Helio Strap: The Wrist Heart Rate Monitor for Cycling — 2026 Review

The Helio Strap is one of the most innovative devices to have arrived in the cycling world in recent years. Unlike traditional heart rate monitors — chest straps or wristwatches — the Helio Strap is worn on the ankle, taking advantage of the fact that blood vessels are closer to the surface there and arm movement does not interfere with the reading. Is it worth it? We tell you everything.

What is the Helio Strap?

The Helio Strap is an optical ankle heart rate monitor specifically designed for sports where the chest strap is uncomfortable or the wristwatch loses accuracy. In cycling, where arm movement is minimal and the bike position can compress the wrist, the ankle offers a very interesting alternative.

📌 Technical Specifications

Position: ankle (inner side)
Technology: high-frequency optical PPG sensor
Connectivity: ANT+ and dual Bluetooth 5.0
Compatibility: Garmin, Wahoo, Polar, Zwift, Strava, and any ANT+/BLE device
Battery: up to 30 hours of continuous use
Water resistance: IPX7 (submersible up to 1 meter)
Weight: ~25 g
Price: ~100–130€

✅ Advantages of the Helio Strap for Cyclists

🛼 More comfortable than chest strap: does not squeeze the chest, ideal for cyclists who find chest straps uncomfortable in a bent-over position (TT, triathletes)
💪 More accurate than wristwatch: the ankle has less movement and better superficial blood flow than the wrist during pedaling
⚡ Dual ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity: compatible with any bike computer or app on the market
🔋 30-hour battery: enough for the longest outings or several days of bike touring
💧 Water resistant: no problem with rain, sweat, or crossings
📱 No cables or annoying straps: minimalist design that does not interfere with pedaling

⚠️ Helio Strap limitations

⚠️ Optical sensor vs electrode: although better than the wrist, the chest strap with electrode remains more accurate during high-intensity efforts and sudden pace changes
⚠️ Unusual position: some cyclists take time to get used to wearing it on the ankle
⚠️ Price: more expensive than a basic chest strap (Wahoo TICKR: ~50€ vs Helio Strap: ~120€)
⚠️ Does not measure HRV with the same accuracy as the best chest electrodes for recovery analysis

🏆 Helio Strap vs Competition

Device	Position	Accuracy	Comfort	Price
Helio Strap	Ankle	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	~120€
Polar H10	Chest	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	~90€
Garmin HRM-Pro	Chest	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	~80€
Fitbit / Smartwatch	Wrist	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	100–400€
Wahoo TICKR X	Chest	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	~60€

🤔 Who is the Helio Strap for?

✅ Triathletes and time trial cyclists: bent-over position where chest straps press more
✅ Cyclists who hate chest straps but want more accuracy than a watch
✅ Long-distance cycle tourists: 30h battery and comfort on long rides
✅ Cyclists with sensitive skin who suffer irritation from chest straps
❌ Not recommended if: you seek maximum accuracy in high-intensity intervals — chest straps still win there

🚴 Try Cycling with CaranvaSports

If you are considering whether cycling is for you before investing in accessories like the Helio Strap, remember that at CaranvaSports you can rent all types of bikes in the main destinations of Spain. Try, pedal, and decide with full knowledge.