Heads up! The big Garmin annual spring sale has started, with $200 off the Fenix 8 (first sale to date!), $100 off the Edge 1050, Forerunner 965 at $499, the Forerunner 265, the new Instinct 3, and countless other Garmin products including inReach Mini 2. Plus the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black Titanium is on sale, and some Suunto & Wahoo product deals too. Full list & thoughts 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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Here’s how to save!
Wanna save some cash and support the site? These companies help support the site! With Backcountry.com or Competitive Cyclist with either the coupon code DCRAINMAKER for first time users saving 15% on applicable products.
You can also pick-up tons of gear at REI via these links, which is a long-time supporter as well:Alternatively, for everything else on the planet, simply buy your goods from Amazon via the link below and I get a tiny bit back as an Amazon Associate. No cost to you, easy as pie!
You can use the above link for any Amazon country and it (should) automatically redirect to your local Amazon site.While I don't partner with many companies, there's a few that I love, and support the site. Full details!
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!
Wanna create comparison chart graphs just like I do for GPS, heart rate, power meters and more? No problem, here's the platform I use - you can too!
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!
Get all your awesome DC Rainmaker gear here!
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?
- Which GPS watch should I buy?
- I’m headed to Paris – what do you recommend for training or sightseeing?
- I’m headed to Washington DC – what do you recommend for training?
- I’m from out of the country and will be visiting the US, what’s the best triathlon shop in city XYZ?
- What kind of camera do you use?
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5 Easy Steps To The Site
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 2024 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.
I need a flux capacitor!
The future is right around the corner! Thanks Ray for the goodies!
hey
I see new Garmin Edge calling my name! :-)
I love blank checks!
A surprise package. Something new and cool from the Interbike? Or is it Interbike?
Back to the future!
Interesting?
I could use a new pair of socks, indeed.
Blank checks are the best checks!
I will take anything.
Nice
YES!!!! Thanks
Wow!
Come on father time – please be a free extra 100 watts on my FTP!
Oooh, ticket to the future, count me in. Could it also be pedaling through Paris?
you can put my name on that blank check!
Thanks Ray!
Fingers crossed for a Marty McFly hoverboard.
very cool idea – thanks!
Ohh!! The possibilities!!
Did I win?
Always excited about the future.
I want cake!
Oh! New and shiiinyyy! ☺️
Cool, I want that!!!
Hoping to win this!
I will take it
Thank you a lot Ray, an interesting giveaway!
Yes!
Thanks DC
oh GOSH, this sounds cool
Thank you!
I love a mystery!
This is the best idea!
I can see the future,
Newbie triathlete.
Thanks Ray!!!!
I needed a new pair of socks.
And now, I can finally win the Future!
To the future!
Like the unannounced
Its raining dreams! Merci Ray, extraordinaire comme idée!
Sounds exciting! Fingers crossed!
The future eh?
You got a Rate is?!?…
Brilliant giveaway. Socks it is then ?
yes me too
Pot Luck!
Go giveaway!!
Mystery prize. I’m in!
I’m so excited! ?
Anything, but not everything
Gentlemen, start your DeLoreans.
Pick me, pick me :)
Always in for a surprise :p
Great give away, I’m in!
Cool!
Thanks!
Sounds awesome. I love socks.
I like cake. I want some cake please
I love blank checks
This would be amazing! A true dream come true.
Interested in winning the future lol.
Thanks ray
Wow, count me in and exited on this! :)
So many possibilities!!
Sooo exciting!! I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a win today!!
Count me in!
New smart trainer?
Thanks.
I’m in!
This is awsome!!
Well, this could be really interesting!
Mistery gifts? Put me down for one!
Whee! My second chance at a Fenix! Thanks.
I love a good grab bag…or can I pick what’s behind the door?
This is exciting. Just like xmas morning.
Yes!
I love getting something i don’t know yet
Cool!
I put this on my calendar and still totally forgot. but, I got in a great run and spent time with my girlfriend instead. so, I”m figuring I won anyway
Win win! I enter!!!
Oh, heck ya! Thanks Ray
Surprise, surprise! love it
Of course! :)
Wait, what? Anything that’s not yet been announced!?
DCrainmaker generosity
Gift of the Future!
hey This is Anjum from Pakistan! not many would know about cycling in Pakistan, but there is a fast developing cycling community here and we really appreciate the reviews/overviews of products you do on your website and youtube channel…awesome work Ray!!
Free is my favorite
I like a surprise!
Here and ready for the surprise
Let’s rock n roll :)
Bring it on! Where’s all my ladies at ??
The future is free… Love it
Future i want my future!
Interesting
Yes please! Thank you!
A blank check sounds nice!
Oh heck yeah! Show us what you got! ( from rick and morty)