Conference noted::bicycle

	I have one of the ear lobe type.  It is a bit cumbersome, 
(bigger, clunckier than I'd like) but will fit in the handlebar bracket.
I used it to try the whats_his_name,_the_Italian_doctor's_test 
(Marroni, Marinoni, Manicotti) that helps you find your 
aerobic/anaerobic threshold.  I did this on the rollers with one fan
connected, the graph came out quite well, but the real value was
getting a feel for my threshold, not the actual numbers.

	Reg

{Oh, borrow it for trial if you want to, though it may need new batteries}

    I purchased the CIC (pro?) unit for my wife (good excuse) to keep
    her pulse from going to high (she is pregnant.  I am really happy
    to have bought it, especially for the wind trainer.  There is an
    outfit named Creative Heath Specialists from Michigan that sold
    the unit for $198.00.  They have a great catalog which critics each
    monitor they sell.  In addition their price was 40.00 less than
    Nashbar or Performance.  The two features I have liked the best
    are 1. wireless and 2. High/Low indicators.  
    
    I am using my pulse more as a guide now on the wind trainer.  After
    warmup, I'll sprint in different gears and make my pulse get into
    the 180's.  Then I back off until my pulse goes back to the 130
    range and start over.
    
    For pregnancy, they are wonderful.  Work with your doctor for the
    optimum heartrate.  My wife is now exercising longer but at a lower
    heartrate, not exceeding 120.
    
    steve
    

    
    I have a CIC 8799 Pro Trainer.  It's rugged, wireless and accurate.
    It tells you what your bike computer can't.  It tells you how hard
    you're working, not how fast you're going or pedalling.  There's a 
    difference.    It "tells you to" shift on the uphills, and to push 
    a harder on the downhills.
    
    I like to use it on the trainer as well.  It really keeps you working,
    and makes the most of a workout.
    
    I hardly feel it, and it's wireless, so I do use it quite often.
    If you are just going to use it as a testing device, it's probably
    not worth the money.
    
    Regarding the effect on training, usually they make you slow down
    on your easy-medium days, and work harder on your hard days.  Over
    a period of weeks you'll find that you'll be able to ride faster
    while still maintaining a low heartrate.  This allows you to train 
    at the same speed that you use to, but much more efficiently.  Then 
    you are fresher for the "hard" workout the next day.  They also 
    "tell you" to slow down when you're tired, sick, hungover, cold or 
    dehydrated.
    
    It works through 3-4 layers, rain, cold days on the handlebars.
    
    If you're going to share it with a wife, you can buy spare straps.
    ($25).  Nobody like to put on somebody else's sweaty strap.
    
    There's a less expensive unit called "The Trainer".  I believe it's
    made by Nissei.  It goes for about $140.  I wouldn't get anything
    less.  Earlobe and fingertip units can vary by 5-20%.  That's alot
    of heartbeats at 180bpm+.  I had a cheapo wired monitor, and
    returned it, it sucked.
    
    There's only 2 (or 3) major units on the market.  Vantage, Quantum, AMF,
    CIC etc, all are the exact same unit Made by Polar Electro.  Nissei
    makes the other(s).
    
    I also got my from Creative Health Products.  
    
    It's a pricey toy, but if you are the kind of person that works
    out 6-12 times a week, it is a benefit. 

    JD
    
    

    Could we have an address/phone # for Creative Health?  I just called
    directory assistance and they don't seem to have an 800 number.
    Also, re. .3, what's the difference between the Model 8799 you have
    and the Model 8733 Nashbar sells for $238?  Besides $40, I mean.
    

    
    My mistake.  Mine is the 8733, the same as the one in Nashbar. 
    The 8799 looks the same, but has memory to record workouts.  It
    is slight more expensice than the 8733.  Sorry for the confusion.
    Creative Health has a very good "Buyer's guide".  It mentions the
    return rate, defect rate, comfort problems, and value of all their
    products.  They seem to carry every brand, so they're not just
    badmouthing the competition.  I can copy it for anyone interested.  
    MAIL me for a copy.
    
    Creative Health Products
    800-742-4478
    
    They're very helpful and honest on the phone.   

