CONTENTS
Cycling has come a long way from just being a mode of transportation. It is even considered today to be a sport or a form of exercise. Just like cycling, watches have evolved from its early days as devices to keep and tell time to devices that can be used to support specific activities – like cycling!
With the sudden explosion of demand for technology – specifically the clamor for wearable technology – in the 2010s, the multitude of tech companies have each come out with their attempt at delivering a smartwatch that can cater to one’s most specific desire or need. As a result, there is a vast array of smartwatch options that a cyclist can choose from to help guide the cyclist, collect data, or even analyze this data in order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the cyclist’s exercise.
Our team at Spring Bar has collated the 9 Best Watches for Cycling for 2020. The task of narrowing down the list of all the possible smartwatches for cycling into a few deserving devices can be overwhelming, so to guide this list, the following criteria have been considered: functionality, durability, and affordability.
The criteria of functionality limits our list to cycling watches that have useful athletic and exercise tracking functions. This is the most important limiting factor as otherwise, the lack of these functions would either make the watch too simplistic or even useless for use in cycling. The durability factor will follow our considerations for toughness among other watches like case, strap, and crystal material, but will include ability to survive short burst or long distance rides. As with most of our watches, affordability will also be considered as being value for money is a prime consideration for whether any piece of technology is a sensible option at all. These criteria will allow us to determine which smartwatch could provide cyclists the best information and experience at the price point just right for their budget.
Products | Prices | Key Features |
---|---|---|
Apple Watch Series 5 | $499 | Lightweight aluminum case LTE Built by very capable tech brand |
Samsung Galaxy Active 2 | $262.56 | Gorilla glass DX+ Charge from phone through powershare technology |
Garmin Forerunner 945 | $599 | Fiber reinforced polymer case Incident detection and assistance Training status |
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro | $699.99 | Scratchless sapphire crystal Sleek black design 100M water resistance |
Fitbit Ionic Watch | $249.95 | Lightweight aluminum case Gorilla glass 3 Wireless syncing Accessory bands |
Fitbit Versa 2 | $149.95 | Lightweight aluminum case Customizable watch faces Always on display mode |
Polar Vantage V | $479.94 | Corning gorilla glass Fitness test Smart calories Wide 46mm display |
Polar M430 | $146.90 | 24/7 activity and sleep tracking Activity sensor Satellite prediction technology |
Amazfit GTS | $149.99 | Lightweight aluminum case Corning Gorilla glass Ambient light sensor Bio tracking optical sensor |
1 Apple Watch Series 5
When the wildly famous Apple Watch was conceived, Apple wasn’t primarily focused on creating a watch for the athletic segment of the market. However, after a few iterations of their popular watch, Apple with its Apple Watch Series 5 has built a smart watch perfect for athletic use.
While most of its features are for casual daily use, it has a few athletic features that make it worthwhile as an athletic watch like its optical and electrical heart sensors. Also, the Apple Watches Series 5 can be fitted with a host of apps from the Apple Store. The functions may not be as effective as specialized athletic watches for cyclists, but these apps allow your casual day to day smartwatch to be used for sports. Having the option to download apps also allows for more variation.
The price is justified. Housed in the aluminum case and covered by sapphire crystal, the computer of the Apple Watch Series 5 is a powerful 64-bit dual-core processor with 32GB memory, and an Apple watchOS 5. This microcomputer is powered by a lithium-ion battery with a relatively short battery life of up to only 18h. It justifies its price and makes up for this shorter life through its formidable set of casual features and excellent quality boasted by the Apple brand. Its LTPO OLED retina-display makes this watch clearly readable on long rides even in inclement weather.
