I didn’t even own a smartwatch before Black Friday, but I’ll be making the most of this amazing Garmin Epix deal at H Samuel in the UK

I’ll be honest, much like my colleague Tom Davidson, I’ve often considered the idea of a smartwatch as a bit of a gimmick and thought they were just an unnecessary fad. I mean do I really need a watch that tells me how well I’ve slept and other random health data?

The answer, if I want to become a better cyclist, which I do, is yes. Nowadays being on top of your general health is pretty key to developing as an athlete and a Garmin Epix is the ideal bit of kit to help you do that. Fortunately for anyone on the lookout for an Epix, they’re currently hugely reduced as part of H Samuel’s Black Friday sale. They're also named in Cycling Weekly's best smartwatches for cycling guide too.

The watch was previously available for £649.99 via the high street retailer. But it is now an incredible £324.99, for this weekend only. It’s payday for me today and I am very very tempted indeed.

Garmin Epix (Gen 2)

UK - Was £649.99, now £324.99 | Save £325 at H Samuel

The creme de la creme of smartwatches, the Garmin Epix really is the full package. The discounts available for this particular item don't get much better here in the UK than this offering from H Samuel.

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Simon Smythe reviewed this product for Cycling Weekly last winter and made clear that it was pretty groundbreaking when it comes to the smartwatch tech field. The watch earned a solid five out of five stars due to its array of outstanding features that all ensure it’s like having “a second brain” strapped to your wrist.

With that sort of whopping discount at H Samuel, who wouldn’t want a second brain? I know I could do with one from time to time, particularly when it comes to tracking health data and sporting performance.

The watch won’t just benefit cyclists either. Its ability to measure just about every aspect of performance data means that it could be used in pretty much any physical activity, including just working out in the gym.

One of its biggest strengths though is its fantastic battery life, a feature which sets it apart from other smartwatches out there. When it came to the product test carried out by Simon, he soon saw that the promise of six days between charges was genuine, it really could stand up to that sort of lengthy use.

Simon really couldn't recommend it enough and has definitely convinced me to splash out this Black Friday. If this watch doesn’t take your fancy then maybe one of the other best deals available for cyclists will.