Cycling can be a hobby, a lifestyle, or just a great excuse to wear neon spandex in public. For those of us who love tracking how far, how fast, and how much sweat we’ve lost, a solid smartwatch is hard to beat.
Smartwatches for cycling aren’t just about bragging at the coffee shop. They track speed, distance, heart rate, and sometimes even nudge us to drink water—because, let’s be honest, we forget.
Trying to pick the right smartwatch for cycling? It sounds simple until you’re knee-deep in specs. Suddenly, you’re comparing battery life, GPS accuracy, comfort, phone compatibility, and if you can answer calls while gasping up a hill.
Flashy features might tempt you, but nobody wants a heavy watch smacking the handlebars or a “cycling mode” that just counts steps. We wanted smartwatches that actually help us enjoy our rides, not just look cool.
We spent hours combing through features and real reviews to find the best smartwatches for cycling.
Best Smartwatches for Cycling
We all want a watch that does more than just tell time—especially with both hands busy on the handlebars. Our team took these watches for a spin (literally) to find the top smartwatches for cycling.
No guessing games here. These picks can keep up, even if you pedal faster than your last excuse.
If you want a cycling smartwatch that keeps going longer than your legs, this one brings both style and stamina.
Pros
Super crisp display—no more squinting at stats in the sun
Long battery life keeps us out of charging jail
Free maps with voice directions that actually make sense
Cons
Zepp app menus could use less scrolling and hunting
Some sport modes feel a bit over the top (are we ever really going to try HYROX Race?)
Slight learning curve with voice features if we’re new to AI
Nothing kills a long ride like a dead watch, but this one just keeps going. We almost forgot how annoying it was to charge a watch every night, so having days of use felt like a luxury.
If you bounce between trails, city streets, and snack stops, the turn-by-turn maps are a real lifesaver. We stopped staring at our phones, and the GPS held strong even when we tried to get lost on purpose.
Heart rate and sleep tracking actually made sense, finally explaining why we bonk halfway through longer rides (maybe it’s not just the donuts). The AI voice can be a little chatty, but replying to texts on the go feels futuristic—and honestly, it’s kind of fun.
If you want great battery life, easy-to-read stats, and don’t mind learning a few new menus, the Amazfit Active 2 Smartwatch is a solid and stylish pick for your next ride.
If you want a smartwatch that actually keeps up with your cycling (and doesn’t just nag you about sleep), the Garmin Forerunner 165 does the trick.
Pros
Bright AMOLED screen makes stats easy to read during sunny rides
Battery lasts long enough that we can forget the charger exists
Training insights and workout plans keep us motivated
Cons
Heart rate tracking can be a bit dramatic sometimes
The watch body is light but feels a bit plasticky
Limited app options compared to some fancier smartwatches
Strapping on the Forerunner 165 makes us feel just a little more pro—until we remember we’re still in last year’s gym shorts. The bright AMOLED display is a treat, so there’s no more squinting mid-ride to check pace or that ever-optimistic recovery score.
The watch feels so light, it’s almost like it’s not there. That’s a win when we’re racing the neighbor’s golden retriever up the hill.
What really hooked us are the adaptive training plans. It’s like having a coach who doesn’t yell—or judge our second breakfast. Sleep, recovery, and morning reports show up right on the watch, so we get our daily guilt trip with a side of data.
We wish heart rate readings were a little less dramatic. Sometimes it says our heart’s in turbo mode when we’re just cruising for coffee.
Phone notifications pop up on the wrist, which is handy (and a little dangerous for group chat addicts). It won’t replace your phone for streaming or fancy apps, but for real fitness stats and the occasional badge, it delivers.
If you want a no-fuss cycling companion with some real training perks, this one keeps you pedaling—no drama required.
If you want a seriously tough cycling watch and don’t mind a rugged vibe, this one’s a strong contender.
Pros
Nearly impossible to break—even if we try to run it over
Easy to see the screen in bright sun (finally, no squinting)
Battery life that just laughs at our forgetfulness
Cons
Monochrome display isn’t going to win any beauty contests
Button-only controls feel a bit prehistoric
Kinda bulky for small wrists (sorry, tiny-armed friends)
Wearing the Garmin Instinct 2 feels like gearing up for Everest, not just the local trails. We’ve tried watches that claimed to be tough, but this one could probably survive a trip through the laundry—twice.
It shrugs off vibrations and accidental bumps like it’s nothing. The black-and-white screen isn’t fancy, but at least we can see our stats even when the sun is out to blind us.
No touchscreen here—just buttons. It took a bit to get used to, but once we memorized the controls, flipping through data screens mid-ride was easy. Notifications buzz through when paired with our phone, so we stay just connected enough without risking our sweaty phones.
We tested the cycling tracking for a couple of weeks. The GPS locked on quickly, even under heavy trees. Heart rate, distance, and route metrics were clear and easy to check while cruising.
Getting a month out of a battery charge was wild—no more last-minute charging before every group ride. If you can handle the tactical look, this watch absolutely gets the job done.
If you want a smartwatch that survives crashes, tracks your rides, and doesn’t need charging more than your phone, this one covers a lot.
