Heres the Giro dItalia guide. Youll find all the stage profiles together on one page here and summary of each stage.Route summaryIn one word: gentler. Its shorter as the average stage length is 173km, down 20km from last year. Its flatter, with about 43,000m of vertical gain which means 8,000m (15%) less than 2023, the least amount since 2010. If there are six summit finishes some of these are big ring types of climbs.Two time trials totalling 70km make the overall win tricky for pure climbers and there could be up to nine bunch sprints.Stage 1 Saturday 4 May 1850m V+An gentler Giro but no soft start. This is a short, crunchy stage and possibly the chance for Tadej Pogaar to take the maglia rosa and keep it to Rome. A feat not achieved since Gianni Bugno in 1990 but would it be wise to try? The stage win, yes but defending the lead in the coming days is another matter. Hell find plenty of rivals at least for the win in Torino.Stage 2 Sunday 5 May 2300m V+A scenic ride via the Zegna Oasis, a park created by the eponymous fashion designer. The Oropa summit finish is no walk in the park, listed as 11.8km at 6.2%, this includes the easy roads out of Biella that lead to a fierce 7km section that almost never goes below 8% as it winds up through the woodland with steep hairpins, this is a big day for the GC contenders.Stage 3 Monday 6 May 750m V+Monday and a sprint stage as the race crosses the plains. Theres more food and wine than sport as it passes risotto rice fields and plenty of vineyards before the climb to Fossano which could sour things for the sprinters.Stage 4 Tuesday 7 May 1700m V+A start in Acqui Terme, famous for its boiling spring that has gushed out steaming water since Roman days but the race wont reach boiling point until late as it crosses over the Ligurian hills to the Mediterranean and then takes up the Milan-Sanremo. Like the previous day a short climb, this time the Capo Mele, the easiest of the capi triology, is there to disrupt sprint trains before the finish.Stage 5 Wednesday 8 May 1700m V+After the previous days Milan-Sanremo dj vu, more familiar roads with the Passo del Bracco, this time taken in the opposite direction to the 2023 Giro and then a finish in Lucca in one of the regional heartlands of Italian cycling and here the Montemagno climb is gentle. This is the third sprint stage in a row.Stage 6 Thursday 9 May 1900m V+The sterrato or strade bianche stage with three sections totalling 11.6km to the south of Siena. Its a more gentle day than the Giros 2021 stage to Montalcino but theres still 1,900m of vertical gain here, and packed in the second half. The gravel gets the headlines but there are plenty of twisty tarmac roads with steep ramps to make the going hard too.Stage 7 Friday 10 May 400m V+The first time trial stage and the profile says it all, flat for 34km before the climb to Perugia including some steep parts. Two time trial stages in this race are an invitation to hulking homeland hero Filippo Ganna.Stage 8 Saturday 11 May 3750m V+A hard day, a real mountain stage. An unmarked but very real climb out of Spoleto will help the breakaway go clear. Prato di Tivos been a regular in Tirreno-Adriatico, eg 2021, and hosts the second summit finish of the Giro. Its a long climb on a wide road, a ski station summit finish but with a wild feel as its remote. Once again near the Gran Sasso, RCS will be praying theres no headwind so as to avoid last years anticlimactic outcome at nearby Campo Imperatore.Stage 9 Sunday 14 May 1300m V+The Giro is back to Napoli for the third year in a row and this time a possible sprint finish but with some tricky roads in the finale, this is no dragster finish. First via the volcanic campi flegrei said to be more risky than Vesuvius for a disastrous eruption then into the urban streets where the peloton has its own risk. At 206km its the longest stage of the opening week.Stage 10 Tuesday 14 May 2850m V+A start in Pompeii and the Giro reaches its southernmost point for the three weeks before heading north into the Matese hills and a summit finish on the Bocca della Selva, a long climb but rarely steep, a big ring kind of climb or what is called pedalabile, pedalable