Tuesday, February 4, 2025
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Best Smartwatches for Cycling

The cycling world has been revolutionized by the integration of smartwatch technology, offering riders unprecedented access to performance data, health metrics, and navigation tools right on their wrists. As we pedal into 2024, the market is filled with impressive options catering to every type of cyclist, from casual enthusiasts to professional athletes. This comprehensive guide will explore the best smartwatches for cycling, focusing on top models that are making waves in the cycling community.

The evolution of cycling technology has been remarkable, from basic speedometers to today's advanced wrist-worn computers. Let's take a brief look at this journey:

  1. Early Days: Simple wired speedometers and odometers
  2. GPS Integration: Dedicated cycling computers with route tracking
  3. Smartwatch Era: Multi-function devices with cycling modes
  4. Advanced Sensors: Integration of heart rate, altimeters, and power meters
  5. Today's Powerhouses: Sophisticated smartwatches with AI-driven insights and solar charging

In 2024, cyclists have access to smartwatches that offer features like:

  • High-precision GPS tracking
  • Advanced health monitoring
  • Long battery life, often enhanced by solar charging
  • Smart navigation with full-color maps
  • Connectivity with smartphones and other cycling sensors
  • Durability to withstand the rigors of cycling in various conditions

As we delve into this guide, we'll explore how leading brands like Garmin, Apple, Polar, Suunto, Coros, and Amazfit are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in a cycling smartwatch. Whether you're looking for the ultimate in performance tracking, the longest battery life, or the best value for your money, this guide will help you find the perfect smartwatch to elevate your cycling experience.

Understanding Smartwatch Technology for Cycling

To appreciate the capabilities of modern cycling smartwatches, it's crucial to understand the core components and technologies that power these sophisticated devices. Let's explore how top brands are implementing these technologies in their latest models.

A. Core components of a cycling smartwatch

  1. GPS Receiver: The heart of any cycling smartwatch is its GPS capability. Modern watches often employ multi-band GPS for enhanced accuracy.
    • Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar Edition: Features multi-band GPS technology, utilizing GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou satellite systems. This multi-system approach significantly improves accuracy, especially in challenging environments like dense urban areas or under heavy tree cover.
    • Apple Watch Ultra 2: Utilizes precision dual-frequency GPS, combining L1 and L5 GPS for improved signal reliability and accuracy, particularly useful for cyclists in varied terrains.
    • Coros Pace 3: Offers all-satellite dual-frequency chipset support, providing accurate tracking even in areas with typically poor GPS reception.
  2. Heart Rate Sensors: Optical heart rate sensors have become standard in cycling smartwatches, offering continuous heart rate monitoring without the need for a chest strap.
    • Polar Vantage V3: Features Polar's latest optical heart rate technology, providing continuous heart rate tracking during rides and throughout the day. It also supports ECG measurements for more detailed heart health insights.
    • Garmin Epix Pro: Utilizes Garmin's latest Elevate™ v4 optical heart rate sensor, known for its accuracy in various conditions, including high-intensity cycling.
    • Suunto 9 Peak Pro: Incorporates an upgraded optical heart rate sensor that works effectively even during intense cycling sessions, providing reliable data for training analysis.
  3. Accelerometers and Altimeters: These sensors are crucial for tracking movement and elevation changes, essential for comprehensive cycling data.
    • Garmin Instinct 2X Solar: Equipped with a 3-axis accelerometer and barometric altimeter, providing accurate elevation data for climbers and mountain bikers.
    • Amazfit GTR 4: Features a 6-axis accelerometer and barometric altimeter, offering precise tracking of climbs and descents during rides.
    • Suunto 9 Peak Pro: Includes a FusedAlti™ feature, combining GPS and barometric data for more accurate altitude readings, especially useful for cyclists tackling varied terrain.
  4. Connectivity Modules (Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi): Modern cycling smartwatches are designed to integrate with a variety of devices and services.
    • Garmin Venu 3: Offers Bluetooth, ANT+, and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing seamless integration with various cycling sensors and easy data syncing.
    • Apple Watch Ultra 2: Provides Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, with cellular options available for standalone use without a smartphone.
    • Polar Vantage V3: Supports Bluetooth connectivity for pairing with external sensors and smartphones, enhancing its versatility for cyclists.
  5. Display Technology: The quality and readability of the display are crucial for cyclists who need to glance at their data while riding.
    • Garmin Epix Pro: Features a bright AMOLED display, offering excellent visibility even in bright sunlight, crucial for outdoor cycling.
    • Apple Watch Ultra 2: Boasts a large, always-on Retina display with up to 3000 nits of brightness, ensuring readability in all lighting conditions.
    • Coros Pace 3: Utilizes a memory LCD for excellent battery efficiency and readability in bright sunlight.
  6. Battery and Power Management: Long battery life is essential for cyclists, especially those engaging in long rides or multi-day adventures.
    • Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar Edition: Offers up to 37 days of battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging, ideal for long-distance cyclists and bike packers.
    • Suunto 9 Peak Pro: Provides up to 21 days of battery life in time mode, with various GPS modes offering extended tracking capabilities for long rides.
    • Coros Pace 3: Delivers up to 38 hours of full GPS battery life, extending to 80 hours in UltraMax GPS mode, catering to ultra-endurance cyclists.

