Best Wearable Tech For Cyclists
Cyclists often struggle to find the right tech gear to enhance their rides. Wearable devices have revolutionized how we track our fitness and performance.
Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar
The Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar is a powerhouse for cyclists who crave top-tier performance tracking. This wearable boasts GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and clear mapping – features that make it a standout choice for serious riders.
Its solar charging capability adds an extra edge, though benefits vary based on sunlight exposure.
Cyclists will appreciate the device’s excellent battery life, which keeps it running through long rides and multi-day adventures. The onboard GPS and heart rate monitor deliver accurate data without the need for extra sensors.
Plus, its mapping and navigation capabilities have earned high praise from expert reviewers.
While it comes with a premium price tag, the Forerunner 955 Solar offers a user experience that justifies the cost. Its touchscreen interface is responsive and easy to use, even with sweaty hands or gloves.
For cyclists looking to track their VO2 max, monitor blood oxygen levels, or use features like Garmin Pay, this watch delivers on all fronts.
Garmin Epix 2
Garmin Epix 2 stands out as a top-tier smartwatch for cyclists. Its 1.3″ AMOLED display offers crystal-clear visuals, even in bright sunlight. This rugged device boasts a titanium construction, making it both lightweight and durable for long rides.
At 76g, it won’t weigh you down during intense cycling sessions.
Priced at £769.99, the Epix 2 isn’t cheap, but it delivers value with its extensive features. The watch offers up to 16 days of battery life, perfect for multi-day adventures. It excels in navigation and provides a suite of metrics for fitness tracking.
While the price might make some pause, the Epix 2’s advanced technology and robust build make it a worthwhile investment for serious cyclists.
Garmin Forerunner 945
The Garmin Forerunner 945 stands out as a top-tier wearable for cyclists. Priced at £500 / €550 / $600 / AU$999, this smartwatch packs a punch with its features. It offers full-color mapping, perfect for exploring new routes or finding your way back home.
The adaptive training plans help cyclists tailor their workouts to their specific goals and fitness levels.
Battery life is a strong suit of the Forerunner 945. Cyclists can rely on it for long rides without worrying about running out of juice. The device also includes body battery energy monitoring, which tracks your energy levels throughout the day.
Music storage and Garmin Pay add convenience for those who want to leave their phone at home during rides.
One drawback of the Forerunner 945 is its lack of a touchscreen. Some users might find this less intuitive compared to other smartwatches. It’s also worth noting that while packed with features, this model isn’t as rugged as some other options in Garmin’s lineup.
Still, for cyclists seeking a comprehensive fitness tracker with advanced features, the Forerunner 945 is a solid choice.
Apple Watch Ultra
Apple Watch Ultra stands out as a top choice for cyclists seeking advanced wearable tech. This rugged smartwatch boasts a stunning display and excellent tracking capabilities. Cyclists will appreciate its durable design, perfect for rough trails and long rides.
Priced at $819 on Amazon, the Ultra packs features tailored for endurance sports and exploration. Its robust build can handle tough conditions, while its precise sensors track vital cycling metrics.
The watch’s bright screen remains readable even in harsh sunlight, ensuring cyclists can glance at their stats without breaking stride.
Despite its impressive features, the Ultra’s short battery life might frustrate some riders. For multi-day adventures or ultra-distance events, cyclists may need to plan for recharging breaks.
Still, its powerful tracking tools and sleek design make it a strong contender in the wearable tech market for serious cyclists.
Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar
Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar stands out as a top-tier wearable for cyclists. This rugged smartwatch boasts GPS tracking, Bluetooth, ANT+, and WiFi connectivity, giving riders a wealth of data at their fingertips.
Its heart rate monitor and pulse oximeter keep tabs on vital stats during intense rides, while the solar coating extends battery life for those long-haul adventures.
Priced at $899.99, the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar isn’t cheap, but it packs a punch. The touchscreen interface makes navigation a breeze, even with sweaty hands or gloves. For cyclists who demand the best in performance tracking and outdoor durability, this Garmin model delivers – combining cutting-edge tech with practical features tailored for life on two wheels.
Coros Vertix 2
The Coros Vertix 2 packs a punch for cyclists seeking a rugged, long-lasting smartwatch. Its 1.4″ touchscreen display offers clear visibility, even in bright sunlight. At less than 100 grams, it won’t weigh you down on long rides.
The watch boasts an impressive battery life – up to 140 hours in regular GPS mode – perfect for multi-day cycling adventures.
Priced at $599 on Amazon, the Vertix 2 sits in the premium range of fitness trackers. It includes essential features like heart rate monitoring and GPS tracking. However, it lacks ANT+ sensor connectivity, which might disappoint some tech-savvy cyclists.
Music lovers should note that audio support is limited to loading MP3 files via USB – no streaming services here.
This wearable shines in its durability and battery performance. Its robust build makes it ideal for off-road cycling and harsh conditions. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some competitors, the Vertix 2 focuses on core functionalities that matter most to serious cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts.