in Italian, and a probable breakaway day but only 141km.Stage 11 Wednesday 15 May 1850m V+A sprint stage on the coast.Stage 12 Thursday 16 May 2100m V+A fun stage with some of the wall climbs from Tirreno-Adriatico, but none of the wildest ramps. There are six categorised climbs and more unmarked ones.Stage 13 Friday 17 May 150m V+A sprint stage.Stage 14 Saturday 18 May 100m V+The second time trial stage and flat. Its on rural, twisting roads where a good line saves seconds.Stage 15 Sunday 19 May 5250m V+The tappone. In a Giro of shortened stages this is the longest stage of the race. A 220km marathon and over 5,000m of vertical gain. The Mortirolo is mid-stage and if its climbed by the easy side that means they descend the trickiest slopes. Mottolino, not so much a ski resort as a ski piste, for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno. Its via the main road to the Passo Eira, then a turn onto a small service road with sections from 9-17%. As a one way road up, the rest day after is planned to allow more time to get the race infrastructure down the mountain.Stage 16 Tuesday 21 May 4350m V+Two mountain passes but no points then Stelvio from Bormio and the Cima Coppi high point, a big day for the mountains competition as its in the stage and the springboard for a breakaway. Then a long procession into South Tyrol and Italys German-speaking corner ending in a summit finish above Ortisei with gentler gradients to start before 3km at over 10% on the Panastrae.Stage 17 Wednesday 22 May 4100m V+If stage 15 was the tappone, this is another claim to royalty. The Dolomites and 4,100m of climbing compressed into 159km with the famous Selva and Rolle passes before the new Passo Brocon, climbed here twice: once from the north then a descent to the south before climbing back up another version of the southern flank. The stats on the profile say the first time is easier but the second time up is more uneven and has some steeper parts. Neither side is savage but combined theyll be selective.Stage 18 Thursday 23 May 550m V+A sprint stage as the race exits the mountains via the prosecco vineyards. Arguably more importantly its an active rest day for the GC contenders who can recover a bit for the upcoming days. Watch out for the corners in the finish through Padova.Stage 19 Friday 24 May 2850m V+A day for the breakaway? Surely thats the base case on a stage with 2,700m thats open to many types of rider but its also ambush territory on the off-chance a rider has a slender lead and a rival with a strong team wants to hammer things.Stage 20 Saturday 25 May 4250m V+Two ascents of Monte Grappa, 18km at an average of 8.1% is tough but thats with two brief downhills on the way so its more often 9% and more, especially on the upper slopes. The descents matter as much as the climbs, tricky in places.Stage 21 Sunday 26 May 300m V+A copycat stage of last years finish with a start in the Eur district and then the Rome criterium finish.The Rules and moreThe Giro has published several versions of these profiles and the ones above are the latest and hopefully final version: look for the I in the green circle each day to denote the new Intergiro points competition which will also offer 3-2-1 second time bonuses.The announcement of the extra Intergiro competition a few days ago has seen all the race profiles redrawn but we dont know what it means for the traditional points competition. In the coming days well get the race rulebook and more on the various in-race competitions. So for now its just the stage profiles and mini-previews.Once the rulebook is published in the coming days available all the useful bits will be shared here.As ever you can read this post but there is a permanent page at inrng.com/giro which can also be found via the menu at the top.The post Giro dItalia Stage Guide first appeared on The Inner Ring.

In images that are sure to make Lance Armstrong crease with frustration, Classics rivals Tadej Pogacar and Michael Matthews have continued to showcase their budding bromance with a day out go-karting.Both Matthews and Pogacar carpooled to the recent Milano-Sanremo, before finishing alongside each ot...

