Garmin Fēnix 2 adds multisport options

New features include power-data integration and VO2 Max estimations

Garmin Fenix 2 gives estimates of VO2 Max based on pace and heart rate

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Ben Delaney

Published: March 14, 2014 at 4:33 pm
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Garmin's new Fēnix 2 combines the outdoor navigation and tracking features of the original Fēnix with a host of new cycling, running, swimming and other sport elements along with boosted smartphone connectivity.

When on the bike, Fēnix 2 offers metrics on things like speed, power (if a meter is present), heart rate and more. While running, users can get many of the high-end features from the Garmin Forerunner 620 watch when using the Run heart-rate strap, including cadence, vertical oscillation and ground contact time. Also, the watch plus the Run HR strap calculates a VO2 max estimation and a suggested recovery time after a workout, plus gives recovery checks during and after intense workouts. As with the 620, users can set time, distance or speed goals, then compete against a Virtual Partner.

With Bluetooth Smart, Fēnix 2 users can send their live or post-event data to Garmin Connect via their smartphone. Also, users can pair their iPhone (4S or later) with the watch to get email, call and text notifications on the watch.

Garmin fenix 2 gives a recovery time estimate after workouts based on the intensity. the more activities you record, the better it learns your physiology, and the better results it gives: garmin fenix 2 gives a recovery time estimate after workouts based on the intensity. the more activities you record, the better it learns your physiology, and the better results it gives - Courtesy

Recovery time is estimated based on workout intensity

Besides sport categories like cycling and running, the Fenix 2 has activity profiles for Ski-Board, XC Ski and Swim. Ski-Board measures and records skiing or snowboarding activities, pausing the time and distance tracking when standing still or, Garmin claims, when going up a ski lift. This mode can also detect individual runs for separate analysis. The watch comes with a strap extender for wearing over the sleeve of a jacket. In Swim mode, the Fēnix 2 can record stroke count, interval distance, pace and time. When in the pool, it can count lengths and give a SWOLF efficiency score.

The core functionality of the Fēnix 2 is navigation, and the GPS receiver is complemented by a barometric altimeter and a three-axis compass. Users can create routes, record waypoints and make GPS breadcrumb trails. Garmin's 'TracBack', as it sounds, leads users back to their starting point.

Garmin fenix 2 also has a variety of other sport modes, including cycling, skiing and swimming: garmin fenix 2 also has a variety of other sport modes, including cycling, skiing and swimming - Courtesy

The watch has distinct modes for a number of sports

With a steel-reinforced body and a mineral-glass lens, Garmin hopes the watch will work as a daily watch as well as sports equipment. The rechargeable battery lasts up to 50 hours in GPS mode or up to five weeks as a watch, Garmin claims.

Finally, the Fēnix 2 control Garmin's Virb and Virb Elite video cameras with start/stop recording and photo stills.

The Fēnix 2 is available this month for £359/US$399 and will also be sold as a 'Performer Bundle' with the Run HR strap for £389/US$449.

Ben Delaney

Contributor

Ben Delaney is a journalist with more than two decades of experience writing for and editing some of the biggest publications in cycling. Having studied journalism at the University of New Mexico, Ben has worked for Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, VeloNews and BikeRadar. He has also previously worked as Global Brand Communications Manager for Specialized. Ben covers all things road and gravel, and can be found logging big miles in the Rocky Mountains that nestle alongside his home in Boulder, Colorado. He has covered the most important bike races in the sport, from the Tour de France and Tour of Flanders, to the Unbound gravel race, and specialises in tech content, showcasing what the pros are riding and putting everyday equipment through its paces.
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