10 Best Smartwatch For Cycling 2026 in the United States

The Apple Watch Series 11 is a solid choice for cyclists who want a smartwatch that covers a broad range of health and fitness tracking alongside smart connectivity. Its built-in GPS supports multiple satellite systems (L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou), which helps provide accurate location tracking on rides. However, it lacks multi-frequency GPS, which some premium cycling watches offer for even better precision. Battery life lasts up to 24 hours under typical use, enough for daily rides, but may require daily charging for longer cycling tours or multi-day trips. Quick charging is a plus, offering 8 hours of use after just 15 minutes. Heart rate monitoring is reliable with both electrical and optical sensors, plus it alerts you about irregular rhythms and possible hypertension, adding valuable health insights.

The watch is water-resistant to 50m and dust-resistant (IP6X), making it sturdy enough for outdoor cycling in various weather conditions. The always-on Retina display is bright and clear, though its rectangular shape might not suit those who prefer round dials. Navigation features include basic route tracking and backtrack, but it lacks advanced cycling-specific navigation tools like turn-by-turn bike route directions found in specialized GPS bike computers. Training and performance metrics are comprehensive, offering detailed workout data, heart rate zones, and integration with Apple Fitness+, which is useful for cyclists aiming to improve fitness.

Connectivity via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and LTE keeps you connected to calls, messages, and music, but it relies on an iPhone for full functionality. To sum up, the Apple Watch Series 11 blends smart features with solid fitness tracking and good durability, making it ideal for cyclists who want a versatile everyday smartwatch rather than a dedicated cycling computer.

The Apple Watch Series 11 is a strong contender for cyclists looking for a smartwatch that combines fitness tracking with health monitoring. Its built-in GPS supports multiple satellite systems, so it offers reliable location tracking—a must-have for cycling routes and navigation. You can expect up to 24 hours of typical battery life, which covers a full day of riding but might require daily charging if you use GPS extensively. The watch’s fast charging helps make that easier. Heart rate monitoring is advanced, with both optical and electrical sensors, providing accurate and detailed health insights including ECG and blood oxygen levels, which benefit anyone serious about performance or wellness.

The display is bright and always-on, making it easy to glance at information without stopping. It also has a tough, scratch-resistant glass and is water resistant up to 50 meters, so it can handle sweat, rain, and even swimming. Navigation features are enhanced by a compass, altimeter, and safety tools like fall and crash detection, which add peace of mind on challenging rides. Connectivity with your iPhone and Wi-Fi ensures calls, messages, and music are accessible on the go, though it lacks built-in cellular in this GPS-only version. Training metrics and workout tracking are powered by Apple’s intelligent software, including heart rate zones and training load, useful for cyclists wanting to improve their fitness.

Battery life might be short for multi-day or very long rides without access to charging. The watch’s rectangular design and software ecosystem work best if you already use an iPhone. Also, while the screen is bright, it may be harder to read in direct sunlight compared to some outdoor-focused smartwatches. The Apple Watch Series 11 delivers excellent health and fitness features, solid durability, and reliable GPS for most cyclists, especially those who want a versatile smartwatch that supports more than just cycling activities.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 Music is a solid choice for cyclists looking for a versatile smartwatch that balances fitness tracking and everyday use. Its built-in GPS provides reliable pace and distance tracking, essential for cycling routes, while the wrist-based heart rate monitor helps monitor effort levels without needing a chest strap. The colorful AMOLED touchscreen is bright and easy to read, even in outdoor light, and the added button controls help avoid accidental taps during rides.

Battery life is quite good, offering up to 19 hours with GPS active, enough for most long rides, and it can last up to 11 days in regular smartwatch mode. The watch includes over 25 activity profiles, including cycling, and offers personalized workout suggestions and recovery insights, supporting your training goals effectively. Connectivity with smartphones works well for notifications, music streaming, and Garmin Pay, allowing you to leave your phone and wallet behind for quick outings.

The watch is lightweight and designed for comfort, and it provides useful features for accurate fitness tracking, smart functionalities, and music on the wrist. However, for those who need extreme durability or specialized bike navigation such as turn-by-turn directions, additional gear might be necessary.