Love to cycle, but find that you are having a hard time keeping up with your stats? Maybe you are striving to hit a weight loss goal. Maybe you are just training for a marathon. Whatever the situation is, a good tracker can help you monitor your progress.
Technology is always evolving in the fitness and cycling industry. And, as an avid cyclist, you probably want the ability to monitor your progress. This will not only ensure that you met your goals, but it could even help you exceed them or become a better overall cyclist.
There are plenty of computers up to the task, but who wants to deal with those clunky and heft devices when you could simply take advantage of a smartwatch for cycling?
In a hurry? Check our comparison table
Last update on 2023-06-03 at 15:27 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Garmin Forerunner 935
Are you truly ready to be the best cyclist that you can be? If so, then how can you expect to do so without knowing the results of yesterday? How can you know how hard to push yourself if you don’t know how hard you were going yesterday? You simply couldn’t, but this is exactly where the Garmin Forerunner 935 can help out. With the ability to track running dynamics, wrist-based heart rate, training status. FTP, and VO2 max, you will always be at the top of your game.
- Premium GPS running/triathlon watch with wrist based heart rate; Strap material: Silicone; Smartphone compatibility: iPhone, Android, Windows.Control Method:Application.Special Feature:Smarter Connections.Water Resistant: Yes
- Offers advanced running and multisport Features in a comfortable watch you can wear all day, and it only weighs 49 grams
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Connects To Online Fitness Community
Want to stay in touch with other fitness enthusiasts like yourself? Maybe you just want to monitor your results remotely. Whatever you need the Garmin Forerunner 935 has you covered with the Garm Connect database. This fitness tracker connects right up automatically with the online fitness community and allows you to monitor, view, or share your fitness progress via social media.
Other Notable Features
Some other things that must be mentioned are that the watch only weighs 49 grams and it is more than comfortable to wear with its elastic wrist band. It also includes a built-in barometer to help monitor elevation changes.
2. Garmin Fenix 5
It is a surprise to see another Garmin on the list after seeing what the last had to offer? Well, these two should not be mistaken for the same because they are nothing alike. The first thing you need to know about the Fenix 5 model is that it comes equipped with a variety of outdoor sensor. Sensors that give you GPS capabilities and GLONASS satellite reception with gyroscope and barometric altimeter.
- Premium multi sport GPS watch with elevate wrist heart rate technology; Physical size : 47 x 47 x 15.5 millimeter
- Fit for adventure with rugged design that features stainless steel bezel, buttons and rear case , features Sunrise or sunset times, GPS time sync
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Gives You More Data
The Fenix 5 doesn’t just give you the fitness data that you need. No, it gives you more data by pairing the watch with a heart rate chest strap such as HRM-Run. When doing this, you will be granted access to other crucial metrics like vertical oscillation and ratio, ground contact time and balance, as well as stress score. These are all things that can make you better.
Other Notable Features
It should also be noted that the Fenix 5 is suitable for swim training as well as golfing, and paddle sports. If you are a true athlete, the Fenix 5 will be the watch that will allow you to monitor and improve on all your fitness routines. Along with this, upon purchasing the watch, you will be granted free access to the Connect IQ store where you can download all kinds of customization apps.
3. Garmin Vivoactive 3 Smartwatch
The Vivioactive 3 really is much more than just your average smartwatch. In fact, with the right banking company, you can literally pay for your purchases with this watch. There would be no need to worry about bringing along cash to the gym or when you are cycling because you could handle everything right from your watch.
- Garmin Pay contact less payment solution lets you pay for purchases with your watch (available for supported cards from participating banks)
- Personalize your watch with thousands of free watch faces, apps and widgets from our Connect IQ store.; Memory/History: 7 timed activities, 14 days of activity tracking data
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More Than 15 Pre-Loaded Apps
You thought the additional banking technology was impressive? Well, you haven’t seen anything yet. This watch also comes with more than 15 pre-loaded apps. Exciting apps that you can take advantage of any time, anywhere. Some of these apps include indoor sports apps, yoga, running, swimming, and tons more. Whatever you are feeling like that, the Vivioactive 3 has you covered.
Other Notable Features
Other things that you can do with this watch are: monitor your VO2 max and fitness levels, get smart notifications, and take advantage of smartphone compatibility. The watch will stay charged for 7 days in smartwatch mode and 13 days in GPS mode.
