The invention of fitness trackers has helped cyclists to keep track of their workout stats. Top devices like the Garmin Fenix 5 Sapphire which is one of the best fitness trackers for biking can show your heart rate, calories burned, and your location. It also connects to an online fitness community that gives you more advice on your workout. The fantastic part is that its body construction is made of stainless steel, making it durable and rust-resistant.
Fitness trackers serve as essential tools for all cycling enthusiasts. As a cyclist, using a fitness tracker device will help you keep track of your biking workouts or other health stats. And since most of them are affordable, it’s available to anyone who rides to stay fit.
Due to the popularity of this device, there are many available on the market, making it difficult to get the best tracking device for cycling. But no need to worry as I have come up with an impressive list of the best fitness trackers for biking. I also provided things to consider so you could make the right decision.
Review of the Best Fitness Trackers for Biking
1. Best Fitness Tracker for Biking and Running – Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire
Imagine seeing your heart rate and calories burned right on your wristwatch! That’s what the Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire brings you at an affordable price. It comes with impressive digital features like smart notifications and GPS tracking. This Garmin fitness tracker also has a stainless-steel body that is rust-free.
The Fenix 5x has a long battery life that can last for a week on a single charge. However, it drains faster when the heart rate monitor and GPS are active. In this mode, it could run for only 24hours. But without the stats display, it lasts up to 60 hours in UltraTrac mode.
One other fantastic thing about this fitness device is that it can track your exact location with its satellite reception. Above all, the Garmin Fenix 5 is one of the best watches for cycling workout as it features an advanced tech that can help you improve your performance.
Drawbacks
Nothing feels frustrating to online buyers like getting the wrong item. This watch may malfunction because it has probably graced the wrist of another person. The US version is perfect, but the Asia Pacific model is prone to fault and malfunction.
2. Best Smart Display Fitness Tracker – Apple Watch Series 5
The Apple watch series 5 improves your performance with a bright display of your progress to keep you going. It features an activity ring that shows your on-the-go statistics to encourage you. You may even wish to make a chart with the details from the ECG app that tracks your heart rate. This fast-read feature pushes you to ride more and sit less.
Furthermore, it comes with advanced work out metrics that allow you to compete with near-by friends. Also, the watch is water-resistant, so you don’t need to worry about cycling in the rain. Again, you can tour any terrain without fear of losing your way due to its GPS tracker and compass.
Do you like jamming up while exercising? Or is the music your best companion when riding? Then, get the Apple Watch 5 as it has the entire Apple music library. Also, it alerts you when your volume is too high and damaging to the ear. And guess what? You will not only enjoy fitness tracking but also have the entire App store strapped to your wrist.
Drawbacks
One downside of this gadget is that it has poor battery life. You need to be close to a power source every time, so you don’t miss out on your statistics. Moreover, the GPS track line is blur and screenshots in the middle, giving a confusing display.
3. Best Budget Fitness Tracker for Cycling -Willful Fitness Tracker
Track your steps and progress with the affordable Willful Fitness tracker. With this device, you can keep your total distance traveled in check as well as the calories you burned. It also comes with 14 modes of training to enhance your performance.
Moreover, it has the best heart rate sensor to see every heartbeat on display while running. The willful is the best budget fitness tracker for cycling that can analyze the quality of your sleep. If you need to wake up at a particular time for an indoor cycling workout session, you can set its silent alarm vibration.
The Willful fitness tracker takes smartness to another level with its array of social media apps. Aside from the cycling fitness apps, it also gives you the latest WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram notifications. You’ll never miss a message with this watch on your wrist.
Furthermore, this is one of the best fitness trackers for cycling and running that is waterproof. You can go riding in the rain and have no worries because it is IP68 waterproofed. Although the makers claim it works great underwater, I will advise you shouldn’t wear it when swimming.
It also has an HD display that enables you to easily read your stats at a glance. What’s more, you can adjust the screen brightness.
Drawbacks
Although it’s cheap, it’s not that durable because it malfunctions after a short period of use. Also, despite the screen adjustability, you can’t see the screen clearly under the sun. Moreover, it has an aggressive permission request from the fitness apps and it takes time to connect using Bluetooth.
4. Best Triathlon Heart Rate Monitor – Polar Vantage V
The Polar Vantage V is not just a smart multisport band, but also one of the best cycling watches of 2020. If you are looking for the best fitness tracker for indoor cycling, consider the Polar Vantage V. The running power feature helps to improve your efficiency on the treadmill. It also enables you to fine-tune your efforts right from your wrist.
Besides, the watch segments your training statistics. It separates cardio load, muscle load, and perceived capacity to different sections. Then, it shows you a comprehensive look into how efficient your training has been so far.
