Look,
Technology has come a very long way in the past couple of years.
Now, there are fitness watches for biking that can track GPS, heart rate, and some even have barometers.
Because of this, bikers and cyclists everywhere are buying that tracker type to enhance their experience.
With all the options out there, finding the best cycling watch for you may be difficult.
But to make the decision easier, we have selected some of the best tracking watches for biking here for you to choose from.
At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Watches for Biking & Cycling
What is the Difference Between Cycling And Biking?
“Cycling” and “biking” are interchangeable but biking is a little bit more ambiguous than cycling.
First of all, both can be the act of riding a bicycle.
However, most argue that cyclists focus more on speed, challenges, and sports training than commuting.
On the other hand, bikers are more chill commuters.
Also, biking can prefer motorbike riding.
Consequently, most of the time you can call a cyclist a biker but a biker may not be a cyclist.
Where is Cycling & Biking Most Popular?
Cycling is more popular in highly developed countries, especially Northern Europe.
Some of the most popular names are the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, and Sweden.
Up to half of their populations use the bicycle as the main type of transportation.
In Asia, Chinese and Japanese people are also in love with cycling.
However, when talking about sport, the strongest countries in the game are Belgium, France, and Spain.
(10) Best Tracking Watches for Biking You Should Know About
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Suunto Traverse
The Suunto Traverse is one of the most advanced outdoor watches on the planet for activity tracking.
With numerous features for those who love the outdoors, while also keeping a modern and cool design.
The incredibly accurate GPS helps you track your everyday bike routes, while the altimeter can keep track of the altitude and elevation that you face.
Another great thing about this watch is the app it comes with.
Users of the watch can download “apps” which can track their specific activity, so that means bikers can customize the watch to expertly track their comings and goings on their ride.
Pros:
- GPS and GLONASS compatible
- Convenient distance and altitude statistics
- Can sync with your smartphone for texts, calls, notifications, etc.
- Good battery life
Cons:
- Not too budget-friendly
Related: Best watches for basic training
Garmin Fenix 5
One of the best fitness trackers for cyclists.
This watch features a rugged, yet nice design which is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor adventures.
The Garmin Fenix puts all the fitness stats you would need at the tip of your fingers.
You can also download free apps on the watch that can calculate key stats for biking, which are very readable even while on a bike (just make sure to always pay attention to your surroundings).
One can also rest assured that this watch is durable because the rugged design comes from a stainless steel bezel, buttons, and rear case.
Pros:
- Advanced heart rate monitor technology
- Premium multisport GPS watch
- Can sync nicely with your smartphone
- Great readability
Cons:
- A bit costly
Garmin VívoActive 3
Riding a bike is one of the most exciting things a person can do, which is why it’s become a very popular form of exercise in recent years.
A proper form of exercise needs a proper companion, and that’s what this Garmin piece is.
It comes in a large round dial with a black colorway.
That means it would look like it belongs right there with your cycling gear, while also being sleek enough to be worn to brunch, or a night out.
While it may look like a fashion accessory, it’s actually an incredible workhorse.
It has GPS capabilities, which can help you navigate your daily rides, and it even has 15 pre-installed sports applications to help you out with whatever exercises you want to do.
But if the apps aren’t enough for you, it also connects to the Connect IQ store, where you can get new watch faces and widgets to make your riding experience even better.
Pros:
- Connects and syncs to your phone
- Built-in GPS
- 15 pre-loaded sports apps
- Connect IQ store allows you to further personalize your watch
Cons:
- Pretty pricey
See more: The best swimming watches for your money
Garmin Forerunner 35
If the last Garmin piece wasn’t your speed, this might be something you’d like better.
Instead of a round dial, it has a square one, giving it more of a modern smartwatch look.
It has incredible features with good battery life as well.
The watch has a monitor that tracks your BPM all day, every day like some of the top fitness trackers on the market right now.
This allows you to have a fuller view of your physical health, which can help you figure out how much you need to bike and at what rate.
The device is advertised a great tool for runners, but it’s just as great for cyclists and bikers around.
The GPS capabilities allow you to track your rides better.
And they packaged all the features in a slim and lightweight case, so you know it won’t get in the way when taking it out on the trails, or even for just a city ride.
Pros:
- Sleek and lightweight case
- Built-in GPS tracker
- Connects to your phone and displays real-time notifications
- Decent battery life
Cons:
- The virtual pacer could’ve been built better
Garmin Forerunner 735XT
This piece is built for multiple exercises.
So if you like augmenting your cycling routine with the occasional run or Crossfit session, this may be the piece for you.
It has a large, circular case that simply looks great without doing too much.
It also has GPS capabilities, a built-in HR monitor, and multiple training companions for different sports.
This Garmin Forerunner has race predictors and virtual pacers, making sure you use all your energy and power in the most efficient way possible.
