• Home
  • SUBSCRIBE!
  • Garmin Edge Bike Computers
    • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
      • ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED: 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, Reviews and Videos
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs 830: What’s the Difference?
      • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030. What’s the Difference?
      • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs. 130 Plus – Premium vs. Budget Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge 830 vs 820: What’s the Difference?
    • Which is the Best Garmin Edge Bike Computer?
      • Which Garmin Edge Bike Computer has the Longest Battery Life?
      • Which Garmin Edge Bike Computer is Best for Mountain Biking?
    • Are Garmin Edge Bike Computers Worth It?
    • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
      • Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt: Which is Better?
      • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
    • 9 Great Upgrades to the Garmin Edge 530
    • 9 New Features in the Garmin Edge 830
    • The New Garmin Enduro Smart Watch – a Good Choice for Cyclists?
  • About
    • Start Here!
    • Contact Us
  • Product Reviews
    • 7 Great Budget Bikes You Can Buy on Amazon in 2022
    • 7 of the Best Budget E-bikes under $1200 for 2022
    • Bike Computer Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Budget Bike Computers, 2022
      • All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared: Edge 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
      • Best Cheap Bike Computers Under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
      • Best Bike Computers – Includes CatEye, Garmin, and Wireless Bike Computers
      • Quick Links to our Best Posts about Bike Computers
    • Cycling Gear Reviews
      • How to Choose the Best Cycling Balaclava
        • 7 of the Best Cycling Balaclavas to Keep Your Head Warm this Winter
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Men and Women
        • 7 of the Best Women’s Cycling Jackets – Waterproof and Windproof
        • The Three Different Kinds of Cycling Jackets
        • Showers Pass Elite 2.1 Waterproof Cycling Jacket Review
        • Best Cheap Cycling Jackets under $100
        • Best Windproof Cycling Jackets
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants for Men and Women
        • Showers Pass Rogue Cycling Pants – Review by Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist
        • 3 Regular-Looking Pants that Work Well as Cycling Pants
      • Best Waterproof Cycling Gear for Men and Women
      • 7 of the Best Cycling Jerseys
        • Two of the Best Women’s Cycling Jerseys: Pearl Izumi and Sugoi
      • 7 of the Best Dog Bike Baskets and Dog Carriers
      • Adidas Cycling Glasses – Review after Eight Years of Use
      • The New Garmin Enduro Smart Watch – Is it a Good Choice for Cyclists?
    • Garmin Edge and Wahoo Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared: Versus Posts!
        • ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED: 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
      • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
        • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs. Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
        • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
      • Garmin Varia Vision and Varia Rear Light Radar
      • How to Upload Your Bike Rides to Strava While Garmin Connect is Down
    • Bike Pannier Reviews
      • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers
      • Review of the Two Wheel Gear Convertible Pannier/Backpack
      • Best Waterproof Bike Panniers for Touring and Commuting: Ortlieb Bike Panniers
      • Two Wheel Gear Classic 3.0 Garment Pannier for Bike Commuters – Review by Mrs. Average Joe Cyclist
      • Best Commuter/Bike Touring Panniers: Two Wheel Gear Classic 3.0 Garment Pannier Review
    • Bike Light Reviews
      • Complete Guide to Bike Lights
        • Best Budget Bright Bike Headlight – Lumintrail Review
        • Best Bike Light under $40 – Serfas Thunderbolt Tail Light Review
        • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting, 2022
        • Reelight Rl721 Bike Lights Review – Lights that are ALWAYS on
