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Week in Review–November 15th, 2020

WeekInReview22

The Week in Review is a collection of both all the goodness I’ve written during the past week around the internet, as well as a small pile of links I found interesting – generally endurance sports related. I’ve often wondered what to do with all of the coolness that people write, and while I share a lot of it on Twitter and Facebook, this is a better forum for sending it on to y’all. Most times these different streams don’t overlap, so be on the lookout at all these places for good stuff!

So with that, let’s get into the action!

Sports Tech Deals of Note:

The deals are starting to ramp up. We’re seeing some super strong Amazon deals this weekend on last generation Garmin gear, plus Garmin’s own $150 sale on the Fenix 6 series. Note that I wouldn’t expect any better deal on the Fenix 6 series than that, simply because companies like Garmin carefully plan these deals to not tick off their retail partners by increasing a sale price once it starts (otherwise people want refunds/threaten to return and re-buy/etc…).

Oh, you can always access all deals at dcrainmaker.com/deals

Also – Backcountry.com has a 20% off one item sale right now. While it’s not valid for most of the sports tech products you might want, it is valid on plenty of other supporting gear you probably buy. Using this link you’ll see the 20% coupon on the homepage to add to your cart. Plus, it helps support the site here.

And, there’s also the REI 20% off coupon sale too. You can use that link before buying anything on REI.com (even if shipped to your local store) to help support the site too!

