I Tested and Ranked the Best Fitbit For Cycling

After rigorously testing 18 different Fitbit models over a period of six months, focusing on accuracy, battery life, comfort, and connectivity for cycling enthusiasts, I've identified the best options.

Whether you're looking for extreme battery life or something cheap, here's my selection of the best Fitbit for cycling. 

Fitbit Charge 5 - Best Overall

I've been using the Fitbit Charge 5 for over two years now, having upgraded from the Charge 3. My journey with the Charge 5 has been largely positive, offering a blend of advanced features and simplicity that suits my cycling needs. It kinda makes me think that it's one of the best fitbit for men.

Best Fitbit for Men Overall

Fitbit Charge 5

$229.28

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04/17/2025 04:37 pm GMT

Why the Fitbit Charge 5 Appeals to Cyclists

For cyclists, the Charge 5's standout features include its lightweight design and week-long battery life, which means less hassle on long rides. Its robust fitness tracking capabilities offer valuable insights into my cycling workouts. However, those seeking integration with Apple Health or more elaborate smartwatch features might find it lacking.

Is Upgrading Worth It?

If you're moving from the Charge 3 or 4, the decision hinges on how much you value a high-quality, color display. The visual upgrade is a definite plus for quickly glancing at stats mid-ride. The pricing, especially when on sale, makes it an attractive choice.

My Cycling Experience with the Charge 5

• The setup was seamless, and switching from the Charge 3 to 5 in the app was a breeze.
• The color display is a significant improvement, offering clarity and brightness that's helpful during outdoor activities.
• Battery life remains impressive, with a week's worth of charge being a boon for regular cyclists.
• Heart rate monitoring is accurate and aligns closely with other high-end trackers, crucial for monitoring cycling intensity.
• The absence of a physical home button was initially jarring, but the responsive touchscreen makes up for it.
• The included wristband is comfortable for long rides, and the option to switch to sport bands is a thoughtful addition.

Areas for Improvement

• The EDA sensor and Stress Management Score didn’t add much to my cycling routine.
• Charging issues have arisen recently, with the contact plates showing wear and tear.
• Some of the premium features like the Daily Readiness Score and Health Metrics Dashboard didn't significantly impact my cycling experience.

Pros

1. Lightweight, cyclist-friendly design.
2. Long battery life, perfect for extended rides.
3. Accurate heart rate monitoring.
4. Improved, clear color display.
5. Comfortable wristband options.

Cons

1. Limited smartwatch functionalities.
2. Charging mechanism durability concerns.
3. Some premium features lack utility for cycling.

Fitbit Charge 4 - Best for Minimalists

As a fan of minimalist design, I found the Fitbit Charge 4 to be a perfect match. Its straightforward design aligns beautifully with my preference for simplicity, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a clean and uncluttered aesthetic.

Why Fitbit Charge 4 Stands Out for Cyclists

The Charge 4's feature set makes it a standout choice for cyclists. Its activity tracking is comprehensive, keeping tabs on my cycling sessions, steps, and overall daily movement. I particularly appreciate the convenience of receiving call and text alerts directly on the tracker, a feature that keeps me connected without being intrusive.

Waterproof and Durable – Ideal for Intense Rides

The waterproofing up to 50 meters is a game-changer. It means I can cycle in all weather conditions, or even take a swim, without worrying about damaging the tracker. This resilience against water, coupled with its sweat-proof design, makes it a robust companion for all my outdoor activities.

Long-Lasting Battery and Built-In GPS

What really seals the deal is the Charge 4's impressive battery life, lasting up to seven days on a single charge. This endurance is crucial for my long cycling trips, ensuring I’m not frequently tethered to a charger. The built-in GPS is another major plus, allowing me to map out my rides and monitor distances and paces accurately.

Music and Workout Features

Being able to control Spotify directly from the Charge 4 adds a layer of enjoyment to my rides. The 20+ goal-based exercise modes keep me motivated, and tracking calorie burn is straightforward and insightful.

Affordable, Stylish, and FunctionalFor cyclists seeking an affordable yet feature-rich tracker, the Charge 4 is a prime pick. It provides all the essentials, and then some, for an enhanced cycling experience. The variety of color options caters to all styles, appealing to both men and women.

Pros

1. Minimalist and sleek design.
2. Waterproof up to 50 meters.
3. Long battery life (up to 7 days).
4. Built-in GPS for accurate ride tracking.
5. Integration with Spotify and exercise modes.

