Sigma Sports PC6
Hear rate and training zone
Visual and/or beeping alarm
12 Hour clock Day and date display
20 Hour stopwatch
Includes chest strap
Designed in Germany
2 Year warranty

Heart Rate monitors are becoming increasing popular training aids. Racers like Ned Overand and Julie Furtado helped start the high tech training and racing revolution. Today more professional and amateur racers use heart rate monitors when they ride because they can help increase performance.

Until now heart rate monitors have been expensive and have had very few features. The PC6 is Sigma's answer to an affordable heart rate monitor. Sigma Sports is a German Company that designs and manufactures high quality bicycle computers and lights. The PC6 is manufactured in Hong Kong.

We received the Sigma PC6 and quickly were able to set the time and date. The watch face is large and clear. Four buttons allow you to quickly access all the features. You can set a training zone that will alert with an alarm or by blinking the display you if your heart rate goes below or above your target range. Current heart rate is displayed very large so it can be seen easily while on the bike.

The standard chest strap features a user replaceable battery, elastic band, and auto-start. It is comfortable and does not need to be over-tightened in order to get accurate readings. The chest strap starts transmitting within approximately 2 minutes after strapping it on.

At the gym the heart rate monitor was very helpful when using cardio type machines. The Sigma displays an accurate reading during the workout. It helped keep my focus when running on the treadmill or using the cross-trainer. Time on the machines seemed to go much faster. Over several days I was able to see if I was over or under training.

On the bike the Sigma was very useful. It comes with an adapter that allows it to be easily mounted to your bike. During training rides I set the target range and kept my heart rate within that range. When I went over my target zone the Sigma let me know. I could focus on my breathing and reduce the effort if needed. When I followed my target range I am able to ride longer and felt stronger later during the rides.

On the downside the watch itself is thicker than most higher priced heart rate watches. It does not track your maximum or minimum heart rate, a feature that can be helpful. These aside, this watch is a very good value from a good company.