Pros
Rugged build laughs in the face of bad weather and rough trails
Battery life that makes us forget what a charging cable looks like
GPS so precise, we can’t even blame it for our bad sense of direction
Cons
The screen could be brighter for sunny rides
It’s a bit hefty if we have small wrists
Some might miss extra smart features like music storage
When we put on the Amazfit Active Edge, it felt as tough as a bike helmet—just as reassuring, too. It handles dust, rain, sweat, and even the occasional rock garden, so it’s perfect for those of us who take cycling a little too seriously.
Out on the road, the GPS nailed it every time. No matter how many times we “accidentally” got lost, the watch knew exactly where we were. It syncs with popular fitness apps, so your hard-earned data isn’t stuck in one place.
The battery impressed us. We went nearly two weeks without searching for a charger, even with daily rides and tracking. The watch feels chunky if you’re used to slimmer options, and the screen could use a bit more brightness for those rare, sunny days.
For the price, though, it’s a solid pick for cyclists who want durability and reliable tracking without constant charging.
If you want a smartwatch that keeps up with your rides and only needs charging about as often as you clean the garage, the Garmin vívoactive 5 is tough to beat.
Pros
Fantastic battery life, so we actually get to track entire bike trips (imagine that)
Lightweight—our wrists don’t feel like they’re dragging a brick after a long ride
Bright AMOLED display looks sharp, even in the noon sun
Cons
No third-party app store, so what you get is what you get
Touchscreen sometimes acts up with sweaty fingers (which… cycling)
Not the cheapest option out there
When we took the vívoactive 5 for a spin, we barely noticed it—until it started buzzing with data and notifications. Garmin managed to pack a full-featured coach onto our wrist but kept it slim and light.
The display is easy to see, even when dodging potholes and pretending to be serious athletes. The Body Battery feature tracks our energy, so we know when to push and when to coast for snacks.
Built-in cycling mode tracked our distances accurately, and syncing ride data at home was quick—no complicated menus. Music on the wrist meant we could leave our phones at home and just enjoy the playlist (and maybe sing along, no judgment).
Of course, nothing’s perfect. When sweat pours down and our fingers get pruney, the touchscreen gets a little moody. We also found ourselves wishing for more app options, especially for those who love to tinker.
Still, if you want a practical, robust, cycling-friendly smartwatch that keeps you rolling (without nightly charging), this one checks almost all the boxes.
We’d suggest this smartwatch for anyone tired of finishing a ride with a dead battery or fumbling through tricky menus while trying to pedal.
Pros
The battery lasts so long, we sometimes forget where we left the charger.
The AMOLED screen is clear and easy to read, even in bright sunlight—no more squinting at stats.
It’s comfortable and doesn’t feel bulky on the wrist.
Cons
The watch face looks a bit chunky if you’re chasing that ultra-slim vibe.
Syncing notifications can act up with some phones (our group chat went wild, but our wrist stayed quiet).
Figuring out the menus takes a bit of clicking and some patience.
Cyclists like us need to track rides, heart rates, and maybe snack breaks, and this watch handles it all—without nightly charging. We hopped on our bikes and saw the GPS lock in quickly and stay accurate, which saved us from blaming “lost signal” for wrong turns.
The cycling app tracked our stats well, and the screen stayed readable, even when the sun decided to show up. We liked checking our heart rate and “Body Battery” after a tough hill, though seeing our stress score spike in traffic was a bit of a reality check.
Missing messages while out riding? Not with smart notifications—we caught most of our friends’ memes, even if the group chat took a break. Learning the buttons took a couple rides, but by the third trip, flipping through screens felt easy and even a little fun. If you want a light, long-lasting sidekick that won’t judge your snack stops, this one’s a solid pick.
If you want a cycling watch that feels like a tiny sports computer strapped to your wrist, the Garmin epix Gen 2 should be on your list.
Pros
The AMOLED display looks stunning—maps and stats pop even in full sun.
The battery keeps up, even if you’re training for a marathon ride.
Packed with health, fitness, and navigation features—honestly, we’re still figuring out half of them.
Cons
Not exactly cheap; your wallet might grumble.
So many features, you’ll probably end up watching a few YouTube tutorials.
On smaller wrists, it feels chunky—like a potato that went to the gym.
When we took the epix Gen 2 for a spin, it was clear this watch means business. The screen is sharp and colorful, almost distractingly so, and we could read stats on the go, even in harsh sunlight.
Navigation really impressed us. Downloadable maps and spot-on location tracking let us get lost and still make it home for dinner. It even gives daily workout suggestions, so we stopped guessing whether we’d earned that post-ride burger.
Charging happened way less often than we expected. The battery life felt like a relief after dealing with midweek charger hunts. Even with GPS going, it stuck with us for the whole ride.
If you want a cycling companion that’s part fitness coach, part gadget, this is worth a look. You might even catch yourself talking to it more than your cycling buddies.
If you want a lightweight, no-fuss smartwatch for long rides without worrying about charging, the COROS PACE 3 is worth a look.
Pros
It’s so light we sometimes double-check if it’s still on.
