With origins in cross country skiing, Finnish brand Polar has been around since the late s and launched the world’s first wireless heart rate monitor way back in While long a pioneer in wearable fitness technology – most notably watches, which continue to provide the bulk of its product catalogue in – the recently-arrived V marks Polar’s first serious foray into the burgeoning GPS cycling computer sector.
As a devoted disciple of GPS/ride data across multiple brands and platforms, this is an impressive piece of cyclo-tech. But, as we’ll get to in a moment, it isn’t quite perfect. For this reason, rather than call it a bona fide game changer it’s probably best described as a ‘game joiner’. It will certainly have rivals taking notice. But not quite quaking in their cleats – not yet, anyway.
Out of the box it’s clear the V is seriously well made. With an IPX7 water resistance rating and high quality finish it looks and feels like the premium gadget it is. At x63x15mm it’s bigger, albeit thinner, than most of its rivals and also weighs a little more at g. But it still nestles snuggly on your stem via the twist
BSA
Linje
Blackline
The line for those who want a little more and a little better. The equipment is carefully selected and packaged to give life with a caravan an extra touch of luxury.
Show BlacklineStandard equipment
Kitchen
- Induction hob and propane stove
- Kitchen faucet
- Microwave
- Pedestal stand
- Propane oven
- Refrigerator/freezer /31 liters
Seating area
- Front shelf with Polar bear
- Front speakers
- Indirect lighting on front side cabinets
- LED lighting in seating area
- Neck pillows, 2 pcs
- Pillows 40x40 cm, 2 pcs
- Pop-up outlet
Exterior
- 16” matte black rims
- Dark skirt package with silver stripe
- Hitch cover
- Propane outlet on the front locker wall
- Rear storage hatch including lighting
- Smooth sheet metal
Bedroom
- Bolster pillows, 2 pcs
- Electric Q-bed in Q and BQD
- Fold-down electrical outlet in each bedside table
- Super de Luxe mattress topper (6 cm)
Interior other
- Extra 12 V circulation pump in the expansion tank
- Gas detector in Polar Connect
- LED lighting in wardrobes, bed drawer
- LED strip in front & rear windows
- Load monitor
- Midi Heki skylight at the front
- Mini Heki at the back
- FREE OpenStreetMap support
- Bright Clear Colour Display
- Training Benefit feedback post ride
- Easy to operate via single RED button on front of unit
- Configurable Displays for different cycling styles and training views (MTB, Road, Indoor, Other)
- Optional Heart Rate, Cadence and Power support
- Bluetooth Smart Heart Rate, Cadence and Speed sensor support
- Emergency Front Light
- Navigate BACK HOME function with as the crow flies directional arrow
- Barometric Altimeter with ascent/descent and VAM (vertical meters per hour ascent speed)
- Polar Flow web-service support (Mac and Windows PC)
- Please also take a minute to watch my Polar V
BQDA
Linje
Blueline
Affordable and well-equipped base model with an attractive optional package. Available in all basic layouts.
Show BluelineStandard equipment
Kitchen
- 4-burner stove with gas oven
- Electric kitchen fan
- Large window by the kitchen counter
- Refrigerator/freezer /31 liters
- Upper kitchen cabinets in white/ lower in greige
Seating area
- V outlet
- Pillows 40x40 cm, 2 pcs
- Speakers, 2 pcs
- TV area prepared
- USB outlets in reading lamps
Exterior
- 16” Aluminum rims
- AL-KO AKS
- Automatically heated V drainage
- Electronic TV antenna
- Exterior door with window
- LED lighting for storage compartment & gas locker
- Medium tinted windows with smooth exterior, steplessly adjustable, roller blind & mosquito net
- Mudguards at wheels
- Propane leak test
- Smooth sheet metal
- Support legs + crank for support leg
Bedroom
- V outlet at the headboard
- Adjustable head ends
- Bed lighting with USB outlets
- Bolster pillows, 2 pcs
- LED strip at rear window
- Lighting in wardrobe
- Mattress topper, 3 cm
- Upholstered headboard
Bathroom
- V outlet
- Ceiling hatch in washroom
- Swivel electric cassette toilet
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Polar V Review – Made for all Cyclists?
At a Glance: Quick Ratings
Heart Rate Functions
Fitness / Sport Features
Ease of Use
Battery Life
Where To Get It
A Deep Dive Into Polar V
The Polar V is an advanced GPS bike computer with OpenSource maps, back to home, cadence (optional), power (optional), heart rate (optional) and barometric altimeter for accurate climb and descent data. The Polar V GPS Bike Computer has been tested and reviewed by Tristan Haskins aka CardioCritic.