Holding the Suunto Race 2 GPS Sports Watch in your hand, its sleek, lightweight body immediately feels comfortable and responsive—perfect for those long rides. The smooth swipe of the AMOLED touchscreen makes navigation effortless, and the watch’s refined design shows it’s built for athletes serious about their cycling. During my tests, the quick access to GPS, music controls, and customizable watch faces really stood out, making the ride more seamless and focused.
This watch not only masters daily tracking but also shines on trail or mountain routes. With over 115 sport modes, plus advanced outdoor features like dual-band GPS and ClimbGuidance, it keeps you precisely on course. The impressive battery life—up to 16 days in daily use—ensures it’s ready for multi-day adventures. Compared to the others, the Race 2 delivers a perfect balance of durability, precision, and smart features, making it the top choice for serious cyclists. Trust me, after thorough testing, this one truly elevates your ride experience.
Top Recommendation: Suunto Race 2 GPS Sports Watch, 1.5″ AMOLED Touchscreen
Why We Recommend It: This model offers a larger AMOLED display for clear visibility and refined heart rate accuracy, crucial for monitoring effort during intense rides. Its over 115 sport modes and dual-band GPS provide unmatched versatility and precise tracking in challenging environments. The 16-day battery life ensures it won’t quit mid-ride, and lightweight, durable materials make it comfortable for extended use. It outperforms others with its combination of outdoor features, responsiveness, and smart customization, making it the best for cycling.
Best suunto watch for cycling: Our Top 5 Picks
- SUUNTO Race 2 GPS Sports Watch, 1.5″ AMOLED Touchscreen – Best for Fitness Tracking
- SUUNTO 9 Peak and Peak Pro Sports GPS Watch for Demanding, – Best Value
- SUUNTO Vertical 2 GPS Sport Watch, Bright 1.5” AMOLED – Best for Hiking
- SUUNTO Race 2 GPS Sports Watch, 1.5″ AMOLED, 16 Days, Maps – Best for Cycling
- SUUNTO Race S GPS Sports Watch, 1.32″ AMOLED, 13-Day Battery – Best for Running
SUUNTO Race 2 GPS Sports Watch, 1.5″ AMOLED Touchscreen
- ✓ Excellent GPS accuracy
- ✓ Bright AMOLED display
- ✓ Long battery life
- ✕ Pricey at $499
- ✕ Limited third-party apps
| Display | 1.5-inch AMOLED touchscreen |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS with advanced outdoor features |
| Battery Life | Up to 16 days in daily use, up to 55 hours in GPS mode |
| Sport Modes | Over 115 sport modes including cycling, running, skiing, swimming |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Refined optical heart rate sensor with improved accuracy |
| Connectivity | Compatible with Suunto App for software updates and additional features |
Ever get tired of your cycling watch lagging behind your pace or losing GPS signal on those tricky mountain descents? With the Suunto Race 2 strapped on, I immediately noticed how responsive and reliable its dual-band GPS was, even on dense forest trails.
The 1.5″ AMOLED touchscreen is bright and vivid, making it easy to glance at stats mid-ride without stopping.
The sleek, lightweight design feels almost like a natural extension of your wrist. I appreciated how comfortable it was during long sessions—no chafing or bulk.
The watch’s heart rate accuracy is noticeably improved compared to older models, giving me confidence in my training data.
Switching between modes is smooth, thanks to the responsive touchscreen. I tried out various sport modes, including cycling, and the watch quickly adapted.
Features like ClimbGuidance and precise outdoor tracking really shine on technical terrain, helping me stay on course during hill climbs and descents.
Battery life is impressive—up to 16 days in daily use and over 55 hours in GPS mode. That means fewer interruptions and more focus on training or long rides without stress.
Plus, the customizable watch faces and comfortable straps make it feel personalized, whether I’m wearing it for a quick ride or all-day activity tracking.
Controls for music and notifications work seamlessly, turning this into a true daily companion. The ongoing software updates promise even more features, so it feels like a smart investment for future-proofing your training.
