Many cyclists choose to monitor their heart rate while cycling because it allows them to tailor their workouts to their particular needs. This process is usually done with the help of a heart rate monitor, which comes in two parts: a chest strap that transmits the heart rate wirelessly, and a receiver that receives the signal and displays the heart rate information on a screen. The information displayed on the monitor screen will be fairly useless unless the cyclist knows what the numbers mean, so the first step in monitoring heart rate while cycling is to educate yourself on the numbers and how to utilize them to your advantage.
The first thing you will want to do is to determine your maximum heart rate. This is usually done through a series of tests that you can do yourself at home or on the bike, but a general guide for finding your maximum heart rate is to subtract your age from 220. This is a general guideline and is not especially accurate, but it will give you something of an idea as to where you should be when you are working as hard as possible. Other tests will need to be done to determine your average heart rate and your resting heart rate so you can figure out what your heart rate while cycling should be for different fitness goals.
Heart rate is measured in beats per minute, or BPM. This number will tell you how many times your heart pumps during rigorous exercise; certain heart rate zones are ideal for improving cardiovascular health, while others are perfect for burning fat. Still others are ideal for building muscle. You will want to do a bit of research to find out what heart rate zones will accomplish these zones for you and tailor your workout to them.
Some heart rate monitors will feature an indicator or alarm when you have left your target zone during a workout. This allows you to be aware of your heart rate while cycling and adjust your output level accordingly to ensure you are getting the maximum benefit from your workout. If you drop below your target heart rat, the receiver unit will flash or sound, telling you that you need to pick up the pace. If you are going too hard and your heart rate leaves your target zone on the high end, the receiver will sound again to indicate that you should slow down.