FOR CYCLISTS . . .
VDO HC12.6 BIKE COMPUTER, £64.99
A bicycle computer with a difference. Simply enter your bike’s specifications, such as wheel size, and then attach the sensor to the wheel and the computer to your handlebars, and it will log your speed, distance, average speed and overall riding time. What sets it apart from similar gadgets is that it can also display your heart rate — you wear a heart-rate strap around your chest — as well as your upper and lower limits, meaning that you adjust your training accordingly.
Stockists 0131-440 2010; www.cycleparts.de
FOR CROSS-COUNTRY RUNNERS . . .
GARMIN FORERUNNER 201, £149
When you train on a treadmill in the gym you have the benefit of having to hand a host of information such as speed and distance run. Once on the open road, however, it’s a different story. Garmin’s updated Forerunner GPS device looks like a watch, but not only can it pinpoint your position, it can also track your distance and speed, even if you break away from the beaten path. On practice runs, I found the watch slightly cumbersome. It works better in open, rather than urban areas, where buildings block the GPS signal.
Stockists 01794 519944; www.garmin.com
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FOR SPRINTERS . . .
HEATWATCH STOPWATCH, £25
This is one for serious runners. As well as being able to record split and lap times, this stopwatch also logs temperature and humidity. Why? It’s surprising how much the two can affect your running times. This year’s winning time for the London Marathon was 2:06:18. However, for the Chombung Marathon in Thailand, where humidity can reach over 89 per cent, the finishing time was 2:42:59 — 36 min 41 sec slower. The watch also offers the usual array of timing options, such as lap counters, lap recall and split memory.
Stockists 0500 345300; www.extech.com
FOR KEEP FIT ...
CALORIE JUMP SKIPPING ROPE, £14.95
Skipping is one of the best aerobic activities that you can do — just 20 minutes will burn up 100 calories. The Calorie Jump skipping rope not only tracks the number of jumps per workout but also calculates the calories burned. All you need do is to enter your weight before beginning, and the rest is done for you. The 2m (6½ft) length of rubberised rope will suit even the tallest of people, although some might find the lightweight plastic handles off-putting.
Stockists 08700 113206; www.paramountzone.com
FOR FITNESS ENTHUSIASTS . . .
RIO CALI SPORT MP3 PLAYER, £102
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Covered in rubber, to protect it from any bumps, this MP3 player is for anyone on the move. It can hold up to 60 songs, with the option to store another 500, and because it has no moving parts, it won’t miss a beat if you are doing something energetic, such as cross-country running or mountain biking across rough terrain. It also has an integrated FM radio and stopwatch with lap timer. Criticisms? Downloading music on to it can be slow.
Stockists 08700 991794; www.rioaudio.com
FOR RUNNERS . . .
ADIDAS 1 SELF-ADAPTING TRAINER, £250 (on sale from December)
The most important piece of kit for any runner is their trainers. Adidas has created an “intelligent” shoe, with the help of a sensor, small motor and a battery. The shoe constantly measures the impact on the sole as your foot strikes the ground and adjusts the tension accordingly. The intended result is to ensure continuous ideal cushioning on Tarmac or grass.
Stockists 08702 404204; www.adidas.com
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Stuart Miles is editor of www.pocket-lint.co.uk