Anyone looking for a highly functional fitness partner that can help you out when cycling, running, or doing simple strength training should definitely consider this Garmin piece.
Pros:
- Multi-sport presets
- Shock resistant
- Smart notifications if synced to your phone
- Connects to Connect IQ for a more personalized experience
Cons:
- The interface takes some getting used to
Garmin VivoActive Heart Rate Watch Regular Fit
For a very modern-looking smartwatch, check out this Garmin piece.
It has a rectangular dial/screen that gives a very contemporary feel which is only enhanced by the black colorway of the watch.
It has the standard fitness features you can find in most devices of this type.
Pair that with the sleekness of the dial and you have a very useful tool that feels incredibly natural on the wrist while cycling.
It’s compatible with both Android and iOS devices, so you can stay connected no matter what phone you have.
These notifications are incredibly useful while cycling as you don’t need to take your eyes off the road.
Of course, it still isn’t advisable to try to type while riding as it can be very dangerous.
Another great feature is the 50m WR, which means you shouldn’t worry if the watch accidentally gets wet while riding or if you forget to take it off when taking a shower.
Pros:
- Modern design
- One week battery life
- Connects to both iOS and Android
Cons:
- Screen resolution could be higher
Letsfit Fitness Heart Rate Tracking Watch
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If you’re looking for a subtle and simple watch that still has a modern feel, the Letsfit tracker is something you might want to check out.
It can track up to 14 exercises, including riding.
Having a tracker with a specific mode for cycling allows you to have a plethora of information available that can help you become a better cyclist, or just have a more efficient ride.
It comes in a rectangular case that almost has a seamless connection to the band, which is also very comfortable.
Even if you aren’t on a ride the watch is doing work as the tracker can record your activity all day every day, so you have a better overall idea of your physical health.
This tracker is a really great and functional piece in an assuming package.
Pros:
- Comfortable band
- Multi-sport tracker
- It can also track daily activities
Cons:
- The screen may be too small for some
LETSCOM Fitness Tracker
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This model has a similar design to the previous entry on this list.
So those of you who enjoy the look have choices now.
This model has a calorie counter along with its pedometer.
So this would be especially useful for those who do multiple regular exercises.
A really cool addition though is that the watch is waterproof, so if swimming is part of your weekly routine, then you can wear the tracker for that too.
It also connects to your phone, so you can receive notifications in real-time.
It also allows you to do certain phone functions while running or cycling, which can be very useful for the extra busy cyclists out there.
Pros:
- Modern looking design
- Phone connectivity
- A calorie counter and pedometer
Cons:
- The screen may not be for everyone
Garmin VivoActive Black
This model is a very thin and lightweight model from Garmin.
It’s barely noticeable on the wrist, which is the problem with a lot of smartwatches, especially for bikers.
A lot of times, trackers get in the way of the wrist position that a lot of bikers have when biking.
This isn’t the case with the Garmin VivoActive Black though, which allows you to focus more on the road and your movements.
It also has training companions made for biking, and for those who do multiple sports activities, there are also presets for running, swimming, golf, and even walking.
The watch is also very customizable, with a bunch of widgets and themes baying available on the Connect IQ store.
This is truly a modern watch for a modern biker.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Comfortable fit
- Multi-sport modes
Cons:
- The interface takes some getting used to
Fitbit Blaze Smart Fitness Watch
The Fitbit has been growing in popularity ever since its release.
This modern-looking, feature-packed fitness watch does everything you would want a device of this type to do while coming in a modern, minimalist design.
With this watch, not only do you have multi-sport tracking to track your runs and bike rides, but you can also track your progress over a certain amount of time, which is great for those who are just starting out, or for those who enjoy seeing their progress over time.
Plus, users can also get notified on their watch when they have calls, texts, or emails on their phones.
Pros:
- Multiple sports tracking modes
- Great overall design
- GPS compatible
Cons:
- A bit lacking in customization
Apple Watch Series 4 (Honorable mention)
I’m actually not an Apple fan, but this Apple watch is actually quite good when it comes to biking and cycling activities.
I won’t go into much detail here since this is a very popular product by itself.
But if you’re an enthusiast biker, then you would love to know that this Apple watch brings you all the needed features and functions for a full biking session.
This version of the Apple watch is also focusing more on the health aspect of the wearer thus making it more attractive to sports enthusiasts.
The accompanying app also brings you a lot of helpful tracking abilities such as wrist-based heart rate monitor, duration, speed, calories burned, etc.
What To Look For When Buying Biking Watches
Design
There are a lot of designs out there, especially with all the options available for fitness watches, but the best ones are the ones that you can wear all day without interacting with.
When looking for a watch, pay close attention to the strap, when biking you’d need a good strap that can stay on without hindering movement.
It’s the same when you want to buy a new chest strap that can go with your watch.
You would also need to look for watches with a relatively small case so that the watch doesn’t get in the way of your wrist while biking.
