The Garmin Epix Gen 2 watch has quickly cemented itself as a favourite among fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. With a robust design and a plethora of advanced features, it’s marketed as a high-performance tool for those who demand accuracy, versatility, and durability. Cyclists, in particular, have unique demands when it comes to wearable technology. From precise GPS tracking and navigation to detailed performance analysis, they require a device that enhances their training and riding experience. In this article, we’ll evaluate whether the Garmin Epix Gen 2 truly meets the needs of cyclists and deserves its reputation as one of the best multisport watches for this group.
Design and Build: Garmin Epix Gen 2 is Built for Adventure
The Garmin Epix Gen 2 is undeniably premium in its design and construction. Its AMOLED display is not only vivid and vibrant but also incredibly functional, remaining easy to read in bright sunlight or dim conditions. The option to upgrade to a sapphire crystal lens enhances durability, making it resilient against scratches—a must-have for cyclists who often encounter rugged environments.
Comfort is another area where the Epix Gen 2 excels. With lightweight titanium or stainless steel casing paired with a soft silicone strap, the watch feels secure yet unobtrusive during long rides. Cyclists often need gear that works seamlessly with them for hours on end, and Garmin has designed this watch to cater to those needs.
The watch is also built to withstand the elements. With a 10 ATM water resistance rating, it can handle rain-soaked roads or muddy trails without breaking a sweat. Its weather resistance is especially important for cyclists who venture into unpredictable conditions, knowing that their gear must be reliable no matter the challenge.
Cycling-Specific Features
One of the standout features of the Garmin Epix Gen 2 is its advanced GPS capabilities. The multi-band GPS ensures pinpoint accuracy, even in challenging environments such as dense forests or urban areas with tall buildings. This precision is crucial for cyclists who need reliable data to track their routes and progress. The watch also comes with preloaded cycling-specific maps and offers turn-by-turn navigation, making it an indispensable tool for discovering new routes without worrying about getting lost.
For those who enjoy climbing, the ClimbPro feature is a game-changer. It provides detailed information about upcoming ascents, including gradient percentages, distance to the summit, and elevation gain. This allows cyclists to better pace themselves and manage their energy during challenging climbs—a particularly useful feature for hilly or mountainous rides.
The Epix Gen 2 also supports seamless integration with power meters, cadence sensors, and heart rate monitors. Whether through ANT+ or Bluetooth, the watch connects effortlessly to these devices, offering cyclists a comprehensive set of real-time performance data. This connectivity ensures that riders have all the tools they need to track and improve their performance.
Training and Performance Insights
When it comes to performance metrics, the Epix Gen 2 goes above and beyond. It calculates cycling-specific VO2 Max, providing insights into aerobic fitness. This is particularly helpful for cyclists aiming to improve their endurance or track their progress over time. Additionally, the watch monitors training load, helping riders balance intense workouts with adequate recovery to avoid burnout.
Customisable training plans are another highlight of the Epix Gen 2. Through Garmin Coach, cyclists can create plans tailored to their specific goals, whether that’s improving speed, building endurance, or preparing for an event. The watch also integrates seamlessly with popular apps like Strava and TrainingPeaks, making it easy to sync and analyse data.
One of the most innovative features is real-time stamina tracking. This tool estimates a cyclist’s remaining energy levels during a ride, helping them make smarter decisions about pacing. It’s particularly useful for long-distance events, where managing energy is key to finishing strong.
Garmin Epix Gen 2 Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor for any cycling accessory, and the Garmin Epix Gen 2 delivers exceptional performance in this area. In GPS mode, it offers up to 30 hours of tracking—more than enough for long rides or single-day events. For everyday use, the smartwatch mode lasts up to 16 days, ensuring the watch remains practical beyond training sessions.
For cyclists who enjoy multi-day adventures like bikepacking, the battery-saver mode extends the life to an impressive 21 days. This allows users to focus on their journey without constantly worrying about recharging their watch.
Safety and Connectivity
Safety is an area where the Epix Gen 2 truly shines. The built-in incident detection feature can automatically alert emergency contacts if it detects a crash, providing an added layer of security during solo rides. For cyclists who value peace of mind, this feature is indispensable.
The GroupTrack and LiveTrack features are equally impressive. GroupTrack allows riders to monitor their companions’ locations during group rides, ensuring no one gets left behind. LiveTrack, on the other hand, enables loved ones to follow your progress in real-time, which can be reassuring during longer or remote rides.
The watch also handles smartphone notifications seamlessly. Cyclists can receive calls, messages, and app alerts directly on their wrist, allowing them to stay connected without needing to stop and check their phone—a small but significant convenience during training or races.
