Timex Ironman Road Trainer

Bottom Line

Complete with a stopwatch and chronograph, the Timex Road Trainer is a powerful tool for any user. Efficient feature navigation requires some practice, but the advanced extras and customizable screen make up for any learning curve.

Performance

Welcome extras, but no coaching feature. The Ironman Road Trainer contains a stopwatch and chronograph, features that are sometimes missing from even some high-end heart-rate monitors. The chronograph allows users to record splits and laps for interval training, and stopwatch mode has an alarm setting and a countdown feature effective for warm-ups.

The Road Trainer receives a heart-rate reading from the included chest strap, which owners say is accurate and consistent. Its six training zones include one custom and five that are preset according to the user's profile data of age, weight, etc. These zones are optimal heart-rate ranges in which the wearer can receive the most cardiovascular benefit. The watch can be programmed to beep when beats per minute are too high or low in a specific zone.

After a workout the Road Trainer provides calories burned, high and low heart rates, time within zones and other important training data. However, the monitor doesn't include a coaching feature that comes with other models like the Polar FT60 (*Est. $150) , which tracks user progress to create future workout plans.

The only major difference between this heart-rate monitor and our Best Reviewed Timex Ironman Race Trainer (*Est. $100) is that the Road Trainer can't upload data to a computer or TrainingPeaks.com, an online portal and user community for training enthusiasts. However, taking advantage of that feature in the Race Trainer requires an optional Race Trainer upload kit (*Est. $50).

Ease Of Use

Somewhat complicated setup. Those new to Timex heart-rate monitors have some difficulty setting up the wrist unit, but once that hurdle is cleared, the Road Trainer's user interface is intuitive, reviewers say. The LCD screen is clear and can be read easily during a workout.

The battery on both the monitor and chest strap is user-replaceable, but the wristband isn't and the heart-rate monitor must be returned to Timex if it breaks. This incurs a charge if the one-year warranty has expired. The chest strap isn't the best, but it's mostly cloth and comfortable. One Amazon.com reviewer says, "You know it's there, but it doesn't pinch or annoy me like I thought it would." Versions of the Ironman Road Trainer sized for men or women are available.

Ownership

It outlasts the warranty. The Timex Ironman Road Trainer is covered by a one-year limited warranty. Users say the heart-rate monitor generally lasts longer -- about two years -- before it's done in, most often due to a broken wristband. The chest strap isn't included in the coverage, although one owner received a replacement from Timex when he experienced repeated battery issues. Few user reviews mention needing to return the monitor.