    JD

    I too have the CIC Pro Trainer 8733 ( if I recall - on JD's
    recommendation).  I think it's a great unit.  I find it very useful
    on a bike, especially indoors.  It's too easy on rollers or a trainer
    to ease up - and with your alarms set on the monitor you get instant
    feedback.
    
    I got mine from Aerobic  Fitness Group in Minneapolis, MN
    (1-800-654-3670).  Called them, gave them my VISA number, and it
    was shipped UPS.  I paid around $240 for it. 
    
    I just got my PERFORMANCE and NASHBAR catalogs.  Check them out
    because I think both of them have it at a sale price.
    
    Regards,
    
    Tom Warthen
    
    

    Tom.,
    
    You big spender, you!
    
    Ken
    

    I broke down and bought one, an 8733, too.  I got mine at the
    Sportmart right down the street from RLO.  I paid $198 + IL sales tax
    (the price we pay for instant gratification).  That "free" handlebar
    attachment from Nashbar isn't so cheap!  Some of the results I've
    seen from it are pretty eye-opening.  You can feel that you're dying,
    but the heart rate isn't up there... A good measurement of whether
    you're really working optimally, or trying to push a gear you're
    not strong enough to push efficiently.

    re: -.1
    
    Creative Health Products gives away a "free handlebar mount."  They
    took a 2 inch piece of pipe insulation and slit it so it fits over
    the handlebars.  It works great!  CHP said their cost on the official
    part is about $2.50, and didn't think it functions any better than
    their home made version. 
    
    A small plug for the people at CHP- they are the only ones I've
    talked to who knew their product line inside out.  They even told
    me how to shut off that obnoxious beeping alarm, and still have
    the 8733 keep track of the time above, within, and below range.
    

    RE .9
    
    Tell me!  How do you do that???

I just bought a heart monitor from Performance. Its called the 
"PERFORMANCE BioScan". It looks like the CIC trainer, not the PRO, with
Performance's name on it. They're selling them for 129.95. I've seen the CIC
Trainer for 159.95 at Nashbar. 

It has the following features;  

				Wireless chest strap transmitter
				Watch funtions 12 or 24 hr. ,+ stopwatch w/lap
				Heart rate target zone w/ high-low alarms
                                Waterproof (probably weatherproof)


I'll let you know how it works when I get it.

 
My brother-inlaw bought one of these also and we'll be working out together,
will we have problems picking up each others signal?

Tom

>    My brother-inlaw bought one of these also and we'll be working out together,
>    will we have problems picking up each others signal?


    Probably not a "problem", but if you do get close they will interfere
    with one another.  My brother and I run side-by-side on the track
    and have to wear the watches on opposite hands.  You shouldn't have
    a problem on bikes as long as you're about arms width (4') apart,
    or single file.
    
    
    Back your trainer away from the TV set, it will interfere too.
    
    

    re: the note which asked how you shut off the alarm on the Pro Trainer
    
    Note- there is no software switch, you do it by moving pieces inside
    the unit (not ideal, but better than hearing that beep while warming
    up).
    
    (1)  Unscrew the back cover (4 screws)
    
    (2)  Notice next to the battery two little springs which are
    	sticking up.  A hole for a third spring is present on the same
        piece.  As I remember the configuration looks about like this:
    
                       X <- spring
    
       Empty hole -> O   X <- spring     
    
    (3)  Note the positions of everything, and remove the screws holding
    	the battery and spring holder piece to the base.
    
    (4)  Move the upper spring and put it in the lower hole, so you
    	now have the two springs in a row.
    
    (5)  Put everything back together
    

RE>>>                            -< Performance BioScan >-


>>>I'll let you know how it works when I get it.

WORKS fine and easy to use. It also has a heart rate recovery measurement that 
I didn't mention in the previous reply.  

Tom

    Could someone please supply the address and phone for Performance?
    Appreciate it.

    PHONE # IS 1-800-727-2453
    
    ADDRESS IS:
    
                 PERFORMANCE
                 ONE PERFORMANCE WAY
                 P.O. BOX 2741
                 CHAPEL HILL, N.C.  27514
    
       Chip

    Just so it's easier to remember...
    
    >>>	    PHONE # IS 1-800-727-2453
    
                             PBS-BIKE
    
    -J.