10 Best Smartwatch For Cycling 2025 in the UK

The Garmin Forerunner 55 is a solid choice for cyclists looking for a dependable smartwatch. Its built-in GPS provides accurate tracking, which is essential for mapping your rides and monitoring your progress. The battery life is quite decent, ensuring you can go on long rides without worrying about the watch dying on you.

The heart rate monitoring feature is useful for keeping track of your fitness levels, and the watch's lightweight design makes it comfortable to wear for extended periods. Durability is a strong point with this watch being water-repellent, so you don't have to worry about rain or sweat affecting its performance. Connectivity is also well-handled with Bluetooth compatibility, making it easy to sync with your smartphone and other devices.

The display is easy to read in sunlight, which is great for outdoor cycling. However, the screen size is relatively small at 1.04 inches, which might be a drawback for those who prefer larger displays. The watch also comes with training guidance and safety features, adding extra value for cyclists who want to improve their performance and stay safe while riding. The Garmin Forerunner 55 is an excellent smartwatch for cycling enthusiasts, offering reliable performance and useful features, though a slightly larger screen could enhance the user experience even more.

The Garmin vívoactive 5 GPS smartwatch offers several compelling features for cyclists. Its built-in GPS ensures accurate real-time tracking of your routes without needing a phone, which is crucial for cycling activities. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 11 days in smartwatch mode, making it ideal for long cycling sessions and extended use between charges. Heart rate monitoring is extensive, offering detailed insights into your fitness level, stress tracking, and recovery times, which is beneficial for optimizing your cycling performance and overall health.

The watch is durable and water-resistant, meaning it can withstand various outdoor conditions, whether it's rain or sweat, ensuring reliability during intense cycling activities. Connectivity is robust with Bluetooth compatibility, allowing seamless integration with Android and iOS devices, and access to a range of fitness apps and personalized coaching features. The AMOLED touchscreen is bright and colorful, providing clear visibility even in direct sunlight, which enhances usability when cycling outdoors.

However, the watch may feel a bit bulky for some users, and its advanced health features can be overwhelming if you're looking for a straightforward cycling smartwatch. Additionally, while the smartwatch supports multiple sports apps, some cyclists might prefer a device focused exclusively on cycling metrics. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Garmin vívoactive 5 is a versatile option that caters well to cycling enthusiasts seeking comprehensive health and fitness monitoring.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a robust choice for cyclists seeking a smartwatch that can keep pace with their rides. Its precision dual-frequency GPS offers impressive accuracy, which is essential for tracking routes effectively. The battery life, lasting up to 36 hours in regular mode and extending to 72 hours in Low Power Mode, supports long cycling sessions without frequent recharges. This is particularly advantageous for endurance rides or multi-day cycling trips.

Heart rate monitoring is another strong point, with advanced metrics available to help cyclists understand their performance and training load. The watch's compatibility with Bluetooth accessories, such as power meters, enhances its functionality for detailed performance tracking, including metrics like Functional Threshold Power and cadence. Durability is assured with a rugged titanium case and sapphire front crystal, tested against military standards for toughness. Additionally, its water resistance up to 100 meters makes it suitable for all-weather cycling.

Connectivity features, including cellular capability, allow cyclists to stay connected without needing a phone nearby. This can be a plus for navigation and listening to music or podcasts while on the move. The large, super-bright Retina display ensures easy readability even under bright sunlight, which helps in quick data viewing during rides. Usability is enhanced with customizable buttons for swift access to features. However, the watch's comprehensive feature set and premium build come at a higher price point, which might not suit all budgets. Additionally, the reliance on Apple's ecosystem might limit integration with non-Apple devices or apps.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a top-tier option for cyclists who prioritize advanced tracking and robust durability, provided they are prepared for its premium cost and potential ecosystem limitations.