What is the best smartwatch for cycling? If you are already a cyclist, or are just now getting into cycling, then you probably already know that a smart watch will be a very good option for such outings.
Sure, you can always use a bike computer, but smartwatches usually have a GPS and other advanced features that will be beneficial to you as a cyclist. And, if you are reading this article, then you are probably thinking about going with a smartwatch anyway. Well we have done a bit of research, and have come up with this list in order to help you decide on what would be the best smartwatch for cycling!
#1: Apple Watch Series 3
Apple is a popular brand known for its constant innovation. While there are more advanced versions of this watch, I will recommend the Series 3 because it still has everything you need, and is far cheaper than the more recent models.
The Apple Watch Series 3 features a built in GPS, it has Strava support, along with GLONASS, QZSS, and Galileo. It also contains a heart rate monitor, gyroscope, and accelerometer.
Additionally, you can store music, audiobooks, and podcasts, although you may find it difficult to read a book, while riding. It supports both first and third party apps.
I would say the one major gripe with this watch is its lack of support for Android. You must have an Iphone to use this watch. Overall though, the Apple Watch Series 3 is an excellent smartwatch for cycling at a decent price for Iphone users.
Quick Look
- Built in GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, and Galileo support
- Strava Support
- relatively inexpensive
- supports numerous different 1st and 3rd party apps
- only works with Iphone, no Android support
#2: Garmin Forerunner 235
The next one on our list is the Garmin Forerunner 235. Garmin is another well known name in the fitness tracker industry. This one has a GPS, heart rate monitor, and 3 other sports modes available in addition to cycling.
The Garmin Forerunner 235 will measure many more of your stats. It will take VO2 Readings, distance traveled, calories burned and more. When synced with your smartphone you can get email , text, social media, and call alerts. It also helps that it is a little less expensive than other fitness trackers.
Quick Look
- GPS
- 4 sports modes
- stat readings
- many different alerts
- less expensive than other fitness trackers
#3: Garmin Fenix 5 Sapphire
At number three on our list, is another Garmin model; the Garmin Fenix 5 Sapphire. This is a premium smartwatch built with a rugged design and packed with features. It contains a GPS, heart rate monitor, and can sync with phone and apps as well as display all associated notifications. It will also inform you of your performance stats, such as VO2 max, as well as estimate how you will perform in certain events.
The Fenix 5 Sapphire will track a large variety of different sporting events. You can easily interchange the watch bands at your convenience. One other great feature is is an incredibly long lasting battery life at up to 2 weeks in smartwatch only mode. The main drawback to all of these feature, however; is the steep price.
Quick Look
- packed with features
- GPS
- measure stats such as VO2 Max
- tracks many different sports
- many different alerts
- easily interchangeable watch bands
- long battery life
- expensive
#4: Polar M430
This sporty looking watch is known for having an incredibly accurate GPS. Aside from that, you will also get a heart rate monitor, pedometer, calorie and sleep tracker.
The Polar M430 also has an app called the Polar Flow app. With this app, you can share and synchronize your workout data with others. It is waterproof as well, which is a plus.
While it doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles as some of the other big name brands, it is simple, inexpensive, and efficient at what it does.
Quick Look
- very accurate GPS
- monitors heart rate, sleep, calories, and steps
- waterproof
- Polar Flow app allows you to share and sync workouts with others
#5: Suunto 9
Last, we have the Suunto 9. The Suunto 9 is another smartwatch with a rugged design adapted to outdoor use along wilderness trails. It has a GPS, heart rate monitor, and tracks up to 80 different sports for training purposes.
This watch also has different battery modes to allow you to save power, depending on what you are doing at any point in time. The Baro model also measures barometric altitude, for more accurate altitude calculations. The Suunto 9 will also give you data on temperature, sea level, and will even inform you of incoming storms.
This watch has many advanced features, and gives you a large amount of data. It is expensive though, so make sure that you can fit it within your current budget.
Quick Look
- GPS
- heart rate monitor
- tracks up to 80 different sports
- detects weather changes
- water resistant up to 100 meters
- expensive
Conclusion
So that’s it for our quick overview of our top picks for this year. There are many different types of smartwatches and fitness trackers out there. Hopefully though, this article has you an idea of the options available and aided in your quest to find the best smartwatch for cycling!
If mountain biking is your thing, then you should check out our top pick for the best smartwatch for mountain biking!
