Smartwatch vs Cycling Computer: Which Is Right For Your Riding? | Cycling Weekly

[@jonburnell532]

I stopped using a computer when I realised that I was cycling for data rather than enjoyment. It was good for training, but eventually the data was all I was concerned about. Once I got rid of it I rediscovered the love of cycling. I do miss navigation options though.

[@mokotramp]

I think those days without a cardio monitor and the likes are so important!

[@rahulsony569]

I just bought a Garmin Venu SQ watch and realised that it is waste of money.

[@francisbegbie5102]

I bike about 5000km a year and I go out without phone, money or any kind of electronic device, just ID card!

[@dominicbritt]

Have you ever tried to look at a watch display while riding your bike? Exactly. Wasted 20 minutes of waffle here - if you need to see your data while riding... get a head unit - if you just collect data, then get a watch. Duh.

[@florianeiser6084]

And then there's me, using my Smartphone on an up-front mount and a BT HR strap

[@GirishAnem]

same here 😁, smart phone in pocket and wahoo heart rate sensor.

[@Amir-cu4qp]

What phone and mount do you use, what app for navigation and whats your battery life ?

[@florianeiser6084]

@@Amir-cu4qp hey Amir. I am using the upfront mount from SP Connect and Ridewithgps (Strava before but I like RWGPS better now). Battery life is more than 5hours on a full charge. When using it often I'd recommend a dedicated cycling xomputer. The constanz GPS is quite hard on the battery IMO

[@mokotramp]

I use a Fenix 6x Pro for swim bike run. I'm still using my trusty Garmin 500 in conjunction with the Fenix. It's nice to be able to look at the 500 for my heart rate etc, whilst the Fenix is collecting all that data! I'd love a 530, but only for the better screen, which to be perfectly honest would be absolutely pointless and a total waste of 200 quid! The Fenix has set the benchmark for all fitness devices to be measured by! It gathers more information than an amateur athlete could possibly want, or need! These devices have reached their summit for giving stats etc! Who really would want more?

[@FlerkenCats]

I use both and I still believe that cycling computer is still needed to compare all data that you want to see 👍

[@lexington476]

8:23 guys, they do make watch mounts for your handlebars. I'm staring at mine right now as I ride the trainer with my Garmin watch on it.

[@LeoInterHyenaem]

Correct. In that scenario an external HRM unit, paired to the smartphone, would come handy to record the calorie expenditure, the heart rate and like data.

[@lexington476]

@@LeoInterHyenaem the watch records the data then later can sync with the phone. You don't need to carry your phone with you to record.

[@LeoInterHyenaem]

@@lexington476 I mean, when mounted on the bike, the watch can’t record the heart rate, but will do so if paired to an ANT+ or Bluetooth heart rate sensor.

[@lexington476]

@@LeoInterHyenaem exactly, that's common knowledge.

[@erichutton]

The watch has all the features you need apart from a screen - if Garmin et. al. would let you use a phone app to look at the output from your watch you would be set… they won’t do this of course, because that would canibalize their computer sales

[@JeffRElliott]

Watch + phone seems like the best of both worlds especially if you already have the watch.

[@marekkozub8957]

I'm using old fashioned, magnet cycle computer and very affordable Huawei GT2 smartwatch. It even tells me at loud, whatever I need to know, while cycling.

[@TheIronMason]

Who wears a watch over their long sleeve?! 🤢🤮

[@dan.aparaschivei]

you can do it when paired with a HR chest strap. you can even disable the wrist optical HR(Jacket mode on Garmin) Realy usefull.

[@mkysiak]

For navigation, I definitely prefer a dedicated bike computer. For tracking, a watch is better, being lighter and gathering more data. Still, considering value-for-money, a relatively cheap bike computer wins with an expensive watch in my case.

[@sanderkroeze219]

Garmin Enduro doesn't have maps! The forerunner 945 with the bicycle mount of the 935 is the best of both worlds.

[@bartus9891]

I propose a new drinking game, a shot for every wrong feature or battery measure that they mention. Even the burliest of blokes is going to be sodden at the end of this one!

[@jjk7]

There was 6x review from a guy who sold 1030 as the screen was big enough in the watch (and obviously used a handlebar mount. I followed and upgraded my fenix instead of buying enge 530. Yet to be used for navigation where 5x plus had a bit small screen to be able to keep up the speed while navigating.