+PROS
- Lightweight aluminum case
- OLED Display
- Built by very capable tech brand
-CONS
- Less athletic functions
- Common; Doesn’t stand-out
- Relatively short battery life
The Basics:
Brand: Apple
Model: Apple watch series 5
Price: $499
Diameter: 44mm
Case Material: aluminum
Crystal Material: Sapphire crystal
Water Resistance: 50m
Strap/Bracelet: silicone
Strap/Bracelet Width:
The Movement/Specifications:
Movement: Battery Operated
Functions/Complications:
- LTE and UMTS
- Built-in GPS: GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS
- S5 with 64-bit dual-core processor
- W3 Apple wireless chip
- Barometric altimeter, Capacity 32GB
- Optical heart sensor, Electrical heart sensor
- Improved accelerometer up to 32 g‑forces
- Improved gyroscope
- Ambient light sensor
- LTPO OLED Always-On Retina display with Force Touch (1000 nits)
- Digital Crown with haptic feedback
- Louder speaker
- Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz)
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, Up to 18 hours of battery life
- watchOS 5
Thickness: 10.7mm
Weight: 47.91g
Key Features:
Brand: Apple
Model: Apple watch series 5
Price: $499
Diameter: 44mm
Case Material: aluminum
Crystal Material: Sapphire crystal
Water Resistance: 50m
Strap/Bracelet: silicone
Strap/Bracelet Width:
2 Samsung Galaxy Active 2 SM-R830NZKAXAR
Unlike the smartwatch from its direct competitor, Apple, Samsung offers this truly athletic feature heavy smartwatch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2. It’s functions include automatic workout tracking, an accurate heart rate monitor, and even a Running Coach function that is capable of giving workout advice in real time. It is an excellent watch for competitive cyclists and those who are very specific about their work-out routines.
The Galaxy Watch Active 2 is a lightweight smartwatch housed in an aluminum case. Its LED screen is covered safely with the tough Gorilla Glass DX+, and has a strap made of a strong chemical resistant synthetic rubber called fluoroelastomer. The Galaxy Watch Active 2 also boasts military grade shock resistance; combined with its tough protective case and glass, this smartwatch is perfect for rigorous training and long distance rides.
+PROS
- Gorilla glass DX+
- Charge from phone through powershare technology
- Military grade shock protection
-CONS
- Slightly big in diameter
The Basics:
Brand: Samsung
Model: Galaxy Active 2 (44mm)
Price: $262.56
Reference Number: SM-R830NZKAXAR
Diameter: 44mm
Case Material: Aluminum
Crystal Material: Gorilla glass DX+
Water Resistance: 50m
Strap Bracelet: Silicone
Strap Bracelet Width: 20mm
The Movement/Specifications:
Movement: Digital
Functions/Complications:
- Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer
- Natural language commands and dictation
- GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
- Bluetooth
- Automatically Track Workouts
- Running Coach Gives Real-Time Advice
- Heart Rate Monitor with 8 Photodiodes
- Stress & Sleep Tracking
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) Running coach function gives you actionable advice in real time
- Charge via Galaxy smartphones with Wireless PowerShare technology
- On-going icon displays currently running apps
- Military grade (MIL-STD-810G) shock protection
Thickness: 10.9mm
Weight: 26g
Key Features:
Brand: Samsung
Model: Galaxy Active 2 (44mm)
Price: $262.56
Reference Number: SM-R830NZKAXAR
Diameter: 44mm
Case Material: Aluminum
Crystal Material: Gorilla glass DX+
Water Resistance: 50m
Strap Bracelet: Silicone
Strap Bracelet Width: 20mm
3 Garmin Forerunner 945 010-02063-00
Garmin is a technology company that started as far back as 1989 and has specialized in GPS technology. Garmin eventually expanded into the wearable technology industry and has since successfully competed in it, despite the presence of far larger tech companies like Apple and Samsung. The next two watches on our list are brought by this very capable company, and if you are set on a Garmin, you can see our full writeup on the best Garmin for cycling here.
The first Garmin on this list is a watch perfectly fit for the athletic cyclist: the Garmin Forerunner 945. Counted among its features is a Training Status function designed for optimum training performance, under which is a heat, altitude acclimation status, training load focus, recovery time and aerobic and anaerobic training effects.
What’s wonderful about the Forerunner 945 is that it has 3 different battery modes: a smartwatch mode which allows for up to 2 weeks battery life, a 30 hour GPS mode, and a 60 hour UltraTrac or training mode. This ability to switch battery modes allows for the efficient use of battery power, allowing the cyclist to use the watch for longer times especially on very long cross-country rides.
