Heads up!!! Here’s your massive holiday sports tech deals list! This includes the Garmin Epix for just $419, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for just $699, the GoPro Hero 12 Black for $249, (or the brand new Hero 13 or $299!) and plenty more! Go check out the full list of 100+ deals here!
I’m DC RAINMAKER…
I swim, bike and run. Then, I come here and write about my adventures. It’s as simple as that. Most of the time. If you’re new around these parts, here’s the long version of my story.
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You can use the above link for any Amazon country and it (should) automatically redirect to your local Amazon site.Want to compare the features of each product, down to the nitty-gritty? No problem, the product comparison data is constantly updated with new products and new features added to old products!
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Think my written reviews are deep? You should check out my videos. I take things to a whole new level of interactive depth!
Smart Trainers Buyers Guide: Looking at a smart trainer this winter? I cover all the units to buy (and avoid) for indoor training. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
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Check out my weekly podcast - with DesFit, which is packed with both gadget and non-gadget goodness!
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FAQ’s
I have built an extensive list of my most frequently asked questions. Below are the most popular.
- Do you have a privacy policy posted?
- Why haven’t you yet released a review for XYZ product you mentioned months ago?
- Will you test our product before release?
- Are you willing to review or test beta products?
- Which trainer should I buy?
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- I’m headed to Paris – what do you recommend for training or sightseeing?
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In Depth Product Reviews
You probably stumbled upon here looking for a review of a sports gadget. If you’re trying to decide which unit to buy – check out my in-depth reviews section. Some reviews are over 60 pages long when printed out, with hundreds of photos! I aim to leave no stone unturned.
Read My Sports Gadget Recommendations.
Here’s my most recent GPS watch guide here, and cycling GPS computers here. Plus there are smart trainers here, all in these guides cover almost every category of sports gadgets out there. Looking for the equipment I use day-to-day? I also just put together my complete ‘Gear I Use’ equipment list, from swim to bike to run and everything in between (plus a few extra things). And to compliment that, here’s The Girl’s (my wife’s) list. Enjoy, and thanks for stopping by!
Have some fun in the travel section.
I travel a fair bit, both for work and for fun. Here’s a bunch of random trip reports and daily trip-logs that I’ve put together and posted. I’ve sorted it all by world geography, in an attempt to make it easy to figure out where I’ve been.
My Photography Gear: The Cameras/Drones/Action Cams I Use Daily
The most common question I receive outside of the “what’s the best GPS watch for me” variant, are photography-esq based. So in efforts to combat the amount of emails I need to sort through on a daily basis, I’ve complied this “My Photography Gear” post for your curious minds (including drones & action cams!)! It’s a nice break from the day-to-day sports-tech talk, and I hope you get something out of it!
The Swim/Bike/Run Gear I Use List
Many readers stumble into my website in search of information on the latest and greatest sports tech products. But at the end of the day, you might just be wondering “What does Ray use when not testing new products?”. So here is the most up to date list of products I like and fit the bill for me and my training needs best! DC Rainmaker 2023 swim, bike, run, and general gear list. But wait, are you a female and feel like these things might not apply to you? If that’s the case (but certainly not saying my choices aren’t good for women), and you just want to see a different gear junkies “picks”, check out The Girl’s Gear Guide too.
Hi Ray – Your wrote “There was also the wine aisle. How can you resist pickup up a case of wine when each bottle is only €2.54…and actually quite drinkable? Oh that’s right, we can’t.”
Why is that? Do you need a license?
Hmm, my wording my be funny there. I meant to imply we couldn’t resist…
Ahh…Ok – I misread – thanks!
North American sarcasm.
Misunderstood the world round.
Only in France can a bottle of wine cost 1/4 as much as a grilled cheese sandwich! J’adore!
In a pinch you can always try knotting the tube to isolate the puncture. Although if you also didn’t bring CO2 or a pump then that won’t help much either.
You’ve got to hate a flat on the bike when you’ve got no fix for it, especially on a nice day. Good thing you’ve got public transportation though…love your weekend reports, always entertaining.
Great update, riding to Versailles on your weekend is a very cool concept!
Also those ham and cheese sandwiches look incredible…
How was the accuracy without your iphone on your run? Not tried mine yet, tempted to along with some bluetooth headphones.
Ray – your meaning was completely clear – “There was also the wine aisle. How can you resist pickup up a case of wine when each bottle is only €2.54…and actually quite drinkable? Oh that’s right, we can’t.” – Looking forward to the rest of your test being released for the Apple watch. How badly did it fare sans phone?
I see variance sans-phone (with phone, no real issues there). In some cases it’ll be short, and in others long. Usually about the same amount (+ 5-8% distance).
Readig your article I was saying that I recognized the meudon forest and my favorite trails. Then I see a picture of my train station!
Next time you want to go running or biking around Viroflay keep me posted!
Antoine
How was the Fenix3 accuracy through the trails with the trees and all ? I am facing some strange behavior here.
Ray, would be nice to get your view on Fenix 3 and accuracy on trails. Mine tend to be short compared to other Garmin devices, and have to admit that it is very annoying (especially if doing races on trails). no problems on normal roads though.