B. How smartwatches collect and process cycling data

Modern cycling smartwatches employ sophisticated algorithms to collect, process, and present data in meaningful ways. Let's explore how some of the top models handle this:

  1. Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar Edition:
    • Utilizes Garmin's latest algorithms to process data from multiple sensors in real-time.
    • Offers advanced cycling dynamics when paired with compatible sensors, providing insights into power phase, platform center offset, and more.
    • Processes elevation data to provide accurate climbing information through the ClimbPro feature.
  2. Apple Watch Ultra 2:
    • Leverages the powerful S9 chip to process health and fitness data efficiently.
    • Utilizes machine learning algorithms to provide insights into cycling workouts and overall fitness trends.
    • Offers integration with the Apple Health ecosystem for comprehensive health and activity tracking.
  3. Polar Vantage V3:
    • Employs Polar's proprietary algorithms to analyze training load and recovery.
    • Processes heart rate variability (HRV) data to provide insights into stress and recovery status.
    • Utilizes GPS and motion sensor data to offer detailed analysis of cycling performance.
  4. Coros Pace 3:
    • Uses EvoLab™ technology to process workout data and provide insights into training effect and recovery.
    • Analyzes GPS and elevation data to offer accurate distance and climbing metrics.
    • Processes heart rate data to estimate lactate threshold and VO2 max.
  5. Suunto 9 Peak Pro:
    • Employs FusedTrack™ algorithm to combine GPS and motion sensor data for accurate tracking, even with reduced GPS usage.
    • Processes sleep and activity data to provide a holistic view of recovery and readiness.
    • Analyzes heart rate and pace data to estimate training effect and recovery time.

C. The science behind cycling metrics (VO2 max, recovery time, etc.)

Understanding the science behind advanced cycling metrics can help riders make better use of their smartwatch data. Let's explore how some of the top smartwatches implement these metrics:

