Smartwatches are becoming an integral part of daily life for many, especially the most health and fitness conscious people. As technology within these accessories’ advances, they are becoming relied upon more by athletes, both professional and amateur. Modern smartwatches are able to track heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and rest and recovery with an impressive level of accuracy, aiding in training for a wide range of sports. Most smartwatches have a range of modes, making them able to monitor a variety of exercises and keep track of personal bests and times.
Many cyclists are making the transition from traditional bar-mounted cycling computers to smartwatches due to the compactness and convenience of a smaller accessory. Although a bar-mounted tracker is a popular method of tracking bike rides, a smartwatch is able to keep track of a whole range of statistics. Smartwatches are multi-purpose, making them more practical for day-to-day living. They are also able to monitor a range of sports, so they are useful for the multi-talented sportsman. The compact size of smartwatches and their ability to track personal health statistics makes them appealing to the modern cyclist. If you are interested in smartwatches for cycling in 2021, keep reading for our recommendations.
Garmin MARQ Athlete GPS Smartwatch | Black Rubber Strap
Garmin are famous amongst runners and cyclists for their activity trackers, and the technological advancement of smartwatches has allowed the brand to expand the capabilities of their models to new limits. This Garmin MARQ Athlete model features a titanium case to ensure the watch is lightweight and durable. The watch fastens to the wrist using a black silicone strap which will be comfortable even with perspiration. The entire watch only weighs 94 grams, so it will sit comfortably on the wrist. The digital display is protected by scratch resistant sapphire glass, making this model resilient against little bumps and knocks.
The model has a multitude of smart features including sleep monitoring, various work out settings, GPS speed and distance, downloadable training plans, round trip creator software, and heart rate alerts. With a multitude of capabilities that make full use of the GPS and health tracking technologies, this Garmin MARQ Athlete model would make a valuable companion for any cyclist.
Polar GRIT X | Cycling Bundle | H-10 Chest Strap | Bike Clip | Saddle Bag
This Polar GRIT X model comes in a classic all-black colour scheme with a black DLC coated case and a black silicone strap. The watch is water-resistant up to 100 metres (10 bar), making it suitable for some water-based activities. The 47mm case size ensures that the digital screen is easy to read and interact with. This model has an impressive 7-day battery life in watch mode, even when it is continuously monitoring heart rate. In training mode, the battery life is 40 hours.
Excellent for cyclists, this watch features cycling cadence sensors, integrated GPS, route planning, FuelWise, Hill Splitter, and Polar Flow. This model aids the wearer with tracking both activity and rest as well as diet and macronutrients. The watch supports over 130 sports, so is suitable not only for cycling, but a multitude of activities. As part of Polar’s new cycling bundles, this model comes with an H-10 chest strap, bike clip, and saddle bag. These accessories will allow cyclists to push the Polar GRIT X to its limits as a smartwatch for cycling in 2021.
Garmin Lily Classic Edition | Cream Gold Bezel | Black Case | Italian Leather Strap
The Garmin Lily Classic Edition is a step away from the traditional sports smartwatch. This model is far more delicate and feminine than other popular smartwatches. At first glance, the Garmin Lily looks like a regular wristwatch, but with a tap or twist of the wrist, a bright touchscreen display appears. This model may not be as technologically equipped as other smartwatch models, but it has enough features to keep track of activity and day-to-day life whilst looking incredibly chic and stylish. The watch has a fibre-reinforced polymer case and is finished with a black leather strap, maintaining the traditional look of a classic wristwatch. The smart features begin with text, calls and calendar reminders to help the wearer keep track of their daily life. The Lily can connect to a smartphone’s GPS to allow the wearer to track bike rides, but also runs and walks. Any time or distance achievements can be shared using the Garmin Connect App. The Garmin Lily can also aid in rest and recovery with its stress tracking, advanced sleep monitoring and respiration tracking technology. This model would be the perfect accessory for the cyclist who is looking for something more feminine and traditional to aid them in their activity.
Polar Vantage V2 | Cycling Bundle | H-10 Chest Strap | Bike Clip | Saddle Bag
This Polar Vantage V2 model exhibits a classic black and silver colour scheme with a case made from an aerospace aluminium alloy with glass fibre reinforced polymer. The black silicone strap fastens with a pin buckle. Polar have ensured to build this watch with high-quality, lightweight materials to ensure that it is comfortable to wear on long and challenging cycles. This model features Training Load Pro which allows the wearer to quantify the strain of each training session. This works alongside the Precision Prime heart rate sensor fusion technology to track how hard the body has worked during exercise.
The Vantage V2 can also be used during recovery time using Recovery Pro and Sleep Plus Stages to ensure that the body is getting the rest it needs after a buy day of cycling. The watch can also provide ready-made daily workouts based on recovery and training history. This model has the added features of being able to divide the wearer’s energy sources into carbs, proteins and fats to calculate how much energy is available. The Polar Vantage Pro comes with an H-10 chest strap, bike clip and saddle bag to ensure that the wearer can maximise the capabilities of the Vantage V2 as a smartwatch for cycling in 2021.
Garmin Fenix 6S Pro Solar | Light Gold With Light Sand Strap
Garmin have designed this model with the more fashion-conscious wearer in mind. The gold fibre-reinforced polymer case is complemented by a light sand rubber strap. This combination of neutral shades is very on-trend and will complement any outfit. This model features a Power Glass solar charging lens, meaning that the smartwatch will be charged and performance-ready for weeks. The watch is tested to U.S. military standards for thermal, shock and water-resistance so it will certainly be able to withstand the cold weather and splashes it will encounter on a bike ride.
This watch is very well-equipped for the avid cyclist. It can track biking, indoor biking, mountain biking and triathlons. The cycling features include time, distance and heart rate goal alerts. The watch has a Garmin cycle map and functional threshold power. This model is compatible with accessories that can aid the wearer’s tracking by providing more specific statistics. The watch can track a multitude of sports, making it useful for the cyclist who enjoys multiple sports. Outside of sports tracking, the Garmin Fenix 6S Pro Solar can inform the wearer of their calendar and the weather. It can control smartphone music and features the Garmin Pay function. This model would make an excellent accessory for any outdoor adventurer, whether their mode of transport be running, walking or cycling. It is also a great companion for day-to-day life due to its additional functionalities.
What do you think of our smartwatches for cycling in 2021 recommendations? Will you be adding one to your collection of cycling equipment? Let us know in the comments below!