[@stephen5shaw]

IMO a smart watch is ideal for tracking your activity but not ideal for training on the bike. It’s nice to be able just to look down and see your power/hr/cadence etc without having to turn the wrist or carry a magnifier with you

[@gabkoost]

That's because you never used a top of the line smart watch. First of all, you can actually mount the watch as a head unit. Then, the Garmin fenix6x is large enough for you to see all the data you want. And finally, unlike a head unit, you can use the fenix for EVERY SINGLE SPORT AND BIOMETRICS.

[@stephen5shaw]

@@gabkoost How am I supposed to get biometrics on the bike when its mounted as a head unit

[@gabkoost]

@@stephen5shaw Evidently because you would be using a chest strap and a power-meter like everyone else taking this sport somewhat seriously.

[@denonheaven]

It seems that just giving apple or Samsung watches lip service is leaving a good part of the puzzle undone. I would guess they are just an app away from rendering cycling specific equipment redundant?

[@gliderman9302]

If smartphones had ant+ and a good app , most people won’t buy a bike computer. Using your smartphone for cycling then using your watch for other sports is the best combination

[@jameschiu2283]

@@gliderman9302 Yep, I am looking to use Wahoo app + cadence sensor but otherwise rely on my Garmin Vivoactive 3 (no cadence sensor support?) was all I needed

[@scottcampbell4429]

what would you suggest as for a watch to be used primarily as a HR monitor for my head unit? I would love to get rid of my chest strap.

[@moi7748]

A cycling computer is just so much more practical to quickly glance at. To look at a watch would mean changing your hand position, and changing screens would mean taking both hands off the bars..... So with all that considered, as well as the high price tag, I’ll be keeping my trusty ELEMNT Bolt for the time being!!

[@gabkoost]

That just shows you have no idea what you are talking about. People use smart watches mounted as a head unit. And many of them are big enough for you to see every info without any problem. Plus, the way you can customize every bit of info on your screens is unbeatable. There isn't ONE single technical advantage of a computer regarding a top of the range smart watch like a Garmin Fenix 6

[@TheAbenunez]

@@gabkoost thank you!

[@taichidaddy]

I have both but I tend to agree on the practicality and SAFETY of bike computers. Dangerous to keep glancing at a wrist watch displaying HR while going fast.

[@taichidaddy]

And I use my watch as head unit too (Suunto about 3) - Works well but a bit small.

[@taichidaddy]

Ambit

[@thetruthspeaker5101]

This is to much stuff to worry about ,if you are not training for serious competition just ride your bike. Enjoy the ride....... just for the fun of it

[@jaasun71]

Watch is faster. Sometimes I use both on the same ride to compare and most of the time the watch gets more PR’s

[@stormrider1119]

I go for a Garmin edge on the bike and a G-Shock on the wrist. I just did a video on my channel explaining my opinion. Cheers!

[@Roger101Watson]

I use both. The Garmin 6xPro watch for tracking all my data which it's fantastic at and has a 21day battery life and a Hammerhead Karoo2 for all my navigation needs. The watch is set to transmit my HR on activities so I can monitor that on the Karoo2.

[@jvisscher]

Ice been using my fenix watch with the garmin quickfit bike mount, which mounts it on an out front mount instead of on your wrist. Used this to replace my head unit. Works like a charm. Navigation via the watch is pretty visible then as well.

[@DESWALANUJ]

can you see it

[@dan.aparaschivei]

sorry, but this guy has no idea about what he is saying and he is keep repeating that the Enduro has a full map navigation :D poor video research...

[@exa-mountainbikingandhikin7127]

Cant your download an iPhone app to resolve the screen issue with the garmin watch? That would be perfect

[@joaovictorgoncalves6217]

Anyone who cycle with a watch knows that they are worst for reading data compared to a head unit when on the bike

[@glenborch8231]

Watch is best for recording data and analyzing or keeping for sentimental reason's. The Bike computer is better for real time info on the bike, such as mapping, Live strava segments (I create and make full loops, but don't care for wind effected straight line's), and the garmin radar. Off road it's nice to glance at the info, but really I need to see where my wheels are! I get the fenix 5 for running, and data, to see improvement with running. I enjoy trail running and have found the bike to help with my running, particularly hills. Sometime's I record my bike rides with both the garmin watch and elemnt bolt at the same time as wahoo will not talk to garmin connect. I only use the bike computer on the road bike, and have a smaller lighter ant+ battery powered speedo, for the Hybrid, that I do take off road. The vibration's I fear would damage the bolt. The watch here is perfect! Plus for trail running the breadcrumb is fine, and does allow turn by turn, only to 50 points, after this either create another breadcrumb map, or miss the last navigation turns, but you still see the map of where you have to go. The Enduro without maps, would be the same here, but the number of points may be different.

