Comments for DC Rainmaker

Comment on A look at tonight’s hard brick workout with the Garmin Fit app and new Live Tracking service by Allan

Allan — Sat, 18 May 2013 13:50:20 +0000

Has anyone successfully gotten the Android version of Garmin Fit working with the ANT Radio Service on Google Play?

If so, do you have any pointers for me? My device is using a Garmin ANT+ Stick, and is working properly with the accompanying ANT USB Service and demo apps. It’s only Garmin Fit that isn’t recognizing that there are ANT devices present.

If not, can the Garmin Developers fix this? This appears to be the officially-sanctioned Android ANT+ library from the ANT Alliance — so if the Garmin Fit app touts support for ANT devices, it should support this configuration.

Comment on Incredible deals: Garmin FR910XT for $299, FR310XT for $169, Edge 800 for $229, Ambit for $349 by Amanda H

Amanda H — Sat, 18 May 2013 13:29:57 +0000

I already have a Garmin 410 with the HR monitor. Can I use that HR monitor with the Garmin 910?

Comment on Incredible deals: Garmin FR910XT for $299, FR310XT for $169, Edge 800 for $229, Ambit for $349 by Jeremy

Jeremy — Sat, 18 May 2013 12:27:49 +0000

Hey Ray, I’m a relatively new runner but a swimmer at heart with an eye toward doing my first tri in the next 12-18 months. (I’ve got a few other running goals I want to hit first) Living in the northern part of the US, open water swims are limited to a few months until I spring for a wetsuit. Your review sold me on the 910 but I’m trying to justify the cost since I haven’t actually done anything of note just yet. What are your thoughts on using the 310 for my running now (and eventually biking) and then picking up the Swim down the road when I start doing more swimming? From just the training aspect, that is. I obviously wouldn’t use both during a race. I’m wondering if I should “grow into” the 910…

Comment on Garmin Edge 510 In-Depth Review by Rainmaker

Rainmaker — Sat, 18 May 2013 12:02:08 +0000

Yup, exactly.

What I do (as I generally race with a separate Edge on my bike as well) is get everything all turned on beforehand. Ensure that it has satellite lock in the location and validate that all the sensors are working (quick and easy).

That way, if it turns off due to power save, I simply turn it on as the very first task when I arrive in transition. That takes perhaps 2 seconds to press/hold the button on. Then I go back to getting my wetsuit off/helmet on/etc…

Now, I hadn’t thought through taking it on the run to be honest. It depends a bit on how you want to ‘save’ the data. Personally, i’d reset the activity and start a new one. The reason being that it’s a bit of a pain to splice the data up (not impossible, tools like Golden Cheetah and Sport Tracks can do it just fine), but in general it’s a pain.

But what you could do is go ahead and stop it when you hit transition, then reset it. After racking your bike and just before you leave (or as you’re running out), go ahead and start a new activity. She’ll get notifed then and can follow that for the run. Obviously, with a little practice you shouldn’t lose any time. For me at least, once I’ve started the run, I can do whatever I’d like with my hands – so you can sort that all out as you’re running that first few hundred meters.

Hope this helps!

Comment on Incredible deals: Garmin FR910XT for $299, FR310XT for $169, Edge 800 for $229, Ambit for $349 by anbody

anbody — Sat, 18 May 2013 11:48:46 +0000

Thanks. Sounds like the Suunto Ambit 2 is one of the few full feature watches atm with a decent look and every day capabilities.

Comment on Incredible deals: Garmin FR910XT for $299, FR310XT for $169, Edge 800 for $229, Ambit for $349 by Rainmaker

Rainmaker — Sat, 18 May 2013 11:47:22 +0000

Hi Steve-

With the 910XT and the quick release kit, you’ll get a nice compact unit on your stem/handlebars that looks almost like the Edge 500. Now the Edge series allow 8 data fields per page at once, versus 4 for the FR910XT (though both allow multiple data pages).

Given you’re a triathlete, I’d upgrade from the FR305 to the FR910XT. For two reasons, one because you’ll benefit from the additional functions in the pool with the 910XT (you wouldn’t with an Edge), and two because if you’re willing to part ways with little-red (the FR305), you can get another $50 back – bringing it down to $250 all in.

Hope this helps!