The Best Smart Watches for Cyclists

Compared to the GPS watch that fits on your wrist, a handlebar-mounted GPS computer offers the advantage of a larger screen area (and often a clearer one, too) to display maps and ride data. Other than that, both tools supply their users with relatively the same functionality, especially with GPS watches continuing to get cycling-specific features added to their already-growing list of fitness-tracking capabilities.

But there are situations in which a GPS watch has the edge. For multisport athletes, a smart watch with running, swimming, and cycling modes makes it easier to track all your activities and data in one place and cuts down on the electronics clutter of two devices. Wearing your computer on your wrist also means that it goes where you go—you don’t have to move it between bikes—and automatically tracks shorter commutes you might otherwise not bother with (hey, they add up!). If you just want to track your pace and ride distance, both watches and computers are equally as useful. However, if you’d like to incorporate all your daily metrics into your training, including sleep recovery and activity throughout the day, a smart watch is the way to go.

All the models below share a few key features you should consider when buying. First, a dedicated cycling mode is clutch if you have any interest in syncing your rides to Strava or another training program. Next, battery life is critical—not just overall run time but specifically battery life in GPS mode. And while wrist-based heart rate might not be as accurate as a chest strap, it’s still an important data point for calculating relative effort and caloric burn. Then there are the bonus features, like turn-by-turn directions, power meter compatibility, and music. Not all the watches here can handle those high-level functions, but several can. And the selection represents a range of feature levels, so you’re sure to find something that suits your needs.

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How We Tested

Every watch on this list has been thoroughly evaluated and vetted by our team of test editors. We raced and trained with these watches, as well as wore them in everyday life to get the most accurate overall impression. We used them to measure our fitness, track our sleep, and in place of and in support of a bike computer. We checked smartphone compatibility and routinely pushed batteries to the limit to see how long they held up. Most models have been tested by our staff and those that haven’t were carefully chosen based on their value, quality of parts, our experience with similar models, and how the overall package meets the needs of the intended buyer.

Trevor Raab