When it comes to easy-access fitness and exercise, indoor cycling or spinning undeniably ranks among the top on the list. Spinning enables you to boost your muscle endurance, improve your heart health, burn calories quickly, and enhance your sense of enthusiasm – without stepping outside.
And all you need is a stationary bike and a fitness device to get started. Of course, the fitness device should be best suited for spinning.
Unfortunately, there are thousands of fitness devices for spinning out there, so it can be hard to pick the best. But worry not. Today, we’ll share with you a list of the best fitness trackers for indoor cycling to help you make the right choice.
1. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2
Very few fitness-tracker brands can boast of offering a smartwatch that’s perfect for tracking both outdoor and indoor fitness activities. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 is one such smartwatch. It can be a great companion, whether you exercise indoors or outdoors.
It is integrated with powerful monitors that can track your burned calories, heart rate, energy levels as you workout. But that not all; you can also use this watch to monitor your sleep and improve your daily diet.
This Samsung unit takes durability to new levels. What we are saying is that the watch is highly resistant to wear and tear and will, therefore, last for years. Given its design and build, you would think that it’s bulky and uncomfortable to wear.
But that’s not true. This watch is lightweight and can be worn 24/7. It’s compatible with most android phones. However, this watch is expensive. We also had difficulties syncing it with some third-party apps, but Samsung can quickly correct this issue with an on-air software update.
Pros
Con
2. Apple Watch Series 3
Yes, you read that correctly, not the series 5, but the Series 3. We were also surprised that the Series 3 remains a powerful indoor fitness tracker despite not being the latest smartwatch from Apple. This unit will monitor, record your spinning progress, and help you know if you are doing things right or not. The watch is also designed to last longer.
The Series 3 may look more bare-bones than the latest Apple Watch Series 5, but it has just as many health, fitness features to boast. You won’t miss out much if you opt for this unit instead of the series 5.
Also, like the Series 5, this type of the Series comes with a cellular connection. Why this important? Well, cellular connection means you can receive your calls, texts, and notification even if you are not near your phone.
What’s more, it comes with Siri. And this means you’ll be able to control the watch with your voice. That quite convenient and futuristic, don’t you think so? It’s a bit expensive compared to other smartwatches in its category, but it offers superior quality and craftsmanship that fitness enthusiasts appreciate.
Pros
Con
3. Fitbit Versa Lite
Can Fitbit track indoor cycling? Yes, it can, and Fitbit Versa Lite Edition is one proof of this. Before testing the Fitbit Versa Lite Edition, we had initial concerns about whether its display would work well indoors.
After testing, we can now confirm that the display will work for you whether you’ll be spinning in low a lit or high lit room. The build quality of this watch is awe-inspiring, and the materials make it is very light but very durable.
Tracking your fitness routine on this unit is also pretty straightforward and works in the same way as on other Fitbit smartwatches. It also utilizes Fitbits most recent sensors and tech, so you can be sure that your data will be accurate and display in real-time.
Aside from tracking your indoor cycling, Fitbit Versa Lite can truck other workouts such as weights, etc. However, we noticed that it had some difficulties tracking the treadmill running if the arms are not moving.
Pros
Con
4. Charge 3
We loved the Fitbit Charge 3 because it felt comfortable, lightweight, and did a decent job tracking our spinning routines. That said, we still think the Versa is the best Fitbit for cycling.
The Charge 3 has a better battery life and a slightly larger display than the Charge 2. Our charge 3 lasted for a solid five days after charging. Charge 3 can be a good option if you are looking for the best budget fitness tracker for cycling.
This unit offers a variety of sports and workout tracking modes along with energy level, blood oxygen level, HR, and sleep pattern monitoring. It also has a high waterproof rating, which means you can use it to track your swimming.
And like all other Fitbits, it works with both Android and iOS. This unit has no pressable buttons and has only touchscreen controls. This is great, but the touchscreen sensitivity should be improved. It sometimes took to long for the device to register a touch.
Pros
Con
5. Withings Steel HR Hybrid
If you are looking for a smartwatch that’s gorgeous and unique, the Withings Steel HR Hybrid can be a great option for you. The Withings Steel HR Hybrid combines classic, unique design with exercise tracking features.
This unit tracks HR, energy levels, steps as well also the number of calories burned. The watch is also designed to be worn 24/7. Are you worried about your wrist size?. There is a 36mm Withings Steel HR for people with small wrists and a 40mm Withings Steel HR for people with large wrists.
There were complaints about things’ silicon straps, but we didn’t notice any problem with the straps on this unit. The menus can be irritating. Even checking the battery life is a little complicated compared to other smartwatches.
Pros
Con
6. Ticwatch Pro Premium Smartwatch
After a month with the Ticwatch Pro Premium Smartwatch, we can confidently say that Mobvoi’s claim is valid: This unit is in the same carriage as the top timepieces from Samsung, Garmin, and Apple.
It’s also true that this unit ranks among the best fitness tracker for cycling. The watch can do almost everything you need it too: track your steps, speed, sleep, etc.
The smartwatch features a new high-end screen technology that helps make viewing more stable and immersive. The Ticwatch pro also has a revolutionary design that gives it a unique look that many brands can’t match.
Given its design, high-end tech, and capabilities, you probably think this watch way too expensive for you. But it’s not’ it has a mid-range price. We have mixed feelings about its battery life. It’s great when in essential mode, but not so great when you switch to smart mode.
Pro
Con
7. Suunto 7
It may not have the tracking capabilities of a premium smartwatch like the Apple series 5 or 3, but it does an outstanding job tracking cycling and other indoor workouts.
This Suunto unit is also good-looking. In fact, it has a look only a premium smartwatch can match. The materials used to make it are lightweight, and this helps make the watch one of the most comfortable watches out there.
The watch also has pressable buttons that make it easy to navigate the menus and apps. The buttons also have a unique design that makes the watch even more gorgeous. However, the buttons can sometimes fail to work. It’s too pricy.
Pros
Con
8. Vívoactive 4s
You can’t talk about the best cycling watch or the best fitness tracker for swimming and cycling without mentioning the Vívoactive 4s. This Garmin fitness tracker has high-end sensors and features that you can use to monitor and improve your cycling regime.
Also, like other premium smartwatches, it can provide you with comprehensive data about your sleep pattern, energy levels, and more. When it comes to displays, Vívoactive 4s packs one of the most innovative displays out there.
The display makes it easy to use this watch day and night. It’s also suited for both indoor and outdoor use. The Vívoactive 4s is a bit more expensive compared to other premium timepieces, but the advanced features and capabilities make it worth it.
Pros
Con
9. Garmin Vivomove
If you are looking for a smartwatch for cycling that seems more of a traditional timepiece than a smartwatch, you can never find a better option than the Garmin Vivomove. This watch packs stable fitness tracking features and will be able to track your activities accurately and in real-time.
The design is also good. We did not like the battery life, but it’s decent compared to smartwatches that fall in the same category. The screen great, but it’s not clear when subjected to bright conditions.
Pros
Cons
How Do You Track Miles on a Stationary Bike?
Your fitness tracker will measure the distance you have cycled (in miles) by tracking your legs, arms, or body movement.
Does Riding a Stationary Bike Count as Steps?
Yes, it does. Riding a stationary bike has the same impact as walking, running, or riding a real bike.
Final Word
What is the best fitness tracker for spinning? If you’re planning to buy a smartwatch, we hope this list of the best fitness trackers for Indoor Cycling shared above answers your question. Remember to keep the guide in mind when shopping for a fitness tracker for indoor cycling; it’ll help you make the right choice.
