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10 Affordable Watches to Help Casual Cyclists Keep Track of Their Rides in Style

by Thomas Jentzsch on May 3, 2023

 

The Importance of Tracking Rides for Casual Cyclists

For many casual cyclists, tracking rides can provide a wealth of information that can be used to improve their cycling performance. By monitoring average speed, distance traveled, and heart rate during rides, cyclists can measure their progress and set goals for improving their fitness level.

Additionally, tracking rides can help identify any issues with bike setup, such as improper saddle height or handlebar placement. Overall, the ability to track rides is a valuable tool for any cyclist looking to improve their skills and achieve new goals.

The Need for Budget-Friendly Watches

While there are many expensive GPS watches available on the market today that offer advanced features such as mapping and real-time coaching during workouts, they may not be financially feasible options for many casual cyclists. This is especially true when considering that most casual riders are not training at a professional level and may only require basic features to track their progress. Therefore, budget-friendly watches are essential in providing an affordable option while still allowing riders to track important metrics during their workouts.

Overview of the 10 Best Budget-Friendly Watches for Casual Cyclists

After researching various watches available on the market today, we have compiled a list of the top ten best budget-friendly watches for casual cyclists. These watches are all priced under $150 USD and provide basic features such as GPS tracking with distance and speed metrics as well as heart rate monitoring capabilities. Each watch has been thoroughly evaluated based on its features, durability, battery life, ease-of-use, price point and consumer reviews in order to provide an unbiased overview that can help you decide which watch best fits your needs.


Timex Ironman Classic 30

Features and Specifications

The Timex Ironman Classic 30 is one of the most popular budget-friendly watches for casual cyclists. This watch boasts a 100-hour chronograph with lap and split times, a 99-lap counter, and a 30-lap memory recall.

It also includes customizable alarm settings, including daily, weekday, weekend, and weekly options. The watch has a durable resin strap that can withstand sweat and water exposure up to 100 meters deep.

The digital display is easy to read in any lighting situation due to its Indiglo backlight feature. The Timex Ironman Classic 30 also includes a countdown timer with stop and repeat functions.

Pros and Cons

One of the main advantages of the Timex Ironman Classic 30 is its affordability compared to other watches with similar features. It also has excellent battery life, lasting up to ten years with proper usage. However, there are some downsides to this watch as well.

For instance, it does not have GPS or heart rate monitoring capabilities. Additionally, some users find the buttons difficult to press during physical activity.

Price Range

The Timex Ironman Classic 30 typically retails for around $50-70 depending on where you purchase it from. However, it is often on sale for even cheaper prices during holiday promotions or clearance events. Overall, it provides great value for its price point compared to other options on the market.


Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V

Features and Specifications

The Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V is a popular watch among casual cyclists due to its durability and affordable price. It features a shock-resistant design that can withstand falls, impacts, and vibrations. The watch also has a 200-meter water resistance rating, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling.

In terms of cycling-specific features, the Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V has a stopwatch function, countdown timer, and multiple alarms. The watch also displays the time in both 12-hour and 24-hour formats.

The display is easy to read with its high contrast LCD screen that displays time, date, day of the week, and seconds. Other notable specs include an electro-luminescent backlight for visibility in low-light conditions and a battery life of up to two years on a single CR2016 battery.

Pros and Cons

One of the biggest pros of the Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V is its durability. It can withstand harsh conditions that other watches might not be able to handle. Additionally, it’s very affordable compared to other watches with similar features.

However, one downside of this watch is that it doesn’t have GPS tracking or heart rate monitoring capabilities like some other budget-friendly cycling watches. Also, some users have reported that the buttons are hard to press or not very responsive.

Price Range

The Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V can be found on many online retailers for around $50-$60 depending on where you purchase it from. This makes it one of the most budget-friendly options for casual cyclists who want a reliable watch without breaking the bank. Despite being relatively inexpensive compared to other watches, the Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V is still a great investment for those looking for durability and functionality.