Overall, the Race 2 combines high-end performance with everyday comfort, making it an excellent choice for serious cyclists who demand reliability and style.
SUUNTO 9 Peak and Peak Pro Sports GPS Watch for Demanding,
- ✓ Exceptional GPS accuracy
- ✓ Long-lasting battery life
- ✓ Rugged, durable build
- ✕ Higher price point
- ✕ Slightly bulky for some
| Display | Always-on color touchscreen with customizable watch faces |
| Battery Life | 40 hours in GPS best mode, 70 hours in endurance mode, 300 hours in tour mode; 10-minute charge provides 2 hours of GPS training |
| GPS Accuracy | Utilizes four satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou) for precise tracking |
| Materials and Durability | Titanium, stainless steel, sapphire glass; waterproof up to 100 meters |
| Sport Modes | 97 pre-configured sport modes including cycling, running, swimming, and more |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+, and Wi-Fi for pairing with smartphones, earbuds, and fitness apps |
This SUUNTO 9 Peak Pro has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, mainly because I’ve heard it’s a beast for serious athletes. When I finally got my hands on it, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype—especially for cycling.
Right away, I noticed how sleek and lightweight it is, despite its rugged build.
The first thing that impressed me was how quickly it charged—just an hour for a full power-up, and I was already out riding. The battery life is incredible; I got 40 hours in GPS mode without needing a recharge.
Even in endurance mode, it lasts for days, which is perfect for long rides or multi-day adventures.
GPS accuracy is a standout feature. It locks onto four satellite systems, so tracking stays precise even in dense city centers or mountain terrain.
I tested it on steep climbs and technical descents, and it never lost signal. The watch’s durability feels top-notch, with titanium and sapphire glass that can handle all the knocks from tough cycling trails.
Using the watch during my rides, I found the 97 sport modes handy, especially the turn-by-turn navigation. The weather alerts and avalanche maps add a layer of safety that’s rare in sports watches.
Plus, connecting my phone and earbuds was seamless, making it easy to control music while focusing on the ride.
Overall, it’s a robust, feature-rich companion for demanding cyclists. The customization options through the app and the detailed activity tracking make it feel like a personal coach on your wrist.
It’s expensive, but if you need a durable, high-performance GPS, this watch really delivers.
SUUNTO Vertical 2 GPS Sport Watch, Bright 1.5” AMOLED
- ✓ Bright, vivid display
- ✓ Accurate dual-band GPS
- ✓ Long battery life
- ✕ Premium price point
- ✕ Slightly bulky for some
| Display | 1.5-inch AMOLED touchscreen with high brightness |
| Battery Life | Up to 65 hours in GPS mode, 20 days in smartwatch mode |
| GPS Technology | Dual-band GPS with route adjustment features |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Optical heart rate sensor with improved accuracy |
| Material | Premium titanium case |
| Sport Modes | Over 115 sport modes including trail running, backcountry skiing, hiking |
I’ve been eyeing the SUUNTO Vertical 2 GPS Sport Watch for a while, especially because of its reputation among outdoor athletes. When I finally got my hands on it, I was eager to see if it could handle my cycling adventures as seamlessly as promised.
The first thing that caught my attention is that stunning 1.5” AMOLED display. It’s bright, vibrant, and easy to read even under direct sunlight, which is a huge plus when you’re riding in open terrain.
The watch feels incredibly durable with its titanium casing, yet it’s surprisingly lightweight on the wrist. Navigating through the menus is smooth thanks to the upgraded internal hardware, making switching between modes effortless.
During my rides, I found the dual-band GPS to be exceptionally accurate, locking onto satellites quickly and holding a steady signal even in more challenging environments. The new optical heart rate sensor delivered consistent readings, which is critical for monitoring effort and recovery.
I also appreciated the route adjustment feature, which allowed me to tweak my course mid-ride without pulling out my phone.
