6 Best GPS Watches For Mountain Biking that you will adore

Every serious mountain biker knows that a top-notch watch for cycling must have the features that will match their strenuous activities. Unfortunately, while there are a lot of watches in the market that are made specifically for mountain biking, many of them do not have what it takes for a biker to reach their full potential.

Today, we will share some of the best watches for mountain biking, including Garmin, Fitbit, and more big brands.

While smartphones can now log rides, they aren't as dedicated to tracking your physical activities as a GPS wearable dedicated to outdoor adventures.

However, with watch brands worldwide expanding their product line to include trackers that fit every lifestyle, it becomes more confusing to pick the right one for you as a biker.

No more confusion, my fellow bikers, because I've got your backs. I have narrowed your choices to only a handful of intelligent wearables; stay tuned to get the best smartwatch for mountain biking, one that you will adore for sure.

Best Watch For Mountain Biking

1. Garmin fenix 5

Our Independent Rating

The rugged exterior of Garmin Fenix 5 instantly gives you an idea that it can take on some abuse.

The five screws that hold the bezel don’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 activities you can track are biking and hiking, running, mountain climbing, golfing, SUP paddle-boarding, swimming, and rowing. It can even follow your jump out of a plane.

Are you constantly 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 incorporating power meters. I believe it is one of the rare devices to have this capability.

Garmin Fenix 5 is fully featured, making 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.

2. Garmin Forerunner 235

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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 reasonably priced watch is intended mainly for runners. But, the features it has makes it perfect for other outdoor activities.

It has the features that most Garmin watches have without paying too much.

Using the Garmin Forerunner 235 is a breeze. The menus and settings are all clearly labeled, and you won’t get confused about which button to press for the function you need.

Syncing the watch to the Garmin Connect app is easy as well.

The battery life is decent enough to last you over 10 hours of active use. So after completing a short ultramarathon, you will be confident that your data will be there.

3. Polar M430 HR

Our Independent Rating

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 with an affordable price tag.

The same Hansel and Gretel feature that some Garmin watches have is also a curveball for this timepiece. You can always go back to your starting point with this gear.

Navigating through this watch is effortless, even without the labels on the buttons.

There weren’t a lot of settings available to confuse you in finding out what you needed.

4. Fitbit Ionic

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Aside from its functions as you ride up the mountains, one exciting feature that makes this GPS watch stand out is 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.

While the first Fitbit smartwatch wasn’t well-received due to its lack of features, this one is feature-packed to the point it makes you feel you have your smartphone on your wrist.

You won’t get the uncomfortable feeling that usually comes with a bulky GPS watch as you ride.

Compared to other smartwatches, Fitbit Ionic has a comfortable fit and is lightweight. As a result, it leaves you un-annoyed even when you do simple workouts.

5. Apple Watch Series 4

Our Independent Rating

Am I the only one who thinks that a product from Apple is always present in smartwatches and smartphones' best lists? 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 Apple fans and sports enthusiasts.

It didn't come as a surprise. Features like an optical heart rate sensor helped give people an idea of whether they're ok or need to seek medical attention.

This beautiful smartwatch leaves an endurance athlete confident in keeping track of data from daily activities.

Even better, navigating through this watch will come naturally when the athlete is an iPhone user.

Having Apple Watch Series 4 is like having a medical device on your wrist. Before its release, the US Food and Drug Administration cleared it for the ECG app feature.

Thus, this watch is capable of taking your electrocardiograms on the go.

6. Suunto 9

Our Independent Rating

One of the biggest smartwatches on the market, the 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.

It is one of the few smartwatches you use while running, riding, swimming, surfing, biking, etc.

Suunto 9 boasts features, such as optical heart rate, barometric, and GPS altitude, to name a few. The manufacturer tested these features to make it through the rigorous drop, freezing, too much humidity, and water immersion.

It 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 Metallic black and brushed aluminum white color options can go well with your coat and tie or your best Sunday dress.

Things you need to consider when buying MTB Watch

Let’s be honest. The smartwatch market is heavily saturated with cut-throat competition.

With so many options, how do you select the most suitable MTB watch you are looking for?

This section will explain everything, and I will share my favorite steps to help you 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 going to cut your confusion.

1. Water Resistance Capability:

No matter what device I pick, the first thing I look at is – Water Resistance Capability. If you’re into outdoor riding, you will need something which won’t disappoint you after a bit of rain.

Not every MTB watch will be water-resistant. So, when you find one, I recommend grabbing it ASAP.

But again, don’t overthink if you can’t find a water-resistant watch because sometimes, a popular product goes out of stock for months.

If you find one, that’s good. If you can’t, move on; there is always a choice.

2. GPS Capability:

Nowadays, we all have smartphones and don’t need GPS, right? However, I would like to have a GPS capability option on my device as I don’t want to drain my phone battery.

It’s an excellent option to have, and when you go on mountain biking, sometimes you go for many miles without realizing that you’re far away from the start point. So having a map at such times is just a lifesaver.

3. Value for Money:

I am ready to spend a good amount of money on something that provides high value. But I don’t recommend spending more than you can afford.
Here’s another thing to consider.

You also need to be aware that a better price does not mean great value. Sometimes, lower-end products can perform better compared to expensive ones.

I considered the price and value simultaneously for all the listed items I just shared above.

I’m not particularly eager 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 passionately, and suddenly your phone beeps up.

I know you can’t take a break to check every notification you get.

So, pick a device 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 the next mountain biking season. But apart from that, how do you plan to use the watch?

See, most of the devices out there are 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 essential, especially when you want to improve yourself as a cyclist. It keeps a tab on the traveled miles and how fast you did on that ride.

Most importantly, it lets you know whether you’re improving or slacking off.

With smartphones dominating the gadget market, claiming they can keep track of almost anything, they still can’t beat smartwatches that popular brands made for such situations.

It may have GPS but not heart rate monitors, sensors, barometers, etc. Our top pick, Garmin fēnix® 5, has all these features.

Garmin fēnix® 5 is Garmin’s most popular smartwatch from their line of complex timepieces. This sturdily constructed watch packs all the features you need for a smartwatch and activity tracker.

Garmin fēnix 5 is perfect for hikers, backpackers, mountaineers, and anyone engaged in more than one sport.

Do not mistake this for just a sporty watch; Its robust frame and straps, which come in different colors, make it a watch you can wear while sitting comfortably in your office.

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