Garmin Forerunner 35

Features and Specifications

The Garmin Forerunner 35 is a GPS-enabled running watch that can also track cycling, swimming, and other activities. It has a built-in heart rate monitor, which allows you to keep track of your heart rate without the need for an additional chest strap. The watch has a high-resolution display that shows you all of your important stats at a glance, including pace, distance, time, and calories burned.

It also features Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to pair it with your smartphone for notifications and music control. The Forerunner 35 has an impressive battery life of up to nine days in watch mode and up to 13 hours in GPS mode.

It is also water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities. The watch comes with a variety of built-in training modes, including interval training and virtual pacer.

Pros and Cons

One of the major pros of the Garmin Forerunner 35 is its ease of use. The watch is very user-friendly and intuitive to navigate through its menus. Its built-in GPS ensures accurate tracking during outdoor rides or runs while its high-resolution display makes it easy to read even in bright sunlight.

One downside of the Forerunner 35 is its limited smartwatch features compared to more expensive models from Garmin or Apple watches. While it allows you to receive notifications from your phone such as emails or texts; however some users have reported issues connecting their devices via Bluetooth.

Price Range

The price range for the Garmin Forerunner 35 varies depending on where you purchase it from – but typically ranges anywhere from $110-$150 USD online or in stores. Despite not being as feature-packed as some other models available on the market today; it still offers good value for money, especially for budget-conscious cyclists who prioritize basic fitness data tracking and want a watch that is easy to use.


Suunto Core All Black Military Men’s Outdoor Sports Watch

Features and Specifications

The Suunto Core All Black Military Men’s Outdoor Sports Watch is an ideal watch for cyclists who want a rugged and durable timepiece that can withstand the toughest conditions. This watch has a number of impressive features, including an altimeter, barometer, and compass, as well as sunrise/sunset times for over 400 locations worldwide.

It also has a weather trend indicator that alerts you to changes in the weather. One of the key features of this watch is its durability.

It is water-resistant up to 100 feet, so you don’t have to worry about getting it wet while cycling in the rain or crossing streams. The watch face is made of scratch-resistant mineral crystal glass, ensuring that your timepiece will last for years to come.

Pros and Cons

There are several advantages to choosing the Suunto Core All Black Military Men’s Outdoor Sports Watch as your go-to cycling watch. Its durable design makes it perfect for outdoor activities like cycling, hiking, and camping.

The altimeter and barometer functions are also incredibly useful if you’re riding in mountainous terrain or are concerned about changing weather conditions. However, there are a few downsides to this watch as well.

One potential issue is its size – some cyclists may find it too bulky or heavy on their wrist during long rides. Additionally, while it does offer some basic fitness tracking features like step counting and calories burned, it doesn’t have any advanced tracking capabilities like heart rate monitoring.

Price Range

The Suunto Core All Black Military Men’s Outdoor Sports Watch falls into the mid-range price point for cycling watches at around $300-$350 USD. While this may be more expensive than some other options on our list of budget-friendly watches, it offers plenty of features and durability to justify the price. If you’re looking for a high-quality, versatile timepiece that can keep up with your active lifestyle, this watch is definitely worth considering.


Polar M200 GPS Running Watch with Wrist-Based Heart Rate

Features and specifications

The Polar M200 GPS Running Watch is a budget-friendly option for casual cyclists who want to track their rides without breaking the bank. This watch has a wrist-based heart rate monitor which allows you to track your heart rate easily and accurately without the need for an additional chest strap. It also features GPS tracking, which provides accurate location data, distance traveled, speed and more.

In addition to its core features, this watch includes several other useful tools such as activity tracking that can monitor daily steps taken and calories burned. With the Polar Flow app, you can analyze your training data in detail and get personalized guidance on how to improve your performance.

Pros and cons

One of the main advantages of the Polar M200 is its wrist-based heart rate monitor which is very accurate compared to other budget-friendly models. This feature eliminates the need for a separate chest strap making it ideal for cyclists who want a more streamlined setup.

The watch also has a long battery life that lasts up to 6 days when used purely as an activity tracker or up to 6 hours when using GPS continuously. This makes it perfect for longer rides or multi-day trips where charging options may be limited.