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is housed in fiber reinforced polymer with a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 + DX coating and rests comfortably on the wrist with a silicone band. These protective features allow this smartwatch to survive even the harshest conditions the cyclist could face while on the move.
+PROS
- Fiber reinforced polymer case
- Incident detection and assistance
- Training status
-CONS
- Price
The Basics:
Brand: Garmin
Model: Forerunner 945
Price: $599
Reference Number: 010-02063-00
Diameter: 47mm
Case Material: fiber reinforced polymer
Crystal Material: corning gorilla glass 3 + dx coating
Water Resistance: 50m
Strap/Bracelet: silicone
Strap/Bracelet Width: 22mm
The Movement/Specifications:
Movement: Battery Operated
Functions/Complications:
- Sync music
- VO2 max
- Training status with adjustments for heat, altitude acclimation status, training load focus, recovery time, and aerobic and anaerobic training effects
- Garmin Pay
- Full-color
- On-board Maps
- Incident detection (during select activities) and assistance; both send your real-time location to emergency contacts³
- Battery life: up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode, 10 hours in GPS mode with music or up to 60 hours in UltraTrac mode
Thickness: 13.7mm
Weight: 48.19g
Key Features:
Brand: Garmin
Model: Forerunner 945
Price: $599
Reference Number: 010-02063-00
Diameter: 47mm
Case Material: fiber reinforced polymer
Crystal Material: corning gorilla glass 3 + dx coating
Water Resistance: 50m
Strap/Bracelet: silicone
Strap/Bracelet Width: 22mm
4 Garmin Fenix 6 Pro 010-02158-01
Another option from Garmin is the Fenix 6 Pro which is similar to its brother, Forerunner 945. What makes it more expensive are additional features that are geared towards more adventurous athletic pursuits which include long distance cycling.
In addition to the features already mentioned above belonging to the Forerunner 945, it has topographic maps, a global navigation system (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo), and even has an incident detection and assistance system which can send signals to emergency contacts in times of need.
These features along with the stainless steel case, the sapphire crystal protected LED, and week long battery life makes for an excellent watch for longer distance and longer duration cycling adventures even in the most remote locations.
+PROS
- Fiber reinforced polymer case
- Incident detection and assistance
- Global navigation
-CONS
- Twice as heavy as Forerunner 945
The Basics:
Brand: Garmin
Model: Fenix 6 Pro
Price: $699.99
Reference Number: 010-02158-01
Diameter: 47mm
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Crystal Material: Sapphire
Water Resistance: 100m
Strap Bracelet: Silicone
The Movement/Specifications:
Movement: Battery Operated
Functions/Complications:
- Features an always-on 1.3” sunlight-readable display
- Enhanced estimated wrist heart rate and Pulse Ox to support advanced sleep monitoring and altitude acclimation at high elevations
- Advanced training features include PacePro plus environmentally adjusted VO2 max and training status estimates
- With preloaded TOPO maps, ski maps for over 2,000 worldwide ski resorts, multiple global navigation satellite system (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) support and built-in sensors for 3-axis compass, gyroscope and barometric altimeter
- Battery performance: up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, up to 10 hours in GPS and music mode, up to 28 days in expedition GPS activity mode, and up to 48 days in battery saver watch mode
Thickness: 14.7mm
Weight: 83g
Key Features:
Brand: Garmin
Model: Fenix 6 Pro
Price: $699.99
Reference Number: 010-02158-01
Diameter: 47mm
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Crystal Material: Sapphire
Water Resistance: 100m
Strap Bracelet: Silicone
5 Fitbit Ionic Watch FB503GYBK
Fitbit is the brand that ushered the wearable fitness technology trend to the world. The next two smartwatches on this list are some of the best offerings of Fitbit in its bid to compete in the steadily growing athletic-use smartwatch market.
The first Fitbit smartwatch on our list is the Fitbit Ionic Watch. It’s a sleek rectangular watch that could fit perfectly in some popular sci-fi flicks in the 80s like Back to the Future and Moonraker, but belong just as well on wrists of retro fashionable cyclists. Included in this formidable athletic smartwatch is a Dynamic Coaching function which guides your training, and Fitbit’s SmartTrack.