        • How to Choose the Best Bike Light
      • When to Use Flashing Bike Lights
      • Quick Links to Our Best Posts about Bike Lights
    • Bike Saddle Reviews
      • 9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles, 2022
      • How to Choose the Right Bike Saddle
      • Zacro Gel Seat Cover – a Budget Solution for Saddle Discomfort
    • Headphone Reviews
      • Best Headphones for Safe Cycling
      • Aftershokz XTrainerZ Headphones – Open-Ear, Bone Conduction, Safe Headphones for Cycling AND Swimming
      • Review – AfterShokz Trekz Cordless Open Ear Bone Conduction Headphones for Safe Cycling
      • Jaybird Tarah Wireless Headphones Review
    • 7 Reasons to Use a Power Meter on Your Bike
  • Bike Computer Reviews
    • Best Cheap Bike Computers Under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
    • Garmin Edge Bike Computers
      • Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
        • ALL GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED: 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
        • Garmin Edge 1030 Plus vs Garmin Edge 1030. What’s the Difference?
      • Garmin Edge vs. Wahoo Bike Computers
        • Garmin Edge 530 vs Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
        • Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt vs Garmin Edge 130 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison, with Videos
        • Garmin Edge 520 Plus vs Wahoo ELEMNT
        • Garmin Edge 520 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT
    • 7 of the Best Budget Bike Computers, 2022
    • Quick Links to our Best Posts about Bike Computers
    • Best Bike Computers – Includes CatEye, Garmin, and Wireless Bike Computers
    • 9 Great Upgrades to the Garmin Edge 530 – Garmin’s Game-Changing GPS Bike Computer
  • Health Benefits
    • Cycling Weight Loss
      • A Guide for Fat Cyclists
      • How Cycling Can Help You to Lose Weight
      • The Top 10 Ride Your Way Lean Eating Rules, for Effective Weight Loss
      • 7 Steps to Lose Weight Cycling
      • How Many Calories Do You Burn Cycling?
      • How Many Calories Can You Burn Riding an Ebike?
      • Top 10 Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
      • Our Best Lose Weight with Cycling Posts
      • Intermittent Fasting, Cycling, HIIT, and Weight Loss
    • Cycling and Aging
      • Science Shows HIIT on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging – And We Show You How to Do it!
      • 5 Great Reasons to Take Up Cycling During Retirement
      • Science Says Exercise is a Miracle Cure and Protects You from Diseases
      • Science Proves Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
      • Science Shows that Cycling Really Does Fight Aging
      • 7 Tips to Help You Keep Mountain Biking after Age 40
      • Case Studies: Three Seniors who Regained their Health with E-Bikes
    • Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
      • Video: 3 Exercises for Cycling Knee Pain
      • 7 Ways to Prevent Cycling Knee Pain
      • How to Cure Cycling Knee Pain with a Miraculous, Cheap Cure
    • Cycling and Strength
      • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
      • 5 Great Strength Exercises for Cyclists
      • Science Says Cycling Can Help You to Stay Strong as You Age
      • How Strength Training Can Boost Your Cycling Speed and Quality of Life
    • Cycling and Sleep
      • How Cycling Helps You to Sleep Better and Get Healthier
      • One in Three Cyclists Experience Reduced Stress Levels
      • Why Cycling May Be the Sleep Aid You Need
      • How I Became a Bike Commuter and Shed Stress Immediately
    • Cycling and Brain Health
      • Science Shows Five Ways that Cycling Boosts Your Brain Function
      • Research shows that cycling makes your brain grow
    • Kids biking
      • 7 Easy Steps to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike
      • 7 of the Best Baby and Child Bike Seats to Keep Your Child Safe – Reviews and Videos
      • 5 Tips for Parents to Keep your Kids Safe on their Bikes
      • How to Transport Kids on Bikes (Video and Infographic)
      • Babies and Bikes: How to Get Kids Active from the Start
      • How to Encourage Kids to Ride Bikes
        • How to Help your Kids Bike to School
A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!

