Top 3 Smartwatches for Mountain Biking

Garmin Forerunner 245
  • GPS Running Smartwatch with Advanced Dynamics.
  • Speed tracking, distance measurement, and pace are calibrated perfectly.
  • Allow you to send a text message with your exact location to the emergency contacts you designate during setup.
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Mountain biking can lead to beautiful scenery and a front-row view of natural wonders off the beaten path. While this form of recreation can lead to places only a few human eyes have experienced, having the right equipment to navigate and stay connected is critical.

Because it’s impossible to load up a full-size GPS or constantly keep your phone in your hand to use your map application, owning the right smartwatch can be a lifesaver. 

We tried out three smartwatches and found the Garmin Forerunner 245 the best for any significant mountain biking excursion. 

I’m fortunate to reside in an area that provides an opportunity for some of the most breathtaking mountain biking you’ll ever experience.

That said, it also allowed me to test some of the best smartwatches on the market. When trying to conquer some of the country’s most challenging mountain biking trails, it helps to have a tool on your wrist that delivers important data and the opportunity to map your surroundings. 

Garmin has long been a leader in the electronics industry, providing quality GPS and other navigational components, and it seems like their offerings in the smartwatch category are equally useful. What makes the Forerunner 245 so special compared to other models is the sheer number of different functions available. 

Pick any data or vital information regarding cycling, and this smartwatch will fetch it or measure it for you. Elevated safety features make it a favorite when you’re out on the trail without a partner. 

For some people, being on a tight budget might present a roadblock to purchasing a smartwatch. We even found the most cost-efficient smartwatch for anyone looking for a modest price. 

If you’re the type of mountain biker that has to remain connected and synched, we’ve even got a “Best SmartWatch for Connectivity and Integration While Mountain Biking” category. Smartwatches certainly aren’t limited to just one demographic or budget, and you can literally find something for almost anybody. 

Whether you’re a weekend warrior who makes a weekend of mountain biking, or a dedicated seven-day-a-week trail junkie, we’ve got the top three smartwatches you HAVE TO check out for your time on the trails. 

#1 Garmin Forerunner 245

Garmin Forerunner 245
  • GPS Running Smartwatch with Advanced Dynamics.
  • Speed tracking, distance measurement, and pace are calibrated perfectly.
  • Allow you to send a text message with your exact location to the emergency contacts you designate during setup.
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The Garmin Forerunner 245 is LOADED with top-tier features, which puts it ahead of most other models. The accuracy of features like speed tracking, distance measurement, and pace are calibrated perfectly, allowing you to stay on top of your progress and location. 

In addition, the face is large enough to see clearly but not bulky enough to become uncomfortable. The bright display allows you to see perfectly at any time of day, and it has a fair amount of durability to stand up to the beating of the outdoors. 

You can bike without much worry with this Garmin offering – the safety features allow you to send a text message with your exact location to the emergency contacts you designate during setup. If you’re looking for a watch that literally does it all and stands up to the test of time, this Garmin should be on your list. 

I recommend this watch for moderate to heavy mountain bikers who spend a lot of time on the trail. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s definitely worth the investment. 

#2 Polar Vantage 2

Polar Vantage V2
  • Premium Multisport Smartwatch with GPS
  • It takes a deep dive into your daily activity, allowing you to track various habits and actions to give you insight into your cycling time. 
  •  Allows you to map different routes, integrating with Kamoot
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The Polar Vantage 2 is considered the best design out of the Polar lineup, with a high number of features combined with a stylish design that looks good on any wrist.

One of the coolest things about the Vantage 2 is that it takes a deep dive into your daily activity, allowing you to track various habits and actions to give you insight into your cycling time. 

If you’re after a watch with advanced GPS capabilities, the Polar Vantage 2 is one of the best. This smartwatch allows you to map different routes, integrating with Kamoot, so you can import your planned course of action to the Vantage after you’ve finalized your trek. 

Whether you’re a veteran or rookie, you won’t have a problem using this watch. It’s budget-friendly enough for a newbie to purchase without over-investing and has the functionality back-country mountain bikers need. 

#3 Apple Watch Series 6

Apple Watch Series 6

You can track different regimens and workout plans and save all of your stats.

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The Apple Watch Series 6 is a popular smartwatch, but it is perfect for mountain biking. If you like to stay connected and track progress with other applications to stay as inter-connected as possible, the Apple Watch Series 6 is right up your alley. 

You can track different regimens and workout plans and save all of your stats. This allows you to track your progress as you work your way up the mountain biking ladder.  

In my opinion, this is a great smartwatch for any newcomer to the sport of mountain biking. It might not be fully aimed at the sport and function like the Garmin or Polar models do, but it provides enough to keep your pulse on your progress if you continue to challenge yourself and scale to new heights on the trail. 

If you plan on exploring additional options for smartwatches and mountain biking, it’s important to understand the features to look for and how to gauge whether you’re getting your money’s worth. 

Smartwatch for Mountain Biking Buyer’s Guide

If you plan on shopping for smart watches for mountain biking, you should keep a few key characteristics and features in mind. Use the following list as a miniature buyer’s guide if you plan on shopping around. 

  • Durability. If you’re new, you mustn’t break the bank until you’re positive it’s a sport you want to pursue in the long term. However, you don’t want to buy the cheapest watch you see. Find something at a decent price point with a fair amount of durability. 
  • Comfort. Comfort is important when you’re riding. It might not seem like it when you’re looking at watches on display, but if you’ve got something oversized on your wrist making sharp, sudden maneuvers, it’s not very comfortable and can become downright painful. Get a model that fits your wrist circumferences tightly with a slight amount of breathing room. The watch face shouldn’t be big enough to overlap your wrists, but you must ensure the screen is big enough to read. 
  • Functionality. There are tons of different smartwatches with tons of different features. If you’re a light rider, there’s no reason to pay for expensive features you will not use. Alternatively, if you plan on doing some deep, backcountry riding, it’s worth investing in a watch that provides tracking and safety features. 

You made an excellent choice if you picked mountain biking as your preferred hobby. It’s one of the most exhilarating sports and keeps you in great shape.

It’s easy to break the bank when you start purchasing equipment – remember to remain practical and don’t overspend on things you don’t need or won’t use.

Remembering these simple rules allows you to purchase the necessary equipment without going overboard and enjoy your time on the trail much more!

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AUTHOR

Joe Davies
Joe has a keen interest in wearable tech, after running marathons and triathlons and trying just about every Garmin watch there is.