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.
The unknowness of this give away makes it even more enticing than the other give aways. I need to know.
Thx
Great! I like it!
Ooooooowwwwwww the possibilities.
So many options!
I sure could use that.
Awesome. Thanks for doing this
its funny you mention socks lol.. thats what I’ve been looking up this morning
I’ll take whatever you got!
Already polishing the crystal ball :-)
Wow.
I like blank checks. :)
The endless possibilities on what to choose …
Thanks for the opportunity
I‘d liked to be surprised
Teamwork makes the dream work!
Yes please
Sounds interresting
Surprise Me
It’s magic…
I love a good mystery!
That sounds great!
Im in!
Very cool – thanks for doing this stuff Ray!
Count me in!
Thanks Ray!
Won’t sleep tonight.
Let’s hope for a bright future then!
Great promotion!
wide open baby! Hit me!
Clever stuff for training one can hope for
Don’t stop me now, I’m having such a good time…
I will take what is in the mystery box
As long as it’s cycling related I would be happy!
Nice idea
Yes, please!
Exciting!
I’m in!
Mmmm mystery tech!
Oh yeah
Sign me up
A mystery prize!
This one for me please!
A new power meter please!
nice
Count me in, Ray!
I want this (what ever it is)!
In
Cheers!
Love a surprise
Yippee!
I could certainly use a new something or other!
okokokokk this extravaganza sounds cool!
Thank you!
Insane prizes so far
What a deal!
Great Give Away
Blank Check
I’m in “Gimme da meter”.
Love it!
I like it!
Please! Please! Please! Pick Meeeeee!
Good thinking! I can take it, please.
I like this idea
Seems like a great idea to get the future. Count me in please! :D
Very interesting:)
Whatever it is I’m sure I’ll want it!
Into the future we go
Nice
I’m in
yes
Surprise on multiple levels!
Sweet! I’m in!
Thanks for doing this!
Sounds good! Sign me up
Yes please!
Verrassing!
I love being to the first to get something new
Put me in coach!
Sign me up!
Hi Ray,
Great blog!
Mystery box!! In please.
Cool
Sounds fun
Amazing giveaway!
Cool giveaway, but this introduces the paradox of choice. There is a cool Ted Talk about it; link to ted.com
Woo hoo! Thank you
Come on, be my lucky day!
Please please Ray
?_?
I can only imagine
I’m in!
Nice
I can get the trainer my husband hogs!
Intrigued !
I’ve always wanted to win the future.
Yes please
I love a good bike toy surprise!
Waiting for the best announcements…
This is getting better and better