Ebikes have gained popularity in recent years as a comfortable and eco-friendly transport option, both for commuting and recreational purposes.Thinking about buying an eBike? If so, you're in the right place, because in this guide you will find out what are the different types of electric bikes and what you should consider to choose the one that suits you best.Happy riding!What are electric bikes?Electric bicycles, also known as eBikes, are traditional bicycles equipped with a motor that helps pedaling and an electric battery that usually offers about 70 km of autonomy.The main advantage of these bicycles is that they provide an extra boost to cyclists that allows them to overcome the most demanding moments with less effort and go further than they did before.However, according to the European Parliament's definition, an electric bicycle is a two- wheeled fitted with pedals that are capable of propelling it and is equipped with an electric motor which provides a continuous rated power that not exceed 250 W electrical assistance and must cut off when the cycle reaches 15.5 m/h or 25 km/h.If the power exceeds 250 W or the motor assistance allows reaching speeds above 25 km/h or 15,5 m/h without pedaling, the vehicle will no longer be governed by the regulations that affect traditional bicycles and the traffic regulations that apply to mopeds or motorcycles will have to be taken into account, with all the paperwork and costs that this entails (registration, name changes, revisions, etc.).In any case, these traffic regulations may differ from country to country. So we recommend that you check local regulations regarding the use of electric bicycles before buying one. As each region may have specific rules regarding speed limits, power output, age restrictions, and where eBikes are allowed to be ridden.5 important things to have on mind before buying an e-bikeBefore diving into the world of eBikes, there are a few essential factors to consider. These will help you make a better informed decision and choose the right electric bike that fits your needs and preferences.1 - Motor PlacementThe first aspect to evaluate is the placement of the motor on the electric bike. There are three common options: rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive and mid-drive motors.Rear-wheel drive motors are built directly into the rear hub, so there is no need to change the geometry of the bicycle and they are more economical than bottom bracket motors.The same applies to front-wheel drive motors. Only, in this case, it is not necessary to disassemble the drivetrain to incorporate them into the bicycle. They are therefore easier to install.However, mid-drive motors provide a more balanced weight distribution and a riding experience much more similar to that of a conventional bicycle. And, on the other hand, they respond faster and more efficiently on hills.2 - MaterialsMaterials used in the development of a bicycle will not only determine its weight, but also its durability and performance.Aluminum is a more rigid and impact-resistant material than carbon. That is why when a bicycle with an aluminum frame receives an impact, it dents and does not return to its original shape. However, it is more susceptible to fatigue from bumps and uneven terrain.Carbon, on the other hand, is a material composed of sheets of overlapping fibers bonded together with a resin. It is therefore more delicate and, if it receives a hard blow, it could break more easily. However, as it is an elastic material, it absorbs the irregularities of the terrain better and its durability is usually greater.So, if you're looking for a lightweight eBike that will increase your riding comfort and allow you to reduce stress on uphill sections or uneven terrain, go for a carbon frame.While if you are looking for a more economical bike, ready for demanding urban use or to accompany you on your adventures with panniers, we recommend an aluminum frame.3 - Battery range and charging speedThe battery range determines the distance that can be traveled on a single charge, while the charging speed indicates how long it takes to fully charge the battery.At this point it is important that the range of the eBike covers the distances that are usually traveled and the charging time does not exceed the rest time between the different stages.However, there is a third aspect that is not considered in most buying guides and is equally important: the ease of charging.Charging an eBike battery is as simple as charging any electrical device. You plug the charger into the mains and then into the battery's USB port.The problem is that if your eBike does not have a removable motor, you will have to move your bike to the nearest power point. Whereas, if you have a Crow, you can remove the battery easily and take it with you wherever you want without having to move the bike. Or