10 Best Cycling Watches For The Average Sports Enthusiast

Cycling is one of the leading, preferred workouts for folks who enjoy low-impact exercises. Since this is a sport that does not require too much strenuous effort, it can be done by folks of all ages, especially the average sports enthusiast. Given the physical health benefits that cycling provides, it is also important to be able to keep track of your cycling progress, your performance, and how your body reacts and responds to the sport. 

 

This has resulted in the rise of cycling watches throughout the watch industry. These cycling watches are designed to tag along with you during all your cycling exercises. Aside from being able to tell the time, they are also equipped with integrated cycling functions meant to guide you in your cycling workouts, monitor your performance, and more. 

 

Without further ado, let us take a look at the best cycling watches that you can buy on the market today.

10 Best Cycling Watches

1. Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar Ref. 010-02157-24

Let us start off this list of best cycling watches with a timepiece from one of the most popular fitness tracking brands, Garmin. The Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar Ref. 010-02157-24 is presented in a chunky 51mm fibre-reinforced polymer case, coupled with a titanium bracelet. A thick titanium bezel is also firmly screwed onto the top of the watch case, guarding it against damage. Despite its massive size, this smartwatch possesses a relatively light weight of just 82 grams and wears quite comfortably on the wrist. This is thanks to its lightweight polymer and titanium build. 

 

This Garmin watch is packed with efficient features apt for cycling, including GPS navigation, and outdoor, mountain, and indoor cycling performance trackers. It is also capable of measuring your cycling time, distance, your heart rate, and many more. You can quickly track these records on the watch’s black digital screen, or on your smartphone via the Garmin Connect app. 

 

On the underside of the watch case, you can find a screwed-down caseback. Aside from guaranteeing the watch’s 100-metre depth rating, this caseback also contains the watch’s charging port. Behind this caseback lies a solar-powered quartz movement. As such, you can charge this Garmin Fenix piece either by exposing it to any stable light source or through USB charging. 

 

The Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar Ref. 010-02157-24 costs approximately $960 USD.

2. TAG Heuer Connected Modular Ref. SBR8010.BT6255

If you are looking for a cycling watch from an iconic Swiss watch brand, take a look at this TAG Heuer piece. The TAG Heuer Connected Modular Ref. SBR8010.BT6255 utilizes a 42mm stainless steel case with a height of 13.9mm. With these standard measurements, this watch can fit quite nicely on wrists of all sizes. 

 

This TAG Heuer Connected Modular watch is also paired with a black rubber strap. It is equipped with a steel deployant clasp, which allows you to easily slip this watch on and off. The back of this timepiece is sealed shut by a stainless steel caseback. It gives this watch a modest 50-metre depth rating, allowing it to survive any showers or accidental drops in shallow waters. 

 

As a cycling watch, this timepiece comes with a number of built-in cycling functions. These include a compass, GPS navigation, heart rate monitor, and of course a pre-installed cycling app. Aside from displaying all this on the watch’s touchscreen dial, you can also view it on your smartphone through the TAG Heuer Connected app. 

 

The TAG Heuer Connected Modular Ref. SBR8010.BT6255 is also operated by a rechargeable quartz movement. With just one hour and thirty minutes of charging, you will find this watch good to go and ready to be used on all of your cycling conquests.

 

The TAG Heuer Connected Modular Ref. SBR8010.BT6255 is worth $1,800 USD.

3. Suunto 9 Baro Black Ref. SS050087000

For a cycling watch hailing from another well-established brand for fitness tracking, check out the Suunto 9 Baro Black Ref. SS050087000. This smartwatch is encased in a 50mm black case made of glass fibre-reinforced polymer, which shows off a sleek and handsome look. This is accompanied by a black silicone strap that has an ample amount of adjustment holes, so you can adjust it for the most comfortable fit. 

 

Three pushers on the right side of the case are used to operate the functions of the watch, alongside its touchscreen dial. Topped by a layer of sapphire crystal, the screen showcases features fit for cycling adventures. These include the watch’s in-house cycling functions, heart rate monitor, stress and recovery level indicator, and GPS navigation. This timepiece also comes with a barometer, so you can check the weather in advance when planning your cycling schedule.

 

This Suunto 9 cycling watch is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. When fully charged, it can last for up to a whopping 170 hours or approximately seven days with continuous GPS tracking. This watch is also water-resistant up to depths of 100 metres. 