  1. VO2 Max: VO2 max is a measure of the maximum amount of oxygen your body can utilize during intense exercise.
    • Garmin Forerunner 965: Provides cycling-specific VO2 max estimates, taking into account factors like heat and altitude acclimation.
    • Polar Vantage V3: Offers Running and Cycling Performance tests to estimate VO2 max accurately.
    • Coros Pace 3: Calculates VO2 max based on heart rate response to pace or power output during activities.
  2. Recovery Time: This metric estimates how long your body needs to fully recover from a workout.
    • Garmin Epix Pro: Uses Firstbeat Analytics to calculate recovery time based on workout intensity, recent training history, and sleep quality.
    • Suunto 9 Peak Pro: Provides recovery time recommendations based on the intensity of your latest activities and overall training load.
    • Polar Vantage V3: Offers a Recovery Pro™ feature that combines training load, recovery, and HRV status to guide optimal recovery.
  3. Training Load (continued): Training load quantifies the cumulative strain of your workouts over time.
    • Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar Edition: Provides a comprehensive Training Load feature that includes both acute and chronic load, helping cyclists balance their training intensity over time. It also offers Training Load Focus, which categorizes your training load into different physiological categories.
    • Polar Vantage V3: Utilizes the Training Load Pro™ system, which combines Cardio Load, Muscle Load, and Perceived Load for a holistic view of training stress. This is particularly useful for cyclists who engage in both road and mountain biking, as it accounts for the different stresses each discipline places on the body.
    • Suunto 9 Peak Pro: Offers a Training Load feature that provides both short-term and long-term load metrics, helping cyclists understand if they're progressing, maintaining, or overtraining.
    1. FTP (Functional Threshold Power): FTP is the highest power output a cyclist can maintain for approximately an hour. It's crucial for setting training zones and measuring fitness improvements.
      • Garmin Edge series (compatible with Fenix and Forerunner models): Can estimate FTP based on heart rate data and speed during outdoor rides. For more accurate measurements, these devices can be paired with a power meter to guide you through an FTP test or estimate your FTP based on your power output during hard efforts.
    2. HRV (Heart Rate Variability): HRV measures the variation in time between successive heartbeats. It's considered a good indicator of overall fitness and recovery status.
      • Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar Edition: Provides a daily "HRV Status" to help you gauge your recovery and readiness for training. It measures HRV during sleep when other factors are less likely to influence your heart rate.
      • Polar Vantage V3: Offers nightly HRV measurements as part of its comprehensive sleep tracking features, helping cyclists understand their recovery status.
    3. Lactate Threshold: Lactate threshold is the exercise intensity at which lactate begins to accumulate in the blood faster than it can be removed. Training near this threshold can help improve endurance performance.
      • Garmin Forerunner 965: Can estimate lactate threshold for running and cycling, either through a guided test or by analyzing your performance over time.
      • Polar Vantage V3: While it doesn't directly measure lactate threshold, it provides detailed heart rate zone analysis that can help cyclists train at appropriate intensities.

    Understanding these advanced metrics can help cyclists make the most of their smartwatch data, allowing for more targeted and effective training. As we move forward in this guide, we'll explore how different smartwatch models implement these features and how they can benefit cyclists of various skill levels and disciplines.

Key Features to Consider in a Cycling Smartwatch

When choosing a smartwatch for cycling, there are several key features to consider. Let's explore these features and see how our featured smartwatches implement them.

A. Cycling-specific features

  1. Dedicated Cycling Modes:
    • Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar Edition: Offers multiple cycling profiles including road, mountain, and indoor cycling. Each profile can be customized with specific data fields.
    • Polar Vantage V3: Provides dedicated modes for road cycling, indoor cycling, and mountain biking, with tailored metrics for each.
    • Coros Pace 3: Includes specific modes for road biking, indoor cycling, and mountain biking, with the ability to customize data screens for each.
  2. Power Meter Compatibility:
    • Garmin Forerunner 965: Compatible with ANT+ and Bluetooth power meters, providing comprehensive power data during rides.
    • Polar Vantage V3: Can connect to Bluetooth power meters, offering power-based training features.
    • Suunto 9 Peak Pro: Supports power meter connection for accurate power tracking during rides.
  3. Cycling Dynamics:
    • Garmin Epix Pro: When paired with compatible sensors, it can provide advanced cycling dynamics such as seated/standing position, power phase, and platform center offset.
    • Polar Vantage V3: Offers detailed pedaling analysis when paired with compatible power meters.
  4. Strava Live Segments:
    • Garmin devices (Fenix, Forerunner, Epix series): Support Strava Live Segments, allowing you to compete against your personal records or other cyclists in real-time.

B. GPS accuracy and navigation capabilities

  1. Multi-band GPS:
    • Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar Edition: Utilizes multi-band GPS for enhanced accuracy, even in challenging environments.
    • Apple Watch Ultra 2: Features precision dual-frequency GPS, combining L1 and L5 GPS for improved signal reliability.
    • Coros Pace 3: Offers all-satellite dual-frequency chipset support for accurate tracking.
  2. Navigation Features:
    • Garmin Epix Pro: Provides full-color, built-in TopoActive maps with turn-by-turn navigation.
    • Suunto 9 Peak Pro: Offers breadcrumb navigation and point-of-interest navigation.
    • Polar Vantage V3: Includes route guidance and back-to-start functionality.
  3. Altitude and Climbing Features:
    • Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar Edition: Features ClimbPro, which provides real-time information on current and upcoming climbs.
    • Suunto 9 Peak Pro: Offers FusedAlti™ for accurate altitude readings, combining GPS and barometric data.