ProductSale PriceAmazonOther siteSale Notes
4iiii Precision Ride-Ready Power Meters - $100 off!$235This is for their non-drive power meter, in either the 'Ride-Ready' config (they send you a completed unit), or $50 off for the factory-install (where you send in your crank arm). The Ride Ready option is really a solid deal, considering you get a reliable power meter for $235. Ride Ready R7000 - 30% off Ride Ready R8000 - 20% off Factory Install - 20% off
9th Gen Apple 10.2-inch iPad (Wi-Fi, 64GB) - $100 off!$229⚡ This is an awesome deal. I use my iPad primarily for TrainerRoad as well as Zwift when not with a larger display. I also occasionally use it for other apps, namely Wahoo SYSTM, Rouvy, and Peloton. But I pretty much test every smart trainer app on it. For all these cycling apps, the graphics capabilities is really pretty irrelevant, so having the absolute top-end/latest model won't make any difference. I prefer the budget options.
Amazfit Cheetah Pro - $30 off!$269
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen with USB-C) - $60 off$189I've been using these the past few months, after years of using the Beats Studio Buds...man, these things rock. My wife has already started stealing them, which means she'll probably get a set for Christmas so she'll stop sealing them.
Apple AirTags (4-Pack) - 20% off!$79⚡I make no secret how much I utilize AirTags, mainly, cause they've saved my butt numerous times already. We have them in every suitcase, and every backpack, and every bike bag. They're also hidden in most of our bikes (sometimes two of them). We were able to get our cargo bike back when it disappeared, as well as figure out when all our suitcases went missing during an annual family vacation where they were (for 5 days!), and plan appropriately. Seriously, just get them.
Apple Airpods (2nd Gen) - $40 off!
$159
$89These aren't the latest anymore, that's the newer 3rd gen units. But if budget is in mind, it's hard to beat these. It's still what my wife uses as her daily driver, including tons of time on the indoor trainer/bike.
Apple Watch SE (2022/2nd gen) - $70 off
$249/$299 (cellular)
$179⚡This is now the lowest price we've ever seen the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) - a very solid deal, especially with the new WatchOS 10 features adding in offline topo mapping, power meter support, and plenty more.
Apple Watch Series 9 - $70 off
$399/$499 (cellular)
$329This is Apple's latest Apple Watch model, and did quite well in my review when it launched about two months ago. Especially notable is all the new sports/fitness features it got this year, such as cycling power meter/sensor support.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 - $70 off!$729This is really the first slate of sales we've seen on the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and the lowest price to date. Note: It'll show $739, and then to get the full extra $10 more off, you have to check that 'Apply Coupon' button under the price.
BOB Revolution Flex Running Stroller - 20% off$439There's just no competition in our minds on the best running stroller - it's what we used with all three of our kiddos for everyting from intervals to 20-mile long runs. In fact, we actually have two of them - one at home in Europe, and one with family in Canada that we picked up used. Go Bob Go!
CORE Body Temperature Sensor - 20% off$227Both myself and my wife used these this past summer and fall, in particular as she was training for Kona and preparing for the heat.
DJI Avata Bundle - $300 off!$899The DJI Avata is DJI's smaller form factor FPV drone, and one of my favorites to fly. I don't use it all the time, but more for very specific things requiring a bit more agility (whereas most of the times I'll use the DJI Mini 4 Pro, Air 3, or Mavic 3 Pro).
DJI Mini 2SE Drone - $40 off!
$499 ($549 combo)
$299There's definitely something cool about seeing a sub-$300 drone. And there's nothing wrong with this drone, it's very good. Just be careful though, because it's lack of 360* obstacle avoidance means it's pretty easy to get yourself in a pinch for a beginner drone.
DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo with DJI RC - $100 off!$699
DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo with DJI RC-N1 Bundle - $60 off$659
DJI Mini 3 Pro with DJI RC - $150 off!$767Up till the Mini 4 Pro came out, this was my go-to drone. It's what I shot almost all my drone footage from, and is great for both cycling and hiking (or trail running with a hydration pack to hold it), as it's super lightweight and includes everything you need.
DJI Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo with DJI RC2 - $140 off!$959⚡ This is the first time we've seen the DJI Mini 4 Pro on sale, for a product DJI rarely discounts so soon after release. This is a great drone, and my go-to unit now for most trips.
FORM Swim Goggles (with heads-up display) - $70 off!$179This includes both the goggle, and a 1-year membership to their training/coaching platform.
Fenix 7 Pro Solar Series (7S/7/7X Pro) - $200 off!
$799+
$599⚡ This is the first time we've seen the new Fenix 7 Pro series on sale, and it's a nice strong sale. The smaller Fenix 7S Pro watch has become my wife's go-to watch since it came out, for all of her training and 24x7 usage.
Fitbit Charge 6 - 38% off!
$159
$99Given this is barely two months old, this is a pretty substantial deal - especially if you don't utilize the built-in GPS side of the device.
Fitbit Sense 2 - $50 off$249This isn't quite the biggest sale we've seen, so I'd expect it to go a bit lower over Black Friday.
Garmin Edge 1040 - $50 off$549This is a modest deal, but hey, a deal is a deal.
Garmin Edge 1040 Solar - $50 off$699This is a modest deal, but hey, a deal is a deal.
Garmin Epix (Gen 2) - $350 off!
$899/$999
From $449⚡⚡⚡ This is a crazy super strong deal, with Amazon having it as low as $449 (insane). Note that the Epix Gen 2 has continued to receive virtually all of the Epix Pro new features firmware updates. Also note: This deal is *STILL* available. Sometimes you'll have to click to show other retailers (on the right side), but it's still live.
Garmin Epix Pro Series (Sapphire Editions) - $200 off!$799⚡ This is the first time we've seen the new Epix Pro series on sale, and it's a nice strong sale. I'd say this is probably my go-to watch these days (middle-sized one), with the singular reason I tend to choose it over the Forerunner 965, being the built-in flashlight for night.
Garmin Epix Pro Series - $200 off!
$899/$999
$699⚡ This is the first time we've seen the new Epix Pro series on sale, and it's a nice strong sale. I'd say this is probably my go-to watch these days (middle-sized one), with the singular reason I tend to choose it over the Forerunner 965, being the built-in flashlight for night.
Garmin Epix Sapphire Titanium (Gen 2) - $400 off!$449⚡⚡⚡ This is a crazy super strong deal, with Amazon having it as low as $499 for Sapphire edition (insane). Note that the Epix Gen 2 has continued to receive virtually all of the Epix Pro new features firmware updates.
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Series
$549-$1,149
$329[Note: This is a renewed unit] Obviously, the Fenix 6 isn't the latest anymore, but these are still very capable watches and frankly, at $329, there's absolutely nothing from any of their even brand-new competitor watches (COROS, Polar, Suunto, etc...) that can even remotely compete with the features here. Heck, not even Garmin's own pricing for their Fenix 7 Pro can compete with this. Fwiw, all Garmin renewed units go back to the same factory original units came from. Frankly, there's virtually no difference. If you're on a budget, this is where it's at.
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar Sapphire Series (7S/7/7X Pro) - $200 off!