Average Joe Cyclist

A Blog for Average People who LOVE to ride bikes!

  • Cycling Training Plans
    • Our Most Successful Cycling Training Plans
    • How to Get Bike Fit: Complete Bike Training Plan
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 1
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 2 – Interval Training
    • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner Cyclist Training Plan: Phase 3 – Preparing for Your First Race
    • 7 Reasons to do High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Your Bike – and How to Do It
    • Top 7 Strength Building Exercises for Cyclists
    • Science Shows HIIT on a Bike is the Best Exercise to Fight Aging – And We Show You How to Do it!
    • Workouts and Stretching for Cyclists
      • Complete Guide to Stretching for Cyclists
      • Stop Doing Crunches! 10 Minute Complete Core Workout for Cyclists
      • Updated Video: 3 Hip Stretches to Cure Cycling Hip Pain
      • 5 Benefits of Cross Training for Cyclists
    • How to Protect Your Testosterone Levels from Over-Training
    • Research shows Amazing Benefits of Sprint Intervals in Cycling
  • Indoor Cycling Training
    • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers
    • 5 of the Best Smart Indoor Trainers for Effective Indoor Training
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • Guide to Smart Turbo Indoor Trainers
    • How to Get Started with Stationary Biking: A Guide to Stationary Bikes
  • Cycling with Dogs
    • 7 of the Best Dog Bike Baskets and Dog Carriers
    • How to Train Your Dog to Safely Run Next to You When You Are Cycling
    • Complete Guide to Taking Your Dog on Bike Rides in a Bike Basket
    • 6 Steps to Gently Train Your Dog to Go On Bike Rides With You
  • Lose Weight!
    • Cycling and Weight Loss
      • 7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers, 2022
      • 5 Quick and Easy Tips to Lose Weight Cycling
    • Our Best Lose Weight with Cycling Posts
    • Cycling Nutrition
      • Best Matcha Tea for Cyclists: My Matcha Life
        • How to Make Matcha Tea
      • How Protein Helps your Post Bike Ride Recovery
      • 5 Best Protein Supplements for Exercise Recovery and Health
    • Cycling Training Plans
      • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
      • Average Joe Cyclist’s Beginner’s Bike Training Plan
    • Cycling and Health
  • Tips & How-Tos
    • How to Prevent & Cure Cycling Knee Pain
      • Video: 3 Exercises for Cycling Knee Pain
      • 5 Doctor’s Tips to Start Cycling Again after Knee Replacement Surgery
    • How to Change Gears on a Bike – Beginner’s Guide
    • Bike maintenance
      • How to Fix a Flat Bike Tire
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
    • Top 10 Tips to Keep your Bike from being Stolen
    • Smart Phone vs a Bike Computer for Recording Bike Rides – Which is Better?
    • How to Set Up a Zwift Indoor Training System on Any Budget
    • Do You Need a Cycling Jersey?
    • Complete Guide to How to Buy and Sell Bikes on Craigslist
      • How to Buy Used Bikes on Craigslist (and Other Online Marketplaces)
    • How to Understand Bike Terminology
    • 5 Things You Need to Know about Hydration for Cyclists
      • Hydration for Cycling – How Much Fluid do You Need?
  • Bike Commuting
    • Bike Commuting Tips
      • Top 10 Tips on How to Avoid a Sore Butt from Cycling
      • How Women Cyclists Can Prevent Saddle Soreness and Associated Issues
      • How to Choose the Best Bike Light
      • The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When They Try to Start Bike Commuting
      • 7 Tips for Going Car-Free
      • Can Cycling Cause Penis Numbness, Erectile Dysfunction, and Prostate Cancer?
      • Best Bike Light under $40 – Serfas Thunderbolt Tail Light Review
      • 5 Ways to Stay Visible in Traffic When Cycling
      • The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When They Try to Start Bike Commuting
      • 7 Helpful Tips for New Bike Commuters – Don’t Start Bike Commuting Until You Read This!
    • Winter Cycling
      • Safe Winter Cycling – How to Cycle Safely in the Winter
      • How to Dress for Winter Cycling – Cycling Clothes that will Keep You Warm and Dry
      • Our Top Tips to Keep You Warm and Dry for Fall and Winter Cycling
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
      • Quick Links to Our Best Posts about Cold Weather Cycling
    • Safety for Cyclists
      • Top 10 Tips to Not Get Hit by a Car on Your Bike
      • When to Use Flashing Bike Lights
      • 7 of the Best Bike Lights for Night Riding and Commuting
      • Aftershokz XTrainerZ Headphones – Open-Ear, Bone Conduction, Safe Headphones for Cycling AND Swimming
      • Best Budget Bright Bike Headlight – Lumintrail Review
    • Benefits of Being a Bike Commuter
      • Survey Shows London Bike Commuters are Happier and More Productive
      • What Is the Function of Myelin in the Body?
      • Research shows that cycling makes your brain grow
    • Bike Maintenance
      • How to Get Your Bike Ready for Safe Winter Cycling
      • How To Clean Your Bike Chain the Easy Way
      • How to Fix a Flat Bike Tire
      • Inspirational Video: How to Fix a Bike Flat – with No Hands
    • Cycling Infrastructure
      • 3 Reasons Why We Need Separated Bike Lanes
      • Research reveals a surprising benefit of separated bike lanes
      • Montreal Cycling, Part 3: Separated Bike Lanes – What Other Cities can Learn from Montreal
      • Cycling and the Post-Covid Transformation
You are here: Home / Average Joe Cyclist Product Reviews / 7 of the Best Fitness Trackers for Cyclists, 2022 – Fitbit and Garmin

