sure that there was dampness between my chest and the monitor. Maybe I have particularly bad sweat !? but on the first the cycle computer also started to fail. Other than the lack of functionality, what I did not like was the buttons on the computer. They come completely to the edge, Sometimes when leaning over the bars to adjust the brakes or front forks, I would inadvertently reset the computer. The concept of having a combined computer and heart monitor is a great idea, bundling the optional wrist strap would make it appeal to those who want to use it off the bike as well.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Benz OuYang
a cross-country rider
from Berkeley, California Date Reviewed: October 17, 1996
Bottom Line:
I agree with Michael Nelson's review (see review below) and also recommend this HRM/cyclometer enthusiastically as an inexpensive, great functioning HRM. I do want to point something out however: the hi/lo HR indicator is so visually insignicant as to be unusable. Other than this little fault, the HB-100 is probably one of the best buys out there on HRMs for use on MTBs. Five stars!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Nelson
a weekend warrior
from San Francisco, CA Date Reviewed: August 27, 1996
Bottom Line:
Model: CC-HB100 Heart Rate / Cycle Computer
This compact unit combines the best functions of a cycling computer and heart rate monitor into a single unit. Made in Japan, it has an LCD display that is very sharp and high contrast, especially as compared to some of the other units I looked at from Vetta, Specialized, and Avocet. Cateye has a reputation for being the most trouble-free of the different computer brands, and I'm not suprised judging by the high quality components. Even the manual that comes with it is better than most.
It includes the following functions:
o Current Heart Rate
o Average Heart Rate since reset
o Estimated Kcal Consumption since reset
o Current Speed
o Maximum Speed since reset
o Average Speed since reset
o Current Trip Distance since reset
o Odometer (Total Mileage since battery replacement)
o Elapsed Time since reset
o Current time of day
The heart rate monitor function includes programmable Hi/Low heart rate limit warnings, settable to 1 beat per minute resolution, with a visual indication when your heart rate is out of the programmed range. This is very useful for ensuring you keep your heart in the workout range you desire. It can also display the average heart rate you've achieved during the elapsed time since you reset the computer, giving you a good idea of the overall quality of your workout. It will also give you an estimate of the calories you've burned during your workout.
One of the great features is the Auto Start-Stop ability. You can either set it so you switch it on and off with the right button, or so that all functions record automatically whenever the wheel is turning. I prefer having it on automatic so that it stops when I stop for a rest and only records data when I am working. It also ensures I won't forget to turn it on after stopping. I had a Specialized unit that had auto off, but no auto on, and I was constantly having it turn off and then forgetting to turn it back on.
Installation was easy, even on my Judy forks. I was worried that the sensor mounting might not be able to handle the diameter of the lower legs on the Judys, but it comes with a very nice sensor mounting system that will accommodate circumferences up to about 3/4 larger than the Judy, and once the sensor is mounted it's VERY sturdy.
Having the heart rate monitor and the computer in one unit makes it very easy to monitor your workout. I'm REALLY pleased with this unit! Five peppers!
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