The Best Smartwatches for Cyclists

Choosing a smartwatch gets harder and harder every day. As more options (and upgrades to old options) flood the market, and nearly every fitness trackers comes with some kind of 'smart' capabilities, how is a reasonable cyclist supposed to make a decision?

When we talk about a great cycling smartwatch, there are a few key features to look. Since technology is consistently changing, even if our favorite smartwatches are no longer available when you're on the hunt, you know what to check for before you buy.

Battery life that agrees with your normal ride time (some GPS watches only last for 3-4 hours before dying, so make sure if you love gravel grinding adventures, you pick one known for longevity)
GPS-enabled so your phone isn't being pumped for data (like Apple Watch version 1 did)
Smart notifications so you get the phone calls and texts that you need
Auto-upload features so you can quickly see if you got that Strava segment
An app that's compatible with your current phone (for example, Samsung's current offering only works with Samsung phones)
Heart rate capabilities (that will never match up perfectly to a strap but will give you a ballpark idea)
Cycling-specific mode (many cheaper fitness trackers just offer walk/run and then 'multi-sport' or 'other')
ANT+ if you're replacing your cycling computer with the watch, so that you can sync to HR straps and power devices (primarily a Garmin feature, but worth making sure the Garmin watch you're looking at can do this before hitting Buy.

But if you're just looking for a simple smartwatch and don't want to spend hours searching obscure reviews and pestering friends for opinions, check out our favorites for every kind of cyclist.

For the Stylehound… Apple Watch Series 2

It's no surprise that of the smartwatches, the Apple Watch Series 2 would be the most stylish thanks to a huge array of band options and customizable watchfaces. The latest version is more sport-specific and can be used for a huge range of activities, even swimming, but what really shines is that it has its own GPS now, so it can Strava without your phone (and the Strava app has improved significantly for this version). This preserves your phone's battery life on the road so you have more space for what matters, like Instagramming your ride simultaneously. It also is the only model here that can be used to respond to messages and actually take calls, plus do things like record notes-to-self while pedaling.

Buy now: $358 on Amazon

For the Triathlete/HR Devotee… Garmin Forerunner 920 XT

This is one of the few watches capable of truly replacing your cycling computer, since it can do it all, from swim-to-bike-to-run if needed. More important for cyclists, it has a built-in GPS, and comes with a heart rate strap for accurate monitoring. It can also pair with your ANT+ power devices so you can check power and cadence on the bike. You'll also get dinged with text, phone and other notifications, and the watch uploads automatically to your Garmin Connect account (which can be paired to Strava and Training Peaks). If that wasn't cycling computer-y enough for you, it even has a bike mount option if you don't want to wear the watch for longer rides.

preview for Watch the Fit Chick Read While Riding to Understand Training Zones

Buy now: $400 on Amazon

For the HR Hater… Garmin Vívoactive HR GPS Smart Watch

Ultimately, the Garmin Vívoactive HR GPS smartwatch is the watered-down (and half-priced) version of the aforementioned 920XT for those looking for something that can track rides via GPS and heart rate, but not require a heart rate strap to do so. It's a bit less powerful, but still provides the same smartwatch features and notifications, plus automatic uploads to Garmin Connect, and isn't as bulky as other Garmin options, rendering it the most wearable on the daily of the bunch. Unlike the Apple Watch, which suffers from a battery drain that renders it necessary to plug in nightly, this watch—when not used in GPS mode—can last up to eight days between charges.

Buy Now: $199 on Amazon

RELATED: Garmin VivoActive Smartwatch

For the Outdoorsy Watch-Wearer… Garmin Forerunner 235

Don't be fooled by the run-specific title of this watch. Whether you're biking, running, skiing, hiking, any activity, this GPS-enabled watch with smart notifications and a wrist-based heart rate monitor does the trick. It’s ultra-lightweight and comfortable so it can be worn all day, but it's also large so it’s easy to see. It handily syncs with your phone and easily uploads to Strava.

Buy Now: $328 on Competitive Cyclist

For the Minimalist… Fitbit Alta HR

For ultra-basic activity tracking plus smart call-text-calendar notifications, the Fitbit Alta HR is a minimal option that is more a band than a watch (though it does have a watchface). Think of it as a hybrid between a smartwatch like the Garmin Forerunner and the original fitness bands that didn't have screens, merely synced to your phone. The Alta HR is great for those looking for something to track all-day fitness in addition to rides, since it tracks steps, sleep, workouts and more, and does so while looking utterly unobtrusive.

Buy Now: $148 on Amazon

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