Those are the things to pay attention to, but when it comes to how the watch looks, the choice should be all yours.
Features
A lot of people tend to get blown away and excited when reading about all these features that a certain watch has.
However, one should pay attention as to what features you’d actually need.
When biking, you won’t need that many features.
A GPS, heart rate monitor, compass, good battery life, and altimeter are the essentials when biking, so everything aside from that is an extra.
There’s nothing wrong at all with extra features such as barometers.
But always make sure that you will find a use for these features or else you’ll end up paying extra money for something you won’t really use.
Water Resistance
Fitness watches, one way or another will be exposed to liquid.
Whether it be from sweat that came from the actual workout, or maybe from the shower that proceeds the workout.
Either way, you don’t want to end up damaging your watch accidentally, so make sure that your watch is at least water-resistant to at least 100 meters (but if you’re using the watch for swimming, consider water resistance to at least 150 meters.).
Fitness Apps
Most, if not all trackers give you access to certain apps on the Apple app store or Android app market that are sport-specific to give you better tracking.
When looking for a watch to wear while biking, always make sure to check the cycling app that’s available to you.
Everyone has different standards when it comes to what stats they want to be tracked.
So as long as you’ve made sure that the fitness app can track everything you’d need when going for a bike ride, then you will have nothing to worry about!
Other great watches for you: Bulova 98B270 Review – Bulova 96A120 Review – Bulova 96B175 Review – Bulova 96A118 Review – Bulova 96B104 Review – Bulova 98B104 Review – Bulova 98H51 Review
FAQ’s
Is Apple watch good for cycling?
Apple Watch is a reliable choice for fitness enthusiasts including cyclists.
However, there is more to consider before making it your final choice.
If you are an Apple fan owning an iPhone, you will fall in love with this watch.
Simply connect your phone and your watch, set “cycling” mode and you are all set.
Now, you can take phone calls and send messages via your watch while still on the go.
On the other hand, if you are using a different phone and not very used to the iOS system, you can look into other choices.
Especially for people having small budgets, there are watches with similar functions but much lower prices.
Does cycling count as steps?
Cycling and steps are not the same because they create different motions and target different areas in the body.
Cycling is considered to help burn more calories during the same amount of time.
Sometimes, cyclists’ phones and watches keep on counting steps during cycling but the numbers are usually incorrect.
On the other hand, you can convert your cycling time into steps if it is important for you to get enough steps in a day.
There are methods such as “10,000 steps” that can help you in this matter.
For more information about converting cycling to steps, please read the next answer.
How many miles on a bike equals 10,000 steps?
There are many suggestions on how to calculate the answer to this question.
However, they are all estimated and not 100 percent correct.
One method based on calories.
Walking 10,000 steps usually costs you 370 kcal.
Consequently, you can count the calories during cycling and then compare the two numbers to see how if you have reached 10,000 steps or not.
Another popular method is to measure your average stride length.
Then, you divide your total cycling miles by that number and the result will be the steps you took.
Which are the best apps for cycling?
Nowadays, there are plenty of good apps for cycling.
The only problem is to choose the best one for your situation.
Some of the most popular apps for tracking your rides are Map My Ride and Wahoo Fitness.
If you are a careful person who is into planning, we suggest you get Komoot, MTB Project or Road In.
They can help you to check the chosen routes and inform you of what to prepare.
Is cycling as good as walking?
Both cycling and walking have their strengths and weaknesses.
People typically burn twice the amount of calories when they are on their bikes compared to when they walk.
Cycling is also better for your joints than walking since it put way less weight on it.
However, if you are into something slow and chill, or if your skin is extra sensitive to sweat, helmets and other cycling tools, then maybe you should choose walking.
Is bicycle riding good for your heart?
Yes, for most people, cycling is highly beneficial to the hearts.
With proper training, the activity can help cyclists to train their heart muscles.
They will work better at pumping blood and getting oxygen.
Cycling also lower blood-fat levels and resting pulse.
What is the best Garmin watch for running and cycling?
There are many types of excellent Garmin watches introduced in this article.
Now, you only need to consider which one will fit you best.
Garmin Fenix 5 and Garmin VívoActive 3 are perfect options for people who want something simple and original.
They may look just like any other watches but there are advanced features including GPS, sports applications, and personalized details.
Meanwhile, if you are into modern-looking watches, check out Garmin Forerunner 35 and Garmin VivoActive Heart Rate Watch Regular Fit.
They are also built to be your best friends during outdoor activities.
Can you lose belly fat by cycling?
Cycling has positive impacts on the progress of losing belly fat.
Firstly, it is a way to burn calories effectively.
Secondly, the cycling movements involve muscles including core and obliques.
Therefore, your belly will be tighter and stronger.
However, you cannot rely solely on cycling to get rid of your belly fat.
You also have to get a balanced diet and healthy habits.
Cycling is just one tool that you can use but not everything.