SmartTrack automatically recognizes and records data on activities that the user does, giving accurate statistics of your workouts and daily activities including your heart rate, respiration, and calories throughout the day. This data is very important to the information savvy cyclist.
The Ionic Watch is housed in an aluminum case and Corning Gorilla Glass much like other pricier watches on the list, and beats most of them through a multi-day battery life. Also, like most Fitbit products, the Ionic watch is very affordable. The only issue that some cyclists may find this watch much smaller than they are used to. It was built with a diameter of 30mm to emulate the comfort and agility that a standard Fitbit wrist device could offer.
+PROS
- Lightweight aluminum case
- Gorilla glass 3
- Accessory bands
-CONS
- Relatively small watch
The Basics:
Brand: Fitbit
Model: Ionic watch
Price: $249.95
Reference Number: FB503GYBK
Diameter: 30mm
Case Material: Aluminum
Crystal Material: Corning Gorilla glass 3
Water Resistance: 50m
Strap/Bracelet: elastomer
Strap/Bracelet Width:
The Movement/Specifications:
Movement: Battery Operated
Functions/Complications:
- Dynamic Personal Coaching
- PurePulse® Heart Rate
- Popular Apps
- SmartTrack™
- Sleep Stages & Insights
- Store & Play Music
- Water Resistant up to 50M & Tracks Swims
- Payments
- All-Day Activity
- Accessory Bands
- Multi-Day Battery
- Multi-Sport Modes
- Real-Time Pace and Distance
- Bluetooth®
- 15+ Exercise Modes
- Female Health
- Personalised Reminders
- Cardio Fitness Level
- Guided Breathing Sessions
- Smartphone Notifications
- Syncs Wirelessly
Thickness: 21mm
Key Features:
Brand: Fitbit
Model: Ionic watch
Price: $249.95
Reference Number: FB503GYBK
Diameter: 30mm
Case Material: Aluminum
Crystal Material: Corning Gorilla glass 3
Water Resistance: 50m
Strap/Bracelet: elastomer
Strap/Bracelet Width:
6 Fitbit Versa 2 FB507RGRW
The next Fitbit smartwatch on this list is the much more budget-friendly version of the Fitbit Ionic. It does away with certain features like Dynamic Personal Coaching among others, has a little bit lower battery life, and has no built-in GPS system which forces the cyclist to carry a GPS capable phone in order to maximize its use. Otherwise, this is a very good fitness smartwatch for more casual cyclists who don’t need the full-features Fitbit Ionic.
It still is housed in an aluminum case and protected by gorilla glass, so despite the slight feature downgrade from Fitbit’s leading athletic smartwatch, this durability coupled with its very low price point makes the Versa 2 worth it. The Versa 2 is this list’s value option as it gives the cyclist the most value for money among all the smartwatches on our list.
+PROS
- Lightweight aluminum case
- Customizable watch faces
- Always on display mode
-CONS
- Relatively less features than Ionic watch
- More fitness tracker than full-on smartwatch
The Basics:
Brand: Fitbit
Model: Versa 2
Price: $149.95
Reference Number: FB507RGRW
Diameter: 40mm
Case Material: Aluminium
Crystal Material: Gorilla glass
Water Resistance: 50m
Strap Bracelet: Silicone
The Movement/Specifications:
Movement: Digital
Functions/Complications:
- Always-On Display Mode
- 24/7 Heart Rate Tracking
- Music Experience
- Sleep Score
- Apps
- Smartphone Notifications
- Fitbit Pay
- 5+ Day Battery Life
- On-Screen Workouts
- All-Day Activity
- Water Resistant & Tracks Swims
- Customisable Clock Faces
- Syncs Wirelessly
- Lightweight Design
- Hi-Res Touchscreen
Thickness: 12.7mm
Weight: 40g
Key Features:
Brand: Fitbit
Model: Versa 2
Price: $149.95
Reference Number: FB507RGRW
Diameter: 40mm
Case Material: Aluminium
Crystal Material: Gorilla glass
Water Resistance: 50m
Strap Bracelet: Silicone
7 Polar Vantage V 90069667
The next two smartwatches for cycling are produced by Finnish company Polar Electro. Polar Electro was the pioneer of wireless heart rate monitor as a response to the need of skii crazy Finland for an easy way to monitor an athlete’s heart rate without the discomfort caused by wires. They used their expertise in wearable athletic technology to expand to the Polar watches famous in athletics today.