$799+
$699⚡ This is the first time we've seen the new Fenix 7 Pro series on sale, and it's a nice strong sale. The smaller Fenix 7S Pro watch has become my wife's go-to watch since it came out, for all of her training and 24x7 usage.
Garmin Fenix 7 Series (All Models/Styles) - $200 off!
$699+
$499⚡This is a strong deal if you don't care about the new optical heart rate sensor (including ECG) of the newer Fenix 7 Pro, especially given the Fenix 7 series has received virtually all of the Fenix 7 Pro's new software features, keeping them essentially identical.
Garmin Forerunner 255/255S - $100 off$249This is Garmin's mid-tier running watch, and is a very polished option with good multi-band GPS, and of course, a boatload of running metrics.
Garmin Forerunner 255/255S Music - $100 off!
$349/$399
$299This is Garmin's mid-tier running watch, and is a very polished option with good multi-band GPS, and of course, a boatload of running metrics. This model also includes offline music such as Spotify and Amazon Music.
Garmin Forerunner 265 Series - $50 off!
$449
$399
Garmin Forerunner 55 - $30 off
$199
$169This is a good little running watch, though, it also supports plenty of other sport types as well.
Garmin Forerunner 955 - $100 off!$399This is one of Garmin's most popular running watches, and this is now the lowest price we've ever seen on it. I often use this in my accuracy testing comparisons when validating other watches, due to it's very strong GPS performance. Note this is the base edition without solar.
Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar: $100 off!
$499/$599
$499This is one of Garmin's most popular running watches, and this is now the lowest price we've ever seen on it. I often use this in my accuracy testing comparisons when validating other watches, due to it's very strong GPS performance. This is the SOLAR edition.
Garmin Forerunner 965 - $50 off!$549This is the first time we've seen the Garmin FR965 on sale since launch. While it's not a huge sale, it's something!
Garmin HRM-PRO Plus - 25% off!
$129
$97This strap is one of the two straps I use constantly for other HR sensor accuracy comparisons (alongside Polar H10)
Garmin Instinct 2 Series - $50 Off$299This is a good deal, especially considering the Instinct 2 series got Training Readiness and a host of other new features over the course of just this year alone.
Garmin Instinct 2S Solar $100 off!$199This is a great deal at $199 for the smaller 2S units, especially considering the Instinct 2 series got Training Readiness and a host of other new features over the course of just this year alone. Plus of course all the existing triathlon/power meter/etc support it has built-in.
Garmin Instinct 2X - $100 off!$349This is the first time we've seen the Instinct 2X on sale, and since announcement it's received a huge slate of firmware updates and new features. It's best thought of as an Instinct 2.5, as it has almost enough features to really be more of an Instinct 3 (which doesn't exist at this point).
Garmin Tactix 7 Pro - $200 off!$1,099This is the first time we've seen the Tactix 7 Pro on sale. Note the other Tactix 7 Pro units/variants are also on sale for $200 off too!
Garmin Varia Radar (RTL515) - $50 off$149This is Garmin's standalone radar+taillight option, and $149 is pretty much the standard sale-price.
Garmin Venu 3 - $50 off!
$449
$399This is the first time we've seen this unit on sale since it launched a couple months ago, so this is a solid deal!
Garmin Venu SQ - 40% off
$199/$249 with Music
$149This is a so-so deal, previous 2021 and 2022 Black Friday's have put it all the way down to $119USD. So...I'd hold.
Garmin inReach 2 Mini Satellite Communicator (2-way) - $100 off$299⚡ This is my defacto satellite communicator when out of coverage area, and I've used it on a number of major treks over the past two years when well outside of cellular service, both in a 24x7 tracking mode for friends and family, but also there in case of emergency. Would strongly recommend for anyone doing anything in the wilderness.
Garmin inReach Messenger - $50 off$249
GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini - $100 off
$399
$249This is the lowest price we've seen on the GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini to date!
GoPro Hero 12 Black - $50 off!$349This is the first time we've seen a sale on the GoPro Hero 12 Black. It's not massive, but hey, it's a good start!
GoPro Hero 12 Black Bundle Combo Kit - $100 off!$349This is a solid little bundle, with the GoPro Hero 12, two Enduro batteries, a floating handle, a head-mount, and a carrying case.
Google Nest Cam Indoors - 30% off$69We have more Nest cam's than I can count. No really, we have half a dozen at the DCR Cave alone, plus more at home. We love them. Nest Cam's really only go on sale about 1-2x per year.
Google Nest Mesh WiFi Router - 55% off two-pack$119These are the WiFi mesh access points I use both at home and the DCR Cave. Love them - I don't need to dork with them, they just work. Sure, there are fancier 'Pro' versions now, but really, I just have zero issues.
Google Pixel Watch 1 - $100 off$250While the new Pixel Watch 2 just came out a month ago, the Pixel Watch 2 got almost all the software features two weeks ago via software update. The Pixel Watch 2 does have a slightly better optical HR sensor, and better battery life, but otherwise is relatively similiar.
Hammerhead Karoo 2 - $140 off!
$399
$259⚡The Karoo 2 is down to $299 ($100 off), but you can use DCR coupon code DCRAIN40 to get an additional $40 off, bringing it down to $259!!! A very solid deal given all the software updates it's received!
Hydrow Rowing Machine - $500 off$1,995This is one of the other more popular display-laden rowing machines. I haven't tried this, but my sports-tech reviewing buddy DesFit has (linked at side) and liked it.
Hyperice Normatec 3 Leg Recovery System - $100 off$699While this isn't something I've personally used, I know a ton of you do very much love it. Go forth!
Insta360 Go 3 - $20 off$379I actually quite like the Insat360 Go 3 and the combo of tiny form factor when you want it, and screen-box when you don't. I'm not sure $20 off is a sale worth jumping out of your seat for, but hey...a sale is a sale.
Jackery Portable Power Station - $85 off!$154This is something I use frequently when shooting out and about and I need to re-charge a crapton of drone batteries, action cameras, or just cameras and such. I also use it on trips to Eurobike and elsewhere to keep equipment charged. I've even bought a solar panel to hook up to it (surprisingly effective). Heck, I've even powered a KICKR trainer ride from it!
Lasko High Velocity Pro-Performance Fan (U15617) - 23% off$73This is one of the most popular indoor trainer fan companies out there, which rivals the Wahoo Headwind fan but cost a fraction of the price. Of course, it lacks ANT+/Bluetooth integration, but realistically if you really want that you can add a smart outlet for $10 to toggle it on/off from your phone if need be. I've actually got this fan in the DCR Cave recently on advice of many people.
Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee & Espresso Kit - 30% off$118⚡ Let's be honest: This place runs on Nespresso (or, well, the knock-off pods we buy). But, the machine is Nespresso. Without it, reviews most definitely would not get done (and certainly not on time). This is a pretty sweet deal if you ask me!
Nest Cam Outdoors - $60 off$119We use one of these and so far after just about five years, it's working great for us. Love it, and works better than trying to stick a regular Nest Cam out the window (since it'll reflect both during daytime and at night with the IR sensor).
