Modified at: Feb 14, 2025
Posted at: Jun 15, 2021
While a dedicated arm band or chest band is usually used for the heart rate sensor of a cyclocomputer, we have compiled a list of smartwatches that can be used for everyday use and can also be used as a heart rate sensor for cyclocomputers.
Table of contents
Sponsored Link
Most Garmin smartwatch models that support ANT+ support “heart rate transfer mode” with ANT+. Naturally, the cyclocomputer side must be a cyclocomputer capable of sensor connection via ANT+.
Note that Garmin smartwatch heart rate transfer mode is not available via Bluetooth; if you want to use your smartwatch’s heart rate data via Bluetooth, consider a Wahoo or Polar smartwatch, described below.
Garmin has been putting considerable effort into fitness smartwatches in recent years, and its lineup ranges from full-fledged models to casual models designed to look just like regular watches, so you have a wide range of choices.
Fitness equipment giant Wahoo has introduced the ELEMNT RIVAL sports watch with GPS functionality, and the ELEMNT RIVAL supports heart rate transfer via Bluetooth and ANT+.
Polar’s GPS sports watches now support heart rate transfer mode for the first time with the new 2021 Polar Ignite 2. The heart rate transfer mode connection is via Bluetooth, rather than via ANT+ as used in Garmin’s sports watches.
IGPSPORT, a budget-friendly cycle computer manufacturer, has also started producing smartwatches with heart rate transfer modes.
Equipped with Bluetooth heart rate transfer mode. It offers high performance as a sports smartwatch and is also suitable for everyday use.
The Apple Watch is a smartwatch that can only be connected to an iPhone, but by bridging an app called Blue Heart, the Apple Watch’s heart rate data can be used as a Bluetooth heart rate sensor to connect to a cyclone.
BlueHeart Bluetooth Heart Rate | App Store
The mechanism is as follows
By virtually turning the iPhone into a heart rate sensor device, the heart rate data from the Apple Watch can be received by a cyclocomputer.
Since the iPhone does not have an ANT+ sensor, it can only be used with a cyclocomputer that can receive sensor data via Bluetooth, and the drawback is that the heart rate data is sometimes not updated and pairing is unstable depending on timing.
The advantage of using the Apple Watch as a heart rate sensor is great, so it is worth a try if you are an Apple Watch user.
Blue Heart is available in a version with ads for free, and there is also a Pro version without ads (buy-one-get-one-free).
Sponsored Link
CASIO smartwatches include the G-SHOCK G-SQUAD GBD-H1000 and Protrek WSD-F21HR with Wear OS, but none of them have a heart rate transfer function and are not compatible with a cyclone.
SUUNTO smartwatches allow you to connect a speed sensor, cadence sensor, or power sensor to your smartwatch, but you cannot use a SUUNTO smartwatch as a heart rate sensor.
The direction of the SUUNTO smartwatch seems to be to use the SUUNTO smartwatch as a mother ship only, assuming stand-alone mode.
Fibit’s smartwatch/activity meter does not support Bluetooth heart rate transfer mode, nor does it support ANT+, so it cannot be connected to a cyclocomputer.
There are many smartwatches on the market, ranging from expensive models to low-priced models in the $10 range, but when it comes to smartwatches that can also connect to a cyclocomputer, manufacturers such as Wahoo and Polar, which also handle cyclocomputers, have only just begun offering smartwatches that are compatible.
Currently, the best choice is Garmin, which has a large selection of smartwatches, but we expect to see more reasonably priced products from other companies in the future.
Sponsored Link
Cycle Computer Benefits: Discover the Advantages of Using One
Cycle computers are increasingly being used not only on road bikes and other sports bikes, but also on bicycles for everyday use. This section summarizes what cycle computers are good for, what they can do, and the advantages of using them.
Summary of functions you want in a cyclocomputer
There are many riding situations where a cyclocomputer would be useful, such as cycling, bicycle dieting, and training. In this issue, we have compiled a list of features we would like to see in a cyclocomputer for each application.
