Best Bands For Apple Watch Cyclists: Comfort Meets Style

Have you ever found yourself mid-ride, only to be irritated by a watch band that’s either too tight, loose, or soaked in sweat? The right band isn’t just an accessory for cyclists who rely on their Apple Watch. It’s a necessity.

But with so many styles and materials out there, which one keeps up with the rigorous demands of cycling?

I’ve taken the task to heart, testing bands and even gathering insights from fellow cycling enthusiasts who rely on their Apple Watches as much as their bikes. The aim? To strap you up with a band that’s not just about looks but performance and comfort on those long rides.

Looking for a quick top pick? The Nike Sports Band races ahead of the pack. It’s a mix of breathable design and sturdy grip that sets it apart.

Let’s ride through the reasons why it’s a top choice! 🚴‍♀️⌚🚴‍♂️

In A Rush? Here are the Best Bands For Apple Watch Cyclists

Detailed Reviews for the Best Apple Watch Bands for Cyclists

You will likely find the Nike Sports Band an excellent match if you value functionality and a sporty aesthetic look.

Its breathable, lightweight design is ideal for long rides. The range of colors adds a personal touch to your cycling gear. The secure fit is especially helpful, providing peace of mind during high-intensity cycling sessions.

Its focus is clearly on performance and comfort during physical activities, which it delivers in spades. Still, there might be better choices for cyclists looking for a band that complements a broader range of attire.

While durable, the fluoroelastomer material lacks the premium tactile sensation of leather bands.

The Sports Loop hit the market with the Apple Watch Series 3 and is one of the best bands to work out with.

These bands are quicker to adjust than Sports bands and do not suffer from the sweat accumulation problem their counterparts do. This is because the straps never completely sit on your skin. On top of that, their Velcro pieces permit space for airflow between your skin and the band.

Besides solving the sweat accumulation issue, the Sports Loop is also highly comfortable, thanks to the material it utilizes.

Unfortunately, what makes these bands comfortable creates their one significant downfall. Since Sports Loop uses fabric, it will absorb water and take quite a while to dry when it gets wet.

Cyclists who admire a touch of class alongside functionality may find the Apple Ink Leather Link to their liking. Its high-quality leather exudes a premium look, setting you apart from the silicone band crowd.

The unique magnetic attachment also ensures a snug fit without the hassle of traditional buckles, which can be a major convenience mid-ride.

However, riders who frequent rugged trails or unpredictable weather might pause here. Leather, while chic, isn’t the most forgiving material under rough or wet conditions.

It’s also pricier, reflecting its upscale design and material. Consider where and how you ride when weighing this option.

Compatibility is one of its strong suits, fitting various wrist sizes and Apple Watch models. It’s the kind of band that might transition smoothly from a day on the bike to an evening event. Just remember to factor in the care that luxury leather demands to maintain its appearance over time.

Though sports bands are the standard option, they are a solid cycling choice.

The strap feels good and secure and is extremely easy to adjust to find the perfect fit. It touts a high-performance fluoroelastomer material known for its durability. You’ll appreciate the softness against your wrist as you ride, a constant but gentle companion on long journeys.

While these are great benefits, sports bands are not ideal when working out because sweat often accumulates in the middle of the band. You’ll find that you’ll need to take your Apple Watch off to wipe the back constantly!

The Hisri Magnetic Clasp Band checks many boxes for comfort and ease of use.

The band’s flexible design wraps comfortably around your wrist, and you’ll appreciate how it stays in place during intense rides. Adjusting the tightness is easy, ensuring the watch didn’t slide around when I ramped up the speed.

During my rides, I noticed the breathable silicone did a fantastic job of wicking away moisture. This feature is handy on long rides under the sun. Its soft touch adds a comfort layer you didn’t know you needed!

Unfortunately, the magnetic clasp showed signs of weakness. The metal piece came off within days, which was disappointing. Durability is a concern, especially for gear intended for active users. The price point reflects the quality.

How To Choose Apple Watch Bands For Cyclists

Let’s take a look at what factors to consider when shopping for your Apple Watch band.

Apple Watch Model

No brainer, but check your Apple Watch model first!

Not all Apple Watch bands come in multiple sizes or are compatible with all models. For instance, some bands are limited to only the 40 and 41mm Apple Watch models.

Small Apple Watch models tend to be compatible with bands of sizes one to nine. Meanwhile, large Apple Watch models are compatible with bands whose size is between four and 12.

Wrist Measurement

One essential step when picking your Apple Watch band is measuring your wrist. Use one of these measuring techniques.

Cloth Tape Measure

The first way is by using a cloth tape measure, simply wrapping it around your wrist to get your measurement.

Piece Of String

Use a string instead if you do not have a cloth tape measure. Take the string and wrap it around your wrist, then use a ruler or a flat measuring tape to measure the part of the string that fits around your wrist.

Be sure to use a stretch-free material for your string.

Piece Of Paper

The third option is to use a piece of paper. Cut the paper into a strip and wrap it around your wrist. Mark the point where the paper overlaps with a pen. Then, compare the strip to a ruler or other measuring tool.

Apple’s Online Tools

You can use Apple’s online measurement tool to ensure the perfect fit. Head to the store page’s Solo Loop and click “Start your measurement” to download the sizing tool. Alternatively, you can use Apple’s on-page calculator and input the measurements you got from the earlier methods.

When using these methods, ensure the paper, string, or tape measure fits tightly to your wrist and doesn’t slide around. If you use an Apple Watch to track cycling, you want it to fit snugly on your wrist and stay on your skin for its sensors to function and offer accurate heart rate data.

You may also like to read – How To Pair Apple Watch With Zwift

Additional Considerations

Besides Apple Watch model, sizes, and wrist measurements, additional criteria for getting the best bands for Apple Watch cyclists are:

• Comfort: While your band should provide a close enough fit, it should also feel comfortable. There should be no chafing.
• Handle Sweat Well: Time spent on your bike will produce sweat, and your band must handle it well.
• Water-resistant: Though this is not an essential criterion, your Apple Watch band should be able to handle water well, ideally drying quickly.
• Material: The band’s material will determine comfort. For instance, soft liquid silicone rubber bands have an elastic quality that will let them slip over your hand, contracting on your wrist.

Frequently Asked Questions