Every serious biker knows that the top watch for cycling must have the features that will match their strenuous activities.
While there are a lot of watches in the market that are made specifically for mountain biking, not a lot has what bikers need.
Today, I will share some of the best watch for mountain biking which also includes garmin, fitbit and more brands.
While smartphones can now log rides, they aren’t as dedicated to tracking your activities as much as a timepiece dedicated for outdoor adventures.
And, with watch brands expand their product line with trackers that fit every lifestyle, it becomes more confusing to pick the right one to deck out on.
And, that’s just what we’re here for. To help narrow down your choices for the best smartwatch for mountain biking.
COMPARISON CHART
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
The Ultimate Pick
  |
Garmin fenix 5
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| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
OUR 2ND PICK
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Garmin Forerunner 235
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| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Most Affordable
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Polar M430 HR
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| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
DECENT MODEL
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Fitbit Ionic
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| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
FOR APPLE USERS
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Apple Watch Series 4
|
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| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
BEST SUUNTO MODEL
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Suunto 9
|
CLICK FOR PRICE |
Best Watch For Mountain Biking 2020
1. Garmin fenix 5
Best Garmin Watch for Mountain Biking – (Strava Compatible)
- Premium multisport GPS watch with Elevate wrist heart rate technology. Physical size 1.8 x 1.8 x 0.6 inches. QuickFit watch band compatible included (22 mm)
- Fit for adventure with rugged design that features stainless steel bezel, buttons and rear case. Display type : sunlight visible, transflective memory in pixel (MIP)
Our Independent Rating
Features
Specifications
The rugged exterior of Garmin fenix 5 instantly gives you an idea that it can take on some abuse.
The 5 screws that hold the bezel doesn’t get in the way of operating the circular buttons around even when you have sweaty or gloved hands.
Its always-on screen has a transflective surface that functions well with the sunlight to make it look brighter.
You will see your tracked activities better even in direct sunlight.
The tracked activities you can keep data of is not only limited to biking, but of hiking, running, mountain climbing, golfing, SUP paddle-boarding, swimming, and rowing too. It can even track your jump out of a plane.
Always getting lost? Its breadcrumb feature helps you find your way back to where you started. Just like Hansel and Gretel.
It also has a nice feature of incorporate with power meters. I believe it is one of the rare devices to have this capability.
Garmin fenix 5 is fully featured that it makes up for its expensive price tag.
Even the Apple Watch Nike+ doesn’t come close to the number of functions this Garmin fenix 5 has.
Pros
Cons
2. Garmin Forerunner 235
Budget Friendly Garmin Watch For Cycling
- GPS Running Watch with Wrist based Heart Rate and display type is sunlight visible, transflective memory in pixel(MIP)
- Customize Your Watch and Your Training, Larger Screen a 44 percentage Larger Screen than the 225 but the Same Physical Size
Our Independent Rating
Features
Specifications
Since its release in 2015, Garmin Forerunner® 235 is still topping the sales chart of Garmin watches.
It is popular among runners and riders, simply because it is not as flashy as most of Garmin’s line of timepieces.
This fairly priced watch is intended mainly for runners. But, the features it has makes it perfect for other outdoor activities too.
It has the features that most Garmin watches have, without paying too much.
Using this watch is a breeze. The menus and settings are all clearly labeled and you won’t get confused which button to press for the function you need.
Syncing the watch to Garmin Connect app is easy as well.
The battery life is decent enough to last you over 10 hours of straight active use. You will be confident that your data for after completing a short ultramarathon will be there.
Pros
Cons
3.Polar M430 HR
Most Affordable
- Optical heart rate monitor - continuous, accurate heart rate without a chest strap via a 6 LED optical sensor
- Integrated GPS - running watch tracks speed, distance, pace and routes. Display resolution: 128 x 128
Our Independent Rating
Features
Specifications
One of the brands that blow away health buffs is Polar. They are well-known for producing some devices that deliver the most accurate GPS and heart rate monitoring. One of which is Polar M430 HR.
Polar M430 HR showcases characteristics that you wouldn’t expect in a watch that has an affordable price tag.
The same Hansel and Gretel feature that the $400 Garmin watch has is also a curveball for this timepiece. You can always go back to your starting point with this gear.
Navigating through this watch is easy even without the labels on the buttons.
There weren’t a lot of settings available to confuse you in finding out what you need.
This makes it a watch that is headache-free and easy-breezy.
Pros
Cons
4. Fitbit Ionic
Best Fitbit Watch for Mountain Biking & Cycling
- Start dynamic personalized workouts on your wrist with step by step coaching. Syncing range: Up to 30 feet. Certain features like smartphone notifications may require Android 5.0 plus. Syncs with Mac OS X 10.6 and up, iPhone 4S and later, iPad 3 gen. and later, Android 4.4 and later and Windows 10 devices
- Store and play 300 plus songs, plus download playlists from Pandora. If the band sizes are small,it fits wrist of circumference 5.5 6.5 inches and if the band size are large,it fits wrist in circumference of 6.7 8.1 inches
Our Independent Rating
Features
Specifications
Aside from its functions offered as you ride up the mountains, one interesting feature that makes this GPS watch stand out is the fact that it allows you to make mobile payments. With your watch. Using the NFC chip it has!
Fitbit Ionic is the most improved of all its predecessors & well known as a super awesome fitness tracker out there.
