Chingy182 Posted January 25, 2018 Posted January 25, 2018 Hi guys I'm thinking of buying a Garmin Fenix 3 or 5, but I need some advice on using the Garmin Fenix sports watch when cycling specifically... Do you keep the watch on your wrists at all times when cycling?Does this not make it more difficult to watch your HR, speed, distance, etc? This is my main concern when considering the product.I've gotten so used to my GPS device on my handlebars that I struggle to imagine having to look on my wrist for the necessary information. Or can you mount the watch to your handlebars somehow and buy the HRM additionally? Is Sapphire glass a better product in case I fall and knock against a rock? Looking forward to some input in helping me decide.
dave303e Posted January 25, 2018 Posted January 25, 2018 Get a HR monitor separately, mount watch on your handlebar with a watch mount.https://sport.takealot.com/sport-garmin-bike-mount-sport-fitness/PLID29361269?gclid=Cj0KCQiA-qDTBRD-ARIsAJ_10yLUGmHkTPq6l5XDPXwPDb90oPhZKBx5C8BLuRktD4ahux9oJlg7190aAkS9EALw_wcB Saphire is worth it...
Andrew_Smith Posted January 25, 2018 Posted January 25, 2018 Cannot comment on using a sports watch, but you do get a Garmin handlebar mount for the watch as mentioned by @dave303e. I can see the point in getting the Fenix, for not only for cycling but if you do other sports as well (for example jogging). Aside from sports, it can be used for tracking steps, sleep and is basically your smartwatch, which is really nice if you are into that. But if you strictly focus on cycling only, won't it be better to get a dedicated head unit instead? And yes, please do get an HRM. Way more accurate than the wrist HR. What head unit are you currently using?
Eldron Posted January 25, 2018 Posted January 25, 2018 Agreed on a bike computer for biking. I have the Fenix 3 - awesome watch for running and cross training and wearing on a daily basis but the display aint great for riding. Edit: I have the sapphire and have banged it in a few surfaces as you do in life and no scratches so far...
Letum911 Posted January 25, 2018 Posted January 25, 2018 I use the Fenix 3 for MTB'ing. Watch is mounted on my arm, took a while to get used to checking your wrist for speed/HR etc. Re practicality: I have no issues using and reading the stats. Take the time to setup the display for what you need to see. Also if the terrain is so knarly that you can't let go of your hand to check your watch odds are that you wont be staring at an LCD in front of you either. Accuracy of the HR: I find it differs with about 5bpm from a HR strap, so not massive but not the most accurate. On smooth arms and correctly placed it is more accurate but I don't shave my arms and cant be too bothered with 5bpm. As for your question regarding the mount: You do get them and just link it with a HR strap. Works well. Saphire: It is worth it, I have the normal glass and a few scratches are visible. Considering that it is part of my MTB kit this does not bug me tho.
Eldron Posted January 25, 2018 Posted January 25, 2018 After reading Letums post I have had a slight change of opinion.... I do a lot of focused interval training where the numbers are important and I have to keep an eye on the computer. Fenix isn't great for that. On my less focused rides I only look at my watch every 30 mins or so - I guess the Fenix on your wrist would be fine for that (or on the bar with a mount). Like all things I guess it's depends on how you're going to use it. Good to hear the sapphire was the right choice!
SeaBee Posted January 25, 2018 Posted January 25, 2018 I use the handlebar mount for MTBing, due to terrain issues, as mentioned above. On road (not frequent) I use it on arm. For running I use wrist HR, cycling I use a strap - been so used to riding with a strap that it's not a hindrance. And apparently due to the wrist movement (bumps and road feedback) during cycling, the wrist HR particularly in cycling is a bit more off than for running. For swimming I use the how many water are you swallowing per length as HR indication.
Letum911 Posted January 25, 2018 Posted January 25, 2018 So many opinions! Just once again proves that an individual's experience may vary. @OP, you cannot go wrong with a Garmin. Goodluck with your final decision!
madbradd Posted January 25, 2018 Posted January 25, 2018 I have the Fenix3 (not the HR version so I wear a strap) and an Edge520. When going for an MTB "ride" I just wear the Fenix. I do this when I generally don't want to see numbers when I'm riding - so I'll put it on a screen with time of session, Distance, Average HR and HR. Then for Road Riding or Interval training I like to have the numbers in front of me - time, power, HR, distance, speeds etc. so I use the Edge. Then Racing (MTB and Road) I also use the Edge as I like to have the numbers in front of me and navigation (when necessary) is better due to screen size. Fenix you can still have the numbers there, but remember it's a round screen, and you can only fit 4 metrics on there. Bottom line is that the Fenix is a great device. It's good enough for any type of cycling, but in certain instances it isn't as good as a dedicated cycling computer mainly due to the limited screen size.
