Are Fitness Trackers Capable Enough to Gauge Indoor Cycling Regimes?

Indoor cycling in no less a workout as it burns as much calories as any challenging physical activity. Moreover, these indoor bikes offer varied options to choose from, in terms of steepness, cycling speeds and several other metrics. In simpler words, indoor cycling is the stepping stone towards HIIT or 'High Intensity Interval Training' albeit a less convoluted setup.

Fitness tracking has evolved over the last few years with companies bringing out different breeds of smartwatches. Amidst these pricey devices, simple fitness trackers can still hold their own as they are actually perfect when it comes to measuring indoor training activities. While a smartwatch serves several purposes, a fitness tracker is a targeted device— destined to do a particular job. When it comes to spinning or cycling indoors, fitness tracking devices are actually the best options in hand— owing to the portability and feathery aesthetics.

Moreover, these trackers are highly targeted towards achieving definite goals and are way cheaper as compared to the smartwatches. Therefore, most fitness trackers are capable enough towards measuring calories, heart rate and several other vitals when it comes to spinning.

In this post we will be addressing some of the key areas covered by these fitness trackers— helpful towards zeroing in on the perfect gadget. We will also be suggesting the best ones for the job, based on each criterion:

Compatibility

This has to be the first criterion while selecting a fitness tracker. Most of us prefer trackers which can be strapped on to areas other than the wrist as riding spin bikes can actually involve a lot of handwork. This is where the likes of 'Misfit Flash Cycle' Edition and 'Wahoo Tickr X' comes in handy. While the former boasts of a cadence sensor and a clip holder, the latter straps onto the chest for a more cohesive hold.

Tracking

Here is why we purchase fitness trackers and for better coverage the best one should flaunt the latest set of sensors. When it comes to a slew of options, Fitbit Blaze is the way to go. Apart from offering GPS for outdoor activities, this tracker comes with 'Optical Heart Rate Technology' for a near perfect evaluation. The calorie burn is calculated precisely but for specialist insights we would suggest 'Moov Now' as it comes with a pretty evolved hardware, sans a dedicated heart rate monitor.

However, if you are searching for a Smartwatch like gadget for satiating the aesthetic digger inside, Garmin Fenix 3 might be good option. This gadget comes enabled with ANT+ and boasts of a dedicated spinning mode. We also get a heart rate sensor, footpods, power meter and lot more for a fat price point.

Price

Now when you have already spent a fortune on the indoor bike, looking for a less-expensive tracker should be prioritized without compromising on the performance. If you already have a pretty powerful smartphone, most metrics can be determined using a simple app i.e. Motive.cc as it pairs well with ANT+ compatible devices, power meters and everything that is even remotely associated with fitness tracking.

If you are seriously into wearables, 'Misfit Flash Cycle' Edition is a pretty good bet. While it offers bike support, one can even use it for tracking sleep. The flash link is one of its major USPs, allowing the rider to strap the same onto the shoes. Moreover, this gadget is also compatible with iBiker, Wahoo and almost every cycling app.

Do let us know if you have any other metrics to share. Also suggest some other fitness trackers which you found useful— in the comments section.