 

You can get your hands on the Suunto 9 Baro Black Ref. SS050087000 for $725 USD.

4. Garmin MARQ Athlete Ref. 010-02006-16

If you are interested in more lightweight cycling watches, here is the Garmin MARQ Athlete Ref. 010-02006-16. This watch is housed in a bulky 46mm titanium case, which has a height of 14.1mm, and a black rubber strap. Since titanium weighs 45% less than stainless steel, you will find that this titanium watch wears quite lightly on the wrist, weighing just 94 grams in total. 

 

This Garmin MARQ watch is equipped with functions such as GPS navigation, a heart rate monitor, hydration tracking, cycling performance measurement, and more. You can operate these using the push-buttons surrounding the watch’s case, and review your activities through the Garmin Connect app. Protected by a domed sapphire crystal, this watch’s black LED display is entirely scratch-resistant and shock-proof, providing utmost durability. 

 

Moreover, this Garmin watch is also water-resistant up to 100 metres and is rechargeable via USB charging. With just a single charge, this cycling watch can last for up to an impressive twelve days in smartwatch mode. 

 

The Garmin MARQ Athlete Ref. 010-02006-16 has a retail price of $1,720 USD. A lightweight cycling piece with incredible battery life, this Garmin watch is definitely a great pick. 

5. Apple Watch Series 7

Up next on this list of best cycling watches, we have the iconic smartwatch from Apple. The Apple Watch Series 7 is packed in a midnight black aluminium case, along with a vibrant orange silicone strap. Also known as the “solo loop”, this is actually a single, intact band that does not have any clasps so wearing this watch is almost like wearing an accessory. The best part about the solo loop is that it fits tightly when worn and stays in place no matter how vigorously you move your hands. 

 

Measuring 41mm in diameter, the rectangular case of the Apple Watch Series 7 allows for a wide and highly-legible touchscreen. This high-tech watch also comes with an ECG and heart rate monitor, GPS maps, and built-in settings for cycling that record and measure your progress. You can smoothly connect this cycling watch to your iPhone through the Apple Watch app. 

 

In addition, the Apple Watch Series 7 also has a depth rating of 50 metres and a handy water eject feature. If you ever accidentally drop your watch in shallow waters, you can use the water eject feature to get rid of any moisture that has seeped into your watch, preventing any damage. This watch is rechargeable and lasts up to 18 hours when fully charged. 

 

The price for the Apple Watch Series 7 starts at $399 USD.

6. Suunto 7 All Black Ref. SS050378000

Suunto has an entire catalogue of amazing cycling watches. As such, you will find more than one of its offerings on this watch list. For now, let us start off with the Suunto 7 All Black Ref. SS050378000, which is another excellent choice for a cycling watch. The 50mm case of this smartwatch is made from glass fibre-reinforced black polymer and has a thickness of 15.3mm. It is accompanied by a black silicone strap, which blends well with the watch’s stylish all-black theme. 

 

This Suunto 7 watch comes with several cycling functions, such as GPS navigation, a cycling performance tracker, a heart rate monitor, and offline outdoor maps. Topped by a layer of tough, gorilla glass, this watch’s touchscreen dial is scratch-proof and highly durable, ensuring that it will not break in case of any hard impacts. 

 

The Suunto 7 All Black Ref. SS050378000 also has a water resistance capacity of 50 metres and can be charged through USB charging. Even if you use the watch’s GPS function continuously, its battery can still last you for up to 12 hours, which is more than enough for your daily cycling needs. You can connect this watch to your smartphone through the Suunto app as well. 

 

The Suunto 7 All Black Ref. SS050378000 retails at $490 USD.

7. Coros Vertix 2

Coros is another remarkable brand for cycling watches. One of its best models is the Coros Vertix 2, which shows off a robust exterior and an oversized digital screen. This watch is constructed in a 50.3mm titanium case with a thickness of 15.7mm, making it the bulkiest cycling watch on this list. This oversized watch fits nicely on larger wrists. Despite its size, however, it weighs only 89 grams, all thanks to its lightweight titanium build. 

 

Measuring a total of 1.4 inches, or 36cm, the Coros Vertix 2’s LCD touchscreen is incredibly easy to read, courtesy of its enormous size. Safeguarded by a layer of sapphire crystal, this dial displays all of the watch’s built-in cycling features. These include the performance recording of outdoor and indoor cycling workouts, GPS, 3D compass, heart rate monitor, and accelerometer. You can also keep track of these functions and activities through the Coros app. 