7 of the Best Fitness Trackers for Cyclists, 2022 – Fitbit and Garmin

August 11, 2021 by Maggie Leave a Comment

Pin
Share
Tweet

In this post with videos, we present our picks for 7 of the best fitness trackers for cyclists. All of them are also excellent fitness trackers for a wide range of activities. All of these fitness trackers offer excellent ways to track your bike rides and a range of other health stats, plus offer other fitness and health features as well. Tracking your bike rides is one of the best ways to improve your health, because tracking motivates you to ride your bike more. It also enables you to monitor your progress, which can be extremely motivating.

Chart Comparing 7 of the Best Fitness Trackers

Fitness TrackerFitness FunctionsHighlightsPrice
No. 1: Fitbit Versa 2
Monitor your heart rate; listen to music; track sleeping with Sleep Score; track multiple sports including swimming; provides all stats on your wrist6 days battery life. Accessible by touch - or by voice, as Amazon Alexa is built-in!Price right now on Amazon: $120.39
No. 2: Fitbit Charge 3 Heart Rate Plus Fitness Wristband
Slim powerhouse uses PurePulse to track heart rate, calorie burn, and sleep. Smart notifications. Reminders to calm down! Track multiple sports including swimmingGently wakes you with a silent vibrating alarm. Use it to plan how to improve your health. Connected GPS to track bike ridesPrice right now on Amazon: $155.00
No. 3: Garmin Edge 530
Monitors heart rate and rides, and gives advanced performance data. Extremely fast satellite acquisition, and wireless transfers of your data to Garmin Connect (or other apps)Major upgrade, extremely fast. Many exciting new performance metrics. Button Control, not Touch Screen. Beautiful color screenPrice right now on Amazon: $289.99
No. 4: Garmin Vivoactive 3 GPS Smartwatch
Color touchscreen. Tracks cycling, swimming, running, and golfing. Smart notifications.Great display, even in bright sunlight. Built-in GPS and heart rate monitor. Great battery life, up to 3 weeks without GPS. Smaller version available for more petite wristsPrice right now on Amazon: $181.40
No. 5: Fitbit Alta Fitness Tracker
Very motivational. Automatically detects when you are exercising. Tracks sleep. Can be worn in the showerNo. 1 best seller in fitness trackers AND activity trackers. Gently wakes you with a silent vibrating alarm. A range of bands makes it fun to customize!Usually around $129, but please click here for the current best price on Amazon
No. 6: Garmin Edge 830
Monitors heart rate and rides, and gives advanced performance data. Extremely fast satellite acquisition, and wireless transfers of your data to Garmin Connect (or other apps)Full navigation capabilities! Major upgrade, extremely fast. Many exciting new performance metrics. Touch Screen Control. Beautiful color screenUsually around $400 on Amazon. Please click here for current best price
No. 7: Fitbit Blaze Smart Fitness Watch
You can easily change straps to achieve different looks – much like an Apple watch. Offers simplified heart rate zones to easily check exercise intensity. Tracks multiple sports, including running, cardio, cycling, and moreNo. 1 best seller in Men's Smartwatches. Continuous, wrist-based heart rate monitoring (no uncomfortable chest strap required). Connects with phone to use GPS to map your routes, and provide stats such as pace and duration.Price right now on Amazon: $445.91