The Polar Vantage V is an athletic smartwatch with multiple programs geared towards helping cross-training athletes. The general training features along with its cycling and running programs collect a hefty amount of data which include distances, heart rates, and even calories which, as with Polar Electro’s original vision, allows the cyclist to monitor their training hassle-free for accuracy.
The Polar Vantage V is conceived and marketed as a heavy duty triathlon watch and promises military grade durability, and a 40 hour battery life. Training for triathlons and even just long distance cycling demands a lot of effort and time, and exposes an athlete to harsh conditions. The durability, battery life, and comfortable use of the Vantage V makes the smartwatch of the least concern.
The stainless steel Vantage V is slightly larger and heavier than the other entries on this list, but the increased durability and functionality definitely makes it worthwhile. It sacrifices some weight in exchange for usability.
+PROS
- Corning gorilla glass
- Fitness test
- Wide 46mm display
-CONS
- Slightly heavy
The Basics:
Brand: Polar
Model: Vantage V
Price: $479.94
Reference Number: 90069667
Diameter: 46mm
Case Material: stainless steel
Crystal Material: corning gorilla glass
Water Resistance: 50m
Strap/Bracelet: silicone
Strap/Bracelet Width:
The Movement/Specifications:
Movement: Battery Operated
Functions/Complications:
- Advanced wrist-based heart rate
- Training Load Pro
- Recovery Pro
- Running Power
- Nightly Recharge™
- Sleep Plus Stages™
- Sport profiles
- Swimming metrics
- Phone notifications
- Running Index
- Running Program
- Smart Calories
- Training Benefit
- Continuous Heart Rate
- Serene™ breathing exercise
- Training Load Pro
- Fitness Test
Thickness: 13mm
Weight: 68.04g
Key Features:
Brand: Polar
Model: Vantage V
Price: $479.94
Reference Number: 90069667
Diameter: 46mm
Case Material: stainless steel
Crystal Material: corning gorilla glass
Water Resistance: 50m
Strap/Bracelet: silicone
Strap/Bracelet Width:
8 Polar M430
The Polar M430 is budget-friendly version of the Polar Vantage V. Much like the similarly priced Fitbit Versa 2, it has reduced features from its more expensive Polar brother. Despite this reduction in features, it still packs a set of features fit for more casual cyclists like exercise metrics, wrist-based heart rate monitor, and – unlike the similarly priced Fitbit Versa 2 – an integrated GPS system with satellite prediction technology.
This stainless steel watch, though really falls far from the Polar Vantage V. Unlike the Versa 2 which mostly falls short through its lack of GPS capabilities, the M430 sees Polar remove most of its athletic features, so despite the remaining features, it pales way in comparison. It still deserves a part on this list though and is still one of the best watches for cyclists because what it offers for the price still commands great value for money.
+PROS
- 24/7 activity and sleep tracking
- Activity sensor
- Satellite prediction technology
-CONS
- Significant lack of features compared to Vantage V
The Basics:
Brand: Polar
Model: M430
Price: $146.90
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistance: 30m
Strap Bracelet: Silicone
Strap Bracelet Width:
The Movement/Specifications:
Movement: Digital
Functions/Complications:
- Wrist-based heart rate
- Integrated GPS
- Indoor running metrics
- Polar Running Program
- 24/7 activity & sleep tracking
- Integrated GPS with SiRFInstantFix™ satellite prediction technology.
- 6 LED optical heart rate sensor.
- Activity sensor.
- Manual and auto laps.