 

This watch’s rugged titanium case is contrasted by a lovely orange silicone strap, giving this watch an interesting mix of both masculine and playful demeanours. In addition, this cycling piece is water-resistant up to depths of 100 metres. It also possesses an impressive battery life that can last for up to 140 hours in full GPS mode. 

 

The Coros Vertix 2 has a price tag of $699 USD.

8. Suunto 5 All Black Ref. SS050303000

For another all-black watch offering from Suunto, you might like the Suunto 5 All Black Ref. SS050303000. This piece sports a 46mm glass fibre-reinforced polymer case in black, along with a matching black silicone strap. Seated on top of the watch case is a black steel bezel which is completely screwed down. This bezel is enclosed around a layer of mineral crystal, which helps guard the watch face from any external damage. This watch also weighs a rather light 66 grams in total. 

 

This Suunto 5 piece comes with a series of handy fitness tracking features such as stress and recovery insights, sleep quality tracking, heart rate readings, and GPS. It even has an integrated cycling app for frequent cyclers. You can control all of these functions using the black push-buttons located on the sides of the watch case. When using this watch’s training mode with GPS, it has a solid battery life of around 40 hours. 

 

If you are interested in a smaller cycling watch from Suunto, you can buy the Suunto 5 All Black Ref. SS050303000 for $420 USD.

9. TAG Heuer Connected Modular Ref. SBG8A11.BT6220

Cycling watches may come off as very serious and rugged as most of them come in monotone black colours, so here is a cool and sporty cycling watch offered in striking blue hues. The TAG Heuer Connected Modular Ref. SBG8A11.BT6220 uses a 45mm stainless steel case and a fun blue rubber strap. Fitted on top of the watch’s case is a ceramic count-up bezel in a shade of stylish blue that goes well with the strap. 

 

This TAG Heuer Connected Modular watch offers heart rate measurement, GPS tracking and navigation, and a cycling app courtesy of TAG Heuer. Via the TAG Heuer Connected app, you can also monitor your cycling performance on your smartphone. Finally, this watch has a 50m depth rating and a battery life that lasts for more than 20 hours when fully charged. 

 

With its sophisticated looks, the TAG Heuer Connected Modular Ref. SBG8A11.BT6220 is a suave piece to wear in your casual, everyday life. You can purchase this timepiece for around $1,250 USD. 

10. Timex Ironman R300 GPS

Last on this list of cycling watches is an affordable digital watch from Timex. The Timex Ironman R300 GPS is delivered in a 41mm square case made of black resin, with a slender thickness of just 11.5mm. It is coupled with a black silicone strap and possesses a modest water resistance capacity of 50 metres. 

 

With its dimensions, the Timex Ironman R300 GPS is the slimmest and most compact cycling watch on this list. One downside of this watch’s slender features is that it has a rather small touchscreen. As a result, it can be hard to navigate for those with thicker fingers. Nevertheless, this Timex watch’s outstanding battery life makes up for this flaw. It can last for up to an incredible 25 days in smartwatch mode, and more than 20 hours in full GPS mode. 

 

The touchscreen dial shows off numerous cycling functions, with its multiple workout modes that include indoor and outdoor cycling, heart rate monitoring, GPS navigation, and a whole lot more. Through the Timex Smart app, you can also keep an eye on your cycling performance and records. 

 

The Timex Ironman R300 GPS comes at a budget-friendly price of only $129 USD.

 Cycling Watches: What Makes One an Excellent Pick?

As we have seen from these ten best cycling watches listed above, many of them come with features that are entirely suitable for one’s cycling needs. However, what exactly are these crucial features that cycling watches must possess in order to be efficient companions when doing this low-impact sport? 

 

In the next section, let us delve into some of the most important features that cycling watches should have. 

1. Digital or Touchscreen Dial

Generally, cycling watches come with digital screens that provide optimal legibility for the wearer. In most cases, cycling watches are also equipped with LCD or LED touchscreen dials. This makes it easier and more convenient for you to quickly scroll through the watch’s cycling functions with just a few taps and slides of the finger. 

