"Congratulations!" it flashes on my smartphone, "You've won the mountain goat trophy." And that's for a paltry eleven floors I've climbed today. Ever since my every movement has been recorded and analysed by one of the trendy fitness wristbands, I seem to be climbing one platform after another. "Wearables" are all the rage. According to a study, Germans spent 450 million euros on fitness trackers last year.
And these smart accessories can now do more than just count steps: they calculate calorie consumption, analyse sleep quality, monitor your pulse and alert you if you are inactive for too long. But the next generation is already in the starting blocks. Smartwatches bring mobile phone functions to the wrist. Whether texting, making calls or managing appointments - you can even surf the internet with your smartwatch. However, the basic rule is: nothing works without a mobile phone in your pocket. The latest wearables only work in combination with the right app on the smartphone. The devices can be synchronised and the data analysed via Bluetooth. However, if the trackers and watches neither recognise bike rides automatically nor work independently of the smartphone, what use do they actually have for us bikers? Wouldn't apps like Strava and Runtustic or a modern GPS computer be the better choice? We tried out the different systems.
Test Fitbit Charge HR
The slim fitness wristband counts steps, calories burned and monitors your sleep quality. It connects to the easy-to-use smartphone app via Bluetooth. It also gives you access to a database with nutrition tips. A plus point of the Charges HR is the continuous heart rate monitoring. A small display shows the current daily progress at the touch of a button. The Charge HR is more of a small motivational aid for office workers, but offers little additional benefit for cyclists.
The Price of the Charges HR is 149.95 euros.
PLUS Long battery life, about 5 days; heart rate monitor included; simple operation
MINUS Does not recognise cycling; not waterproof; also counts steps when brushing teeth
Test Sony Smartwatch 3
The water-resistant smartwatch runs on the Android Wear operating system and is extremely easy to control via the touchscreen or voice commands. In addition to the most common tracker functions, there is also space for your favourite apps. The Sony displays calls and messages and picks up the latest information from your smartphone. Despite the integrated GPS, hardly anything works without a mobile phone in your trousers. You can start a Strava recording, but the phone must be within reach. Conclusion: a nice toy for technology freaks.
Price of the Smartwatch 3: 229.90 euros.
PLUS Rechargeable via USB cable; fast voice control; NFC, Wi-Fi and GPS on board
MINUS Somewhat helpless without a mobile phone; battery life only approx. 19 hours; no integrated heart rate sensor
Test Garmin Vivoactive
The multi-talented Vivoactive masters all the important fitness tracker functions, receives notifications from your mobile phone and comes with various training apps as standard. It collects data from heart rate monitors, running and cadence sensors via ANT+ or Bluetooth and displays it on the clear touchscreen. The Vivoactive records activities completely autonomously. Analysis and planning are carried out via the exemplary mobile phone app or a web dashboard. A highlight for multisport athletes.
Price249 euros.
PLUS Battery life approx. 10 days; GPS, GLONASS, ANT+ and Bluetooth on board, very accurate measurement; smartwatch and fitness tracker functions
MINUS No integrated heart rate monitor
Tes Polar M450
GPS, heart rate and altitude measurement are the basis for perfect training. The M450 also offers a barometric altimeter and Bluetooth. This allows sensors to be paired or analysed via the Polar Flow app or PC. The most important data is shown on the customisable, easy-to-read display. There are no fitness tracker or smartwatch functions, but we didn't miss them in any way. The Garmin Edge 1000, for example, offers smartwatch functions.
The M450 is available for Price from 159.90 euros.
PLUS Barometric altimeter; configurable display, good battery life; Bluetooth and GPS on board; good analysis software
MINUS No navigation function; less intuitive operation
Alternative: smartphone apps in the test
Do you want to record your training data and tours, but don't necessarily need a display on your handlebars? Then apps such as PowerTraxx or Strava offer the simplest and cheapest alternative for bikers. The apps use the GPS signal of the smartphone, but can also be supplemented by Bluetooth sensors in some cases. The mobile phone disappears into your jersey or rucksack. A wealth of training databases and apps are available for analysing and planning, some of them free of charge.
PLUS Inexpensive, partly free; large selection of app providers; expandable via Bluetooth sensors
MINUS Not very suitable for the handlebars; high battery consumption
"I felt stalked with the trackers on my arm."
After four weeks of using various fitness trackers and smartwatches, I really only want one thing: peace and quiet. Something is constantly beeping, flashing or vibrating. I burnt most of my calories on the way to the power socket anyway. I couldn't get any real benefit from the data - I'm sleeping just as badly as ever. As an active sportsman, I also know when I need to exercise. However, the trackers can be a motivational aid for those who don't exercise. (Stefan Frey, BIKE editor)
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Stefan Frey
Editor