No. 1 in our List of Best Fitness Trackers for Cyclists – Fitbit Versa 2 Health & Fitness Smartwatch

The Fitbit Versa 2 is a health and fitness smartwatch that allows you to monitor your heart rate, listen to music, and track your sleeping. Of course it allows you to track multiple sports, including swimming workouts. It provides all of your stats on your wrist, accessible with a touch – or by your voice, thanks to Amazon Alexa being built-in!

7 of the Best Fitness Trackers for Cyclists - Fitbit and Garmin
The Fitbit Versa 2 gives you the satisfaction of immediate feedback about your bike rides


You don’t have to activate Alexa, but it does make this great all-round fitness tracker even more handy and accessible. You can use your voice to create alarms, set bedtime reminders, or check the weather with Alexa. This feature elevates this device to the top of our list of best fitness trackers!

Related Post: 7 of the Best Bike Computers – from Budget to Premium

How-To Video – Using a Fitbit Versa to Track a Bike Ride – Best Fitness Trackers

This video shows how to use a Fitbit Versa 2 to track a bike ride:

Battery Life of the Fitbit Versa 2

With a battery life of six days, the Fitbit Versa 2 sets you up for trouble-free, uninterrupted tracking of your bike rides. The Fitbit Versa 2 comes with connected GPS, which piggybacks off of the GPS on your phone to provide detailed tracking metrics for your bike rides.

7 of the Best Fitness Trackers for Cyclists to Track their Bike Rides. The price of the Fitbit Versa 2 is usually less than $200. Click here for the latest price on Amazon
The price of the Fitbit Versa 2 is usually less than $200. Click here for the latest price on Amazon

Of course, you can also use the Fitbit Versa 2 to track a whole lot of other health indicators. For example, Sleep Score is built into the Fitbit Versa 2. Sleep Score analyzes your heart rate, time asleep and restlessness, and tracks your time in light, deep and REM sleep stages, to assess your sleep quality and give you useful personal insights.

Related Post: Review of Joe Friel’s Cyclist’s Training Bible

No. 2 in our List of Best Fitness Trackers: The Fitbit Charge 3 Heart Rate Plus Fitness Wristband

7 of the Best Fitness Trackers for Cyclists - Fitbit and Garmin. The Fitbit Charge 3 Heart Rate Plus Fitness Wristband
The Fitbit Charge 3 Heart Rate Plus Fitness Wristband


The Fitbit Charge 3 rates no. 1 in THREE categories on Amazon – Running; Cycling Accessories; and Heart Rate Monitors. No wonder it’s widely considered to be one of the best fitness trackers. It’s a slim little powerhouse, using PurePulse to automatically and continuously track your heart rate and figure out your calorie burn. Track your sleep; then be gently awoken by a silent vibrating alarm. You can pair the Fitbit Charge 3 with your phone to get smart notifications. And you can use it to plan how to improve your health.

The connected GPS enables you to track your bike rides. And finally, the Fitbit Charge 3 will remind you to stop and breathe when your heart rate is less than calm. As someone who is consciously working on being calmer and more conscious, I find this feature very useful.

The Fitbit Charge 3 is also waterproof to 50 m; so if you are also a swimmer, you can use this tracker to track your swim workouts. For those seeking all-round heath improvement in an attractive and affordable package, you can’t go far wrong with the Fitbit Charge 3.

The TOP-rated Cat Eye Velo Wireless Bike Computer is Currently on SALE


Related Post: Smart Phone vs a Bike Computer for Recording Bike Rides – Which is Better?

