Leading heart rate monitor and fitness technology company, Polar, has introduced the RS800CX Pro Team Edition. The RS800CX Pro Team Edition is a limited edition version of its most sophisticated cycling computer, complete with the Polar CS speed sensor W.I.N.D. and Polar CS cadence sensor W.I.N.D., to provide advanced heart rate and cycling data in an all-in-one package.
Unveiled at the start of the pro cycling season, the RS800CX Pro Team Edition is a wrist watch-based cycling computer that can also be mounted on handlebars. It also features a sleek new display with two-toned colours.
The RS800CX Pro Team Edition allows cyclists to effectively plan, measure and analyse their training with useful data such as heart rate, speed, cadence, duration and other performance metrics. When paired with Polar’s G3 GPS sensor accessory, cyclists can record GPS mapping information, which is then viewed through Polar ProTrainer 5 software on Google Earth or any common GPS mapping software. GPS maps are colour coded for heart rate zones, helping athletes see the relationship between their performance, route and terrain – providing a powerful, visual window into cycling training.
During the 2009 cycling season, the RS800CX Pro Team Edition will be used by several pro cycling teams, including Quick Step, Rabobank, and Caisse d’Eparge.
"Polar is recognised for providing cyclists with the most advanced training tools available, allowing them to set goals and effectively plan training sessions, all while understanding the effects of intensity-based training on their bodies," said Jeff Padovan, President of Polar USA. "And with multi-sensor compatibility, the highly versatile RS800CX Pro Team Edition gives cyclists the freedom to incorporate other sports into their training regimen, giving them valuable training feedback on and off the saddle."
In addition to cycling data, the RS800CX Pro Team Edition offers compatibility with Polar’s range of running and GPS sensors using W.I.N.D. technology. This enables multisport cyclists to track speed, distance and a wide range of performance details across any terrain or sport, such as running, kayaking, hiking, or skiing. Multisport workouts can also be combined into one file, providing a holistic view of training. This versatility makes the RS800CX Pro Team Edition a fully customisable training computer, as athletes can select the Polar sensor that best meets their training needs.
Polar ProTrainer 5 software, included with the RS800CX Pro Team Edition, provides athletes with a deeper understanding of their training by using graphs that bring to life data such as heart rate, speed and cadence. Users are also guided to train properly through a 5-step process of planning, training, uploading/downloading data, analysing, and following their progress. Heart rate data is also colour-coded for easy reference, tracking and goal-setting.
The software also supports a more effective working relationship between coaches and their athletes; coaches can create comprehensive training plans, share them via email, and then review results in the software to make sure their athletes are staying race day-ready. Athletes, upon receiving training files from their coaches, can upload up to 21 workouts to the RS800CX Pro Team Edition, which doubles as a digital coach by guiding and prompting them through the stages and intervals of a given workout.
A video highlighting the features of ProTrainer5 is available on the Polar brand channel on YouTube.
The RS800CX Pro Team Edition includes the training computer, Polar WearLink+ W.I.N.D. transmitter, Polar CS speed sensor W.I.N.D., Polar CS cadence sensor W.I.N.D., Polar ProTrainer 5 software, and IrDA USB Adapter. Other compatible sensors such as the Polar G3 GPS sensor W.I.N.D. and Polar s3 stride sensor W.I.N.D. are sold separately.
The Polar RS800CX Pro Team Edition is available online and through authorised Polar USA specialty retailers. Suggested retail price is US$449.95.
