Choosing the best Garmin watch for cycling can feel intimidating (given the money on the line). But choosing the right one for how becomes relatively straightforward when you consider the type of cycling you do, your must-have features, and your budget. 

These days, Garmin offers a variety of options to fit every budget and riding style. From budget-friendly watches with essential features to premium models equipped with advanced metrics and navigation tools, there's something for everyone. 

In this guide, we'll help you find the perfect Garmin watch by highlighting the top choices across different price points, along with their key features, advantages, and disadvantages.

Our top picks are broken down by cycling, triathlon, and mountain biking.

Best Garmin Watch for Cycling

When selecting a Garmin watch for cycling, it's important to consider features such as GPS accuracy, training metrics, battery life, and your budget. Below are three options tailored to various price ranges, catering to different cycling needs from affordability to durability and specialized performance.

Garmin Forerunner 255

Price: USD 349.99 - GBP 299.99  

Pros: Comprehensive cycling and multi-sport tracking are of great value.  

Cons: Limited advanced mapping features compared to higher-end models.  

Best for: Cyclists who are looking for an affordable GPS watch with strong multi-sport capabilities.  

Full spec: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/780139 

Standout Features

The Garmin Forerunner 255 features a multi-band GPS for highly accurate tracking, making it ideal for cyclists navigating urban or densely populated areas. It also includes training readiness scores and heart rate monitoring and supports triathlons, making it a versatile choice for athletes engaged in various sports.  

Pros

The Forerunner 255 stands out due to its lightweight design, ensuring comfort during long rides. It boasts an impressive battery life of up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode, making it suitable for endurance rides or races.  

Cons

While it offers excellent value for the price, it lacks advanced navigation and mapping features such as turn-by-turn directions, which can be a limitation for cyclists exploring new routes. Additionally, its monochrome display is less vibrant than that of premium Garmin models.  

Garmin Fenix 7

Price: USD 699.99 - GBP 599.99  

Pros: Premium build quality with advanced mapping and cycling metrics.  

Cons: High price may not be suitable for casual cyclists.  

Best for: Cyclists who prioritize durability, navigation, and advanced performance tracking.  

Full spec:  https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/735611

Standout Features

The Garmin Fenix 7 excels with its rugged design, preloaded maps, and features for off-road cycling, including ClimbPro. Some models also include solar charging capabilities, making it a reliable option for long-distance and adventure cyclists.  

Pros  

Its sapphire-coated display and rugged construction make it perfect for outdoor cycling in challenging conditions. The watch includes comprehensive cycling dynamics, such as VO2 max and power meter integration, allowing for professional-level performance analysis.  

Cons

The high price may deter casual or beginner cyclists, and its bulkier size might not be comfortable for those with smaller wrists. Moreover, not all cyclists will utilize its extensive features, which may make it less cost-effective for some users.  

Garmin Edge 965

Price: USD 499.99 - GBP 429.99  

Pros: Feature-rich cycling-specific watch with advanced navigation and training features.  

Cons: Primarily focused on cycling, which limits its utility for multi-sport athletes.  

Best for: Cyclists seeking a dedicated watch for cycling performance and navigation.  

Full spec:  https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/886725

Standout Features

The Edge 965 is designed for cyclists, offering turn-by-turn navigation, heat maps, and advanced training tools such as FTP tracking and structured workout suggestions. Its AMOLED display enhances visibility, even in bright sunlight, which is crucial for outdoor rides.  

Pros

Cyclists will value its cycling-specific features, including compatibility with Garmin Varia radar and lights. The Edge 965 also syncs seamlessly with apps like Strava and Komoot, making it easy to track progress and explore new routes.  

Cons

Unlike general-purpose watches, its cycling-centric focus means it lacks broader multi-sport tracking features. Additionally, the reliance on GPS can lead to shorter battery life during long rides.  

Best Garmin for Triathlon

Garmin offers outstanding watches specifically designed to meet the diverse needs of triathletes, covering swimming, cycling, and running. These are our three top picks that cater to different budgets and performance levels. 

Garmin Forerunner 955  

Price: USD 499.99 - GBP 449.99  

Pros: Comprehensive triathlon features, including advanced training metrics and multi-band GPS.  

Cons: The touchscreen interface can be challenging to use during intense activities.  

Best for: Triathletes seeking a high-performance watch with extensive training tools.  

Full specifications: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/777655 

Standout Features 

The Forerunner 955 excels with its multi-band GPS, ensuring exceptional tracking accuracy for all triathlon disciplines. It offers tailored training plans, on-watch maps, and the ability to switch seamlessly between activities with a single button press, which is ideal for transitions during races.  

Pros

The lightweight design of this smartwatch ensures comfort during long events, allowing for enhanced performance without the distraction of excessive weight. It includes features such as training readiness, heart rate variability (HRV) status, and heat acclimation, which collectively help optimize your preparation for competitions.

Cons

On the downside, the touchscreen can be less practical in wet conditions or during fast-paced activities, potentially hindering usability. Additionally, while it is feature-rich, it lacks the rugged build found in Garmin's Fenix series, making it less suitable for rough environments where durability is essential.

Garmin Fenix 7X Solar  

Price: USD 899.99 - GBP 779.99  

Pros: Ultra-durable design with solar charging and advanced triathlon metrics.  

Cons: High price and bulkier size may not suit everyone.  

Best for: Triathletes needing a rugged, feature-packed watch with extended battery life.  

Full specifications: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/735563

Standout Features:  

The Fenix 7X Solar features solar charging, which provides exceptional battery life for ultra-endurance events. Its rugged design includes military-grade durability, and features like ClimbPro, real-time stamina, and recovery insights are tailored for demanding triathlon training and racing.  