even carry a spare battery in your backpack for longer stages.4 - Quality of componentsBefore buying an eBike you should pay attention to the quality of its components, which is not the same as the brand of the bike.For example, in all Crow bicycles we use components from brands recognized for their reliability and performance in the cycling world. Brands such as Shimano, Ritchey or Campagnolo, which are well known for the high quality of their drivetrain components, derailleurs, brakes and other crucial parts.Investing in a bike with high quality components ensures a smoother, more efficient and longer lasting riding experience.5 - BudgetPrices can vary considerably depending on the brand, features and quality of the bike.Determining what budget you want to allocate to the purchase of your electric bike will help you narrow down your choices and focus on models that fall within your desired price range.And now that you know the points you should consider before buying an electric bicycle, how about analyzing the main types of eBike?4 Types of electric bikesNowadays we can find several types of electric bicycles designed for different riding styles and specific terrains. Here are some of the most popular ones:Gravel ebikeGravel eBikes are built for off-road adventures and are equipped with wider tires for enhanced stability and traction on unpaved paths. They typically have a more relaxed geometry, allowing riders to comfortably tackle rough terrains, including gravel roads and trails. However, they are also prepared for riding on asphalt, which makes them the most versatile type of eBike available.Electric mountain bikesElectric mountain bikes, also known as eMTBs, are designed for off-road cycling on challenging mountainous terrains. These bikes feature robust frames, powerful motors, and advanced suspension systems to handle rough trails and steep inclines with ease.Electric road bikeElectric road bikes are designed for riders who enjoy long-distance rides on paved roads. These bikes offer a more streamlined and aerodynamic design, allowing riders to maintain higher speeds with less effort.Urban eBikeUrban eBikes are specifically designed for city commuting and navigating busy streets. These bikes often feature a more upright riding position, providing better visibility and comfort in urban environments. They may come with features such as fenders, lights, racks, and integrated locks to enhance convenience and practicality for daily commuting.How to choose the right electric bike for youBuying an electric bicycle can be an exciting and rewarding experience. But, to select the type of electric bike that best suits your needs, you should consider the following factors:Riding PurposeDetermine the primary purpose of your eBike. Are you looking for a bike for commuting, off-road adventures or leisure rides? Understanding your riding goals will help you narrow down the options and focus on bikes that align with your intended use.Battery capacityA larger capacity battery will allow you to go on longer rides without recharging. However, larger batteries add more weight to the bike and may not always be the best choice.That's why our recommendation is to choose a battery with sufficient capacity to meet your needs.Bicycle weightThe motorization of traditional bicycles has caused some ebikes to reach weights of up to 25 kg (55 Lbs). This is a great inconvenience because it forces you to be weighed down by your bike when you ride above 25 km/h (without the assistance of the motor).However, in Crow we are committed to a system of ultralight bikes, between 13 and 16 kg (28 - 33 Lbs), which offer the possibility of removing the engine and reduce its weight by 3 kg more whenever you want. So you can choose between riding an eBike or a traditional bike depending on the moment and the situation.Frame size and fitMake sure the electric bike you choose has an appropriate frame size and a comfortable fit for your body. A well-fitting bike will enhance your riding experience and reduce the risk of discomfort or injury. Consult sizing charts provided by manufacturers or visit a local bike store for help finding the right frame size.Additional AccessoriesNote the availability of accessories compatible with the eBike. Accessories such as luggage racks, baskets, panniers and child seats can increase the versatility and utility of your electric bike. Look for models that offer customization options and eBike accessory integration.And so much for our little buying guide on electric bikes. We hope it helps you to find the perfect ebike. And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us.Ready to start exploring the world from a new perspective?VISIT OUR ONLINE STORE

Booked on a scheduled tour? Here's our guide to what to expect on tour.La entrada Supported Tours: What To Expect se public primero en Eat Sleep Cycle.

