Do you wear a heart rate monitor?

[SpinFast]

I'll be racing in a 7-day mountain bike stage race this summer in British Columbia. I've been racing mountain bikes for many years now but am always curious to know who trains with a heart rate monitor or who simply trains on perceived exertion levels. I've done both but am still stuck between what's more beneficial in the end. I typically find myself wearing a HRM at the beginning of the season as I build on base miles but as soon as the races start I find it a bit distracting.

[emartin10]

I wear one all the time, but for me, it gives me a better gauge on my caloric output - so I have a better idea how much I should be eating. I'll also use it as a gauge during tempo runs or rides, but it's not something I'm always looking at.

E

[silly]

I use a Powertap on the road bike, so I have a heart rate monitor built into it. When Saris releases the disc compatible hub, I'll use my powertap on the mountain bike as well, and start wearing my hr strap. I don't pay attention to it though. I pretty much redline through the entire race. I think seeing my heart rate would only give me permission to let up some.