WAHOO TICKR X

£64.99 Affordable training tool with useful running metrics

Who thought the humble heart-rate chest strap was dead? Wahoo’s TICKR X’s Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity means it can hook up with your smartphone, and a host of GPS watches and bike computers, including the one we used – the Suunto Spartan. It also works with over 50 apps, including Strava.

As well as measuring heart rate, it records calories burnt, workout duration and running metrics like vertical oscillation and ground contact time, as seen on Garmin’s 920X. Both are indicators of good running economy, so it’s one for the triathlete who’s looking to save every ounce of energy. Yet it only displays this info via the Wahoo app so you must take your smartphone with you or analyse post-workout. That last feature is achieved because it can store up to 16 workouts for download post-session – the workout started and finished via a double tap of the sensor – though we’d prefer analysing running metrics and HR info on the fly.

Those whose watch features a HRmeasuring optical sensor will question its need. But, for us, the jury remains out on the accuracy of optical sensors. The Wahoo TICKR X also records swim HR, yet the results are inconsistent and it doesn’t provide stroke rate and distance swum. All in all, a few tri-specific upgrades and the ability to project run metrics onto a watch would elevate this tool into a new league. wahoofitness.com