When I cycle outdoors, I use a Garmin 1040 with a chest strap and power meter. I don’t plan to change that regardless of what smart watch I get. I currently have an Apple Watch Series 7. I am interested in potentially getting a different smartwatch for a few reasons: I mostly just use fitness a…

[image] mattsopg: The battery life on the Apple Watch is terrible. I don’t track my sleep because I charge it overnight. I could get by with charging during the day at some point but I have never been able to get in a good routine that works for that. Thus I would prefer a watch that only needs …

I use a Garmin Venue 3 for everything off bike and the battery life is great.

[image] mattsopg: is it worth considering getting a different brand smart watch for these reasons? You are almost always best off staying in one ecosystem - you have a Garmin head unit, get a Garmin anything else. Check out DCRainmaker, he’ll say the same I’m a long course triathlete, the F…

I went for the vivioactive 5 as I wanted better battery life and everything I need bikewise is with my 1030. The only thing to get the 11d battery life you need to have it set to the default setting which switches the amoled screen off when you’re not touching or looking at it; thats fine by me. You…

Garmin Enduro, Fenix 7 Solar or Fenix 8 Solar is what I‘d consider if you want to charge once every two to three weeks. This will depend heavily upon how many workouts you do on it. I wouldn’t get it just to have an extended display though or as secondary device to complement your headunit. 1040 is …

The higher up in the garmin range you go, the more you’ll be duplicating some feature with the 1040 however if you do any hiking, running or other outdoor sports like that, it’s well worth it. I have the Epix Pro and it’s simply the best, most feature rich device I have. Mapping is excellent, batter…

Does you FR 265 record power? Asking for a friend :blush:

Yes, I only use a head unit as it’s easier to see power numbers when doing a workout or time trial/triathlon

+1 for the LED of the newer Fenix, Epix and Enduro watches. If you get one of those, there are QuickFit Garmin quarter turn mounts for 2-3$ on aliexpress: [image]

Best smart watch for cycling if I will also use a Garmin head unit

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UWDawgs April 11, 2025, 7:43pm 2

I love my Garmin Fenix 7X Solar. I charge it about once a month. Usually just have one or 2 data fields showing when I ride. Like total elevation gain, or whatever interests me most that day

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Best smart watch for cycling if I will also use a Garmin head unit

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Best smart watch for cycling if I will also use a Garmin head unit

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