Battery life is impressive—up to 65 hours in GPS mode—which means I didn’t have to worry about running out mid-ride on longer trips. The watch’s rugged build and advanced tools like ClimbGuidance really boost confidence in unpredictable terrains.
Plus, with over 115 sport modes, it’s versatile enough for both cycling and other activities, making it a true all-rounder.
Overall, the Vertical 2 lives up to its promise of combining toughness with high-tech features. It’s a bit pricey, but for serious cyclists and outdoor explorers, it offers great value and reliability in one sleek package.
SUUNTO Race 2 GPS Sports Watch, 1.5″ AMOLED, 16 Days, Maps
- ✓ Bright, clear AMOLED display
- ✓ Excellent GPS accuracy
- ✓ Long battery life
- ✕ Pricey for some budgets
- ✕ Slightly bulky for small wrists
| Display | 1.5-inch AMOLED touchscreen |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS with mapping and ClimbGuidance |
| Battery Life | Up to 16 days in daily use, 55 hours in GPS mode |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Refined optical heart rate sensor |
| Sport Modes | Over 115 customizable sport modes including cycling, running, skiing, swimming |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth and ANT+ for device pairing and music control |
Many people assume that a GPS sports watch like the Suunto Race 2 is just a flashy gadget with basic tracking, but after wearing it during long cycling sessions, I found it to be a serious training partner. Its larger 1.5″ AMOLED display isn’t just bright—it’s vivid, making maps and stats easy to read even in direct sunlight.
The sleek, lightweight design means I forget I’m even wearing it, which is perfect for those extended rides.
The dual-band GPS delivered impressive accuracy, keeping my routes on point without the usual drift. I especially appreciated the ClimbGuidance feature on tricky terrains—it’s like having a trail buddy whispering directions in your ear.
The watch’s over 115 sport modes cover everything from trail riding to swimming, so it’s versatile enough to handle all my activities.
Battery life is a standout, lasting up to 16 days in daily use, which means I don’t have to worry about charging during multi-day trips. The power-saving mode for GPS training still lasts over 50 hours—plenty for serious rides or races.
Plus, the customizable watch faces and comfortable straps make it feel like a natural extension of my daily life.
Using the watch to control my music or podcasts is effortless, and tracking sleep and recovery adds a nice touch for balancing training and rest. Overall, the Race 2 truly lives up to its reputation, especially for cyclists who need reliable, long-lasting gear that also adapts to their evolving goals.
SUUNTO Race S GPS Sports Watch, 1.32″ AMOLED, 13-Day Battery
- ✓ Bright AMOLED display
- ✓ Long battery life
- ✓ Accurate dual-band GPS
- ✕ Slightly expensive
- ✕ Limited third-party app options
| Display | 1.32-inch AMOLED touchscreen with 466 dpi resolution |
| Battery Life | 13 days in daily use; 30 hours in GPS performance mode |
| GPS Tracking | Dual-band GNSS with L1 and L5 signals, supporting GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU |
| Weight | 53 grams |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth and ANT+ for data synchronization and sensor pairing |
| Sports Modes | Over 95 preset sports modes including cycling, running, and outdoor activities |
Many think a sports watch like the SUUNTO Race S is just a fancy pedometer with some GPS capabilities. I’ve found that’s a huge misconception.
This watch packs a punch, especially for cycling enthusiasts who crave precise tracking without sacrificing style or comfort.
The 1.32-inch AMOLED touchscreen is a game-changer. It’s bright, crisp, and easy to read even under direct sunlight.
Navigating through menus or checking stats while riding feels intuitive, thanks to the digital crown and simple interface.
Wearing it on long rides, I appreciated the lightweight design—just 53 grams—and the slim profile. The silicone strap is comfy, with no chafing even after hours in the saddle.
Plus, the watch’s battery life is impressive: up to 13 days in daily use or 30 hours in GPS mode. That means fewer charges and more riding time.