No. 3 in our List of Best Fitness Trackers – the Garmin Edge 530

7 of the Best Fitness Trackers for Cyclists to Track their Bike Rides. The Garmin Edge 530 will track your rides - and do a whole lot more besides
The Garmin Edge 530 will track your rides – and do a whole lot more besides

The Garmin Edge 530 is a bike computer that makes an excellent fitness tracker for cyclists, thanks to its ability to monitor your heart rate and your rides, and give you advanced data on your performance. It is GPS and Glonass-enabled for extremely fast satellite acquisition, and offers wireless transfers of your data to Garmin Connect (or Strava, which you can read about here).

Video Showing Upgrades to the Garmin Edge 530

Garmin Edge 530 Upgrades

This bike computer is a massive upgrade on the 520 Plus. For a start, it’s twice as fast. This means you are not sitting on your bike, waiting for the GPS to kick in before you can start your ride. Also, it features brand new features never before seen in Garmin Edge bike computers. These include ClimbPro; Mountain Biking Metrics, including Grit rating, Flow rating, Hang time, and fully integrated Trailforks app; Brand New Performance Metrics, including Performance power curve; Heat acclimation; Altitude acclimation; Water and calorie requirements.

Button Control, not Touch Screen

The Garmin Edge 530 uses button control, not touch screen control. I prefer button control. Sometimes I find screen swiping doesn’t work perfectly, especially in the rain. Button control gives you complete control, all the time, even with gloves on. The Garmin Edge 530 also has a beautiful color screen, and a great hand-feel – it feels very smooth, light, and high quality. Plus, it will help you navigate, so you don’t get lost on your long-distance training rides!


Related Content You Might Find Useful: Smart Phone vs. Bike Computer – Which is Better for Recording Bike Rides?

No. 4 in our List of Best Fitness Trackers for Cyclists: Garmin Vivoactive 3 GPS Smartwatch

This is one of Joe’s personal favorites in fitness trackers. He likes the chunky look of it, plus all the features and ease of use – such as the fact you can see the display clearly in bright sunlight.

7 of the best fitness trackers. Garmin Vivoactive 3 GPS Smartwatch
Garmin Vivoactive 3 GPS Smartwatch


The Garmin Vivoactive 3 HR GPS Smartwatch ranks no. 1 in Amazon’s Running GPS units and in Handheld GPS units, and ranks no. 2 in Pedometers. Not too shabby!

The popularity of the Garmin Vivoactive HR GPS Smartwatch stems from the fact that it offers tracking for such a wide variety of sports. You can use its color touchscreen to track your cycling, swimming, running, yoga, and golfing. Of course you can also pair it with your phone to get smart notifications. As it has a built-in GPS and heart rate monitor, you don’t have to carry any other equipment on your rides to record all of your ride stats. Best of all, it has great battery life – if you’re not using GPS, the battery will last for 3 weeks!

It also has all kinds of features, including contactless pay. Plus it is preloaded with 15 GPS and indoor sports apps. And you can monitor your fitness level with VO2 max, and monitor how you are handling stress.


 

Unboxing the Garmin Vivoactive 3

Below is Joe’s video that shows him unboxing his Garmin Vivoactive 3, plus how easy it is to set it up and connect it with your smart phone and any other fitness apps you are using. Note that before you can connect this fitness tracker to your phone, you do have to download the free Garmin Connect app to your phone.

The latest version of the Garmin Connect app is very slick – great looking, and easy to customize. We have been using Garmin Connect to record our bike rides for years, and are very happy with how great it has become. Plus it connects to all our other apps, such as My Fitness Pal and Apple Health.

Smaller Version for Smaller Wrists

Bear in mind that the Garmin Vivoactive 3 is quite a big watch – it is slightly longer and thicker than an Apple watch. If you have tiny, petite wrists, you may be better off with a smaller fitness tracker, such as the Fitbit Alta. Alternatively, there is a smaller version, the Garmin Vivoactive 4S. This one is more popular with women, as it is more suitable for smaller wrists.