Comparison of Navigation Features in GPS Cycling Computers
This is a summary of the different navigation functions of GPS cycle computers. Even GPS cyclocomputers with the same navigation function have completely different usability depending on the onboard navigation function.
Types and Differences of Sensors for Bicycle Computers, Their Pros and Cons
External sensors are used to send data such as speed, cadence, and heart rate to a cyclocomputer. This section summarizes the types and differences of sensors for the cyclocomputer and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Points to keep in mind when buying used cyclocomputers
High-performance cyclocomputers that are expensive when new can be obtained at affordable prices when bought used. In this issue, we have compiled a list of points to keep in mind when buying a used cyclocomputer.
How to choose and recommend a Bluetooth ANT+ sensor
We have compiled a list of recommended Bluetooth ANT+ sensors that are currently available in Japan, as well as how to choose and what to look for when selecting a Bluetooth ANT+ sensor.
Smartwatch as Heart Rate Monitor for Cycling Controller
This is a summary of how to use a smartwatch as a heart rate sensor for a cyclocomputer. If you meet the conditions on the cyclocomputer side and the conditions on the smartwatch side, you can display the heart rate data on the cyclocomputer with the smartwatch alone, without having to buy an additional heart rate sensor.
Types and Differences of Sensors for Bicycle Computers, Their Pros and Cons
External sensors are used to send data such as speed, cadence, and heart rate to a cyclocomputer. This section summarizes the types and differences of sensors for the cyclocomputer and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Bluetooth Ant+ sensor: Turn your phone into a cycle computer
This is a summary of Bluetooth Ant+ sensors, which can turn your phone into a cyclocomputer or add sensors to your cyclocomputer. How to find a sensor, compatible apps, and what to look for when choosing one.
How to choose and recommend a Bluetooth ANT+ sensor
We have compiled a list of recommended Bluetooth ANT+ sensors that are currently available in Japan, as well as how to choose and what to look for when selecting a Bluetooth ANT+ sensor.
Smartwatch as Heart Rate Monitor for Cycling Controller
This is a summary of how to use a smartwatch as a heart rate sensor for a cyclocomputer. If you meet the conditions on the cyclocomputer side and the conditions on the smartwatch side, you can display the heart rate data on the cyclocomputer with the smartwatch alone, without having to buy an additional heart rate sensor.
Smartwatches as Heart Rate Sensors for Cycle computers
While a dedicated arm band or chest band is usually used for the heart rate sensor of a cyclocomputer, we have compiled a list of smartwatches that can be used for everyday use and can also be used as a heart rate sensor for cyclocomputers.
Chest vs Arm Heart Rate Sensors: What's the Difference?
There are two types of heart rate sensors used for road bike training, the chest type and the arm type. The following is a summary of the differences between the two types and their advantages and disadvantages.
Smartwatch vs Cycle Computer: Which is Better for Cycle Training?
Recently, more and more models of smartwatches have cycle training functions. In this article, we will examine whether smartwatches can replace cycle computers.
ANT+ for Connecting Cycle Computers to External Sensors
The sensor sends a variety of data to the cycle computer. There are many advantages of ANT+ sensors for bicycles, such as no pair required and the ability to connect multiple units simultaneously.
How to pair an ANT+ phone with an ANT+ sensor
This is a summary of how to pair an ANT+ phone with an ANT+ sensor. Also how to respond if pairing or data reception does not work.
Advantages and disadvantages of using a power meter
Power meters are used by users who do serious riding on road bikes and MTBs. This section summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of using a power meter, and whether a power meter is necessary for beginners.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Rearview Radar for Road Bikes
Rearview radar for road bikes are important accessories that increase safety when cycling. The following is a summary of their advantages and disadvantages and a comparison of specifications of major products.
