New Polar M460 GPS cycling computer improves powermeter pairing, tactile functions & more

Introduced as the M450 in 2015, the new Polar M460 GPS cycling computer brings a few functional and aesthetic improvements to make their budget almost-category-killer cycling computer an even better deal. The important stuff -good price, integrated blinky light, full GPS, barometer-based inclinometer- carries over. What’s new is expanded 3rd party power meter compatibility, enhanced smart training features and Strava Live Segments, and more. Like better buttons and colors…

The M460 goes all black, and gains textured buttons so they’re easier to use by feel. The big red Start/Stop button remains top and center. Other basic specs include IPX7 water resistance and a 16 hour battery.

From a training perspective, the device will now pair with the following power meters: Rotor 2INpower, 4iiii Precision
Power Tap G3, Powertap P1, Powertap P1S, Powertap C1, Quarq DZero, Stages, PowerMax NG, and Polar’s Keo Power. Polar says modern power meters now transmit far more types of data (power balance, force vectors, etc.) and that the M450 and V650 weren’t programmed to receive that info, but this new M460 is.

Screens are customizable through the Polar Flow smartphone app, which is where your ride data will sync via Bluetooth after you finish. From there, it can send the data off to Strava or Training Peaks. Speaking of TP, it builds in several of that brand’s trademark training metrics like Intensity Factor, Normalized Power and Training Stress Score as real time numbers.

Also in real time are Strava Live Segments with advance warning on upcoming segments. Of course, you’ll need Strava Premium to use this feature, so they include a free two-month subscription with purchase. There are also on-bike fitness tests to gauge your body’s levels. Full Specs and features include:

DISPLAY
FSNT positive transflective display
Size 34,65mm x 34,65mm
Up to 10 displays (based on activated features and sensors)
Up to 4 metrics per screen
Customizable displays

BAROMETER
High precision ST LPS25H barometer

SENSORS
HR sensor H10 (also later Polar OH1)
BT Smart Power
BT Smart Speed
BT Smart Cadence

MEMORY
64 Mb flash memory
70 hours of recording time with HR, GPS and Power sensors on

BATTERY
Reachable 385mAh, 4,35V battery
Battery duration up to 16 hours of training with HR and GPS. 12 hours with all sensors and safety light turned on.

CONNECTIVITY
USB connectivity for data sync with PC or Mac (Flow SW needed)
BT Smart

SOFTWARE UPDATABLE
New functionalities with free updates or payable upgrades

LOCALISATION
UI localized for English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Dutch, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), Russian, Polish, Turkish, Czech, Indonesian

INTEGRATED GPS FUNCTIONS
No need to install additional speed sensor on the bike
Speed, distance, location,
Back-to-start routing

ALTITUDE FUNCTIONS
Barometer

COMPLETE BLUETOOTH SMART SENSOR SUPPORT
(POLAR OR 3RD PARTY)
Heart Rate, Bike Power, Bike Speed, Bike Cadence

CUSTOMIZATION
User selectable training views

DATA TRANSFER
USB cable (desktop) or BLE with mobile

ONLINE AND OFFLINE TOOLS COMPATIBLE
Online web service (Flow)
Flow app
Strava
Training Peaks

SAFETY FEATURES
Auto on/off Front LED light

You may notice the lack of ANT+ anywhere in there, and it’s true. Which is why I call this the “almost category killer” computer. Because for the features versus price, it’s a steal. But if you’ve already got an ANT+ power meter and really want to use all of the features it offers, you can’t. If you’ve got a dual transmission PM, check it out. Retail is $179.90 (€179.90) on its own, or $/€229.90 bundled with the new H10 heart rate strap, which will let you use the Polar Flow app to see recovery status (pre-workout readiness) and training load (post-workout assessment). For a detailed view of other features, check our launch coverage and first impressions of the M450 here.

Polar.com