I have a Wahoo TICKR, sends both ANT+ and bluetooth signals as well. It paired using ANT+ with my edge 510 with no problems whatsoever. It does not spike like some other brands do. highly recommended.
I recommend you search for DC rainmakers review of these. they are great.
Note: there is also a tickr run and tickr x. But if you are pairing to a Garmin, you don't really need anything more than a base TICKR model.
If you would prefer a wrist mounted HRM rather than a chest strap, the MIO FUSE and MIO VELO work well.
ukExpat,
This isn't my thread but I wanted to say thanks for throwing these suggestions into the mix. I've never owned a HR monitor before and was just going to buy the Garmin chest strap which I wasn't too excited about. I knew of wrist mounted HR monitors integrated into fitness bands and smartwatches but never considered using one as part of a larger integrated ANT+ system such as on the Edge. I didn't know these existed and they look like a much better solution.
This isn't my thread but I wanted to say thanks for throwing these suggestions into the mix. I've never owned a HR monitor before and was just going to buy the Garmin chest strap which I wasn't too excited about. I knew of wrist mounted HR monitors integrated into fitness bands and smartwatches but never considered using one as part of a larger integrated ANT+ system such as on the Edge. I didn't know these existed and they look like a much better solution.
From another UK Expat (Chelmsford, Essex)...
You're welcome. Note that the FUSE is an activity monitor (step counter) with built-in HRM. The VELO is an HRM only (no steps) but will "convert" ANT+ data (cadence, speed) into Bluetooth for transmission to a smartphone - http://www.mioglobal.com (Manchester, in the US since 1995)
If you like arm bands, you might also consider the Rhythm+ by Scosche. Broadcasts both ANT+ and Bluetooth LE/Smart. Gets good reviews - DC Rainmaker did an informative review a few months ago.
Note that the arm band HRM's use a different (more power-intensive technology) to the chest straps. Therefore, the chest strap HRM battery is usually good for 12-18 months before replacing, but the arm band HRM's require a charge every 5-8 hours of use.