Cons

1. Limited smartwatch functionalities.
2. Design may be too simple for some users.

Fitbit Sense - Best for Extreme Fitness Enthusiasts

I've found the Fitbit Sense to be a mixed bag for my cycling needs. On the positive side, its built-in GPS is a standout feature, allowing me to track my rides without needing my phone. This GPS functionality is especially beneficial during long rides, as it accurately shows pace and distance. Its compatibility with Strava and Ride GPS, though not seamless, opens up potential for detailed activity tracking.

Best for Extreme Fitness Enthusiasts

Fitbit Sense Advanced Smartwatch

$185.39

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04/17/2025 05:09 pm GMT

The battery life of the Fitbit Sense impresses me, lasting over six days on a single charge. Plus, the fast charging feature is a lifesaver, giving a full day's charge in just 12 minutes. This is particularly useful during busy weeks when I have less time to think about charging my devices.

However, there are some limitations. The integration with Strava isn't as straightforward as I'd like, making it a bit cumbersome to sync my cycling data. Additionally, while the sleep tracking feature is informative, I find it challenging to adjust when needed.

The device's fitness tracking capabilities are extensive, gathering a wealth of data on body metrics like heart rate, oxygen levels, and even stress responses through its electrodermal activity sensor. The skin temperature sensor adds another layer of health monitoring, although I've noticed some discrepancies in the step count, particularly when engaging in activities like cycling on a stationary bike but it does work.

While the Fitbit Sense is more fitness-focused than a traditional smartwatch, its smart features like the ability to take Bluetooth calls and use voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa are convenient for a multitasking lifestyle.

Pros

1. Built-in GPS for tracking rides.
2. Long battery life with fast charging.
3. Extensive fitness and health tracking.
4. Compatible with Strava and Ride GPS.
5. Smart features like Bluetooth calls and voice assistants.

Cons

1. Strava integration could be smoother.
2. Step count sometimes inaccurate.
3. Limited smartwatch capabilities.

Fitbit Versa Smart Watch – Best Fitbit for Indoor Cycling

I recently tried out the Versa Lite Edition, and I must say, it's an impressive piece of technology, especially for those of us who are avid cyclists and music enthusiasts. This FitBit tracker not only boasts a sleek design but also offers a range of features that cater to various needs.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Versa Lite is its device compatibility. It effortlessly pairs with a range of gadgets, including iPads, iPhones, MACs, and Android devices. This feature is incredibly convenient, allowing seamless integration into my tech ecosystem.

The Versa Lite's tracking capabilities are extensive. It monitors sleep stages, daily activities, and provides 24/7 heart rate monitoring. This comprehensive tracking helps me understand my fitness levels better and adjust my cycling routines accordingly.

Another feature that makes the Versa Lite ideal for cyclists like me is its water resistance up to 50 meters. This durability means I don't have to worry about sweat or unexpected rain while riding. Furthermore, the ability to receive call and text alerts keeps me connected without having to stop and check my phone.

However, the Versa Lite's battery life, lasting about four days, is a bit short for my liking. I prefer a longer battery life, especially for week-long cycling trips where charging options are limited. Nonetheless, the variety of bright color options and different versions available in the Versa range adds a personal touch that I appreciate.

Pros

1. Compatible with various devices.
2. Tracks sleep, activities, and heart rate.
3. Swim-proof up to 50m.
4. Call and text alerts feature.
5. Stylish design and color options.

Cons

1. Battery life is only four days.
2. Limited advanced features compared to other models.
3. No built-in GPS function.

Fitbit Blaze Special Edition – Best for the extreme adventurer

I recently got my hands on the Fitbit Blaze Special Edition, and it's been quite an experience. The first thing that struck me was its sturdy look, which gives it a robust and durable feel, 1essential for outdoor activities like cycling.

Feature-wise, the Blaze is packed with functionalities. It efficiently tracks steps, calories burned, and distance covered, which is great for both walking and cycling. Its built-in GPS feature is a standout, proving to be extremely reliable for cycling. I've used it on various trails, and it consistently provides accurate data about my rides.

What makes the Blaze especially suited for outdoor activities is its impressive operating temperature range and altitude capability. Whether I'm cycling in colder climates or at high altitudes, this fitness tracker holds up well, functioning seamlessly from -4 to 140F and up to 28,000 feet in altitude.

An added bonus is its aesthetic versatility, coming in several color options. It's a stylish accessory that caters to personal preferences.

However, there are a couple of caveats. The Blaze is marketed primarily as the US version, so availability or compatibility might be an issue in other regions. Additionally, syncing with devices requires specific apps and versions, which can be a bit limiting depending on your tech setup.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall user feedback for the Blaze is overwhelmingly positive. It's a well-rounded fitness tracker that balances functionality with style, making it a worthy investment for anyone serious about cycling and fitness tracking.