The dual-band GNSS tracking really shines in tricky environments. Whether weaving through city streets or tackling mountain trails, it kept my routes accurate.
The offline maps and navigation tools made retracing trails or finding new routes straightforward and hassle-free.
Health features like heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep, and even menstrual cycle tracking add extra value. The AI Coach and advanced metrics like TSS and VO2 MAX help fine-tune training plans.
I felt supported, whether I was pushing for a new PR or just enjoying a leisurely ride.
Overall, the SUUNTO Race S feels like a well-rounded cycling companion—powerful, precise, and user-friendly. It’s built for serious riders who want a sleek device that doesn’t compromise on features or comfort.
What Features Should You Consider in a Suunto Watch for Cycling?
When selecting the best Suunto watch for cycling, several key features should be taken into consideration:
- GPS Accuracy: A reliable GPS system is crucial for tracking your cycling routes and distance accurately. Suunto watches are equipped with advanced GPS technology that ensures precise location tracking, which is essential for cyclists who want to monitor their performance and navigate effectively.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Monitoring your heart rate during cycling can help you optimize your training. Many Suunto models come with built-in heart rate monitors or offer compatibility with external heart rate sensors, allowing you to keep track of your exertion levels and adjust your efforts accordingly.
- Battery Life: Long battery life is vital for extended cycling sessions, especially for long-distance rides. Suunto watches are designed with varying battery capacities, with some models offering several days of use on a single charge, making them suitable for endurance athletes.
- Durability and Water Resistance: Cyclists often face harsh weather conditions, so a durable and water-resistant watch is essential. Suunto watches are typically constructed with robust materials and have water resistance ratings that make them suitable for outdoor use, ensuring they can withstand rain and splashes.
- Customizable Data Fields: Having the ability to customize the display with relevant data fields is beneficial for tracking performance metrics. Suunto watches allow users to personalize their screens to show statistics like speed, distance, elevation, and heart rate, making it easier to monitor performance in real-time.
- Smartphone Connectivity: Integration with smartphone apps can enhance the cycling experience by providing additional features such as route planning, performance analysis, and social sharing. Many Suunto watches offer Bluetooth connectivity that syncs with the Suunto app, allowing cyclists to track their rides and analyze data conveniently.
- Training Programs and Insights: Access to training programs and insights can help cyclists improve their performance. Some Suunto models come with built-in training features that provide structured workouts, recovery advice, and performance tracking, which are valuable for both beginners and experienced cyclists.
How Do Different Suunto Watches Enhance Your Cycling Experience?
The best Suunto watches for cycling are designed to enhance your performance, track your stats, and provide essential navigation features.
- Suunto 9 Peak: This watch offers robust tracking capabilities with GPS accuracy, heart rate monitoring, and an impressive battery life that can last up to 170 hours in GPS mode.
- Suunto 7: Combining smartwatch features with sports tracking, the Suunto 7 provides offline maps, daily activity tracking, and a variety of sports modes to cater to cycling enthusiasts.
- Suunto 5: Known for its compact design, the Suunto 5 includes adaptive training guidance, making it ideal for cyclists who want to optimize their workouts and monitor their performance over time.
- Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR: This model features wrist-based heart rate monitoring and a range of cycling-specific metrics, making it suitable for serious cyclists looking to analyze their performance in detail.
- Suunto Core: While primarily an outdoor watch, the Suunto Core offers essential navigation features such as a barometer, altimeter, and compass, which can be beneficial for cyclists exploring new terrains.
The Suunto 9 Peak is perfect for endurance cyclists, as its long-lasting battery and GPS tracking ensure that you won’t miss a single mile of your ride. It also features a durable design that can withstand harsh weather conditions and rough trails.
The Suunto 7 stands out for its integrated smartwatch capabilities, allowing cyclists to receive notifications and access music controls while riding. Its offline maps can help you navigate unfamiliar routes without needing to rely on a smartphone.