However, one downside of this watch is its lack of customization options for different sports profiles such as cycling-specific metrics like cadence or power output. It does offer some basic cycling metrics but they are not as detailed as those on some other watches in this price range.

Price range

The Polar M200 GPS Running Watch retails at around $150 which makes it one of the more affordable watches in its category considering all its features. Although there are cheaper options available, few can match the accuracy of Polar’s wrist-based heart rate monitoring technology making it an attractive option for cyclists looking for an all-in-one solution.


Timex Expedition Grid Shock Watch

Features and Specifications

The Timex Expedition Grid Shock Watch is designed to withstand extreme conditions, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts. It features a highly durable resin case that protects the watch from shocks, impacts, and scratches.

The watch has a water resistance rating of up to 100 meters, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling. The watch also comes equipped with a range of useful features such as a stopwatch, countdown timer, and alarm.

It has an Indiglo backlight that makes it easy to read in low light conditions. One unique feature of the Timex Expedition Grid Shock Watch is the digital compass which helps users navigate their way through unfamiliar terrains.

Pros and Cons

One of the biggest advantages of the Timex Expedition Grid Shock Watch is its durability. The watch can take a lot of abuse without showing any signs of wear or tear.

Another key advantage is its affordability; it provides excellent value for money. However, there are some downsides to this watch as well.

The display isn’t as clear or bright as some other watches in its price range. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the accuracy of the digital compass.

Price Range

The Timex Expedition Grid Shock Watch is available at an affordable price point ranging from $50-$80 depending on where you purchase it from. Given its many features and rugged design, this makes for an excellent budget-friendly option for casual cyclists who are on a tight budget but still want a reliable timepiece that can track their rides effectively while providing additional functionality for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable sports watch that can handle tough conditions outdoors while still tracking your rides effectively on your bike rides then the Timex Expedition Grid Shock Watch would certainly be worth considering.


Casio Men’s SGW300HB-3AVCF Multi-Function Sport Watch

The Ultimate Sports Watch for Cyclists

The Casio Men’s SGW300HB-3AVCF Multi-Function Sport Watch is a perfect fit for cyclists who are looking for a budget-friendly watch that can monitor their training and overall fitness. The watch comes packed with features that make it stand out from other watches in its price range. It has a dual time display, an alarm function, and a stopwatch that can measure elapsed time, split time, and 1st-2nd place times.

The watch also has an auto calendar and 5 programmable alarms. Casio’s SGW300HB-3AVCF also features a thermometer that reads ambient temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius.

This feature is especially useful when cycling in extreme weather conditions. The watch is water-resistant up to 100 meters, making it ideal for swimmers and triathletes as well.

Pros and Cons of the Casio Men’s SGW300HB-3AVCF Multi-Function Sport Watch

When buying any gadget or tech product, it’s essential to go through the pros and cons to make an informed purchasing decision. Here are the pros of Casio’s SGW300HB-3AVCF:

Pros:

  • Multiple functions: With this device on your wrist, you can track elapsed time while cycling or swimming.
  • Inexpensive: Despite packing many features found only in higher-end watches, this timepiece won’t break your bank.
  • Durable: Its sturdy build handles strenuous workouts with ease.

Cons:

  • Difficult to read in low light: You may find it tricky to read the watch at night or during low light conditions.
  • Unintuitive interface: It takes some effort to learn how to navigate the watch’s many functions.
  • Short battery life: The battery’s lifespan only lasts up to two years.
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Conclusion

The Casio Men’s SGW300HB-3AVCF Multi-Function Sport Watch is an excellent option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly sports watch. While it may not be as high-end as other brands, it comes packed with features that are sure to help you achieve your fitness goals. Casio’s reputation for durability and function is evident in this model, which is perfect for those who want an affordable sports watch that won’t break the bank.

While there are cons to using this device, they’re outweighed by its numerous pros. All things considered, the Casio Men’s SGW300HB-3AVCF Multi-Function Sport Watch should be on every budget-conscious cyclist’s shopping list.

 

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