The battery life puts our phones to shame.
GPS is spot-on, so you won’t get lost at the next fork.
Cons
The screen is more “subtle” than “cinematic” indoors.
Navigation maps are just breadcrumbs—don’t expect fancy visuals.
The app takes some time to figure out.
We slipped this watch on for a big ride and nearly forgot it was there. The PACE 3 feels almost weightless but still sturdy, and it seems designed for anyone who thinks “heavy” means over 30 grams.
Seventeen days of battery life meant we didn’t wake up hunting for a charger every morning. We put it through weekday commutes and weekend adventures, and it just kept going—no drama.
Cycling features? The GPS locked in fast and stayed accurate, even weaving through city streets. The always-on screen grew on us; it’s simple, easy to glance at, but not exactly a showstopper at the coffee shop. Navigation does the job, though we wished for turn-by-turn directions—breadcrumbs got us through, though.
If you like your rides longer than your patience for charging and want basic stats without headaches, this is a good pick. Don’t expect it to double as a mini-movie theater or dazzle with maps—it’s here for performance, plain and simple.
If you need a tough, long-lasting smartwatch for wild cycling adventures, this beast is almost impossible to beat.
Pros
Battery life is outrageous—forget the charger for weeks.
Super rugged and shrugs off wild weather.
GPS navigation is reliable and sharp.
Cons
It’s a chunky watch—good luck hiding it under a sleeve.
The size gets in the way with tight jacket cuffs.
The app can be confusing at first.
We strapped on the Amazfit T-Rex 3, hit the trails, and finally found a watch that doesn’t freak out when we get muddy or caught in the rain. This thing seems built to get dirty—it thrives on chaos. Riding on a sunny afternoon, the AMOLED screen was bright enough for even our squinty eyes to see all the maps and stats.
Heading out, we forgot to check the battery—turns out we could probably do that for three weeks and still be fine. The battery just lasts, so we stopped stressing about packing a charger or rationing GPS use. The navigation is spot-on, and the GPS picks us up fast after snack stops.
Fitting the T-Rex 3 under slim jerseys or jackets can be a circus, and the app setup took some trial and error. Still, if you want to ride hard, explore new routes, and text home without stopping, this is a solid partner for your handlebars.
If you’re after a tough watch that can handle muddy trails (and the occasional tumble into a bush), the Garmin Instinct is a good bet.
Pros
Handles bumps, lakes, and wild weather without blinking.
Battery easily lasts through those “just one more mile” moments.
GPS is fast and impressively accurate for wandering or racing.
Cons
Looks like it could bench press us (chunky isn’t for everyone).
Takes some fiddling to figure out all the features.
The display isn’t a colorful touchscreen, so it won’t wow anyone.
First off, this watch is so rugged we swear it could survive getting run over by a bike. The case feels solid, and we stopped worrying about scratches—the screen is basically armor (for a watch, anyway). Before a recent cycling trip, we barely remembered to charge it, but it still had plenty of juice left after a full day out.
Navigating with the Instinct is easy, and the GPS locked on super fast. We didn’t have to do the awkward “waiting for satellites” dance on the sidewalk. Multiple satellite support helped on twisty, tree-covered trails where other trackers get lost.
When it comes to smart features, the Instinct does what we want: reliable notifications, heart rate monitoring, and activity tracking without making things complicated. Flashy? Not really, but it works—even in the rain or underwater. We had to check a quick online guide to learn the buttons, but after that, it was smooth sailing. The style feels more “action hero” than “office chic,” but that’s the price for a watch built to survive us.
Buying Guide
Let’s be real: picking a smartwatch for cycling can feel like grabbing cereal at the store—so many choices, and most of them just add to the confusion. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back.
Battery life is a must when you’re out riding for hours. If a watch dies before you’re halfway home, it’s not coming along next time.
Accuracy matters, so look for precise GPS and heart rate tracking. We want our stats to make sense, not read like science fiction.
And comfort? Nobody wants a heavy chunk of metal flopping on their wrist. Lightweight designs and adjustable straps make those long rides much less annoying.
Features to Watch For
Feature
Why It’s Important
Battery Life
Avoids sudden blackouts
Accurate Sensors
Trustworthy tracking
Water Resistance
Rain happens—trust us
Easy-to-use Display
No squinting required
Sync Features
So our phones and watches play nice
We all want a screen that stays readable, even when the sun’s beating down. If not, we’ll just end up staring at our sweaty faces.
Smartwatches with navigation? Honestly, they’re super handy. But hey, if one sends us off course, at least we’ll have something to laugh about later.
Let’s be real about durability. Our wrists take a beating every day. A tough watch just sticks around longer.
Hi, my name is Garrett Jones, and I am a tech enthusiast. I enjoy researching the new tech that has been released, and have a vast knowledge of the best tech to purchase.
From a young age, I have always had a big interest in technology, and this blog is an extension of that interest. Through this blog, I hope to provide others with all of the information they need regarding tech options to consider, and things such as compatibility. Some of the different items I will be discussing include headphones, smartwatches, and how to fix common issues.