How the Garmin Vivoactive 3 Works

The video below shows how the Garmin Vivoactive 3 works. It’s really quick and easy to use this watch to record your bike rides.

No. 5 in our List of Best Fitness Trackers: Fitbit Alta Fitness Tracker

Fitbit Alta Fitness Tracker


The Fitbit Alta Fitness Tracker ranks as the no. 1 best seller in fitness trackers AND activity trackers. And it’s also no. 3 in Fitness Technology.

There are good reasons for the massive popularity of the Fitbit Alta Fitness Tracker. Fitness trackers are supposed to motivate, and that is exactly what the Fitbit Alta Fitness Tracker does. Unlike many of these devices (including the Apple Watch), this device is smart enough to automatically know when you are exercising.

One thing Joe found really frustrating about his Apple Watch is that when he forget to tell it he was exercising, it often did not seem to know. (Cue lots of cursing …) Not so with the Fitbit Alta Fitness Tracker! When his Apple Watch died young and Apple refused to fix it for free, Joe moved on to Garmin and Fitbit.

How to Automatically Record Exercise with SmartTrack on the Fitbit Alta

This video shows how this very useful feature automatically records exercise.

 

The Fitbit Alta Fitness Tracker Helps with Sleep

As with all Fitbits, you can track your sleep, and be gently awoken with a silent, vibrating alarm. Sleep is a badly underrated but very important aspect of health. If you’re planning to improve your health, the foundation has to be getting enough sleep. The Fitbit Alta Fitness Tracker can help with that!

It’s also easy to keep your Fitbit Alta Fitness Tracker looking good, as there are a range of different bands available for it. And you can keep it on in the shower!

6th Best Fitness Tracker for Cyclists – the Garmin Edge 830

What are the new features of the Garmin Edge 830
The Garmin Edge 830 is packed with new features


The Garmin Edge 830 is an excellent fitness tracker for cyclists, thanks to its ability to monitor your heart rate and your rides, and give you advanced data on your performance. Plus, it is a massive upgrade on the 810 and 820. For a start, it’s twice as fast. So, you are not sitting on your bike, waiting for the GPS to kick in before you can start your ride. Plus it has brand new features. These include ClimbPro; Mountain Biking Metrics, including Grit rating, Flow rating, Hang time, and fully integrated Trailforks app; Brand New Performance Metrics, including Performance power curve; Heat acclimation; Altitude acclimation; Water and calorie requirements.

The Garmin Edge 830 is excellent for both training and navigation. Really, the only way in which it is inferior to the more expensive Edge 1030, is that it has a substantially smaller screen. This could be a problem if you are over 40, or have eyesight that is less than 20/20.

Related Top Content: All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared in One Handy Chart!

Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 GPS Bike Computers: Full Review and Comparison of GPS Bike Computers with Navigation

7th Best Fitness Tracker: Fitbit Blaze Smart Fitness Watch

7 Best Fitness Trackers. Fitbit Blaze Smart Fitness Watch - Joe's Personal Favorite
Fitbit Blaze Smart Fitness Watch – Joe’s Personal Favorite


I suspect this is Joe’s personal top favorite. He reviewed a Fitbit Blaze for weeks, and was really sad when he had to send it back. It’s the no. 1 best seller in Men’s Smartwatches. We have a full review of the Fitbit Blaze here. It’s comfortable, it looks great, and it does everything you could want a fitness tracker to do.

It offers simplified heart rate zones to easily check exercise intensity during workouts with PurePulse, and continuous, wrist-based heart rate monitoring (no uncomfortable chest strap required). It can track multiple sports, including running, cardio, cycling, and more. It piggy backs on your phone to use GPS to map your routes, and provide stats such as pace and duration.

The Blaze also has a neat feature: you can pop the watch easily in and out of its strap, which means that you can buy different straps for it and achieve different looks – much like an Apple watch.