Mamil Posted January 25, 2018 Posted January 25, 2018 I have the garmin 935 which came with hrm and swimming hrm and bike mount. I sold my edge 520. There are third party apps that guve very useful and readable 7 field displays that i use for cycling. I understand the 935 is basically a fenix 5 in a plastic casing. I've banged it a few times ... no damage.
Chingy182 Posted January 25, 2018 Author Posted January 25, 2018 Thanks to everyone for their contributions.A lot of good advice. With regards to the question of what I am currently using: I'm using the Sigma Rox 10 which I have been using for 3 years and absolutely love it and haven't seen reason to upgrade. I have started swimming a bit in recent weeks and would be good to start tracking my progress there and I have long term prospects of doing some Xterra type events.This is when the Garmin watch will come into it's full effect. I think the handlebar mount is currently better suited to me.I'll just have to bite the bullet and buy the Garmin HRM strap for about R1800 extra
The Ouzo Posted January 25, 2018 Posted January 25, 2018 I have the garmin 935 which came with hrm and swimming hrm and bike mount. I sold my edge 520. There are third party apps that guve very useful and readable 7 field displays that i use for cycling. I understand the 935 is basically a fenix 5 in a plastic casing. I've banged it a few times ... no damage.3'rd party apps for the garmin or your phone ?
Letum911 Posted January 25, 2018 Posted January 25, 2018 Thanks to everyone for their contributions.A lot of good advice. With regards to the question of what I am currently using: I'm using the Sigma Rox 10 which I have been using for 3 years and absolutely love it and haven't seen reason to upgrade. I have started swimming a bit in recent weeks and would be good to start tracking my progress there and I have long term prospects of doing some Xterra type events.This is when the Garmin watch will come into it's full effect. I think the handlebar mount is currently better suited to me.I'll just have to bite the bullet and buy the Garmin HRM strap for about R1800 extra Firstly please oh please change your profile pick. You had me swatting at my screen for a moment there. Do some research regarding the HR strap, I believe other/cheaper brands can connect to the watch.
Vetplant Posted January 25, 2018 Posted January 25, 2018 I have the Fenix 3, good enough for cycling, I have the Quick release kit which mounts it nicely on the Stem or Handlebar or Out-Front mount if you get one. Plus it is a real handy addition to use for your future Xterra adventures. I do look at the classifieds from time to time to maybe add a Edge 510 or similar, just because the Watch face is a little bit small. In hindsight, I would pay the extra cash for the Sapphire version as my watch has quite a bit of scratches after 2 years of use, but I would still not pay extra for wrist HR. I am used to using the chest strap, so that doesn't bother me. Fenix 3 is everything you need, so if you can get it for a good price, take it. I don't see all the value to the Fenix 5 for the additional cost.
madbradd Posted January 25, 2018 Posted January 25, 2018 I have the Fenix 3, good enough for cycling, I have the Quick release kit which mounts it nicely on the Stem or Handlebar or Out-Front mount if you get one. Plus it is a real handy addition to use for your future Xterra adventures. I do look at the classifieds from time to time to maybe add a Edge 510 or similar, just because the Watch face is a little bit small. In hindsight, I would pay the extra cash for the Sapphire version as my watch has quite a bit of scratches after 2 years of use, but I would still not pay extra for wrist HR. I am used to using the chest strap, so that doesn't bother me. Fenix 3 is everything you need, so if you can get it for a good price, take it. I don't see all the value to the Fenix 5 for the additional cost. Remember if you get this then you can't mount the Fenix on your bars unless you have a strap, though I'm not sure you still get the "normal" one.
Mamil Posted January 25, 2018 Posted January 25, 2018 3rd party for the watch - https://www.rh-sports.at/ Made this selection after trying out quite a few of the alternatives on the Garmin Connect IQ site. Very configurable and gives a nice 7 field snapshot of your data on the fly. 3'rd party apps for the garmin or your phone ?
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