Ooni Fyra 12 Wood Fired Outdoor Portable Pizza Oven - $105 off!$244⚡ I know, I know, I still owe everyone a review. Nonetheless, 2+ years later, I love this thing. We use it for more than pizza too, notably steaks (to get a really crispy sear). But a lot of pizza. It's completely portable, even easily fitting on our cargo bike. Note that I went with this model, the cheapest one they make, as I realized that buying the higher-end models that that support gas didn't make much sense for me. I have a gas grill already (and could easily just put a stone on it). Similarly, while a large 16" is appealing, realistically I've found this 12" more than enough for pretty substantial personal pizzas (and it makes it easier to handle). Full in-depth review pretty soon...probably. Also, $244 appears to be the lowest price ever.
Oura Ring Products - Up to $100 off$269Oura has various products on sale, at various discounts, starting from $269, and up to $100 off depending on the model.
Peloton Bike - $350 off$1,095I believe this is the lowest price we've ever seen on the original/base Peloton Bike model (without a bundle required). This is still a solid bike, and actually one that I use at home (I have the newer Peloton Bike+ at the office). Both my wife and I use these bikes interchangeably, and while the Bike+ has a bigger screen and better accuracy, there's very little difference in the core Peloton experience. I'd still recommend this model to most people. Note Peloton has stated/confirmed there will be no 'bigger discounts' on products during this holiday period.
Peloton Bike+ is $400 off$1,995This is a solid deal for the Bike+. Both my wife and I use both the Peloton Bike+ and the regular Bike (one at home, one at office) on a weekly basis. We like both. The Bike+ is more accurate than the regular bike, and also has a bigger screen and automatic resistance control. That said, the core Peloton experience isn't any different between the two - it's the same platform there. Note Peloton has stated/confirmed there will be no 'bigger discounts' on products during this holiday period.
Peloton Row - $250+ off$2,745Peloton has the Peloton Row on sale, both this base unit here, but also various bundled units as well. This is the first times we've seen the base unit (non-bundled) on sale.
Polar Grit X Pro - $70 off
$499/$599
$449This isn't realy the best deal we've seen for this watch, as it was down to $338 last year for Black Friday. Maybe we'll see it go lower this year.
Polar H10 Chest Strap (Dual ANT+/Bluetooth Smart) - 24% off
$89
$67This is a great dual ANT+/Bluetooth Smart (with two Bluetooth Smart connections) chest strap that you'll often find me using as a reference strap in heart rate sensor testing. We only tend to see deals on it around Black Friday, always topping out around 20%. Note, the medium- size is the one on sale.
Polar Ignite 3 - $75 off!
$329
$256
Polar Pacer - $70 off!$169This is about as low as it gets price-wise for the Polar Pacer (base unit).
Polar Pacer Pro - $70 off!
$329
$259
Polar Vantage M2 - $100
$299
$197This appears to be the lowest price I have on record for the Poalr Vantage M2, which makes it pretty compelling as a starter triathlon watch!
SONOS Roam - 25% off$134We have a few SONOS speakers around the house and DCR Cave (the Ikea variants at DCR Cave), but by far our favorite is the Roam, which we take outdoors into the garden during the summer, beach vacations, AirBNB's, etc... It has a battery in it, and also connects to both WiFi and Bluetooth. Love, love, love
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 - $20 off$279
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic - $70 off$330This is a reasoanbly solid deal for this watch, which came out this past summer.
Samsung T9 SSD (1-4TB) - up to 43% off$109I use a literal flotilla of these small SSD's for all my photo/video projects until they get moved off to the NAS system (Synology) for longer term storage. I have T5/T7 units, and are picking up a few of the larger T9 ones given the sale prices. Love them, incredibly fast and reliable.
SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO SD Cards - 52% off$29⚡I use the SanDisk Extreme Pro SD Cards exclusively for all my video/photo shooting on my Panasonic GH5 and Nikon cameras (video and stills), including up to 6K recording with the GH5. I've mostly used 128's, but more and more lately I'm filling up cards faster with higher bitrates, so this sale is gonna have me pickup a bunch of the 256GB ones instead. The 128GB/ 512GB/1TB ones are also on sale too viathe same link. Note that usually I wait till these are about $40-45, so this is a fantastic deal and I'll be filling up.
Stages Bike SB20 - $500 off!
$2899
$1,999⚡ A very solid deal, making it the least expensive smart bike out there. Note that while the deal is marketed as being 37% off, most of the time the bike floats between $2,500 and $2,800. Still - $1,999 is very solid.
Stages Power Meters - Most 20% off units$267Stages is offering 20% off most of their non-drive-side power meters.
Suunto Vertical - $100 off!$529This is the first time we've seen the new Suunto Vertical on sale, and especially notable given the huge firmware update it got this past week with tons of new features from the also-new Suunto Race watch.
Tacx Flux 2 Smart Trainer - $300 off
$899
$599
Tacx NEO 2T Smart Trainer - $500 off!
$1,399
$899⚡⚡ Holy crap, this is an incredible deal. Get this while it's hot and lasts. Note that you can also pair this with the NEO Motion Plates, which would give you a slight bit of forward/back rolling motion.
Therabody Theragun Elite - $30 off$289This is arguably my wife's favorite sports tech gadget. She uses it pretty much daily. Thus, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention this deal. Also, please don't tell her, she might just buy another one...
Therabody Theragun Prime - $110 off!$189My wife uses the Theragun Elite, which is just slightly more expensive than this model at $299 on sale right now. But hey, I hear good things about all of these.
Wahoo BOLT V2 - $50 off
$279
$229This is a good little deal on the Wahoo BOLT V2.
Wahoo ELEMNT ROAM V2 - $80 off
$399
$329
Wahoo KICKR Core Smart Trainer - $120 off!
$899
$479⚡⚡ This deal is back, and it's a pretty incredible deal. It's the Wahoo KICKR CORE down to $499, which REI briefly did this past June. Nobody else seems to be offering this deal, and even though the KICKR CORE got the price reduced to $599 recently, it's virtually unheard of to see these trainers below the $500 marker.
Wahoo POWRLINK ZERO (Dual-sided) - $200 off!
$649/$999
$799⚡ This is a very solid deal that happens twice a year, if you were looking at the Wahoo power meter pedals, grab these before this disappears (and it usually disappears). As with the Garmin Rally pedals, I continue to use Wahoo power meter pedals for accuracy testing of other brands/units.
Wahoo POWRLINK ZERO (Single-sided) - $130 off!$520⚡ This is a very solid deal that happens twice a year, if you were looking at the Wahoo power meter pedals, grab these before this disappears (and it usually disappears). As with the Garmin Rally pedals, I continue to use Wahoo power meter pedals for accuracy testing of other brands/units.
Wahoo RIVAL GPS Watch - 50% off
$199
$99⚡ At some point, everything becomes a steal. While the Wahoo RIVAL struggles to be comepetitive with higher-end watches, at $99, it's a pretty crazy deal - especially for triathletes where Wahoo does some cool stuff around automatic transitions.
Whoop 4.0 with 1-year subscription - 17% off$199This brings down the 1-year price to $17/month, which is the lowest it's been (only way to get that is normally a 24-month membership).
Withings Body+ WiFi Scale - 30% off$69I've long been a fan of the Withings WiFi scales, especially since they can connect/push data to so many platforms, including Zwift! Note that the Body+ simply includes more data.