Thickness: 12mm
Weight: 51g
Key Features:
Brand: Polar
Model: M430
Price: $146.90
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistance: 30m
Strap Bracelet: Silicone
Strap Bracelet Width:
9 Amazfit GTS W1914OV8N
Amazfit is a relatively upstart brand in the world of wearable technology and global markets as a whole but boasts the experience of Huami, the brand’s owner, as Xiaomi’s sole manufacturer for the popular Chinese MiBand. Similar to their partner company Xiaomi’s sales philosophy of surprisingly low prices for surprisingly good quality and technologically advanced goods, the Amazfit brand has delivered astonishingly affordable and competitive wearable tech.
The lightweight smartwatch, Amazfit GTS is another budget option that offers great functionality for the price. It has 12 sport modes including a cycling mode, BioTracker which basically the combination of heart rate and other health monitors, and air pressure and ambient light sensors for long-distance rides.
+PROS
- Lightweight aluminum case
- Ambient light sensor
- Bio tracking optical sensor
-CONS
- Relatively untested brand
The Basics:
Brand: Amazfit
Model: GTS
Price: $149.99
Reference Number: W1914OV8N
Diameter: 44mm
Case Material: Aluminium
Crystal Material: Gorilla glass
Water Resistance: 50m
Strap Bracelet: Silicone
Strap Bracelet Width: 20mm
The Movement/Specifications:
Movement: Digital
Functions/Complications:
- 12 sport modes
- BioTracker™ PPG Bio-Tracking Optical Sensor
- 6-axis acceleration sensor
- 3-axis geomagnetic sensor
- Air pressure sensor
- Ambient light sensor
Thickness: 9.4mm
Weight: 24.8g
Key Features:
Brand: Amazfit
Model: GTS
Price: $149.99
Reference Number: W1914OV8N
Diameter: 44mm
Case Material: Aluminium
Crystal Material: Gorilla glass
Water Resistance: 50m
Strap Bracelet: Silicone
Strap Bracelet Width: 20mm
Best Watches for Cycling Guide and FAQs
Key Features to Consider In Buying a Watch for Cycling
In this guide, we compared the best options for watches for cycling in terms of functionality, durability, design, and affordability.
- Functionality is what limits this list to cycling watches that contain useful athletic and exercise tracking functions. Nearly any watch can fall under a watch for “cycling” but in deriving the picks on this list, the decision as to which smartwatches are best for cycling was strictly confined to watches that have exercise and health tracking functions that may provide data and/or data analysis to the cyclist for more effective and efficient work-outs. There are some watches on this list that are more casual than others as it was deemed necessary for cyclists that are not riding competitively. However, it was made sure that even the casual use watches have the ability to run apps or have sensors for basic athletic use.
- Durability is an important factor when discussing any watch whether it is for competitive athletic use, for personal exercise, or for casual purposes. The reason for this is that any watch used for active purposes can easily be damaged or destroyed. Smartwatches are not cheap products and never go below $100, so questionable quality should never be purchased. Cycling, while decidedly less rough or shock heavy than a lot of other sports, has its own pressures and shocks and may cause damage to low quality watches especially for long rides or rides with high potential for falls. A watch is not an accessory in order to keep your ride fashionable, but a companion in making the most out of a ride.
- Affordability is another important criteria when considering smartwatches since, as with most technology today, there are dozens upon dozens of options on the market that try to outdo each other with fancy cutting-edge tech while being deaf to the demands of the market as a whole. Making affordability a basic criteria allows us to derive the watches that not only offer the most flash, but also the most value for how much the watches cost.
Why is it important for me to buy a smartwatch for exercise?
While it is entirely up to individual users what accessories they want to use during exercise, a smartwatch is recommended because the wearable technologies of today offer a host of applications that will allow one to monitor health and progress better. Today’s smartwatches not only have stopwatches (chronographs) or lap counters like traditional watches, but also have things like GPS navigators, heart rate monitors, calorie counters, etc. It is not important, but having one gives a bonus to exercise effectiveness and efficiency.
What specific apps should my smartwatch have for exercise tracking?
There are plenty of apps to download and make the most of when using smartwatches. Among these count Strava – a multi-purpose exercise tracker that also includes cycling speed and distance, Google Fit – which also allows custom workouts that ensure you hit your target biometric stats, and MyFitnessPal – which lets you monitor calories and nutritional intake. These are only a few among hundreds or thousands of apps that can maximize the use of your smartwatch.