Wahoo Elemnt Rival
The Wahoo Elemnt Rival is a smartwatch that packs a punch for cyclists. It boasts a 30.4mm color screen, making it easy to read your stats at a glance while on the road. At just 53g, it’s light enough that you’ll barely notice it on your wrist during long rides.
This wearable tech comes with built-in GPS and heart rate monitoring, giving you accurate tracking of your routes and performance. It’s compatible with both Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ sensors, so you can connect it to your existing bike gear.
The battery life is impressive – it lasts up to 24 hours in GPS mode, perfect for those epic all-day rides or multi-day adventures.
Cyclists will appreciate the Rival’s focus on their sport. It offers specific cycling metrics and can seamlessly transition between different activities, like switching from bike to run in a triathlon.
The watch’s touchscreen is responsive even with sweaty fingers or while wearing gloves, a must-have feature for serious riders.
Garmin Venu 2 Plus
The Garmin Venu 2 Plus packs a punch for cyclists looking for a versatile smartwatch. Its 33.0mm color AMOLED touchscreen offers crisp visuals, even in bright sunlight. At just 51g, it’s light enough to wear comfortably during long rides.
The onboard GPS and heart rate monitor track your routes and performance without needing your phone.
Voice command support sets the Venu 2 Plus apart from many fitness trackers. It works with Siri, Google Assistant, and Bixby, letting you control your smart home or send texts hands-free.
Battery life impresses too – up to 9 days of regular use or 24 hours with GPS active. This means less charging and more time on your bike.
Coros Apex 2 Pro
The Coros Apex 2 Pro stands out as a top-tier wearable for cyclists. This smart watch boasts an impressive battery life, lasting up to 30 days with regular use and 75 hours during GPS-enabled activities.
Its 33mm color screen provides clear visibility, even in bright sunlight.
Cyclists will appreciate the Apex 2 Pro’s quick connection to five satellite systems, ensuring accurate tracking during rides. The device’s wrist-based heart rate monitoring offers precise data, helping riders gauge their effort and performance.
Priced at $499, this fitness tracker packs a punch with its robust features and durability.
For those who prioritize long battery life and accurate GPS tracking, the Coros Apex 2 Pro is a solid choice. Its blend of advanced technology and user-friendly design makes it a valuable tool for both casual riders and serious cyclists alike.
The watch’s ability to withstand various weather conditions adds to its appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Garmin Forerunner 255
Garmin’s Forerunner 255 packs a punch for cyclists seeking a reliable training companion. This smartwatch boasts a crisp 1.3-inch MIP LCD screen, offering clear visibility even under bright sunlight.
Five control buttons ensure easy navigation through its features, catering to users who prefer tactile controls over touchscreens.
Battery life is a standout feature of the Forerunner 255. It can last up to 14 days on a single charge, perfect for long rides or multi-day events without worrying about power. The watch includes daily suggested workouts, tailoring your training plan based on your fitness level and goals.
This feature helps cyclists optimize their training regimen and improve performance over time.
Heart rate monitoring is a key function of the Forerunner 255. It uses advanced sensors to track your pulse throughout your ride, providing valuable data on your exertion levels. The watch also incorporates GPS technology, allowing you to map your routes and analyze your speed and distance covered.
These features combined make the Forerunner 255 a powerful tool for cyclists looking to enhance their training and track their progress.
Suunto 9 Baro
The Suunto 9 Baro is a tough GPS watch built for endurance athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. It boasts an impressive battery life of up to 120 hours in GPS mode, perfect for ultra-marathons or multi-day adventures.
The watch features over 80 sport modes, including cycling, and comes equipped with a barometer for accurate altitude readings. Its FusedTrackâ„¢ algorithm combines GPS and motion sensor data to extend battery life while maintaining tracking accuracy.
This smartwatch offers robust health monitoring capabilities, including 24/7 heart rate tracking and sleep analysis. It syncs with the Suunto app, allowing users to plan routes, analyze workouts, and share activities.
The Suunto 9 Baro’s durable design, with a water resistance rating of 100 meters, makes it suitable for swimming and other water sports. Priced at $599, it’s a solid choice for serious athletes who need reliable performance in challenging conditions.
Amazfit Falcon
Amazfit Falcon stands out as a robust smartwatch for cyclists. It boasts a 1.28-inch AMOLED display, protected by sapphire crystal glass. This durable screen shines bright at 1000 nits, making it easy to read even in direct sunlight.
Battery life impresses on the Falcon. It can last up to 14 days with normal use, or 30 days in basic watch mode. For cyclists tracking their rides, it offers up to 50 hours of continuous GPS use.
The watch also packs over 150 sports modes, including specific options for road cycling and mountain biking.
Fitness tracking on the Amazfit Falcon goes beyond basic metrics. It monitors heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and stress. The watch even tracks sleep quality and recovery time. For data-loving cyclists, it syncs with popular apps like Strava, letting you analyze your rides in depth.