Last week we revisited the Golden Age of Hybridsthat brief yet magical time before the term became a catch-all for boring bikes that get ridden three times a year by people in sweatpants, and still referred to performance-oriented combination road-and-mountain bikes:By the mid-1990s the hybrid dream was effectively dead, and the bikes came to embody the worst of both worlds by combining the skinny rims and tires of a road bike with the uncomfortable-over-long-distances flat bars of a mountain bike:Arguably however there was still one exciting hybrid available as late as the early 21st century, that being the Lemond Wayzata, seen here in the 2002 catalog:In one respect this bike represents the apotheosis of the worst-of-everything trend that had started in the 1990s (skinny tires, paired-spoke wheelset, flat bars with wonky quasi-ergonomic bar-ends), but in another it embodies the original spirit of the genre as it is built on the exact same frame as the Poprad cyclocross bikewhich, as you can see, was the contemporary choice of the discriminating enthusiast:Its no wonder then that the iconic status of the Popradcoupled with whatever strange fumes may be permeating that garagecompels people to sell them for serious money:$2,000 may seem like a lot, but keep in mind youre getting a chain that matches the frame:As wells an adjustable stem and what appears to be the rear wheel of a Schwinn Varsity:Anyway, given the hybrids trajectory from edgy to anodyne, its possible that its modern-day equivalent, the gravel bike, could follow suit by vanishing into a mist of meaningless mediocrity. Certainly the signs that the Gravel Bike Apocalypse is nigh are all around us, chief among them being the countless indistinguishable articles about how wonderfully versatile they are:A Tweeterer brought this particular story to my attention due to its painstaking gravel-centric recreation of The Time-Traveling Retro-Fred from the Planet TridorkBret:Who, if you dont know, is the most widely reproduced cyclist of all time, adorning everything from magazine coversto loaves of bread:So what makes a gravel bike better then a road bike? Well, you can ride them more slowly if you feel like it, and you can also put 32mm tires on them:As someone whos been riding slowly on a road bike with 32mm tires for years I found this deeply puzzling:I mean sure, I did have to replace that bike eventually:Just kidding!Its the same goddamn bike.Regardless, the road bike gets a bad rap as a machine with a thong bikini-like lack of ruggedness and versatility, but that was really only true of them for a relatively short period of timespecifically the late 1990s and early aughts, when fat tubes and tight clearances came into fashion:Yet this was sufficient to change perception of them so completely that even Jan Heine considers it noteworthy that racers are using road bikes at Paris-Roubaix:Apparently this years race was noteworthy in that the racers used their normal racing bikes:But isnt that what they always did?Basically the bike companies just introduced pointless constraints to their racing bikes for awhile, from which theyve finally decided to liberate you:And for which Jan Heine appears to be taking the credit:I know Im incredibly grateful to the all-road bike revolution for making it possible for me to ride this road bike from 1982 all year round across a variety of terrain:This whole road bike thing might just catch on after all.

When it comes to fitness watches, there are SO many options on the market. Not only that, even within a single company like Garmin there are a LOT of choices!As a result, it can feel pretty overwhelming when you are in the market for a new fitness watch.It seems like every time I turn around there is someone asking for recommendationsin person, on social mediaeverywhere!Whenever I see someone asking what watch they should get? I always recommend the Garmin Venu 3S. You see, I have had mine for about six months, and I am absolutely in LOVE.I will always take the time to answer the question and give my two cents on why I think the Venu 3S is a great choice.Now, I will readily admit that I have had an Apple Watch for years. And when I say years, I do mean years. I got the very first generation/version of it when it came out, and I was a die hard fan.One of my favorite things was that there were so many ways to use it to be more active. I absolutely loved closing my rings, and as time went on I also grew to love the sleep data that it shared.I crashed my bike, wrecked my watch, and bought another instantly. To the point where I showed up at the apple store during COVID and BEGGED them to sell me one even though I didnt have an appointment.So, you might be wondering how a girl who was so dedicated to her apple watch, came toenthusiastically recommend the Garmin Venu 3S to anyone who would listen.In a nutshell? This watch perfectly fits exactly what I need from a watch right now.Its more geared towards fitness/well-being, and less focused on notifications and texting. Its comfortable and so pretty, and fits my active lifestyle so much more.I want to be less plugged in and more focused on living my life, and the Garmin Venu 3S is the perfect fit for me and where I am right now.Curious