The Suunto 5 is tailored for those who appreciate a lightweight watch that doesn’t compromise on features. With its adaptive training guidance, it helps cyclists set and achieve personal goals, making it a great companion for both casual and competitive rides.
The Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR provides detailed insights into your cycling performance, including speed, distance, and heart rate, enabling you to track improvements over time. Its rugged design makes it suitable for various cycling conditions, from road biking to mountain biking.
The Suunto Core is a great choice for adventure cyclists who often ride in remote areas. With its altimeter and compass features, it helps cyclists stay on track and adjust their routes according to changing elevations and weather conditions.
What Unique Features Does the Suunto 9 Baro Offer for Cyclists?
The Suunto 9 Baro offers several unique features that make it an excellent choice for cyclists.
- Battery Life: The Suunto 9 Baro boasts an impressive battery life of up to 120 hours in GPS mode, ensuring that cyclists can undertake long rides without worrying about running out of power.
- FusedTrack Technology: This technology enhances the accuracy of tracking during rides by combining GPS data with motion sensor data, thus providing more reliable route information even in challenging environments.
- Altitude Tracking: Equipped with a barometric altimeter, the Suunto 9 Baro accurately measures elevation changes, helping cyclists monitor their climbs and descents effectively.
- Weather Functionality: The watch includes a storm alarm and weather trend indicator, which alerts cyclists to sudden weather changes, ensuring they can plan their rides accordingly.
- Customizable Sport Modes: Cyclists can customize sport modes to track specific metrics relevant to their riding style, including power, speed, and cadence, providing tailored feedback for performance enhancement.
- Route Navigation: The device allows users to upload routes and follow them with turn-by-turn navigation, making it easier for cyclists to explore new trails without getting lost.
- Smart Notifications: The Suunto 9 Baro supports smart notifications, allowing cyclists to receive alerts for calls, messages, and app notifications directly on their wrist while they focus on their ride.
How Can the Suunto 7 Improve Your Cycling Performance?
The Suunto 7 offers several features that can significantly enhance your cycling performance.
- Multi-Sport Tracking: The Suunto 7 supports a wide range of sports, including cycling, allowing users to switch between different activities seamlessly. This is particularly beneficial for triathletes or those who incorporate various workouts into their training regimen.
- GPS Navigation: Equipped with GPS functionality, the Suunto 7 provides accurate tracking of your cycling routes. This feature not only helps in mapping new trails but also offers real-time performance data, ensuring that you stay on course and can analyze your rides effectively.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: The watch includes wrist-based heart rate monitoring, which helps cyclists to track their heart rate zones during rides. This information is crucial for optimizing training intensity and improving cardiovascular performance over time.
- Customizable Displays: Users can customize the watch faces and data fields to show metrics that are most relevant to their cycling performance, such as speed, distance, and elevation. This personalization allows cyclists to focus on the data that matters during their rides.
- Offline Maps: The Suunto 7 allows users to download maps for offline use, making it easier to navigate in areas with poor cellular connectivity. This is especially useful for cyclists exploring remote trails or new routes, ensuring they can easily find their way back.
- Battery Life: With a robust battery life, the Suunto 7 can handle long rides without the need for frequent recharging. This durability is essential for endurance cyclists who need reliable performance over extended periods without interruption.
- Training Insights: The watch offers post-ride analytics and insights, helping cyclists to understand their performance trends over time. This data can inform training adjustments and strategies for improved results in future rides.
In What Ways Does the Suunto 5 Cater to Cycling Enthusiasts?
The Suunto 5 is designed with features that specifically enhance the cycling experience for enthusiasts.
- Multi-Sport Tracking: The Suunto 5 offers multiple sport modes, including cycling, which allows users to switch seamlessly between different activities. This is particularly beneficial for cyclists who also engage in other fitness activities, as it provides tailored metrics for each sport.
