Rechargeable batteries in chest strap heart rate monitors have been a long time coming, and Wahoo's TRACKR finally delivers one that matters. The integrated lithium-ion cell eliminates coin battery replacements entirely while providing over 100 hours of active use between charges. That sealed construction also removes the battery door that historically allowed sweat to infiltrate and corrode earlier generation straps, addressing one of the most common failure points in chest-mounted sensors.

The TRACKR pod weighs 11 grams and clips onto a redesigned strap that secures with a side buckle rather than clicking directly into the sensor housing. This separates the mechanical stress of daily on-and-off from the electrical connections, which should extend the unit's working life. The strap adjusts from 27" to 36" unstretched, with enough elasticity to accommodate chest sizes up to 50". A rubberized interior keeps the sensor positioned correctly during hard efforts when other straps tend to migrate.

Connectivity covers both protocols you need. ANT+ handles communication with bike computers and gym equipment, while Bluetooth links to smartphones and watches. The TRACKR maintains up to 3 simultaneous Bluetooth connections, so you can broadcast to your phone, smartwatch, and a Peloton or KICKR trainer all at once without dropping any signal. Pairing confirmation comes from an LED on the pod itself rather than requiring you to check an app.... Read More