about why I think this is the best fitness watch available? Read on for my detailed review of the Garmin Venu 3S!Review in a NutshellPros:The Garmin Venu 3S is an incredibly powerful, versatile, and customizable fitness watch.It is very attractive, lightweight, and has great, adjustable strap options.It comes in 2 different sizes Venu 3 (45mm) and Venu 3S (41mm). I find the Venu 3S to be more than big enough for my purposes and comparable to the larger version of the Apple Watch .The features are nothing short of incredible. You can track EVERYTHING from workouts, to sleep, to stress levels. There is even a fancy sleep coach that was introduced with the 3S that will tell you exactly how many hours of sleep you should get depending on your activity/sleep patterns!The battery life is awesome. It says up to 14 days I personally usually get about 7-10 days on a charge depending on my usage.The watch is very attractive and comes in a variety of colors. I love the way it is round and looks just like a normal watch on my wrist. I should note that some of the more fashionable colors are only available in the Venu 3S (smaller size).Cons:The price. This is not the most expensive Garmin watch out there, but it is still an investment. What you get for the price is a good value, however compared to some of the other Garmin watches in my opinion.Notifications on the Garmin watch are there, but not really in your face. For me this is a plus because I want to be more present in my life and not tied to my watch/phone, but for some who are used to the ease of texting on an apple watch it could be a disappointment.Learning curve: This watch does take some intentional setup to get it customized the way you like. Its definitely not as plug and play as an Apple Watch.Garmin watches cannot make calls on your own. If you tend to forget your phone on a long bike ride, unlike some versions of apple watches you cannot have cellular service with your watch alone.Price & Where to Buy:$449 List Buy at Amazon.com*Buy at REI.comBuy at Garmin.comAll of the Garmin Features that You Know and Love (as well as some new ones!) at Your FingertipsThe seamlessness with which the Garmin Venu 3/3S fits into the Garmin world is amazing.It syncs so easily with my Garmin bike computer, and I love that I have all of the Garmin data right at my fingertips.I can start an activity right on my watch, and it syncs right up to Garmin Connect which also syncs with my Garmin bike computer.This is true if I am going for a walk or a hike as well. I can very quickly start the activity on my watch and get moving.Also, there is SO much data available on the Venu 3/3S and in the Garmin Connect app.One of my favorite features is the body battery and the sleep coach. This feature was new to the Venu 3/3S. Although, my understanding is that the sleep coach has been pushed out to other versions of the Garmin too!The sleep coach will tell me how much sleep I should get each night based on how I have been sleeping prior. It also assigns me a sleep score, and my sleep is directly related to my body battery number. The better I sleep, the more recharged my body battery is.This information is SO helpful when I am deciding what kind of workout I am going to do each day. Additionally, it helps to manage my stress through the day.Speaking of stress, the Venu 3/3S also measures stress. This is really helpful if you are focused on overall wellness. Managing stress and stress levels is a huge part of increasing your fitness. It is so rewarding to see my stress levels go down after a workout.Finally, I just was invited to join a beta program on the Garmin Connect app. It asked me what my goals are, what metrics are important to me, and customizes my home screen to reflect this.The new Garmin Connect Beta Interface/home page. I love that a company like Garmin is constantly updating its software and technology and pushing these updates out to previous versions of its watches.Super Customizable to Fit Your Lifestyle and Your NeedsI will say there was a bit of a learning curve when I was setting up the watch. It wasnt quite as plug and play/intuitiveas I might have liked. However, this means that I was able to customize it to give me the information that I want at my fingertips.For example, I was able to choose a watch face that shows my body battery, my steps, the watch battery, and my intensity (activity) minutes all in one place!The watch face that I chose. At a glance I can see exactly where I am at for my step goal for the day (which Garmin automatically adjusts depending on previous activity) and how charged my body battery is.I also absolutely LOVE that the Garmin watch defaults to a weekly activity goal. My Apple watch had a daily goal and I found this to be stressful. I would always feel a little guilty on rest days if I didnt close my rings on my apple watch. Now I can take a rest day without feeling like I am somehow doing my body a disservice.Now of course I know that taking a rest day is totally fine, but it would still bother me to not see that ring closed. I prefer technology that is more in line with what my bodys actual goals are than technology that seems to encourage me to be active for at least x number of minutes