There’s currently an issue that Garmin has acknowledged for trails/trees and shortening it. See the ‘Bugs’ section of my review for further (albeit minimal) details.
In my case on my run, I didn’t have another GPS unit (just the Apple Watch in non-GPS mode), otherwise I would have done some digging. And since it’s all tree cover, there’s no way to tell where the trails are on the satellite map unfortunately.
Hi Ray, one possibility for trail running is the Parc de Saint Cloud, from which you can easily go into la Foret de Fausses Reposes (by going through the town of Marnes la Coquette)
By public transport you can reach it either by Tram (T2 – get off at “Musée de Sèvres”) or by train (Garches station, from Saint Lazare or La Défense).
An example of a 25k run in those parks, starting from the Garches train station, here.
Awesome route. I got lost in the woods there one day on a long run last year sometime. But having the exact tram stop is definitely very useful. Appreciate it!
Great to see you scouting trails for GPS testing. You never seize to amaze with your dedication, all in the name of covering all scenarios! Keep it up, Ray! Oh, and bummer about the flat.
I discovered your blog recently… someone at the Paris marathon expo told me about it. I am American, live in Paris too and run in the bois de Vincennes…. too funny, I know where your pictures were taken because I too ran by that lake this weekend.
Kind of like déjà vu !
Awesome! Glad you’re enjoying it – and cool to hear from another (albeit long-time) expat here!
Hi Ray. I really enjoy the insights you give to the Parisian lifestyle. Just returned from a weekend there – didn’t manage to fit in a single run, cycle or swim, but did make it to the Cupcakery. My compliments to The Girl (& the staff).
Glad you were able to stop by! And don’t worry on missing swimming…not much to miss here on that front. ;)
Ray – huge thanks for all the effort on this site. Some of the combined info/research here cannot be found anywhere else. Now I’m hungry after looking at those photos – yum!
Ever hopeful for more Lucy updates. Did she get to spend quality time with her Grandpa? Has her opinion of the treadmill changed, or does it still mirror mine (as mentioned on last week’s podcast)?
I think she might make the cut for next weekend. :)
But she’s quite enjoying spending time with him, they’re BFF’s now.
As for the treadmill, we haven’t quite approached that again…
Was that a pic of the vibrator, note I mean the cobbled climb, don’t need more confusion.
This is my favorite blog and podcast, hopefully soon looking at a new powertap either pedals or crank.
Indeed, that’s the one!
Wife and I passing through Paris for a couple nights on the way to cycling in Provence. Any awesome hotel recommendations off the top of your head? Comfortable, mid-range, San Germain area? Ray or anyone? Thanks!
Eek, I wish I could help there – but I honestly don’t know the hotel scene at all here (since all the people I know stay with us). Sorry!
Your life is SO cool! Love reading these recaps!
The Opinel Knife. hadn’t seen one in ages.
(ehrrm, the “fromages italiens” corner in the cheese aisle does not look so italian, must say. Going on like this I shall plan a travel to Paris and bring you some serious stuff :))
Hi Ray, I was wondering whether you have an opinion or are planning to test Zoi. It’s a product supposed to help you improve your running technique (primarily), due to be released Q3 2015. Looks quite interesting
link to runteq.com
Hope it’s okay to ask this question here, didn’t know where else to submit this.
Interesting. Lots of companies wanting to get into the run metrics game. I’ll likely wait until they get closer to release to check them out.
Is that child riding a pony in the park? Growing up in California was great, but we didn’t get to ride ponies through a park :(
Yup, a pony. Oddly, many of the parks here have ponies in them.
I’m eagerly waiting for your review of the AppleWatch to see if it is indeed accurate enough sans iPhone to warrant a purchase instead of my ForeRunner.
If you’re anything like me you know that it won’t do the job as well as a forerunner, but it does do the job and you just need someone to excuse your purchase.
I am here to do that for you, get the apple watch you won’t regret it! :-)
You really need to slam that stem, Ray..
Unfortunately that’s not my bike to trim…
Any idea when you will publish your piece on UA? I’m quite curious about their plans with Endomondo.
Wait, the girl is a Coastal Carolina graduate? I grew up in Georgetown, south of Coastal Carolina and visited your shop while in Paris for the marathon. Yummy!!
I’ve been riding tubeless road (and mtn) for over 5 years. Zero flats, plus a more comfortable ride at 80-85 psi. It can be A bit of a challenge initially to mount the tires, but you’re a pretty capable guy. Highly recommended.
Stan’s notube solvent is the magic sauce.
Small world. I have enjoyed your website the last few years. Fun to see “the girl” attended Coastal Carolina. My youngest daughter graduated from Coastal in Marine Biology and then went to Michigan State for graduate school. Talk about climate change! Her attendance @ Coastal started our annual family vacation at Pawleys Island. #12 coming up. As the family has grown and the budget allowed we have gone from Creekside to mid-island to ocean view to Oceanside over the years. Go Chanticleers!
Hey Ray, love reading your adventures. What is the name of the grilled cheese stall/where is it?
It looks really good
Yup, here ya go! link to thegrilledcheesefactory.fr