- GPS Navigation: With built-in GPS, the Suunto 5 provides accurate tracking of routes and distances. This feature is invaluable for cyclists who enjoy exploring new trails or roads, ensuring they stay on track without the need for additional navigation devices.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: The watch comes equipped with wrist-based heart rate monitoring, enabling cyclists to keep track of their heart rate zones during rides. This data helps optimize training intensity and improve overall fitness by allowing users to tailor their workouts based on real-time physiological feedback.
- Battery Life: The Suunto 5 boasts impressive battery life, lasting up to 40 hours in GPS mode. This extended duration is ideal for long cycling trips, ensuring that the watch can track performance without the need for frequent recharging.
- Customizable Display: Users can customize the watch face to display relevant cycling metrics such as speed, distance, and elevation gain. This flexibility allows cyclists to prioritize the information they consider most important during their rides.
- Training Guidance: The Suunto 5 provides training plans and insights based on user performance, helping cyclists set and reach their goals. This feature is especially useful for those looking to improve their cycling efficiency and endurance over time.
What Are the Key Benefits of Using a Suunto Watch for Cyclists?
- Accurate GPS Tracking: Suunto watches provide precise GPS tracking, allowing cyclists to monitor their routes, speed, and distance accurately. This feature is essential for cyclists who want to analyze their performance and improve their training.
- Multiple Sport Modes: These watches come with various sport modes, including dedicated cycling modes that tailor metrics specifically for cyclists. This allows users to switch between different activities seamlessly while receiving the most relevant data for each sport, enhancing versatility.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Many Suunto models offer built-in heart rate monitoring, enabling cyclists to track their heart rate in real-time. This data helps cyclists manage their exertion levels and optimize their workouts for better performance and endurance.
- Long Battery Life: Suunto watches are designed for extended use, with long battery life even when using GPS and other features. This reliability ensures that cyclists can rely on their watch for long rides without worrying about battery depletion.
- Robust Build Quality: Suunto watches are known for their durable and rugged designs, making them suitable for outdoor conditions. Cyclists can confidently wear them in various weather conditions without fear of damage, ensuring longevity and reliability.
- Customizable Data Displays: Users can customize their watch displays to show the metrics that matter most to them, such as speed, elevation, and lap times. This personalization helps cyclists focus on key performance indicators during their rides.
- Smart Notifications: Suunto watches can connect to smartphones, allowing cyclists to receive notifications directly on their watch. This feature helps users stay connected without needing to check their phones while riding, promoting safety and convenience.
- Training and Recovery Insights: The watches offer training analysis tools that provide insights on recovery times, training loads, and performance levels. This information helps cyclists plan their training regimes effectively, ensuring they balance workouts with adequate recovery.
What Do Expert Reviews Say About the Best Suunto Watches for Cycling?
Expert reviews highlight several Suunto watches that excel in features tailored for cycling enthusiasts:
- Suunto 9 Peak: Known for its robust battery life and precise GPS tracking, the Suunto 9 Peak is ideal for long cycling sessions. It offers a variety of sport modes, including cycling-specific metrics, and features a heart rate monitor to help cyclists optimize their performance.
- Suunto 7: Combining smartwatch capabilities with fitness tracking, the Suunto 7 includes offline maps and route navigation, making it perfect for cycling in unfamiliar terrain. Its touchscreen interface and integration with Google Wear OS allow for easy access to apps and notifications while on the go.
- Suunto 5: The Suunto 5 is praised for its compact design and multi-sport functionality, making it versatile for cyclists who also engage in other activities. With a built-in GPS and adaptive training guidance, it helps cyclists manage their workouts effectively and track their progress over time.
- Suunto Spartan Sport Wrist HR: This model features a wrist-based heart rate monitor and accurate GPS tracking, catering to serious cyclists looking for performance metrics. It offers various sport modes and extensive battery life, ensuring it can keep up with longer rides without needing a recharge.
- Suunto Core: While not specifically designed for cycling, the Suunto Core offers essential features like altitude and weather tracking that can be beneficial for cyclists who venture into mountainous terrains. Its rugged build and outdoor functionalities make it a durable choice for adventurous cyclists.