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Any one use one? How do they help? Sorry for such a general question but I'm a bit baffled by the advertising!
Yes.
I ride mainly on the road, and have been using it as a training aid. The key is not to have one showing you a load of otherwise meaningless data, but to know why you want one.
For me, I have an upper limit based on my threshold (i.e. the point beyond which I go all anaerobic), which is useful. At HTN the other day, it was beeping like hell as I carried up the 45 degree slope after the field.
I have memorized where I need to be in terms of zones for most of my training (esp on the turbo) and otherwise just use it as useful post-ride data. It's quite nice to know that, say 12 months ago, for a given effort my HR was x, but now it's x munis y beats. Shows I'm getting fitter.
I have a Polar CS300 (not sure they make it any more) which is a watch that also works as a bike computer, so I can wear it for general exercise as well as riding.
As above, handy/fun if you want to do a bit of training, essential (IMO) to get the most out of training rides and take it more seriously.
I ride both on and off road, but on road I'm always comparing times (I commute by bike). I've got two favourite road loops. One is 34 miles and basically flat. I can do it in 1h 55m. The other is 40 miles and hilly and can do it in 2h 35m. But I don't seem able to beat these times, they've been like that for about 3 years! Obviously they came down by a chunk at first but they're stuck. I was wondering if more specific training is needed and if a HRM will provide it.
You need to train properly - do intervals etc.
An HRM will help you do so specifically, but you don't [i]need[/i] one, and it's no magic wand neither.
You may find riding in a local chain gang will help fitness significantly.
I find this useful:
[url= http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51AHW811XDL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA240_SH20_OU01_.jp g" target="_blank">
It's by no means essential reading, but does explain the theory and provide some pointers for effective training.
I've used one for the past 10 years or so, but I use it to record what I've been doing rather than take any notice of it while I'm actually riding. I'm currently using a Garmin Edge 705 and that records where I've been as well.
and it's no magic wand neither.
As I was fearing!!