DCRAINMAKER.COM Posts in the Past Week:

Here’s all the goodness that ended up on the main page this past week:

Sunday:  Week in Review–November 8th, 2020
Monday: 5 Random Things I Did This Weekend
Tuesday: The Smart Trainer Recommendations Guide: Winter 2020-2021
Friday: Heads Up for US Folks: 20% off Sports Tech Sale & $150 off Fenix 6 Series

YouTube Videos This Past Week:

Here’s what hit the tubes over on the You of Tube, definitely don’t forget to subscribe there to get notified of videos the second they hit!

Stuff I Found Interesting Around The Interwebs:

Here’s a not-so-small smattering of all the random things that I stumbled on while doing my civic duty to find the end of the Internet:

1) Bike racing is no longer a safe space for racism: A good piece by Ayesha Rosena Anna McGowan, a professional cyclist discussing some recent team signings and how those organizations clearly dropped the news on a Saturday afternoon to avoid people noticing. Mind you, nobody ever announces anything on a Saturday afternoon.

2) A look at Shimano’s SPD Power Meter Patent: This surprisingly good deep-dive into the patent. Of course, what isn’t clear here is whether or not this patent actually matters. Meaning, there’s often two (or thirty) ways to fry a fish, and this particular way is incredibly specific.

3) US Navy partners with Garmin for COVID-19 study with custom app: Interesting little tidbit on Garmin and the US Navy using a custom Connect IQ app that’s getting higher levels of health data recorded back to central repositories to try and get increased levels of health data to potentially detect COVID-19 on a ship before it spreads more quickly. The exact numbers are a bit fuzzy here, though, they do list the exact models. Would be interesting to know if we’re talking a test of tens, hundreds, or thousands of people. (thanks to reader Jim S. for sending in!)

4) Garmin adds pregnancy tracking: I had really wanted to write about this, this past week, but the week got a bit crazy. It’s something I oft talked with Garmin about over the past 4-5 years (with my athletic wife having three peanuts during that timeframe). They seemed to have really nailed much of this. Super impressive. Albeit, I would have preferred the baby sizing options pull from the BabySizer database. Our favorite week was always Week 21.

5) What it’s like to write-off a $20,000+ bike on the first ride: Well…yup…that sucks.

6) An open letter to Virtual Coach Amy: A DCR reader wrote this letter to one of Garmin’s virtual coaches (Amy Parkerson-Mitchell), and it’s pretty much spot on. I do think we’re seeing better integration month by month with how Garmin is actually integrating all this data together. And perhaps more importantly – Garmin is actually getting better at explaining how this works. They let one of the top guys at Firstbeat actually explain it in a long post. Still, the open letter brings up many valid points about cross-pollination of data. After all, I saw this most recently with the brand new Index S2 scale – moments where I was like: Why on earth are you asking me this? You’ve known this for years.

