As some of you know around here I'm more of a runner/jogger, but am considering getting into biking/cycling some. Was curious if there are any cyclists around here that can vouch for the accuracy of the activity tracking for cycling on the AW2? To start I'll probably pick up an indoor cycle and go with that... if I really like it will pick up a 'real' bike for some road work.
Just curious at this point. Always wondered how accurately it would track if your arm is stationary on the handle. Must rely a lot more on the heart rate sensor?
Most of our (wife, me) biking is off road and snow (fat) biking if not commuting. It takes a lot for me to consider the relative boredom and danger for road rides, but I'm sure some of the commuting is an accurate comparison.
We've only had Apple Watch S2 for 6 weeks but used our phones and other devices prior. My wife will do watch only rides and the built in software. I'm almost always using the Abvio (same things Cyclemeter, Runmeter, Walkmeter).
In winter sleeves or gloves might be helping hold the watches steady. The way we ride expert MTB trails will certainly bounce the watch around.
No GPS does a truly accurate job with the twisty single track riding we do.
The S2 with Abvio app using "Health" access was an instant change to have more accurate ride data - same for skiing and some hiking.
If my wife uses watch only and I take phone distances reported are close. I can be using the watch built-in for hikes or walks but use Abvio app for MTB rides and more committed activities. I'm not sure the Apple app knows MTB riding or hiking can be much different than a walk or road ride. Her MTB rides with the Abvio app register more calories burned.
My associates who take their training very seriously use chest or arm HRM with Apple Watches and Garmin watches.
To be honest, if you're already a runner I'd be looking at off road riding with modern trails and gear in mind. You'll add a lot more fun and important skills. Some road rides help me build fitness but off road rides are being in a real life video game. They use more of your body and mind.