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Garmin 645 for cycling and other outdoor sports

Former Member
Former Member over 6 years ago
Hi all,

I am interested in buying a Garmin 645 and I am curious how much are all of the analysis features available for cycling as you cannot connect a powermeter. I am talking for training status, training load, training effect (aerobic and anaerobic), VO2 max (i suppose this is not possible to caclulate for cycling, right?). I am generally cycling, but do not have a powermeter eitherway and wouldnt necessarily like to buy a 935, as i basically do not do (or plan to) triathlon and I cannot justify the extra cost if its only this. I am also interested to know which of the above training features are also available for other activities such as nordic skiing. I am not sure whether these features are focused only for running (as it is a running watch after all) or you can make use of them to other sports.

Thanks a lot!
  • 0 over 6 years ago
    I own the FR645 (no music). I do running, (mountain) biking, cardio strength and other trainings. As far as I can see, TE, Load and status is calculated for all trainings, not only running. VO2 max and lactate threshold is calculated when running. I really love this watch. It looks good, has many features, is lightweight.
  • 0 over 6 years ago
    If you are mainly cycling then I would go for an Edge device.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 6 years ago
    The reasson why i dont consider the Edge is that i would like to have something for everyday tracking also and not have two devices (e.g. Edge and a wearable for everyday tracking). I would also like to have it for other sports as well (e.g. nordic skiing). And as i said i do not have a powermeter, so Vo2 and lactate for cycling are not possible to get no matter which device i will use. I was mainly wondering for the other features if i can use them apart from running and based on what Markus said, it seems to be feasible. I have a question though. For the TE doesnt it require to have a value of Vo2 max and an 'output' value (like pace for running and power for cycling)? or the watch can calculate them based on the heartrate solely?
  • 0 over 6 years ago
    You only need heart rate to get training effect when cycling.
  • 0 over 6 years ago
    The FR 645 can record rides. However it can't record data from a powermeter! Which is extremely dissapointing.

    Garmin-Joey please enable powermeter support for FR 645. If you have disabled that for the reason not to take customers away from 935, then just continue not supporting multisport.

    Another reason for enabling powermeter in running is CIQ apps. There is an app "Datarun Premium" that actually work splendidly with Stryd, since it uses powermeter functionallity to make the 935 a very good running watch with Stryd / power. With that app you can get lap_power etc. Also in structured training.

    This is really really cool. Yet it does require powermeter support as a sensor. So please enable that - thanks
  • 0 over 6 years ago
    Petran, TE is calculated using heart rate while activity and your heart rate zones. Read: https://www.firstbeat.com/en/consume...ffect-aerobic/
    I recommend wearing a HRM chest belt to get accurate HR (optical HR sensor can be pretty incorrect depending on kind of sport/activity).
    Heart rate zones should be set up right. Since I do regular runs, I have set them up based on lactate threshold value. The FR645 can measure lactate threshold with a certain running test or while running with HR around lactate threshold.

    VO2max is just a value that defines your cardiorespiratory/aerobic fitness level. It is not used for TE calculation. Read: https://www.firstbeat.com/en/consume...fitness-level/

    More about TE, TL, VO2max and more: https://www.firstbeat.com/en/consume...ucts/features/
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 6 years ago
    Thanks a lot Markus for the detailed explanation. Are you generally satisfied with the 645?
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 6 years ago
    please enable powermeter support for FR 645


    As consumer's, it's natural to want all possible features available for your watch. From a marketing point of view it makes no sense at all. Garmin differentiates their products to make money. Bottom line. If you want a specific feature you need to purchase a device with that feature. If you added power meter support to the 645, where does it end? HRM-Tri/Swim support for OWS? Maps? If you were to add just one feature, who decides which one. Some will feel left out. Why would Garmin make several devices equal at different cost instead of making one device only? Because at the end of the day it all comes down to making money and that makes business sense.
  • 0 over 6 years ago
    If you are mainly cycling then I would go for an Edge device.


    The watch can do 13 data fields on one screen. Just get it on IQ connect.

    I bicycle, run and walk. I have this 645 and I really like it. Lightweight and thin.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 6 years ago
    The watch can do 13 data fields on one screen. Just get it on IQ connect.

    I bicycle, run and walk. I have this 645 and I really like it. Lightweight and thin.


    Thanks!