C. Battery life and power management

  1. Long Battery Life:
    • Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar Edition: Up to 37 days in smartwatch mode with solar charging, up to 122 hours in GPS mode with solar.
    • Coros Pace 3: Up to 38 hours of full GPS battery life, extending to 80 hours in UltraMax GPS mode.
    • Suunto 9 Peak Pro: Up to 21 days in time mode, with various GPS modes offering extended tracking capabilities.
  2. Solar Charging:
    • Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar Edition and Garmin Instinct 2X Solar: Feature Power Glass™ lens for solar charging, extending battery life significantly.
  3. Power Modes:
    • Garmin devices: Offer customizable power modes to balance feature use and battery life.
    • Suunto 9 Peak Pro: Provides intelligent battery modes that adapt GPS recording rates to extend battery life during long activities.

D. Durability and water resistance ratings

  1. Rugged Construction:
    • Garmin Instinct 2X Solar: Built to military standard 810 for thermal, shock, and water resistance.
    • Apple Watch Ultra 2: Features a robust titanium case designed for extreme sports and environments.
    • Suunto 9 Peak Pro: Tested to withstand extreme temperatures and conditions.
  2. Water Resistance:
    • Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar Edition: Water-rated to 10 ATM (100 meters).
    • Apple Watch Ultra 2: Water resistant to 100 meters and suitable for recreational diving.
    • Polar Vantage V3: Water resistant to 50 meters, suitable for swimming.

E. Health monitoring capabilities

  1. 24/7 Heart Rate Monitoring:
    • All featured watches offer continuous heart rate tracking.
  2. Sleep Tracking:
    • Garmin Venu 3: Provides advanced sleep monitoring with sleep stages and sleep score.
    • Polar Vantage V3: Offers detailed sleep analysis including sleep stages and recovery insights.
  3. Stress Monitoring:
    • Garmin devices: Feature all-day stress tracking based on heart rate variability.
    • Fitbit Sense (although not in our main list, worth mentioning for comprehensive health tracking): Offers EDA (electrodermal activity) scans for stress management.
  4. Blood Oxygen Monitoring:
    • Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar Edition: Includes wrist-based Pulse Ox sensor for blood oxygen saturation measurement.
    • Apple Watch Ultra 2: Provides on-demand blood oxygen measurements.

F. Connectivity and ecosystem compatibility

  1. Smartphone Compatibility:
    • Apple Watch Ultra 2: Seamlessly integrates with iPhones.
    • Garmin, Polar, Suunto, Coros devices: Compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones.
  2. Third-Party App Support:
    • Garmin devices: Offer Connect IQ store for downloading additional apps and data fields.
    • Apple Watch Ultra 2: Provides access to a wide range of apps through the App Store.
  3. Music Storage and Control:
    • Garmin Venu 3: Offers music storage and control, with support for services like Spotify and Amazon Music.
    • Apple Watch Ultra 2: Provides music storage and streaming capabilities.

G. Display technology and user interface

  1. AMOLED Displays:
    • Garmin Epix Pro and Garmin Venu 3: Feature bright, colorful AMOLED displays.
    • Apple Watch Ultra 2: Boasts a large, always-on Retina LTPO OLED display.
  2. Transflective Displays:
    • Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar Edition: Uses a memory-in-pixel (MIP) display for excellent sunlight visibility and power efficiency.
    • Coros Pace 3: Employs a memory LCD for good visibility and battery efficiency.
  3. Touchscreen vs. Button Control:
    • Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar Edition: Offers both touchscreen and button controls for versatility in different conditions.
    • Suunto 9 Peak Pro: Primarily uses button controls, which can be preferable when wearing gloves or in wet conditions.