Related Content: Fitbit Blaze vs. Surge

Fitbit Blaze vs Surge

Related Post: Review of the Garmin Enduro Smartwatch

All of these fitness trackers offer excellent value for money, and offer excellent ways to track your bike rides and other crucial fitness stats.

Check Out Our Most Popular Posts!

  • Best budget bike computers
    7 of the Best Budget Bike Computers
  • 7 best dog bike baskets
    7 of the Best Carriers to Take Your Dog on Bike Rides
  • 7 of the best indoor bike trainers
    7 of the Best Budget Indoor Bike Trainers
  • All Garmin Edge Bike Computers Compared
    ALL CURRENT GARMIN EDGE BIKE COMPUTERS COMPARED! 130 Plus vs Explore vs 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus
  • This graphic shows you the relative sizes of the 530 (left), 1030 Plus (center), and 830 (right)
    Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030 Plus Bike Computers: In-Depth Comparison with Reviews and Videos
  • Garmin Edge 130 Plus vs. 1030 Plus. Would a much CHEAPER bike computer work for you?
  • Garmin Edge 530 vs. Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt
  • 7 of the Best Cheap Bike Computers under $65 – Includes Budget Wireless Computers
  • 7 of the Best Fitness Trackers for Cyclists to Track Bike Rides
  • Best road bike saddles
    9 of the Best Road Bike Saddles for Men and Women - Video-Packed Post
  • 7 of the Best Bike Computers
  • 5 of the Best Smart Indoor Trainers for Effective Indoor Training
  • 9 of the best waterproof cycling jackets for men and women. A great waterproof cycling jacket will keep you dry, and at the same time be breathable, so that you don't overheat your core
    7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Jackets for Men and Women
  • 7 of the best waterproof cycling pants for men and women
    7 of the Best Waterproof Cycling Pants for Men and Women
  • The Garmin Edge 830 on Maggie's bike
    Garmin Edge 530 vs 830 vs 1030
  • Get a new bike, and then get outside and have fun!
    7 Great Budget Bikes You Can Buy on Amazon - Cruiser, Mountain, Road and Hybrid
  • Our Most Popular Cycling Fitness Plans
    Our Most Popular Cycling Fitness Plans
  • Waterproof cycling jackets - group of cyclists
    Best Waterproof Cycling Gear - Includes Jackets, Pants, Gloves, and Balaclavas
  • Great bike lights will light up the night for you! Just be sure to get the ones that are right for you
    7 of the Best Bike Lights
  • 7 of the Best Women's Cycling Jackets
  • 7 of the Best Windproof Cycling Jackets - Find a Great Cycling Jacket Now!
  • How to Choose the Safest Headphones for Cycling
  • 7 of the Best Waterproof Bike Panniers Compared
  • 7 of the Best Child Bike Seats Compared
  • How to Buy the Best Electric Bike
  • 7 best bike locks
    7 of the Best Bike locks Compared. Find the Best Bike Lock For You!
  • How to Train Your Dog to Safely Run Next to You When You Are Cycling
    How to Train Your Dog to Safely Run Next to You When You Are Cycling

Did you enjoy this post or find it helpful? If so, please support our blog!


average-joe-cyclist-mug-shot copyWe write this blog because we love cycling. But we also need to earn a living, so we REALLY would appreciate if you click through to one of our reputable affiliates for your online shopping. We are proudly affiliated with Amazon, which sells pretty much everything, and has outstanding shipping and return policies. When you buy from our affiliates we make a small commission, and this is the only way we earn any income. Plus, it costs you nothing at all - a real win/win situation!
Shop at Amazon in the USA:
Shop at Amazon in Canada:
Shop at Amazon in the UK:

Related

Pin
Share
Tweet

Filed Under: Average Joe Cyclist Product Reviews Tagged With: Fitbit Alta, Fitbit Blaze, Fitbit Charge 3, Fitbit Versa 2, Garmin Edge 530, Garmin Edge 830, Garmin Vivoactive 3

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Copyright © 2022 · Average Joe Cyclist, please contact us for syndication rights.

 

Loading Comments...