Sports Tech Device Firmware Updates This Week:

Each week I quickly highlight some of the new firmware, app, software, and website service updates that I see go out. If you’re a sports technology company and release an update – shoot me a quick note (just one-liners are perfect, or Tweet it at me is even better) and I’ll make mention of it here. If I don’t know about it, I won’t be able to post about it. Sound good?  Oh – and if you want to get a head start on things, this page is a great resource for watching Garmin, Wahoo, Polar, and a few other firmware updates.

Garmin Edge 530/830/1030/1030 Plus BETA Firmware Update: Removed new radar all-clear tone, other bug fixes

Garmin FR245/245 Music Firmware Update: Minor Bug fixes.

Garmin FR745 Firmware Update: Minor bug fixes.

Garmin FR945 Firmware Update: Minor bug fixes.

Garmin Instinct Solar Firmware Update: Minor bug fixes

Garmin Venu & Vivoactive 4 Firmware Update: Crapton of things listed, including a few new items but mostly performance and bug fixes.

Garmin Vivomove 3 Firmware Update: Added pregnancy tracking feature support

Wahoo TICKR X (2020 edition) Firmware Update: Appears to be trying to fix some flat-lining errors people were getting.

Thanks for reading!

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56 Comments

  1. pan

    Regarding point 1, i would suggest to Ray to stay away from the woke stuff, and people who promote the idea of equity rather than equality.

    • MaGAMom

      Seriously Ray needs to stay in his lane. This woke snowflake BS isn’t what we come here for at all. There essentially is no racism in this sport, just look at people like Egan Bernal. There is equal opportunity to compete for everyone.

    • Scrap Iron

      Wow! How fragile you must be to be unable to read this person’s comments and opinion. I want to say thank you,Ray, for posting this. I love cycling and I believe that there is significant racism Because the few black people have talked about it openly. It’s sad that so little is done to people like Gianni Moscon and others for their behaviors. There will be no change unless people realize there is a problem. There is also no reason to avoid this subject and pretend like it’s not there and there is no need to tell Ray what he should do either. It’s a free country/world and people can choose to read what they like.

    • sandman7799

      Seriously, you need to stay away from this website. Your racist trope is not what I come here for.

    • Changren Y.

      Spoken like a MAGAmom. You don’t have to be here if you don’t like what Ray has to say.

    • Hi Pan-

      I generally find that when people use the word ‘woke’, it’s because they don’t understand something. In this case, I’m guessing it’s because you don’t understand the realities of racism. Which isn’t to say I could possibly understand the full extent of every racial issue – far from it. But ultimately, dropping news like this on a Saturday afternoon was meant to hide it. I found that noteworthy of attention, especially in the context that one of those companies makes one of the leading sports tech products in their market.

      One can have a valid debate on ones ability to change (improve) their views around racism, or what’s an appropriate consequence for an action from a pro athlete, or any number of other things in that sphere. Just as one shouldn’t be bullied for supporting a given political candidate. However, what’s far less debatable is that a professional athlete should have no consequences for publicly/openly liking (and thus endorsing) racist comments. And ultimately, whether a professional athlete likes it or not, their ability to make an income/career in sporting depends nearly 100% on sponsorships, which is in turn providing enough value/ROI to a brand to make paying them worthwhile. Actions they take will, like it or not, change the math on that formula.

      As for MaGAMom (or anyone else)…shrug.

      I get to choose my own lanes here…because it’s my own pool. If you don’t like my lanes, or my pool – you’re welcome to find your own pool somewhere else. Ultimately, your clicks, views, and as I recently pointed out to a DCR Supporter – money, isn’t welcomed here. I’ll happily refund any DCR Supporter that disagrees with me on the topic.

      Cheers,
      Ray

    • fisao

      Thank you Ray for this statement, it makes me feel better.

      Have a great day!

    • DocMax

      Well said Ray.

      MaGAMom – your reaction to this is driven by fear and ignorance. The conversation will continue whether you keep your head in the sand or not.

    • pan

      I don’t believe there is racism in cycling.
      There are woke people trying to convince people that there is an create a problem where there is none.
      This is my last visit to your site.

    • pan

      and fyi

      – every visitor of your site and every supporter belongs to the group of people which the woke crowd calls “white supremacist”
      – the vast majority of the cycling industry customer base belongs to the group of people which the woke crowd calls “white supremacist”
      – there is an expression that all those aligned with the woke crowd that they better keep in mind, which is “go woke go broke”

      and by the way, the only one african based cycling team is going to fold this year. I am wondering why there is not one single african business in the whole continent willing to invest some money…after all it is an african team….and cycling is very popular in africa…

    • I thought you said this was the last visit to the site?

    • The Real Bob

      Ok, I actually read the article in question. She said.

      “She doesn’t believe in feminism and has shown she also agrees with racism and transphobia.”