Indoor Bike Stand Options for Road Bikes and MTBs
For expensive road bikes and MTBs, indoor storage is best for security and protection. This guide covers different types of indoor bike stands, their price ranges, features, pros and cons, and helps you choose the right one.
Apple AirTag-Compatible Bike Security Accessories: Pros, Cons, and Top Picks
Accessories that turn Apple AirTag into a bike security tool—here’s a guide to their pros, cons, how to choose one, and top recommended products.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Rearview Radar for Road Bikes
Rearview radar for road bikes are important accessories that increase safety when cycling. The following is a summary of their advantages and disadvantages and a comparison of specifications of major products.
How to Choose What to Pack in a Road Bike Tool Bottle by Riding Style
A tool bottle lets you neatly store the essentials needed to fix mechanical issues during a ride. This article covers how to choose what to pack and provides examples based on different riding scenarios.
Winter Ride Essentials: How to Choose Winter Gloves for Road Cycling
Winter gloves are essential for cold-weather rides, where your hands are exposed to freezing wind. This article summarizes the key features to look for and how to choose the right winter gloves for road cycling.
Advantages and disadvantages of using a power meter
Power meters are used by users who do serious riding on road bikes and MTBs. This section summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of using a power meter, and whether a power meter is necessary for beginners.
Summary of Shimano's power meters
This section summarizes the features of Shimano's power meters, the differences between models, and how to select one.
How to Identify Shimano SPD-SL Pedals by Appearance
Shimano SPD-SL pedals often look alike, but their performance varies depending on the grade and model. This guide shows you how to identify different Shimano SPD-SL pedal models by appearance, even if the logos or model numbers are worn off—especially useful when buying second-hand.
Summary of 4iiiii power meters
The following is a summary of the differences between 4iiiii's power meters.
Essential Winter Gear Tips for Road Cyclists
Winter demands more attention to cycling apparel than any other season. This article outlines the basics of cold-weather protection and how to choose the right clothing for road cycling.
Difference between road bike and MTB helmets
Among bicycle helmets, road bike and MTB helmets look similar and it is hard to tell the difference between them. We have compiled a list of the differences, how to choose one, and how to use each.
Summary of SPEEDPLAY power meters
This section summarizes SPEEDPLAY's power meter models, features, and how to select one.
Comprehensive comparison of GARMIN power meters
A comprehensive and thorough comparison of GARMIN power meters! Differences between models, performance, and more.
How to choose Casual, Everyday Use Binding Shoes
For those who want to use binding shoes on a daily basis for commuting to work or school, sightseeing, shopping, etc., we have compiled a list of binding shoes that can be worn like sneakers.
Types of road bike gloves and how to choose them
When you start riding a road bike seriously, you will want gloves. And surprisingly, there are many types of gloves to choose from, making them easy to worry about. In this issue, we summarize the types of road bike gloves and how to choose them.
Battery-Powered vs Battery-Operated: Which is Better Bicycle Lights?
There are many different types of bicycle lights, and it is surprisingly difficult to find the right one for you. In this issue, we summarize which type of bicycle light power source, battery or battery-powered, is better, the merits of each, how to choose one for each situation, and how to use each.
Types and Differences of Sensors for Bicycle Computers, Their Pros and Cons
External sensors are used to send data such as speed, cadence, and heart rate to a cyclocomputer. This section summarizes the types and differences of sensors for the cyclocomputer and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
XOSS Cycle Computers: Complete Comparison & Summary
This is a thorough comparison of all models of cycle computers from XOSS, a new manufacturer from Hong Kong that is popular for its overwhelming cost performance.
Differences and Uses of Softshell Jackets and Winter Cycling Jerseys
Winter-specific clothing keeps your rides comfortable in cold weather. This article explains the differences between softshell jackets and winter cycling jerseys, and how to use each effectively.
Road Bike Wheel Components and Their Functions
Wheels are simple parts, yet some models cost more than the entire bike. This article explains the components that make up road bike wheels, their functions, and standards.
