BT, ANT+ external hrm

I need an external hrm so I can place my Fenix 5x on the bike while cycling
There are lots of cheap chinese wristband that can stream the heart rate via BT
what BT dialect should I need?
  • If you are going to use an external HRM rather than the wrist sensors on the 5X, you should probably use a chest strap rather than a wrist band. Chest straps are more accurate in general, and the vibration from the handlebars can lead to further inaccuracy with wrist-based measurement.

    Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or BT 4.0 will work with the 5X.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 7 years ago
    I agree with mcalista... the Chineese whr straps are cheap for a reason; the are, at best so-so in accuracy.

    especially cycling is a sport where arms vibrate a lot, the readings will be all over the place with a whr.. go for chest strap
  • thank for your response
    I 've already had the very same considerations
    the matter is I don't like the chest belt, thus I can cope with the lesser accuracy of wrist worn hrm
  • I know quite a few people who find a chest strap uncomfortable while running because of chafing, but most cyclists I know are fine with it.

    But if you find the chest strap uncomfortable while cycling, then that is fair enough too.

    The best OHR is probably the Sosche Rythym, but probably significantly more expensive than the cheap chinese wrist bands you are looking at.
  • Mio Link is also an option. There's a comparison here.
  • Get something known for accuracy like Sosche Rythym. Even Garmin's own wrist sensor is bad on bike, I don't want a lot from a cheap chinese wrist band. If you don't need so much accuracy, you don't need a heart rate reading too. Because all over the place readings won't add anything to your training. Imagine climbing a steap climb and seeing your heart rate in a resting zone. Or imagine riding a slow ride, but a sprint heart rate due to vibrations on the road.
    Just get one of cheapest chest straps without running dynamics features if you don't run. I'm using one for years, and don't have an issue except changing a battery once a year or two.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 7 years ago
    Sosche Rythym +, customer service is junk, but the producty is good. Customer service may be ever worst than Garmin.
  • Sosche Rythym +, customer service is junk, but the producty is good. Customer service may be ever worst than Garmin.


    That's the complete opposite of my experience. I updated the firmware on my original Rhythm+, and it bricked. I called Customer service to see what could be done, and they sent me a new one, no questions asked, even told me the best place(s) to wear it, and how to orient it.