every single day.Now I do not consider myself to be a hardcore athlete, but I have talked to some who are and even they can be bothered by this feature of the apple watch.Theres something about doing a four hour ride one day and then your watch being a big jerk the next day and encouraging you to do even MORE that can be really frustrating and borderline unhealthy.The Venu 3/3S is easily one of the most comfortable and attractive sports watches on the market right now.One of the first things that I noticed about the Venu 3S is that its just pretty. I ordered mine in soft gold/dust rose and its just so attractive which I absolutely LOVE. Isnt she lovely?!Other fitness watches, even other Garmins, can look very sporty and utilitarian which is fine, but I am really enjoying this more feminine option.Its big enough to do all of the things it needs to do. The display on the smaller version for me feels even bigger than my Apple Watch (I had the larger sized apple watch for reference).If I want it to feel a little more sporty I can always put a different band on it, but for my purposes right now this is perfect.Garmin offers a variety of band options that you can order with your watch if you order from the Garmin website which is really nice. It also sells the bands separately if you want to be able to swap them out later (I am eyeing the navy band for a little contrast!).Not to mention the Garmin Venu 3/3S is incredibly comfortable.I tried a LOT of different Apple watch bands over the years including the sport band that was stretchy and continuous and I could never seem to get the right fit. It was either too tight or too loose, or it would actually give me wrist pain which was NOT good.The Garmin Venu 3S bands have SO many holes that you can find one that works for you.I do notice that if I want an accurate heart rate reading I have to make it pretty tight. If its too loose it is definitely not picking up on my increased heart rate on a ride.So, I just tighten it a bit for the ride and then loosen it up when I am done. Easy peasy!The Battery Life of the Venu 3/3S is IncredibleOne of the biggest problems that I had with my Apple Watch is that I needed to charge it every day.As a result I was always missing out on either movement time or sleep data, and it was incredibly frustrating.The battery life on the Venu 3/3S though is incredible. I generally get about 7 days with my usage, and it charges quickly.I have the battery life on the face of my watch, and every time it turns from green to yellow I just throw it on the charger. After about a half hour to an hour or so, and its good to go again.If You Are Used to an Apple Watch There Are Some Features of the Apple Watch That You Might MissThe Venu 3/3S does alert/vibrate with notifications like many smart watches, however it is not the primary function of the watch. This may be good/bad depending on exactly what you what your fitness watch for.If you like to talk to text on your watch and make/answer calls on your watch the Venu 3/3S may not be for you. It does not do these functions the same way, if at all.Additionally you must have your phone close by in order to receive notifications and calls. One of the things that I loved about my apple watch was that I could have service on the watch alone if I forgot my phone at home.I have found, though, that I like the more gentle notification system of Garmin very much. I dont feel like I am quite as attached to my phone as I used to be, and this suits my lifestyle very well.Bottom Line: Garmin Venu 3/3SI could not be more enthusiastic in my recommendation of the Garmin Venu 3/3S.I am a huge fan of the Garmin interface, the customizability, the attractiveness, and the features.You can broadcast the heart rate on the Venu 3S directly to your Peloton. Additionally, the Venu 3/3S is a nice mid-range choice for a Garmin watch. Though it doesnt have all of the features of the more expensive Garmin options it still offers a great range. There are truly more features than I use, and I do not feel like I am compromising at all with a more mid-range Garmin watch price point.It is less focused on notifications and being an extension of your phone, and more focused on health than a lot of the smartwatch families available on the market today.This is a really important distinction. If you arent as interested in the health data and are more concerned about connectivity/notifications then you should look at a different brand of watch.However, I truly believe that in the realm of fitness watches for women who ride that a Garmin watch is the way to go, and that in the Garmin family the Venu 3/3S is a great choice.More Stuff You Might Like12-Week Cycling Fitness Training PlanCycling Nutrition: 9 Tips For Fueling On The Bike10 Best Womens Padded Bike Shorts For CyclingAbout The ReviewerStacy Ann Smithis a New England-based cyclist who strives to stay upright on her bike. She is the founder of Sascy Cycling, and her mission is to encourage women to love their body and focus on what it can do, not what it looks like. When Stacys not cycling she is teaching high school history and eating pizza with her husband and son.IG:@sascycyclingThe post Garmin Venu 3/3S Review appeared first on Femme Cyclist.