4. Garmin Vivoactive Black
This watch might have the same name as the previously mentioned, but they look nothing alike. They do include some similar features, as they are both built by Garmin, but each has some to offer in its own right. The Vivoactive Black also does come pre-loaded with a few apps that can come in handy for other activities like running, golfing, and swimming.
- Built-in sports apps, including GPS-enabled running, biking and golfing plus swimming and activity tracking¹, let you view your stats even when away from your phone(Check User Manual in Product Information before use)
- Refer to page 10 in the User Manual for troubleshooting steps.
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Ultra-Thin, High Resolution
There is no disputing that the Vivoactive is excellent for fitness activities. However, it really shines in the design. The design is not only lightweight, but it is so sleek and comfortable that you won’t even know you are wearing it. In addition to this, the high-resolution screen will always ensure that you get the most accurate readings, regardless of the glare of the sun.
Other Notable Features
Other things that you can do with this watch are: connect to the IQ store and download widgets as well as free face designs. The watch also includes GPS technology, so you can ensure that you will never get lost when you are biking deep into the woods or during the late hours of the evening.
5. Garmin Vivoactive HR Regular Fit
The Vivoactive HR offers a slim and sleek design with a regular fit. The band of the watch offers a circumference of 5.39 inches to 7.68 inches. This model just like the previous also features a high-resolution screen, which means that you won’t have a problem reading it, even under the most hazardous sun conditions.
- Regular fits wrist circumferences 5.39" to 7.68" (137 to 195 mm),GPS smartwatch with a sunlight-readable, high-resolution color touchscreen. Display size-28.6 mm x 20.7 mm.Display resolution:205 x 148 pixels
- 24/7 HEART RATE MONITORING - Elevate wrist heart technology gives you heart rate all day and night without an additional strap,Heart rate is not available while swimming
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24/7 Heart Rate Monitoring
One thing that really sets the Vivoactive HR apart is its ability to monitor your heart rate around the clock. Sure, heart rate is more than important when you are struggling ad straining, but it is just as important when you are walking up a flight of stairs or just standing as a standstill. Knowing and being aware of your heart rate at all times will make you a more informed fitness enthusiast.
Other Notable Features
Other things that should be noted about the Vivoacive HR is that it comes along with an impressive 8 days of battery life. However, in the GPS mode, you will only achieve right around 13 hours, which is still pretty impressive because it is the industry standard. The watch also has a water rating of 5 ATM and is compatible with Android 4.4 or later, AppleiOS 10.0 or later, iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches.
What To Look For In The Best Fitness Tracker For Cycling – Buying Guide
There is nothing like improving your cycling abilities. This is, of course, considering if you want to be the best version of yourself that you can possibly be. Taking your cycling activities to the next level is easy today thanks to all the technology available. However, the abundance of technology doesn’t make it any easier when it comes to deciding which technology to use for your favorite activity. You will find that each specific fitness tracker offers different technologies, but in order to get the most out of your next purchase, you will need to know specific features to look for.
Built-In GPS
GPS might seem like modern technology today, but it really is crucial when it comes to cycling fitness tracking. Being able to measure logistical data will ensure that you get the most out of the feedback from your ride. There are a number of factors that can affect any ride. The elevation, the distance that you went, the average speeds, and the route that you took. These are all crucial things when it comes to fitness tracking.
Anti-Screen Glare
Unfortunately, you aren’t always going to be biking in ideal conditions. There might be plenty of times when the sun gets in your eyes from that afternoon glare. Not being able to see your watch will not only affect your ability to track your fitness progress, but it might get you lost or off track. With an anti-screen glare, you can ensure that this will never happen to you.
Water Resistant Capabilities
Biking can sometimes be random. You never know what the weather is going to do or when it is going to do it. And, this is why you want a fitness tracker that can handle anything. One that is with a decent water resistance rating will not only be able to stand up to rain, but it will be able to stand up to sweat.
FAQs
Does It Matter Which Hand I Wear My Tracker On?
No, at the end of the day, it really comes down to personal preference. That aside, there are some experts in the fitness industry that will recommend wearing the tracker on your non-dominant hand. If you are a righty then you will want to throw the tracker on your left. This is probably something that would feel more natural anyways.
Do I Want A Tracker With A Screen?
You will find that trackers come available with a number of displays. You can virtually obtain key information with the press of a button. There are some models on the market that do come with a screen, but they are completely unnecessary. Yes, they do look cool and give you a lot of visual techs, but it really comes to how you want to use the device.