Watch instead of Bike computer
Discussion
I don't for cycling as I have a dedicated Garmin for it, however I have a Garmin 935 watch for everyday use and running and it's fantastic. Syncs with Strava for runs and I'm sure would be very suitable for cycling too.
Garmin also do a quick release kit (bit of a faff) and watch mount ( https://www.wiggle.co.uk/garmin-forerunner-small-b...) which makes life easier.
Garmin also do a quick release kit (bit of a faff) and watch mount ( https://www.wiggle.co.uk/garmin-forerunner-small-b...) which makes life easier.
If you also do other stuff you might want to consider "multisports" watches, ie my Fenix can record a run or a cycle, while my wifes 945 can record a dualathon/triathlon as a single event with portions of it as different sports.
The newer Garmins connect to your phone via Bluetooth to instantly upload when you finish the activity or get in range of the phone, and then you can set Garmin Connect to automatically upload to Strava.
The newer Garmins connect to your phone via Bluetooth to instantly upload when you finish the activity or get in range of the phone, and then you can set Garmin Connect to automatically upload to Strava.
I got a bottom of the range Garmin watch just to record GPS tracks when riding bike parks and the like just so I dont have to risk carrying my phone when the likely hood of crashing is high. Does the job, but uploading back to Strava is a faff needing to sync via the computer using the special USB lead.
I tend to use the phone most the time despite the GPS inaccuracy compared to my Garmin 800 (which only comes out these days if I am following a mapped route)
I tend to use the phone most the time despite the GPS inaccuracy compared to my Garmin 800 (which only comes out these days if I am following a mapped route)
I used to use my phone for strava but after numerous occasions of it crashing mid ride I bought a Wahoo Bolt, works flawlessly.
I now have a Fossil sport android Wear watch and it tracks stuff just fine for casual riding, I'll use occasionally with the bolt being my main use. I was pleasantly surprised at how accurate it seems to be, I think it was using a combination of phone and watch GPS.
The watch is much much simpler, if you just want to track rides with no viewing of data on the go needed, then it should be OK so long as the battery lasts long enough.
I now have a Fossil sport android Wear watch and it tracks stuff just fine for casual riding, I'll use occasionally with the bolt being my main use. I was pleasantly surprised at how accurate it seems to be, I think it was using a combination of phone and watch GPS.
The watch is much much simpler, if you just want to track rides with no viewing of data on the go needed, then it should be OK so long as the battery lasts long enough.
I have a Garmin 920XT for running etc and I have used it for cycling, but my Garmin 520 is far better for cycling.
It's nice to be able to see how far you've gone, average speed and I get data from my power meter which help pace especially uphills.
If you want one device to cover multi-sports then a watch is good but a bespoke cycling device is better for cycling.
It's nice to be able to see how far you've gone, average speed and I get data from my power meter which help pace especially uphills.
If you want one device to cover multi-sports then a watch is good but a bespoke cycling device is better for cycling.
I used to use a Garmin forerunner 310 XT for tracking rides, with the QR mount. It looks a bit boxy on your wrist, but on the bike is fine. It does everything I need it to, including programming workouts and following them, but navigation is breadcrumb style, and almost useless.
It's great for running though and they say it should be ok for swimming but I haven't tried it.
I also have an Amazfit Pace watch which tracks runs and rides, my steps, my sleep etc. it's a cheap alternative to an Apple Watch, and at £50 is an absolute bargain.
It's great for running though and they say it should be ok for swimming but I haven't tried it.
I also have an Amazfit Pace watch which tracks runs and rides, my steps, my sleep etc. it's a cheap alternative to an Apple Watch, and at £50 is an absolute bargain.
I bought a Garmin Forerunner 910xt, secondhand off ebay, for running. I was using my Edge500 to record runs but it was hopeless at running speeds, loads of GPS drift for some reason, and awkward to hold. It took a while to get a 910 at a price I was willing to pay, but in the end I managed to get one where the price didn't go above my maximum bid.
Very happy with it to be fair. I got a bunch of extra bits with it, it records rides, runs, and swims, as I think it was aimed a Triathletes. Even come with an extra strap with a 1/4 turn mount so that you can quickly swap it onto the bars so you can see your data while riding. When the 1/4 turn clips on my Edge 500 gace up and snapped, and the battery refused to hold much of a charge, the 910 took over bike duties from it.
The 910 is old now though, and has been replaced by slimmer, sleeker watches I think. Still a good buy if you can get a decent one for the right price
Very happy with it to be fair. I got a bunch of extra bits with it, it records rides, runs, and swims, as I think it was aimed a Triathletes. Even come with an extra strap with a 1/4 turn mount so that you can quickly swap it onto the bars so you can see your data while riding. When the 1/4 turn clips on my Edge 500 gace up and snapped, and the battery refused to hold much of a charge, the 910 took over bike duties from it.
The 910 is old now though, and has been replaced by slimmer, sleeker watches I think. Still a good buy if you can get a decent one for the right price
I can echo what others have said, I used a 910xt with the cycle mount for a number of years.
I have since upgraded to a 920xt which is much slimmer as an actual watch and far nicer to wear for all sports and in normal day to day wear. I use the watch to physically record the rides on Strava/Garmin but as it is a pain to look at whilst you a riding I ended up buying a secondhand Edge 200 to sit in the mount so I could see the basic information whilst riding.
I have since upgraded to a 920xt which is much slimmer as an actual watch and far nicer to wear for all sports and in normal day to day wear. I use the watch to physically record the rides on Strava/Garmin but as it is a pain to look at whilst you a riding I ended up buying a secondhand Edge 200 to sit in the mount so I could see the basic information whilst riding.
My watch does a great job of tracking my rides and runs (mostly). It can pair with my HRM, speed and power sensors just fine. Even zero my pedals. I can set all the fields i might need on my Fenix but it's a bit of a faff trying to look at your watch while riding if you need to.
The battery on the Fenix is very good too. i can get 2 weeks out of mine if i'm not using the gps.
I've just bought a 520 to replace my 800. On longer rides i much prefer the screen in front of me. Plus the nav option is always good to have.
The battery on the Fenix is very good too. i can get 2 weeks out of mine if i'm not using the gps.
I've just bought a 520 to replace my 800. On longer rides i much prefer the screen in front of me. Plus the nav option is always good to have.
Polar V800 watch, has much more sensitive GPS receiver chipset than Garmin, logs my MTB rides perfectly under all sorts of dense forest cover without dropping the GPS, I use the Polar OH-1 optical HRM on my arm which I find more comfortable than the chest straps.
TBH phone apps are so good these days it is getting difficult to justify carrying yet another piece of electronics, I use a Caterpillar S41 tough phone, built to withstand pretty much everything and with a 5Ah battery it runs for 4 or 5 days on a charge, it comes with a lead and an app that lets you use it to charge your mates flat iPhone lol
TBH phone apps are so good these days it is getting difficult to justify carrying yet another piece of electronics, I use a Caterpillar S41 tough phone, built to withstand pretty much everything and with a 5Ah battery it runs for 4 or 5 days on a charge, it comes with a lead and an app that lets you use it to charge your mates flat iPhone lol
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