How to use Garmin Edge + Forerunner for cycling only

Equipment
21

Yeah. I noticed the same during an activity and even just out walking/hiking. At times I’d be working pretty hard and the watch was still stuck on a low HR. So, on a bunch of rides I recorded both my watch HR one one Edge and a chest strap on another. During the ride I could see significant differences and lags in the watch data. However, comparing the two HR traces after the rides, I didn’t see significant differences. Also, max and avg HRs were the same. I concluded that it’s OK to use the watch for recorded data, but not so good to use it in real time for gauging zones etc..

I wear the watch using the rubber strap adjusted so that moving the watch moves the skin below it, as suggested in the manual. For rides, I tighten the rubber strap an additional two notches which I think helps with the shaking on the bars.

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22

I’ve never put a point on it myself, but I think underreading watch optical sensors are common. I’ve definitely seen it a lot. For my TT last Thursday the strap/H10 recorded 188bpm but the watch recorded a max of 143bpm that day! I’m 50 now fwiw.

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23

Just went for my first walk outside after surgery and started a “Walk” activity on the FR.

As soon I started it the HR dropped to 58-60. It never raised much. I think the max was 71/72.

Then as soon as I get home after stopping the activity, the HR spikes to 85-90 while doing nothing.

This is really annoying.

24

Are you wearing it tight enough? (Really tight.) I use mine (an Instinct 2X) for running and walking, and HR seems accurate.

I also think people with dark skin also struggle, because the light intensity isn’t enough for the optical HR sensor.

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25

I did tighten now (very tight) and it seems readings are better.

I will lose my hand at some point for lack of blood circulation but it is totally worth it :stuck_out_tongue:

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26

Might have been said but if you use a HR strap and connect to your watch, the watch uses the strap vs wrist. At least it does on my Fenix 8.

27

Yep. Went through all of that with Garmin support. It is what it is…