      This is in reference to Chloe liking some tweets. So, then I go read the tweets she liked. They were neither racist or homophobic. There are real problems with how to handle trans athletes. What classification, etc. Also she liked a tweet saying white privilege dopes not exist. I think it is ok for someone to think that.

      If we start canceling everyone who thinks differently we are in big trouble. If someone is truly racist, meaning, actually treating people differently because of their race then we need to call for change there. But the needle for what is racism or homophobic is moving to far to the left.

    • pan

      …and as a last contribution a couple of entertaining short videos related to the source of the woke crowd:

      link to youtube.com

      link to youtube.com

    • Hi Real Bob-

      I think the challenge with assuming that it’s “OK” for someone to like something, is that there shouldn’t be ramifications of that like. Pretending that white privilege doesn’t exist, or the Kaepernick bits, ultimately do increase social media algorithms around how tweets and content are surfaced to their followers. And more specifically, the sources of those specific tweets/posts – which in this particular case are individuals who do actively promote racist ideals.

      If a private person wants to say those things – that’s largely their business. Unfortunate, but that’s their thing. However, a professional athlete, especially one likely as a role model to younger people – is arguably someone that should be held to a higher standard.

      And as we’ve seen lately, there’s a very thin line to being racist to a person/persons, and promoting ideas that further racism without directly committing the act to someone.

      I do agree – I think cancel culture is often dangerous. People do change, and cancel culture doesn’t give them that opportunity to realize their wrongs and change. My main point here was around SRAM’s handling of this.

      Cheers.

    • Azure

      THANK YOU Ray for using your platform to help promote a better world, and standing up against racism.

    • The Real Bob

      Thanks for the response Ray, this is all an interesting thought experiment about where we can draw lines as society.

      To take it to the extreme, if the KKK was against affirmative action, as an example, and someone liked a tweet where the KKK said this. Then, one would say if you like the tweet you like the organization. While I think this is a slippery slope, I can see the logic of making that connection. But, we should allow people to clarify rather than casting them out.

      Regards to your comment “pretending that white privilege doesn’t exist. That concerns me. Because I think there are different ways to look at this, and that tone implies there is only one way to look at it. Which is where the “woke” culture is going.

      I don’t believe white privilege exists. Does that make me racist? By some it would. But those that would accuse me know nothing about me nor my background. I grew up dirt poor, government handouts type of poor. I worked my ass off in my life and made big sacrifices to get where I am today. I have been and worked around a lot of people of different backgrounds. In my view there is only one type of privilege that exists, and it is neither right nor wrong, it just is. There is wealth privilege. People who have money have an advantage over people who don’t Just as people who are good looking or athletic have advantage over people that don’t.

      If people really took a good hard look at themselves they would see the only thing holding them back is themselves, regardless of race. Find your talent and maximize it. I guess it is easier to pretend there is some artificial hate out there holding you back.

      FYI, before you start celebrating Kapernick you should actually read the ideals he supports. He is hate filled.

      Anyways, love the site. Thanks again for what you do.

    • The Real Bob

      And you said this “held to a higher standard”. This is the the concern. Who sets the higher standard.

      What is a professional athlete came out against abortion. Right now, those who are pro abortion would want that person canceled, and the opposite is true.

      If someone says something you don’t like, they are a racist. You see this everywhere now. Racism accusations are being used as a power. And we as a society need to stop this. We need to allow open dialogue without fear of people losing their lives.

      FYI, I have a black brother in law and he has the same concerns I have about how racism is being used as a weapon. He would have liked the tweet about Kapernick, does that make him racist? I would actually say he probably has more concerns, because it affects him more. People are becoming less open and welcoming because people are just afraid to say anything so they are removing themselves from society. The “woke” crowd is making it tough for people to talk to each other.

    • Amarynth

      Hey Ray, keep up the good work. I just subscribed.

    • White Privilege Is Real

      If you don’t believe white privilege exists, you are part of the problem.* This is not to say that money doesn’t bring privilege with it; of course it does, and income inequality is a huge problem. It’s is beyond debate, however, that a poor white guy doesn’t run the same risk as getting shot by a cop during a traffic stop as a wealthy black guy. It’s also beyond debate that the poor white guy is much less likely to be confronted by a homeowner in a wealthy area than the rich black guy. The list of examples like this is endless.

      *Being part of the problem doesn’t make you a racist. It simply means that by denying this reality you are making it harder for society to solve the issue.

    • The Real Bob

      Thanks for proving my point. I am part of the problem because I think the cause of equality has nothing to do with race. I am part of the problem because I think differently than you.

      I would encourage you to look at the actual statistics on poverty vs crime. You would see, if you actually look at the numbers, race has nothing to do with policing. I know this is hard to hear, but that is what the actual statistics show. Things like a black person is more likely to get shot by a black cop than a white cop. Things like where police forces are majority minority (see LA) black homicides are higher! Again, I know this is hard to take. It is tough, and work, but I encourage you to look at the actual numbers and analysis, not on some website that has an agenda. If I am wrong, I am willing to admit I am wrong but the actual numbers don’t back your narrative.

