The Wahoo TICKR heart rate monitor chest strap was unique when it launched in that it could track your workout without being tethered to a phone or cycling computer. Now, the higher end TICKRx captures more than just heart rate, adding indoor cycling cadence and running dynamics.
For cyclists, one of the biggest updates is the new slimmer design. The back of the center unit is now smooth all the way across and the heart rate sensors themselves are also thinner and more comfortable on the skin. It’s also a tiny bit lighter – but hey, 3 grams is 3 grams, right?
In spite of getting slimmer, it somehow packs in more antennas. This lets you connect it to up to three devices simultaneously, through both ANT+ and Bluetooth. So, you can pair it with a watch and your phone, for example.
There are two versions, the TICKR (in white and stealth) and TICKRx, and both get the new slimmer design. They also both move their indicator lights to the top, so you can see if it’s on, paired and working without tilting it.
Both have up to 50 hours of built-in memory. Just tap it a certain way (read your instructions, eh?) and it starts recording your effort. Then sync it with the app later to see your workout data. It also estimates calorie burn for your workout, too.
The TICKRx gets the additional data processing that allows it to measure running dynamics like cadence, vertical oscillation, and ground contact time. Their app uses that data to give you a running smoothness score. Indoors, when paired with the app and set to treadmill mode, it’ll also take a stab at calculating distance and speed.
For indoor cycling, it can detect your motion sufficiently to provide a cadence measurement when paired with the app and the workout is set to indoor cycling mode.
Available now, the TICKR retails for $49.99 (€49.99 / £39.99 / AUD$ 79.99). The TICKRx is $79.99 (€79.99 / £64.99 / AUD$ 129.95). They use one CR3032 battery that should give you about 500 hours of use for the TICKR, and 200 hours for the TICKRx. The strap is washable, and the head unit is IPX7 waterproof up to 5 feet.
The TICKR V2 will also be available in updated ELEMNT Roam and ELEMNT Bolt stealth edition bundles for $479.99 and $329.99 respectively.
