This summer I met a man in Germany who had lost more than 40 pounds while training for a half-marathon. He used a heart rate monitor to keep his pulse in the optimum fat burning zone and said, "It really works." I wanted a heart rate monitor that reads constantly and I can see while riding my bicycle, especially as winter approaches.
I chose the Sigma because the user can change the battery in the chest strap without sending it back to the factory. I like the digital packet transmissions that block interference from electrical lines and traffic lights.
The BC 2006 works well. I have lost pulse and MPH readouts a couple of times. Once this was due to lost electrical connection between the chest strap and my skin. Moistening my skin with water before putting the chest strap on helps. Once the chest strap changed its position on my skin and I lost the signal for a while. Tightening the strap a bit helps. Low batteries in the chest strap or the wheel sensor causes no readings, too. And, I often ride without my eyeglasses and it would be helpful if the pulse readout had a larger display.
The initial programming is involved and a little confusing. At times a bit more information in the manual would be helpful. A table of programming numbers for different wheel and tires sizes is given. But, it would be more helpful if the manual mentioned these are the circumference of the wheel with tire. I did not change wheels, but changed tires and the circumference changed, even though the size of the tires is the same. I measured the distance my tire rolls during one rotation with my weight on the bike and had to change the figure I entered in order to maintain accuracy.
The altimeter function is interesting. I am still learning to program and use it. It would have been more helpful to have a cadence function.
Yes, this bicycle computer allows its use on two bicycles and it automatically knows which bike is in use. What you do not know until the box arrives is that the second sender unit costs an additional $25 plus shipping. An extra magnet for $7 plus shipping would be advisable. Also needed is a second mounting bracket for the handlebars. That costs another $8 plus shipping. No information on ordering these things is given in the manual. You need to go to Sigma's web site and search their on-line store.
The Sigma comes with two backs. One automatically brings up a display for cycling. The other automatically brings up a display for running or walking. The second back allows the user to check his pulse while using any exercise equipment, like a NordicTrack ski machine. Because the unit twists off from the back, you can take your Sigma with you when you must lock your bike and leave it somewhere. Once the display unit came off of the bike while I was transporting the bike in the back of my wife's small SUV. Once readings disappeared because vibration had caused the display unit to twist just a bit loose.
Experience so far indicates this unit will help me lose weight, althought slowly. It is far less expensive than a health club membership.
UPDATE: No one knows how long one of these units may have been on a warehouse shelf. The sensors (chest strap and wheel) are draining power from their batteries the whole time. One day I got no heart or speed readings. I changed batteries in the sensors and everything is perfect. I do not lose signals at all, now.
All batteries (3) are # CR-2032 "watch batteries." A new one reads 3.3 volts. When they go down to 3.0 volts, they are no longer reliable. You might want to install new batteries when you get your new Sigma, just to have a more enjoyable experience with it. The wheel sensor battery lasted only three to four weeks. I contacted Sigma's North American office and they very kindly exchanged my wheel sensor for a replacement. The battery in it seems to last much, much longer now.