Customer Reviews

Timex 59551 Triathlon Bodylink Performance Monitor and Watch

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've had 2 Polar and 1 Timex before this. I still have the last timex. It works great still, but lacks the gps. The 2 Polars didn't last very long.

My uses: Trail running, mountain biking, swimming, timekeeping

The more technical functionality that is built into any gadget, the more there is to gripe about. The HRM function is great, the GPS speed and distance is just ok: uncomfortable, bulky, heavy, inaccurate when trail running or trail biking.

I bought the unit intending to buy the Data Link piece later. I still intend to buy it, but it is costly. I think the data link functionaly will make the total package worthwhile if you aren't strapped for money.

As a HRM, the unit is an excellent performer. The band is light weight and comfortable. The chest strap is sensitive to your heartbeat and comfortable for the most part. It is a little small for my XXL chest, but I use it despite the tightness. Functions include: chrono stop with splits, Avg HR, Avg HR in Zone, Time in Zone, event time, all the normal functions.

When you strap on the GPS arm band, there are both good and bad elements. Added to the functions are: pace, avg pace, distance, speed, avg speed. Those are the basic speed and distance functions. It also does some complex things. It can take splits at predetermined distances. Say when you run 3 miles, it can be set to take a split at each exact mile without your input. It can also sense movement and start your chrono for you at the exact moment when you take off running. It is capable of much more than most folks would use, but it could be useful for customizing workouts.

The GPS is a little heavy, a litte AA battery hungry, and is not comfortable. It is a trade off. You gain speed and distance information at the expense of having to wear the GPS band. I've found that I only use the GPS on new routes until I've become accustomed to the particularities of that route, then I store the GPS in my gear bag and go back to just using the HRM.

GPS is less than accurate when running or riding trails. Walking is ok. It is highly accurate with a clear(er) view of the sky. The faster you go under the trees, the less accurate. I found it to be useless on the mountain bike in the woods. Simply not accurate in that instance.

Also, my wireless Ciclo Master CM411 bike computer goes haywire when exposed to the HRM signal, rendering it inaccurate. The bar mounted bike computer displays varying MPH's while sitting still when in proximity to the HRM. I'll give my wireless Ciclo to a family member and replace it with a wired version soon.

RECAP and Final say:

Pros:

Legendary Timex durability and watch functionality; tasteful styling, very light weight, comfortable fit; easy to learn, easy to use; offers speed, distance and pace measurements, but best for occasionl use in my opinion.

Cons:

Expensive, strap smallish but managable for XXL chest, indiglo light won't stay on long and is dim; the HR signal causes the wireless ciclo bar mounted computer to read erroneously, GPS less accurate when on the trails.

Another tool for those who have the money, can't comment on the datalink, HRM and Watch function great.

I use my Bodylink system for cycling, which I've taken up this year to stay fit. The concept of the Bodylink is vastly superior to anything else I've seen: you get an HRM with a GPS tracker to measure speed and distance, in one wireless system. For me, the getting the Bodylink was a no brainer. Why get two separate wireless units when one system combines both, with state of the art technology? Moreover, as a newbie buying with a higher end road bike, I didn't want to mess with connecting a cycloputer with wires and/or magnets to my new bike, so the wireless GPS method of tracking distance & speed has been a godsend.

I've owned my Bodylink system now for about 3 months and it's worked like a charm! The watch alone is a beautiful, superior digital timepiece, as far as digital watches go. The display is big and the characters are very easy to read and highly visible when dark, thanks to the Indiglo backlight. The wrist strap is extremely comfortable, and the crystal has been quite strong & scratch resistant (knock on wood!). Honestly, the watch is so comfortable and stylish that I now prefer to wear it rather than my trusty (and expensive) Tag Heuer analog watch.

The watch/HRM/cyclo-running computer has a about a zillion different functions, but thankfully, it picks up the signals from both the GPS and HRM chest transmitters almost instantaneously, and then it's fairly easy to get the data displayed. I have also found both the HRM chest transmitter and the GPS unit (which wraps around your arm the watch is on) to be very durable and yet comfortable to wear. I find the GPS tracking for speed and distance to be especially cool -- I mean, when you can use the latest satellite technology to measure your speed and distance travelled with pinpoint accuracy, what's not to like? Another nice feature is that each time you use the GPS, the unit also synchronizes the accuracy of the watch's time with that of the satellite. Thus, your watch's time is always correct.

