Went for a ride this morning: Heart monitor only at 68bmp?

[FlyingCyclist]

Went for a cycle today. Cycled for .40miles then had to walk up hill since I'm unfit.

The monitor was fine to begin with, but then it didn't always work when I was on the bike for some reason. (It just read '--.--' on the garmin)

Any reason why ?

Ride: https://www.strava.com/activities/1498385982/analysis

 

[si_c]

Battery?

 

[FlyingCyclist]

Battery?

I haven't worn it much

 

[screenman]

Battery, regardless of how often it has been worn. Mind you the Garmin chest strap I had was useless, a lot of us have swapped for the Polar strap with the same connections.

 

[boydj]

Chest strap getting a bad connection? Dampen slightly and make sure it is secure just below the sternum.

 

[FlyingCyclist]

Connected speed sensor yesterday. Thought that might have something to do with it, but obviously not.

I tightened the strap a few times because it kept falling down.

If it is the battery then I won't be pleased because it hasn't been used much.

 

[si_c]

They sometimes come with cheap and terrible batteries, I keep a set of Duracell ones around for my HR strap and speed sensors.

 

[berty bassett]

if you wasn,t sweating then i would have said contact issue with skin - they always work better when connection is damp

 

[Tommy2]

I'm on a second heart rate monitor as I changed the battery and strap on the first which was giving inconsistent readings, this on is doing the same so think I may try a polar strap.
The straps have been a genuine Garmin premium, a cheap version which looked exactly the same and an older Garmin one.

 

[Vantage]

It just read '--.--' on the garmin

Clearly you're a vampire or a zombie.

 

[Ajax Bay]

they always work better when connection is damp

Give both electrodes (on the strap) a good lick before fitting. If that doesn't get you a decent contact, a finger swipe of water (or saliva) under each nipple and refit the strap will do the trick.
But given the OP's heart recorded to start with (for a mile), I'd be surprised if poor contact was the reason for the 'flatlining' at about 80bpm. Strap slipped down (but then I'd expect periods of no reading. As @boydj has said: sensibly tensioned strap fitted across the chest at the height of the sternum.

 

[HLaB]

You might need to clean your electrodes then make sure the connection between your strap (I'm guessing you are using one) and your skin is clean tight and moist.

 

[Bianchi boy]

Sounds like a battery issue, If not maybe contact Dave Brailsford

 

[screenman]

Google garmin strap and you may see why do many of us have gone over to Polar.

 

[FlyingCyclist]

Went for a short cycle yesterday and it's working now.