Chest straps work, but not everyone wants to wear one. The elastic band sits right where a tight jersey already creates pressure, and the electrode contact patches can chafe during long efforts or lose signal when sweat patterns shift. If you've tried chest-strap heart rate monitoring and found it uncomfortable or inconsistent, the TICKR FIT from Wahoo offers an alternative: optical sensing in an armband that wraps around your forearm instead of your chest. Same data, different location, no electrode contact required.

Optical heart rate monitors use LED light to detect blood flow changes beneath the skin, then calculate heart rate from those pulse patterns. The technology has matured significantly since early wrist-based monitors, and forearm placement improves accuracy further by reading from an area with less tendon movement and better blood vessel access than the wrist. Wahoo positions the TICKR FIT on your upper forearm just below the elbow, where the sensor gets consistent readings whether you're gripping handlebars, pumping arms while running, or holding weights during a gym session.

The unit broadcasts over both Bluetooth and ANT+ simultaneously, connecting to your phone, bike computer, GPS watch, indoor trainer, or any combination of devices that support either protocol. LED indicators confirm connection status so you know the sensor is talking to your equipment before you start. The TICKR FIT works with over 50 apps including Zwift, Peloton, TrainerRoad, Strava, Runkeeper, and Wahoo's own ecosystem. It also pairs directly to Apple Watch and Apple TV for workout tracking without a phone in the loop.... Read More