How It Stacks Up Against Competitors
When comparing the Garmin Epix Gen 2 to dedicated cycling devices like the Garmin Edge series, the difference lies in purpose. The Edge devices, specifically designed for cycling, excel in their ability to provide constant, visible data during rides, mounted on handlebars for easy access. However, the Epix Gen 2 offers a broader scope, catering to multi-sport athletes who need advanced metrics across various activities. This makes it a compelling choice for cyclists who also run, swim, or hike, reducing the need for multiple devices.
The Apple Watch Ultra, on the other hand, shines in its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem and its robust smartwatch features. However, its cycling-specific tools are not as comprehensive as those offered by Garmin. While the Ultra can handle basic metrics and GPS navigation, it lacks tools like ClimbPro, cycling VO2 Max tracking, and compatibility with advanced sensors such as power meters. For cyclists who prioritise sport-specific features over general smartwatch capabilities, the Epix Gen 2 takes the lead.
Similarly, when compared to the Wahoo Elemnt Rival, the Epix Gen 2 offers significantly more functionality. The Rival is a capable multi-sport device, but it lacks the extensive mapping options, training tools, and customisation possibilities that Garmin’s ecosystem provides. Additionally, Garmin’s Connect IQ Store enables users to personalise their experience with downloadable apps, widgets, and watch faces, making the Epix Gen 2 far more versatile. For cyclists who want a watch that works both on and off the bike, the Epix Gen 2 emerges as the superior option.
Price vs. Value
The Garmin Epix Gen 2 undoubtedly comes with a premium price tag, but its value lies in its ability to function as an all-in-one device for serious athletes. Priced in line with other high-end multisport watches, it provides features that can replace multiple devices. For cyclists, the integration of advanced training tools, detailed performance tracking, and navigation features makes it a solid investment.
Competitive cyclists will appreciate how the watch supports data-driven training, helping to maximise their performance gains. The ability to track VO2 Max for cycling, stamina levels, and recovery times allows riders to train smarter and avoid overtraining. Additionally, its compatibility with third-party apps like Strava and TrainingPeaks means that cyclists can seamlessly integrate their Garmin data into their broader training plans.
For more casual riders, the value equation might differ. Cyclists who primarily stick to short rides or who don’t require advanced metrics may find less expensive alternatives, such as Garmin’s Forerunner or Instinct series, sufficient for their needs. However, those who engage in multi-discipline sports or want the best-in-class features will find the Epix Gen 2 to be worth the price.
Moreover, the build quality and durability of the Epix Gen 2 ensure it’s a device that will last for years. With regular firmware updates from Garmin and a design built to withstand rugged conditions, the watch offers long-term value that justifies the initial cost. It’s not just a gadget; it’s an investment in performance and reliability.
Real-World Feedback from Cyclists
Cyclists who have used the Garmin Epix Gen 2 report overwhelmingly positive experiences. Many highlight the ClimbPro feature as one of the watch’s most valuable tools. It allows riders to see detailed gradient and distance data for upcoming climbs, helping them conserve energy and manage effort effectively. One cyclist noted, “ClimbPro has transformed the way I approach hill training. Knowing exactly what’s ahead gives me the confidence to push harder at the right moments.”
The real-time stamina tracking feature has also garnered praise. This innovative tool estimates how much energy a rider has left during a session, offering actionable insights into pacing. A user shared, “I used to overexert myself during the first half of my rides, but now I have a better sense of when to push and when to hold back. It’s like having a coach on my wrist.”
Additionally, cyclists appreciate the accuracy of the multi-band GPS, which consistently delivers reliable route tracking even in challenging environments such as dense forests or urban canyons. This precision has made the Epix Gen 2 a favourite for riders who explore off-road trails or unfamiliar routes.
However, some users have noted that the interface can feel overwhelming at first. With such an extensive range of features, the watch may take time to fully understand and customise. Others pointed out the high price as a potential drawback, though most agree that the watch’s performance and durability ultimately justify the cost.
Overall, the Garmin Epix Gen 2 receives high marks from cyclists who prioritise performance, reliability, and versatility. Whether tackling tough climbs, training for a race, or exploring new routes, the watch proves itself to be a powerful tool for cycling enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The Garmin Epix Gen 2 delivers on its promise as a high-performance multisport watch. Its design, durability, and extensive feature set make it an excellent choice for cyclists who want more than just basic tracking. While it faces strong competition, its advanced cycling-specific tools and versatility across other sports give it an edge. For cyclists seeking a premium wearable that enhances every ride, the Epix Gen 2 is undoubtedly one of the best options available.
