Peloton launches $90 wrist heart rate monitor with LED indicators

Peloton has just released a new forearm heart rate monitor that will replace the company’s current chest strap. The $90 heart rate monitor (HRM) uses optical sensors rather than the electrodermal sensors found on the chest strap it will soon replace.

Designed for use with the Peloton trainer kit, the original HRM retailed for $50 and is now selling for $34 while stocks last. It uses ANT+ and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to connect to equipment and track effort levels. The new strap lacks ANT+, but will have the same features and record heart rate and heart rate zones, contributing to the patented Peloton Strive Score metric. The ANT+ exclusion means that some third party equipment (especially non-Bluetooth) will not be compatible with the latest band.

The new heart rate wristband adds five multi-color LEDs to communicate information about heart rate zones, battery level, and connection status. The battery is also now rechargeable, unlike its predecessor, and is rated for approximately 10 hours of use.

Chest heart rate monitors use electrical currents to measure your heart rate. They are generally more accurate than optical sensors, which rely on correct positioning, and may be less accurate for people with darker skin tones or obesity. Chest straps can be uncomfortable or even impossible for some, so the something-on-arm option can be beneficial, especially as it comes in two sizes, small and large.

The Peloton heart rate monitor is available today for $90 in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and Germany. It is compatible with all Peloton equipment, including the upcoming Peloton Guide, an Xbox Kinect-like tracker that connects to your TV to monitor and track all types of Peloton exercise.