New FitBit Surge with wrist heart-rate detection auto-uploads to Strava

Thin GPS watch offers basic metrics, smartphone connectivity for call/text notifications

The FitBit Surge uses LEDs to measure heart rate without a chest strap

Courtesy

Ben Delaney

Published: May 12, 2015 at 5:01 pm
The FitBit Surge uses LEDs to measure heart rate without a chest strap - Courtesy
The FitBit Surge auto-uploads via Bluetooth to FitBit and, when paired, Strava - Courtesy

Today FitBit announced that its Surge GPS watch with its wrist-based heart-rate monitor now auto-uploads to Strava. The FitBit Surge can be set for Bike or Run modes, with built-in GPS providing speed and distance metrics, plus an LED-based monitor giving heart-rate data.

By shooting light into the skin and measuring the reflection, the FitBit Surge then uses an algorithm to provide heart-rate data. This is a new trend in heart-rate monitors, which have for decades relied on a chest strap to measure heart rate.

With a Bluetooth connection to either a smartphone or a computer, the FitBit Surge can auto-upload a workout file to FitBit and, when synced with Strava, automatically send data to the popular social fitness site too. Users can link the two at http://strava.fitbit.com/.

Although thicker than a fitness tracker band, the FitBit Surge is relatively svelte for a GPS watch.

As with other FitBit activity trackers, the Surge is designed for all-day wear and monitoring of things like steps taken or sleep duration and quality.

The FitBit Surge retails for US$249. UK and AU pricing has not been announced.

The fitbit surge auto-uploads via bluetooth to fitbit and, when paired, strava: the fitbit surge auto-uploads via bluetooth to fitbit and, when paired, strava

With a Bluetooth connection, you can get call and text notifications on the Surge, and auto-upload rides to Strava

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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