H. Smart features and third-party app support

  1. Notifications:
    • All featured watches offer smart notifications from a connected smartphone.
  2. Contactless Payments:
    • Garmin devices: Feature Garmin Pay for contactless payments.
    • Apple Watch Ultra 2: Supports Apple Pay.
  3. Voice Assistants:
    • Apple Watch Ultra 2: Includes Siri for voice commands and queries.
    • Garmin Venu 3: Offers voice assistant support when connected to a smartphone.
  4. Emergency Features:
    • Garmin devices: Include incident detection and assistance features.
    • Apple Watch Ultra 2: Offers Emergency SOS and Fall Detection.

By considering these key features and how they're implemented in different smartwatch models, cyclists can choose a device that best suits their specific needs and preferences. Whether prioritizing battery life for long rides, advanced training metrics for performance improvement, or smart features for everyday use, there's a cycling smartwatch to match every rider's requirements.

Top Smartwatches for Cycling

The following is a list of the best smartwatches for cycling

BEST OVERALL

1. Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar Edition

  • Display: 1.4" sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
  • Battery Life: Up to 37 days in smartwatch mode, 122 hours in GPS mode with solar
  • GPS: Multi-band, multi-GNSS

ProsCons
✅ Exceptional battery life with solar charging❌ Premium price point
✅ Highly accurate GPS trackingMay be too large for some wrists
✅ Robust build quality❌ Extensive features may be overwhelming for casual cyclists
✅ Comprehensive suite of training and recovery tools 

The Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar Edition is a powerhouse for cyclists seeking the ultimate in performance tracking and navigation. Its solar charging capability ensures you won't run out of battery during long rides or multi-day adventures, offering up to 37 days in smartwatch mode and 122 hours in GPS mode with solar charging.

For cyclists, the multi-band GPS provides pinpoint accuracy for your routes, even in challenging environments like dense forests or urban canyons. The built-in TopoActive maps and turn-by-turn navigation are invaluable for exploring new routes or participating in gravel events.

The watch's advanced training metrics, including VO2 max, recovery time, and training load, help you optimize your cycling performance. Features like ClimbPro provide real-time information on current and upcoming climbs, allowing you to pace your efforts effectively during hilly rides.

The robust build quality means this watch can withstand crashes and adverse weather conditions, making it ideal for mountain bikers and adventure cyclists. The built-in LED flashlight adds an extra layer of safety for early morning or late evening rides.

BEST FOR SERIOUS ATHLETES

2. Garmin Forerunner 965

  • Display: 1.4" AMOLED touchscreen
  • Battery Life: Up to 23 days in smartwatch mode, 31 hours in GPS mode
  • GPS: Multi-band, multi-GNSS
  • Water Resistance: 5 ATM

ProsCons
✅ High-resolution, easy-to-read display❌ Shorter battery life compared to Fenix series
✅ Comprehensive training features❌ Touchscreen may be less ideal for use with cycling gloves
✅ Lighter weight compared to Fenix series❌ Premium pricing
✅ Full-color maps for navigation 

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is perfect for data-driven cyclists who prioritize detailed training insights. Its lightweight design and AMOLED display make it comfortable for all-day wear while providing easy-to-read metrics during rides.

Cyclists will appreciate the training readiness score, which helps optimize training schedules by considering factors like sleep quality and recent training load. This feature is particularly useful for balancing high-intensity cycling sessions with recovery rides.

The full-color built-in maps are excellent for navigation during rides, whether you're exploring new routes or competing in events. The watch's ability to create daily suggested workouts can help cyclists maintain a structured training program, adapting to their progress over time.

With up to 31 hours of battery life in GPS mode, the Forerunner 965 can handle most cyclists' needs, from daily training rides to long weekend adventures.

BEST FOR IPHONE USERS

3. Apple Watch Ultra 2

  • Display: 1.92" Always-On Retina LTPO OLED
  • Battery Life: Up to 36 hours, 72 hours in low power mode
  • GPS: Precision dual-frequency (L1 and L5)
  • Water Resistance: 100m

ProsCons
✅ Seamless integration with iPhone and Apple ecosystem❌ Shorter battery life compared to some dedicated sports watches
✅ Excellent display visibility in various conditions