Pros

The device comes with preloaded maps, navigation tools, and multi-sport tracking, making it perfect for athletes training across various terrains. Additionally, the built-in flashlight is a handy feature for early morning or late-night training sessions.  

Cons

However, the high cost and bulkier design may deter athletes who prefer a lighter, sleeker watch. Furthermore, some advanced features may be underutilized by casual triathletes.

Garmin Forerunner 745  

Price: USD 449.99 - GBP 399.99  

Pros: Affordable, compact triathlon watch with essential features for beginners and intermediate athletes.  

Cons: Shorter battery life compared to higher-end models.  

Best for: Budget-conscious triathletes looking for a compact yet capable watch.  

Full specifications: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/713363

Standout Features

The Forerunner 745 offers advanced multi-sport tracking in a lightweight design, making it ideal for triathletes who are just starting out or those who prefer a smaller watch. Key features include performance monitoring, training suggestions, and detailed metrics for swimming, biking, and running.  

Pros

The device offers several additional pros that enhance its overall value. It provides reliable GPS functionality, wrist-based heart rate monitoring, and VO2 max tracking, making it an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts. Additionally, its compatibility with cycling power meters and smart notifications ensures that users stay connected during their training sessions.

Cons

However, there are some cons to consider. The battery life of 16 hours in GPS mode is relatively lower compared to other models, which might require mid-event charging for those participating in long-distance races. Furthermore, it doesn't include solar charging capabilities and lacks some of the advanced features found in higher-tier options. 

Best Garmin Watch for Mountain Biking

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is an excellent choice for mountain bikers seeking durability, battery life, and affordability while exploring rugged trails.

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar

Price: USD 449.99 - GBP 389.99  

Pros: Affordable, rugged, and solar-powered with essential outdoor and mountain biking features.  

Cons: Lacks advanced mapping and cycling-specific metrics found in higher-end models.  

Best for: Mountain bikers looking for a durable, mid-range watch that offers exceptional battery life and reliable performance tracking.  

Full Specifications: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/775697 

Standout Features

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is designed for adventure, featuring a solar-powered battery that can last indefinitely in smartwatch mode under optimal conditions. It is built to withstand tough terrains with a fiber-reinforced case, scratch-resistant glass, and military-grade durability. Mountain bikers will benefit from its GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo support for precise tracking in challenging environments and during trail exploration.

Pros

The Instinct 2 Solar offers exceptional value with its rugged build, outdoor navigation tools, and solar charging capabilities. It includes mountain biking-specific metrics such as grit and flow, along with heart rate monitoring. The watch is also compatible with Garmin Connect to analyze ride performance. Its lightweight design provides comfort for long rides compared to bulkier alternatives.

Cons

While it performs well, it lacks detailed maps, advanced navigation, and performance insights found in higher-end models like the Fenix series. The monochrome display, though durable and power-efficient, is not as visually appealing or detailed for map viewing. 

Choosing the Right Garmin Watch for You

When selecting a Garmin watch, it's essential to consider your specific needs based on your activities, whether you're a cyclist, triathlete, runner, or outdoor enthusiast. Start by identifying the primary activities for which you'll use the watch, as Garmin offers specialized features tailored to different sports. 

For instance:

• Mountain bikers may prioritize rugged durability and GPS accuracy while

• Triathletes need seamless multi-sport tracking and water-resistant designs.  

Your budget is also a critical factor in determining which Garmin model is right for you. Garmin's lineup ranges from:

• Entry-level watches like the Forerunner 55 to premium models such as the Fenix 7 and Epix Pro. 

• Mid-range options like the Instinct 2 Solar may offer the ideal balance between features and affordability. 

• High-end models preferred by elite athletes include detailed performance insights, advanced navigation tools, or solar charging for extended use.  

Comfort and usability are also important. A lightweight, compact watch is ideal for extended wear, especially during long training sessions or races. 

On the other hand, if you prefer a larger screen for navigation or metrics, consider models with bigger displays, such as the Fenix 7X. Additionally, consider the watch's battery life (longer-lasting batteries are essential for multi-day adventures or ultra-endurance events.) 

Garmin Watch and Home Trainer Compatibility

Garmin watches are highly compatible with smart trainers and heart rate monitors, making them an excellent choice for indoor cycling fans. Most Garmin models, including the Forerunner and Fenix series, support ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for seamless pairing with smart trainers. 

This compatibility enables you to track your indoor workouts, including:

• Power

• Cadence, and

• Heart rate is directly on your Garmin device. 

Pairing your watch with apps like JOIN or Zwift through your smart trainer can also provide an immersive indoor cycling experience, ensuring that all data syncs effortlessly.  To maximize your setup, ensure that both your Garmin watch and trainer are compatible with the necessary protocols. 

For advanced tracking, many Garmin models allow you to set:

• Custom training zones

• Create interval workouts and

• Analyze post-ride performance metrics. 

This integration makes Garmin watches a powerful tool for indoor training, complementing outdoor rides with structured, data-driven workouts. 

Take your Training Further

Take your cycling performance further with JOIN, the perfect companion for your Garmin device. 

JOIN is designed for cyclists of all levels, from beginners to seasoned riders. It creates personalized training plans based on your fitness level and goals. By syncing with your Garmin, you can keep all your workout data in one place for a streamlined experience.

JOIN adapts to your feedback and readiness, refining your plan in real time based on perceived exertion and workout data. Say goodbye to rigid schedules and hi to intelligent, flexible training.

Start your free trial today