I didn’t call it the best triathlon heart rate monitor for no reason. Polar V also delivers a premium standard heart rate accuracy. Polar offers a perfect combination of optical sensors and impedance electrodes to get the best stats.
Above all, the Recovery Pro feature, considers some factors outside training like pulse rate to enhance your recovery. It shows what you have done so far and what you might still do to get better results.
Drawbacks
Due to some factors like inferior software, the heart rate monitor might be inconsistent when you’re riding. And, when it’s loose on the wrist, it fails to detect some exercise parameters. So, you have to tighten it always, which can be discomforting for many.
5. Best Fitbit for Cycling – Fitbit Versa 2 Health and Fitness SmartWatch
Are you among those who need instant messages and calls notifications even while exercising? Then, you should get yourself a Fitbit Versa 2. It gives you all incoming calls and news alerts from work and family with per-second accuracy. With that said, you won’t miss a distress call from the clinic because you’re on the cycling track.
Moreover, you can track your route and your distance with its premium GPS tracker. You can even record your speed and fast times with the assisted GPS. Then, examine your ascent, descent, or mountain altitude with the smart Barometer.
Cycling and running in the rain gives a certain flair, and even better with this Fitbit fitness tracker since it is waterproof. You may also decide to have a light swim with it without worries.
Drawbacks
Although it is the best Fitbit for cycling on the market, it has the slowest charging rates among other fitness smartwatches on our list. Besides, the battery doesn’t last for a long time. The heart rate display is a little hazy during fast races. This makes it unable to be read when you need it most.
Choosing the Best Fitness Trackers for Biking
Due to the numerous fitness trackers on the market, getting a good one might be challenging. If you want to avoid this scenario, look out for features that will meet your needs.
Luckily, in this section, we provided excellent guides to help you select the best fitness trackers for biking. So before shopping for any, use the following tips to find the right one to meet your needs. You can also use this guide to find the best cycling watch in the market today.
Check Out the Design
When looking for the best fitness trackers for biking, consider the design of the model you want to buy. If you need a device that allows you to check the stats on your device quickly and well-detailed, a large screen model will be the best bet.
Some of the best watches for basic training and cycling like Garmin Fenix 5x has a large screen. This large display makes it easy for you to read and check your stats quickly while riding.
Consider the Band Material
Asides from the design, the band material is also a significant consideration when selecting the best tracking device for cycling. Silicone and elastic fabric are popular items used for fitness trackers’ bracelets. Although they work well, they promise different benefits and drawbacks.
For example, the silicone band lasts longer than the fabric types. Besides, you can clean the silicone band often and not bother about damage. But if you want something that fits snugly for long rides, you will have to go for the fabric material.
Fabric bands are comfortable, especially if boast of elastic. Then tend to stretch over and fit large wrist size. They also look stylish than silicone bands.
Battery Life
Just like every other device, battery life is essential. The best fitness tracker should come with long battery life for longer workout sessions.
However, if it has a GPS, activating this feature with other apps running will drain the battery faster. For this reason, you should settle for a battery life that lasts less than 48 hours on a single charge.
You can also enjoy extra hours of battery life by deactivating the onboard GPS feature. Better still, get the best cycling fitness tracker device that doesn’t come with this feature.
Water-Resistant
Most of the best fitness trackers for biking offer some level of water-resistance for outdoor workouts. But if your fitness plans include a triathlon race, you should aim for optimum protection against moisture.
So, what should you expect from a waterproof model? Apart from splashes or rain, the fitness tracker should be able to work better for a short swim.
Ease of Use
Fitness Tracker comes with fabric, leather, silicone, or leather band. Besides, each band material has several benefits and downsides.
Since you want to keep your mind on the ride ahead, choose a band that feels comfortable. It would be best if you also got a model that is easy on the skin. Instead of spending hours looking for the perfect tracker band, go for a model that will enable you to swap bands easily.
Heart Rate Monitor
Before choosing a fitness tracker, confirm if it has an onboard heart rate monitor. With this option, you can check your heart rate as you ride long distances or practice on an indoor spin bike. But ensure you go for one with the best heart rate monitor that provides accurate results.
Final Word on the Best Fitness Trackers for Biking
If you are a cyclist who loves tracking your every activity, you need to get one of the best watches for basic training and cycling workout. With this device, you can keep your heart rate, pulse, distance, location, and speed in check as you ride. To avoid purchasing the wrong device, you should choose any of the best fitness trackers for biking listed above.
The Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire is our top pick from the 5 best fitness trackers for biking as it guarantees you accurate pulse and heart rate readings. But if you are on a budget, you should go for the Willful fitness tracker. Don’t mind the cost as it comes with impressive features to keep your health in check when cycling.
