Garmin Fenix 5
The Garmin Fenix 5 adorns the wrists of many high-flying business people and elite athletes who not only want to wear a multifunctional watch while out doing sports but in everyday life too. But can a GPS watch navigate as well as a full-fledged GPS computer on a road bike?
The Fenix 5 is touted by Garmin as the ultimate multi-sport watch, and due to its wide range of functions, it is well suited for a myriad of outdoor activities, including cycling. The Fenix 5 doesn’t have a touch screen, but the 1.2-inch colour display is easy to operate after a short period of familiarisation to the lateral buttons – three on the left, two on the right.
Compared to the two Edge models, the watch seems faster on the whole, but it’s only marginally quicker when calculating a route. The navigation function of the Fenix 5 seems – much like the GPS computers of Lezyne – very rudimentary, merely representing the track on a white background. On a straightforward route, which doesn’t go through the winding streets of big cities, this should be enough for you to reach your destination – providing the watch has enough reception, that is. Although the Fenix 5 uses GPS and GLONASS satellites like the Edge models, the reception wasn’t as good. During a test ride on the Rocacorba, which leads through a narrow gorge and partially along tree-covered roads, we were left without signal on several occasions.
If you want maps and navigation comparable to the Edge 1030 and 820, for an additional € 300 you can get the Fenix 5X, which comes equipped with sapphire glass and maps, unlike the Fenix 5 tested here. Wearing the watch on your wrist limits its use while riding, as you have to take your hand off the handlebars to read the display. However, the Fenix can be attached to the handlebars with a fairly bulky bracket.
The watch has practical ‘Smart Notifications’ like the two Edge models but encounters the same difficulties with gpx upload and Bluetooth connection stability. Routes have to be uploaded to the Garmin Connect online platform via a smartphone browser, before being sent from the Garmin Connect app to the Fenix via Bluetooth. When using the USB cable to connect the watch to a computer, however, gpx files can easily be dragged onto the device via the Explorer or Finder.
If you go off course during your ride, the Fenix will notice immediately and ask the rider to turn around. Re-routing back to the planned route is only possible with the more expensive Fenix 5X.
As a multi-sports watch, the Garmin Fenix also has an integrated heart rate monitor, thermometer and compass, and can survive post-ride diving with depths of up to 100 m on the Costa Brava. (We didn’t fully test the latter function due to the rather chilly January temperatures.) As a bonus, the watch functions as a display of your passion and leaves you to express yourself with different watch straps and a customizable home screen. Sport style for the every day, or something.
GPX-transfer: 16 Klicks
GPS accuracy:
Navigation:
Battery runtime:
Price: € 599.99
Route calculation time: 02:30 Min
Usability:
Value for money:
Design:
Weight: 83 g
More info: garmin.com
If you’re looking for a stylish multi-sport watch and can suffice with minimalist navigation, the Fenix 5 should prove to be a faithful companion. No substitute for a thoroughbred GPS unit, its versatility and wide range of applications render it a great choice. Thanks to its high quality workmanship and customizable design, it’s stylish enough for the boardroom too.