 

In addition, this LCD/LED technology typically comes with a built-in backlight. This enables you to illuminate the watch face at any time, so reading the digital or touchscreen dial will not be a problem, even in low-light environments. Moreover, many cycling watches also allow you to smoothly adjust the size of the screen’s text for even better readability. This is in case you have a difficult time reading the dial’s default font size, 

2. GPS Navigation

Cycling watches come with pre-installed integrated maps to guide you on your cycling route. Popularly known as GPS navigation, this feature is a huge help which ensures that you are always on the right path. It guarantees that you will not get lost, especially when you are cycling on an unfamiliar track. 

 

The best aspect of GPS Navigation is that whether you are in a local or foreign terrain, it shows you an accurate map display to help you navigate through your course. In case of new updates or environment changes in certain places, however, you should make sure to update your watch’s GPS app on a regular basis. 

3. Cycling App

A cycling app is essentially the prime feature necessary for all cycling watches. It usually comes pre-installed in cycling watches and offers wearers various modes, depending on which kind of cycling they intend to engage in. You can easily choose between indoor cycling mode or outdoor cycling mode with just a few taps. 

 

The cycling app also tracks your cycling performance, while also recording your workout data. As such, you can quickly look back on your recorded data to know the duration and distance of your previous cycling sessions. If you are interested in transitioning from an amateur cycling enthusiast into a professional one, the cycling app is crucial for you to know and keep track of the areas in which you need improvement. 

4. Smartphone Connectivity

Given the recent advances in the field of technology, connecting cycling watches to your smartphone has become a trouble-free activity. Most cycling watches come with downloadable brand applications available for Android smartphones (Google Play) and Apple iOS (Apple App Store). You can look for the brands’ respective apps on these mentioned app stores and have them installed on your smartphone. 

 

Once you have installed the brands’ apps, you simply need to carry out the setup process in order to connect it to your cycling watch. The app then synchronises your cycling activities with your smartphone, displaying all the records of your cycling performances. 

5. Heart Rate Monitor 

A heart rate monitor allows you to keep track of your heart rate as you undergo any series of physical activities and workouts, including cycling. Sometimes, as you traverse through your favourite cycling course, it is important to monitor your heart rate so you have an insight into how your body is responding. Luckily, most cycling watches are duly equipped with built-in heart rate monitors. 

 

Most of the time, a cycling watch’s heart rate tracker works automatically. This is done courtesy of the set of sensors located on the caseback of the cycling watch. You will see these sensors glowing in green and red lights, indicating that they are actively measuring your current heart rate. 

6. Battery life

The amount of battery life your cycling watch needs boils down to how often you use it. If you only cycle a few times a week, then a day’s worth of battery may be sufficient for you. Think of it like a smartphone: after using it for a whole day, you can come home and charge it overnight, then wake up and use it again. Cycling watches from the TAG Heuer Connected Modular lineup and the Apple Watch are the best picks for average usage

 

However, if you are constantly on the go and cycle on a daily basis, then we recommend cycling watches with more extensive battery life. Some great options hail from brands like Suunto, Garmin, and Coros. 

7. Water Resistance

Unlike dive watches or waterproof watches, cycling watches actually do not need to possess outstanding water resistance capacities. However, in case of unexpected rainfall, or if you accidentally drop your watch into the water, it would be wise to opt for a cycling watch that possesses a depth rating of at least 50 metres and beyond. This way, your cycling watch is capable of withstanding water splashes, cold showers, and even falls in shallow waters. 

8. Durability

In order for cycling watches to be hardy companions while riding, they need to be able to resist hard impacts and withstand extreme temperature conditions. The cases of cycling watches, therefore, should be crafted from robust and tough materials like stainless steel, glass fibre-reinforced polymer, and titanium. These are highly durable, tried-and-tested materials that do not easily break or overheat even when exposed to the heat of the sun. 

Final Thoughts

Cycling watches provide you with an insight into your cycling progress and performance, while also assisting you on your tracks. If you would love to have an in-depth look at your physical well-being, we recommend getting one of these cycling watches. They do not only come from reliable watchmakers, but they also have important cycling functions fit for all your workout essentials.

 

All images are courtesy of The Watch Company, unless otherwise stated. 

Photo credits: Suunto, Apple, Coros, Timex, and Garmin.

 

If you are looking for the perfect watch to add to your collection, you may like a few offerings from our piece on these stunning Red Dial Watches.