[@arbjful]

Wearing a sports watch over sleeves... did this work effectively ?? Isn’t the watch supposed to be in contact with the skin??

[@cyclingweekly]

If we tried to shoot b-roll of the watch under the sleeve, it wouldn't quite have the same effect

[@lexington476]

11:25 these platforms you generally crosstalk and upload information to each other if you connect them.

[@dashingboy11]

Easy to install and use

[@aeshirley]

love my watch but needed the battery life of the computer for longer rides.

[@TJS71]

I use a Garmin 1030 and a whoop 3.0

[@correyjones9272]

really good

[@sercheese]

I have a Wahoo Bolt and I've just ordered Epix 2. Is ist possible to upload my road bike trainings to trainingpeaks & strava via Wahoo and only to Garmin Connect via Epix 2? Does it make sense? I would like to record all my workouts (bike, run, swim, gym, walk) to Garmin Connect, but I don't won't double files from cycling.

[@yamdrew]

Do people not realize there is a handlebar mount for watches so you don’t have to look at your wrist to see the data pages. I got rid of my Edge 530 after I bought a Forerunner. I liked the simplicity of a single device to track my cycling, running, walks, and general health stats. Records and shows me the same data, just a smaller screen.

[@vincewhite5087]

I use head unit & use older cheaper smart watch ( bought used from a Must have newest thing person).. stat bike I use garmin, then let Garmin sync with Zwift.

[@vincewhite5087]

Don’t like looking at my watch for speed & such. Also mapping. Doubt there’s much resistance on head unit.

[@pchlars5666]

I agree. FOr cycling computer is more convenient. If you need a HR reading watches are not accurate.

[@rangersmith4652]

So for those who need all the bells and whistles, get a head unit with great GPS and mapping and a watch that collects lots of data but is weaker in mapping. Chances are they'll pair with each other and share data.

[@paginini]

Really great video! thanks answerd many questions

[@gabkoost]

Coming from a edge 520 i started using a Garmin Fenix 6x Pro for my other activities. Needless to say that i have never once again used the 520. There isn't one single real technical advantage about bike computers over top of the line smart watches. The 6X is large enough to use mounted as a head unit and navigate. The amount of info you can display on your screens is incomparable. And is turning off the HR and OX sensors or using a strap instead, the battery life is absolutely insane. Adding to that, there's the advantage in biometrics and multiple sports integration. There's no comparing.

[@MrAttilaabri]

No chance, what about displaying speed, cadence, watts, Strava segments etc. It replaces for the casuals for sure but not for someone who wants to be more serious.

[@gabkoost]

@@MrAttilaabri What are you talking about? This is a 600€ watch. It has everything you are talking about and more lol. How on earth have you gotten the idea the Fenix6 doesnt have those features? Listen to what i just said: IT HAS ALL THE FEATURES AND MORE. You can even ghost chase during your strava starred segments. It can show you every single info your power meter gives you. Furthermore, it will also upload all this info to whatever 3d parties app you desire much easily than a head unit. As soon as i end my ride all my physiological info already has been uploaded to my fitness monitors, gamin scale, calories counters etc. As long as you get the Fenix6X (larger size), you can get rid of your head unit. As far as i am concerned, if you want to invest in something that will serve all purposes that's it. If you only want a head unit then sure. Screen is wider and info is a bit easier to glance at.

[@samuelfawdry6411]

id always go for a bicycle commuter as I prefer the out in front bigger screen especially if I am looking at the map function exploring new places or looking at my power is easier to look at out in front as looking at power on my wrist

[@MrSepox]

what about an apple watch, is it good enough?

[@jeremyallen5056]

I use a watt bike atom for my indoor training and it’s interesting that when using my harming venu to track distance and speed it is about 30% less than the Wattbike hub data.Odd,nay ideas anyone????

[@Iamjago]

An Amazfit neo can do most of these things for 30 euro. Combined with a bikecomputer is my combo

[@shahrim578]

I use cateye Quick for speed/distance and my Garmin watch for other data's.