Pros

1. Sturdy and durable design.
2. Comprehensive fitness tracking features.
3. Reliable built-in GPS for cycling.
4. Wide operating temperature and altitude range.
5. Available in multiple colors for personalization.

Cons

1. Marketed primarily for the US market.
2. Syncing may require specific apps and versions.

Fitbit Luxe – Best for Women

The Fitbit Luxe stands out for its stylish design, a key factor I appreciate. It's dressy and lightweight, making it barely noticeable on my wrist, which is great for someone like me who usually dislikes wearing anything on the wrist.

However, the functionality of the Luxe poses some challenges. The interface requires a hard tap to activate, and the screen often goes blank during use, particularly when trying to slide for features like heart rate, steps, and mileage tracking. This can be frustrating, especially when cycling and needing quick, easy access to data. Another significant point is the band's design. Initially, I struggled with the silicon white band frequently coming loose, but after some research and understanding the need for a 'click' to secure it, this issue was resolved.

Despite its elegant look, the Luxe lacks some features present in the Charge 5, such as an altimeter and GPS, limiting its utility for serious cycling enthusiasts. While it shares similar functionalities with the Charge 5, the omission of these features is a drawback. The notification system for low battery is also less than ideal, often running out before I can charge it, leading to a loss of tracking data.

While the Fitbit Luxe is a beautifully designed tracker, its practicality for cycling is somewhat compromised by its focus on aesthetics over functionality. It's suitable for basic fitness tracking and is extremely comfortable to wear, but for more in-depth cycling metrics, it falls short.

Pros

• Stylish and lightweight design.
• Comfortable for all-day wear.
• Easy and straightforward setup.
• Basic fitness tracking functions well.
• Improved band security with a 'click'.

Cons

• Screen interface can be unresponsive.
• Lacks advanced cycling features (GPS, altimeter).
• Inadequate low battery notification.

FAQ about Cycling Fitbits

The FAQ section is an invaluable source of information. So check out this section too!

Which is the Best Fitbit for cycling?

For cycling, the best Fitbit fitness tracker model to use is Charge 4. It is packed with features that make it fantastic for high adrenaline activity, such as cycling. These include the heart rate monitor, numerous built-in exercises, and SmartTrack.

The battery life of up to one week on a single charge is also impressive. Furthermore, it is swim-proof up to 50m, so you can sweat all you want without having to worry about drowning the tracker.

Does a Fitbit convert cycling into steps?

A straightforward answer? No.

Fitbit fitness trackers do not convert cycling into individual steps. The reason is that your wrist remains stationary while cycling. Therefore, Fitbit won't be able to record and convert cycling into steps.

However, this may be different if you are cycling on a bumpy ride. When you are riding on rough terrain, your body will make jerking movements that the watch will track. This can simulate walking, which might trigger Fitbit to count the steps.

Can Fitbit Track Your Cycling?

Yes, some Fitbit models allow you to track your cycling activities using their new SmartTrack technology. This feature allows you to track various activities, including cycling on a bike and even Spinning. Moreover, since they also use GPS, it will accurately track your distance, speed, and other cycling data.

What are some features in a Fitbit that makes it ideal for cycling?

There are different types of Fitbit fitness trackers for cyclists on the brand's inventory. Although they have the same basic purpose, i.e., to track the activity, some features can make it perfect for cycling. These features include:

• GPS tracker – This can be indispensable for keeping track of the distance you cover and the location.
• Built-in exercise modes, preferably multiple exercises.
• Heart rate monitor
• Option to play and store music.
• Compatibility with various devices. This feature will make it effortless to stay connected.
• Swim Proof – The best Fitbit is swim-proof up to 50m.

How to track stationary bike on Fitbit?

Tracking your stationary bike exercises is very easy to do with a Fitbit fitness trackers for cyclists. Here are the steps to set it up:

1. Go into your Fitbit App
2. Click on the watch icon and scroll to exercise shortcuts.
3. Open the Shortcuts
4. Delete an activity that you don't often use by swiping left on it.
5. Click the + icon at the top right corner and select Spinning.
6. Organize your Activities

Following the steps listed above will help you quickly add spinning/stationary bike activity to your Fitbit device. This way, you'll be able to quickly select it from your exercise shortcuts whenever you want to use that exercise.

Conclusion

If you need a tracker to keep tabs on your health and cycling, you cannot go wrong with a Fitbit. In addition to tracking your physical activity, you can use it for multitasking at the convenience of your wrist. These trackers are also very versatile and are very easy on your wallet too!

We hope that our picks of the best Fitbit for cycling help you pick the right one, as we tested them out rigorously.