I haven't noticed any problems with the accuracy of either the HRM or the GPS units. I've read posts on cycling forums about interference from other bikers' wireless cycloputers, but that hasn't been a problem with my Bodylink at all. In fact, I can't recall intereference from anything. I've found the watch to be very easy to read while on my bike, thanks to the great display qualities. I originally wanted to mount an HRM/cycloputer on my handlebar, but having to look instead at the watch has worked out fine.

The only fault I can find is with the documentation: the manual is neither as clear nor as detailed as I'd like, and unfortunately, the Timex web site offers nothing more in the way of online tech information. On the other hand, I've been able to figure a lot out about the various computer functions just by taking the time to experiment around with the watch; it's not that hard.

The bottom line: the Bodylink isn't cheap, but you get a lot for your money.

I use my Bodylink system for cycling, which I've taken up this year to stay fit. The concept of the Bodylink is vastly superior to anything else I've seen: you get an HRM with a GPS system in one system, and both are wireless. For a newbie at serious cycling, I didn't want to mess with connecting wires and magnets to my new bike, so the wireless GPS method of tracking distance & speed has been a godsend.

I've owned my Bodylink system now for about 3 months and it's worked like a charm! The watch alone is a beautiful, superior digital timepiece, as far as digital watches go. The display is big and the characters are very easy to read and highly visible when dark, thanks to the Indiglo backlight. The wrist strap is extremely comfortable, and the crystal has been quite strong & scratch resistant (knock on wood!). Honestly, the watch is so comfortable and stylish that I now prefer to wear it rather than my trusty (and expensive) Tag Heuer analog watch.

The watch/HRM/cyclo-running computer has a about a zillion different functions, but thankfully, it picks up the signals from both the GPS and HRM chest transmitters almost instantaneously, and then it's fairly easy to get the data displayed. I have also found both the HRM chest transmitter and the GPS units to be very durable and yet comfortable to wear.

I haven't noticed any problems with the accuracy of either the HRM or the GPS units. I've read posts on cycling forums about interference from other bikers' wireless cycloputers, but that hasn't been a problem with my Bodylink at all. In fact, I can't recall intereference from anything. I've found the watch to be very easy to read while on my bike, thanks to the great display qualities. I originally wanted to mount an HRM/cycloputer on my handlebar, but having to look instead at the watch has worked out fine.

The only fault I can find is with the documentation: the manual is neither as clear nor as detailed as I'd like, and unfortunately, the Timex web site offers nothing more in the way of online tech information. On the other hand, I've been able to figure a lot out about the various computer functions just by taking the time to experiment around with the watch; it's not that hard.

I bought it a few months back for a marathon training, mainly to monitor my heart rate and to know the pace and distance I ran. I will say this product met all my needs. And I also wear it in ordinary time as an ordianary watch too.

The monitor has big fonts for easy read and looks cool.

The HRM updates pretty fast. My only little hassle is to put the strap in the right place to get the signal. But I would think every heart rate monitor has this issue. After I figured that out I remeber the spot of my chest and put it over there every time I used it. Yes I do feel very little uncomfortable with the strap. If any female user has ever tried this out, please post if Victoria's Secret feels a lot better. I once tried to buy a HRM without strap but I could not find one.

The Distance and Speed works very good for me. I could use the data to see my performance and agjusd my training. The data on the monitor update fast enough for your use. And I found the distance is very accurate. The GPS signal was only blocked when I entered a building. I ran under cloud and trees (not very intense) and could still receive uninterrupted signal. If the size can be a little smaller and lighter, it would be perfect.

Overall, it's nice and I recommend it.

I'm a little surprised that some of the reviewers question the accuracy of the GPS. I have calibrated dozens if not hundreds of times and have found it completely accurate with the exception of being near high tension wires, which makes it go a little crazy and will show me running a 2 minute mile in one direction and then a 30 minute mile coming back the other way. I haven't had this problem often.

GPS portion does not work (Expect long acquisition time and frequent interruptions in satellite contact) and the watch shows wear/tear pretty much immediately.

Do yourself a favor, either pay up for a better system from a GPS focused company that works passably well or save your money and stick with a cheaper watch/heart monitor combo.

This watch is very complete and full of interesting and util functions. It helps a lot to have an accurate and more professional trainning. The problem is that I am not sure about the GPS' accuracy. Sometimes it shows inaccurate distance and speedy information.

Some users have reported problems with the system. A problem recording data that seems to relate to the GPS unit or the Data Recorder. See the Help Center Product Suport forum for Timex at hdosports online.