Garmin Vivoactive HR

[458bhp]

Anyone bought one yet?

Just bought a new bike and thought I'd make use of the Giant RideSense (Speed/Cadence) ANT+ sensors that it comes with.

Considered going for the Garmin Edge 25, but then found the Vivoactive HR smart watch and it seems ideal, ok it costs £100 more and gives the same cycle stats plus HR, but it's more useful for more of the time. That's what I'm telling myself in any case Not bought one yet, but sorely tempted.

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2016/05/garmin-vivoacti...

Also looked at the Vivosmart HR, but even though it is ANT+ capable, it can only broadcast to ANT+ devices, so I'd need an Edge 25 to get the speed/cadence readings from the bike and then broadcast my HR from the Vivosmart to the Edge. Would cost pretty much the same.

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2016/01/garmin-vivosmar...

[atom111]

I've got one end of April.

It's replaced a Fitbit Surge

Anything you want to know? I don't use any add on sensors.

[Gren]

Got a Vivosmart HR which is similar. Use it to broadcast to an Edge 510. Good at that, less good than a strap at actually reading your heart rate.

[458bhp]

atom111 said:

I've got one end of April.

It's replaced a Fitbit Surge

Anything you want to know? I don't use any add on sensors.

Thanks Atom. Do you feel that you need a Garmin Edge for that instant view or is a twist of the forearm enough? Is the HR fairly accurate throughout a ride?

[-C-]

I had one (literally for a few days).

It was crap. Like a cheap imitation Apple watch - touchscreen was flakey, Bluetooth was flakey, wouldn't sync with my HRM an cadence sensor properly, and cover on the MTB was shocking.

Also don't plan on using it in daylight, as you can barely read the screen.

Have a Fenix3 now, which does everything properly. Should have just bought one in the first place

[AndStilliRise]

-C- said:

I had one (literally for a few days).

It was crap. Like a cheap imitation Apple watch - touchscreen was flakey, Bluetooth was flakey, wouldn't sync with my HRM an cadence sensor properly, and cover on the MTB was shocking.

Also don't plan on using it in daylight, as you can barely read the screen.

Have a Fenix3 now, which does everything properly. Should have just bought one in the first place

Bloke at work bought one, whilst i got Fenix3. His is in the drawer not being used however mine only comes off for charging. Does all the sports i want including some which i will never do (e.g. XC Ski). The one negative thing is the size however. My wrists are not that big and the watch is!

[SixtySpeedTwin]

My friend had one for about three days before he knocked it on a wall and the screen broke, hes really miffed as garmin wont sell replacements. But oddly he said the manual shows how o change one.

[Eddh]

458bhp said:

atom111 said:

I've got one end of April.

It's replaced a Fitbit Surge

Anything you want to know? I don't use any add on sensors.

Thanks Atom. Do you feel that you need a Garmin Edge for that instant view or is a twist of the forearm enough? Is the HR fairly accurate throughout a ride?

I'd say you want something on the bars, twisting your arm to look at stuff is fking annoying after the first two times you do it and isn't a natural movement on a bike.

I used an android smart watch to try and navigate using google maps.

[458bhp]

I've bought one. It's taken a little bit of faffing to connect with my phone (Nokia 930 on W10) and setting up in general. The only issue I've had with it is for the HR to be as accurate as it can be, the watch needs to be fairly tight and quite low down on the wrist. It's taken a few days to get used to this as it seems I generally wear a watch slightly higher up the forearm.

For the poster that commented on the backlight, it is adjustable. Not sure if that was updated in the latest firmware, but once adjusted in any light the watch face is easily readable.

Overall, really pleased with it. However it has highlighted that the Giant Ridesense speed/cadence sensor is only half working, with only speed showing. I've read that many people have had issues with the cadence magnet. Think I'll leave it for when the bike goes in to Giant for its first free service/check up and let them sort it.

[GarryDK]

I'm looking at getting one of these to replace my Fitbit, couple of questions, hopefully someone might be able to answer:

I use a an 810 for cycling, if I am wearing the Vivoactive HR but recording on the 810 will it double up on recordings?

Can you pair the Vivoactive HR to the 810 so i dont have to wear a heart strap?