[@freuchiegraham]

Bigger/clearer screen, same weight (for the Wahoo), easier to control and easier to glance at - the computer wins for me. The form factor of a watch is far inferior under many cycling scenarios.

[@adityagupta101]

Answer: you need both.

[@dandonna852]

accuracy to all data info

[@alexclark9514]

I use a Lezyne mega xl I found it a lot safety to look at the bike computer

[@amoghpalande]

Nicely compared. Good video, really helps me to decide.

[@RoquetteAttaquer]

Is that steve job? Lol

[@mario.221]

Only problem with my fenix 5s is when i want to track longer rides than 7 hours, I need to take a batterie pack with me. Besides that it works perfect everyday, ride, workout, hike etc..

[@Roger101Watson]

Some good deals on the Fenix6 right now ;)

[@gabkoost]

Problem is that your Fenix 5 battery is busted. You can go one for days with a new watch. And if you turn off your HR sensor then you can go for weeks.

[@mario.221]

@@gabkoost got it replaced. As an endurance athlete I need a connection to gps, powermeter and hr strap. When a strap is connected, the wrist sensor stays off. If I would use it for no activities, than it would last for days-week/s. But that's not what the watch is meant for. I bought an Edge 530,so ar least my rides are save. For skimo and the mountains still use the watch. Sad thing is, my watch can't sync. the level of fatigue and fitness with thd edge because their calculation process is a bit diff. Only would work with the 6 series. Garmin is like apple it seems.

[@yellowboot6629]

21st Century 🤭! 👏👏👏👏👏... 🤣

[@davidcurley409]

🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@ercanismail3893]

I've got a perfectly good/expensive smartphone, do I really need a computer(even with a dual sided power meter)?

[@tonks1968]

I own a Garmin Forerunner 245 which I use for running and cycling (indoor\outdoor) and to track my general health, stress, body battery etc. Obviously there’s no navigation so thinking of getting a Wahoo bike computer for rides. But if recorded my ride using both watch (to keep my Garmin Data up to date) and Head unit, I’m guessing Strava would record as two workouts (one from Garmin and one from Wahoo)? Dumb question sorry, but how do others deal with this issue ? Switch off Strava link from either Garmin or Wahoo?

[@kritan84]

If you make sure the ride starts and ends at the same time on both watch and computer, Strava will only grab the one it receives first. I use Elmnt Bolt and a Polar Vantage V. The Elemnt will push to Strava while I have paused the ride on the watch. Then I end the ride on watch after strava post is created. When I walk, Gym, Run etc the watch will upload that. Computer is not with me, obviously. It only gets a bit faffy when you got 3-4 uploading at the same time :) (TrainerRoad, Zwift, Elmnt, Polar)

[@gianmarcocostanzo1380]

I take both on a ride, safer for Strava. On a MTB race I used the watch only to avoid distractions.

[@mathewjames4137]

I use a Garmin 1030 which is fantastic but it stays home on monthly retro rides as it looks wrong on my 1982 Raleigh Corsa. For retro rides I record the ride on my Garmin Vivoactive 3. I don't need real time data on retro rides I just want it uploading to Strava because, well, did it really happen if its not on Strava? Also on the subject of watches my first cyce computer was A Polar watch that came with a bike mount. Wouldn't this overcome one of the problems in the video?

[@tonyjones9442]

Do you own a chopper too?

[@mathewjames4137]

@@tonyjones9442 No but I would love one.

[@tonyjones9442]

@@mathewjames4137 I had one in the 80s, but I wouldn't mind one for show. I've seen replicas and they dont look good.

[@mathewjames4137]

@@tonyjones9442 I think Raleigh brought out a retro one a few years ago but the saddle and the sissy bar were seperate to try and get rid of the collapsing problem with the rear of the original and it had twist grip gear change instead of the top tube lever.

[@tonyjones9442]

@@mathewjames4137 yes, i know the replica one you mean. I thoughtthe replica seat looked silly. I didnt realise the original had a problem with the seat? . My 1980s Raleigh chopper was only single speed. It did have a hole for a lever though.

[@TazioN]

I think the clue is if you look at pro racing. How many teams use watches instead of computers?

[@MarianChicu]

ha, and how many of the viewers here are pro racers? :) see the difference?

[@hUmoRRR]

The most important thing about having a watch on your wrist while riding that you not even considered is that if you fall off your bike, you may brake your wrist bones.

[@daddy-jake]

lol what