While the first Fitbit smartwatch wasn’t well-received due to lack of features, this one is feature-packed that it makes you feel you have your smartphone on your wrist.
You won’t get the uncomfortable feeling of having a bulky GPS watch as you ride.
Fitbit Ionic, compared to other smartwatches has a comfortable fit and is lightweight. Leaves you un-annoyed even when you do simple workouts.
Pros
Cons
5. Apple Watch Series 4
Best Apple Watch for Mountain Biking
- GPS + Cellular
- Over 30% larger display and 50% louder speaker
Our Independent Rating
Features
Specifications
Am I the only one who thinks that when it comes to smartwatches and smartphones, a product from Apple is always present? And, no doubt they should as it just might be the best smartwatch in the market.
Since its release in 2015, this expensive timepiece has attracted not just Apple fans but sports enthusiasts too.
It didn’t come as a surprise. Features like an optical heart rate sensor helped give people idea whether they’re ok or if they need to seek medical attention.
This beautiful smartwatch leaves an endurance athlete confident in keeping track of data from daily activities.
Even better when the athlete is an iPhone user, then navigating through this watch will come naturally.
Having Apple Watch Series 4 is like having a medical device on your hand. Before its release, it was cleared by US Food and Drugs for the ECG app feature.
This means this phone is capable of taking your electrocardiograms on the go.
Pros
Cons
6. Suunto 9
Best Suunto Watch for Mountain Biking
- Waterproof (up to 100 meter) multisport GPS watch for ultra runners and endurance athletes with baronetric altitude information (FusedAltiTM)
- Up to 120 hour long battery life through intelligent battery modes (Performance, Endurance, Ultra) with charge reminders and regular software updates; 3 button color display and touchscreen
Our Independent Rating
Features
Specifications
One of the biggest smartwatches on the market, Suunto 9 runs at dimensions of 50 x 50 x 16.5 mm. Its size is just the same as the number of features it offers.
This is one of the few smartwatches that you use while you run, ride, swim, surf, bike, and a lot more.
Suunto 9 boasts features such as optical heart rate, barometric and GPS altitude to name a few. All these features have been tested to make it through the rigorous drop, freezing, too much humidity, and water immersion.
Sounds like a watch you can use in any battle, right?
Not just battles, this watch is also sophisticated enough to be worn casually.
The color options metallic black and brushed aluminum white can go well with your coat and tie or your best Sunday dress.
Pros
Cons
Things you need to care when buying MTB Watch
Let’s be honest. The market for smart watch is heavily saturated with cut-throat competition.
With so many options, how do you select the most suitable MTB watch that you are looking for?
This section is going to explain everything and I will share my personal favourite steps that will help you to pick the right one.
Just keep in mind – No product is perfect and you won’t be getting all the features in a single device. But the following options are definitely going to cut your confusion.
1.Water Resistance Capability:
No matter what device I pick, the very first thing I look is – Water Resistance Capability. If you’re into outdoor riding, you will need something which won’t disappoint you after a little rain.
I must say, not every MTB watch is going to be water resistance but when you see, I would highly recommend to grab that ASAP.
But again, don’t think too much if you can’t find a water resistance watch because sometimes, popular product goes out of stock for months.
If you find that’s good. If you can’t, move on.
2. GPS Capability:
Nowadays, we all have smart phones and don’t need GPS right? Well, I would like to have a GPS capability option on my device as I don’t want to drain my phone battery.
It’s a good option to have and when you go on mountain biking, sometimes you go for way too miles without realizing that you’re far away from start point. Having a map at that time just a life saver.
3. Value for Money:
I am ready to spend good amount of money on something I really care about. But definitely don’t recommend spending more than you can afford.
Here’s another thing to consider.
You also need to aware that better price does not mean great value. Sometimes, lower end products can perform really good compared to expensive ones.
The listed item I just shared are all categorized with taking consideration of price and value at the same time.
I don’t like to pay for some gimmick features I will probably never use. So do you!!
4. Notifications:
You’re in a zone of super sporty mode and riding your bike so passionately and suddenly your phone beeps up.
Well, I know you can’t stop for checking every notification you get.
So pick something that will allow you to view calls & messages on your watch screen.
5. Fit & Usability:
I know you’re excited to grab your watch for next mountain biking season. But apart from that, how do you plan to use the watch?
See, the majority of the devices out there are really good for daily use.
You need to pick something that would fit in your zone/lifestyle so it can blend easily.
Conclusion
Tracking your bike ride is important especially when you want to improve yourself as a cyclist. This keeps you a tab on the distance you traveled and how fast you did on that ride.
Most importantly, it lets you know whether you’re improving or you’re slacking.
With the smartphones dominating the gadget market, claiming they can keep track of almost anything, they still can’t beat the smartwatch that is intended for such situations.
It may have GPS but, not heart rate monitors, sensors, barometers, etc.,
Which, our top pick, Garmin fēnix® 5 has and more.
Garmin fēnix® 5 is considered as Garmin’s most popular smartwatch from their line of complex timepieces. All the features you need for a smartwatch and activity tracker is packed in a sturdy constructed watch.
Garmin fēnix 5 is perfect for hikers, backpackers, mountaineers and just about anyone who are engaged in more than one sport.
Do not mistake this as just a sporty watch. Its robust frame with different colors to choose from of straps also makes it a watch you can wear while you sit comfortably in your office.
Last update on 2020-04-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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