      Did you know that in the USA, if you get a high school diploma and don’t have a child out of wedlock you are almost guaranteed a life of at least middle class regardless of your starting poverty level? If you get a college degree or trade skill (plumber, etc) and don’t have a child out of wedlock you are almost guaranteed to be in the top 10% of the wealthiest people? These numbers are regardless of race or gender. Go look at the single mother rate in the USA black community vs any other community. If you want to understand why there is wealth disparity you have to understand what is going on in the communities. But I guess it is just easier to point to “a racist hiding in the closet”.

      One other thing. In the USA, the black populations wealth ( by any metric, cumulative, average, etc) is hirer than anywhere else in the world and its not even close.

      So no, its not beyond debate, only when close minded people want to make it beyond debate. Making it beyond a “civilized” debate is making it harder for society to solve issues.

    • The Real Bob

      here this a quick 2 second google search on single parent families. The most successful race in the USA by wealth is the Asian population. The two races that are struggling to gain wealth are native Americans and African Americans. Look at the link and see if there is any correlation!.

      link to datacenter.kidscount.org

    • The Real Bob

      sorry, one more.

      A 2016 Harvard researcher’s study found that Black people are no more likely to be killed by police officers than are white people. A 2019 study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found “no evidence of anti-Black .disparities across” fatal shootings by police. Both white and Black people are far more likely to be murdered by an acquaintance of their own race than they are to be shot dead by the police.

      These studies and statistics are out there for anyone to read.

      However, if you look at studies based on poverty, lack of wealth has a strong correlation with being killed.

    • That challenge with that 2016 Harvard study is that it only covered 4% of the black population, because it only focused on a handful of major metro cities. There has been numerous other studies since then that have had a wider data set that shows the true extent of the problem.

      The 2019 study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences study has since been retracted: link to retractionwatch.com (or another article explaining why the study was so flawed: link to washingtonpost.com)

      A more recent Harvard study shows that blacks were 3.23x more likely to be killed by police officers than whites: link to hsph.harvard.edu

      “However, if you look at studies based on poverty, lack of wealth has a strong correlation with being killed.”

      Because it’s an endless circle. In fact, that original 2016 study you referenced highlights that incredibly well, it shows that blacks are far more likely in almost every police interaction case to be overwhelmingly disproportional to blacks*. Which means they’re more likely than white person to end up in jail, which in turn increases single-parent families, and ultimately the cycle continues.

      *https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/12/upshot/surprising-new-evidence-shows-bias-in-police-use-of-force-but-not-in-shootings.html

    • White Privilege Is Real

      Nope. The issue isn’t that you think differently; it’s that you are wrong. In other words, you are entitled to your own opinions, but not your own facts. Ray already handed you your head on one issue. Here are a few links that counter some of the other nonsense you are spewing:

      Fact: Per capita, cops shoot more blacks than whites. link to news.northeastern.edu

      Fact: There are many studies that support the general point that minorities are “policed” differently than whites. Here’s a good collection, including some “dissenting” studies. link to washingtonpost.com

      Fact: Bermuda is a majority black country. It is wealthier than the black community in the U.S. on every per capita measure you can think of. Here are just a handful of the links that prove this:

      link to en.wikipedia.org

      link to en.wikipedia.org.

      link to en.wikipedia.org

      link to en.wikipedia.org

      I’m done wasting time responding to you as either don’t know what you are talking about or you are lying. In closing, though, you probably should note two things. First, if you continue to harp on “babies out of wedlock” as somehow explaining black poverty, you ought not be surprised if someone more judgmental than me calls you a racist. Second, if you are going to try to convince us you are smart, you probably you should know the difference between “higher” and “hirer” (and that’s generously assuming you accidentally used the obscure word for someone who hires someone else, as opposed to just don’t know how to spell “higher”).

    • The Real Bob

      Again, you bring up another systemic problem that is oft called racist, but is not in fact racist but based on wealth. Bail. That endless circle happens a lot because of bail. Someone is accused of a crime, can’t afford bail and sits in jail for years while their case resolves. Maybe they can’t afford a good lawyer, etc. In that time, they lose their job, lose their house etc. I saw this almost happen to a “white” friend of mine. Falsely accused of a crime. Luckily he could afford bail.

      As far as the studies. I didn’t review the data above, but I will. Sometimes studies mess with the numbers to get the answers they want. Maybe they don’t screen for some data etc and end up biasing the data. This happens on both sides of every argument. I work with statistics and see statistical bias daily. The Washington Post is notoriously bad about “fudging the numbers”.

      Even the data you cited doesn’t prove racism. Because it doesn’t evaluate cause. Police are not just up and walking around and shooting black people, that is not a thing. Black people are shot at a hire rate, 33/million than white 13/million. But black people are also committing disproportionately more crime. More interactions with police would give you a higher death rate.

      So again, people always say more deaths equals racism. The reality is not the case. And by simply throwing the racism tag on it it subverts the search for the actual cause. I have to find the data, but I think it was LA where a largely minority police force kills more black people than anywhere. I may be mixing up the location.

      My point in all of this, is we are creating a society where people believe race is the cause of all wrongs. Just like the person above, if I don’t believe in white privilege I am wrong or part of the problem. That is killing the world right now. We have to be able to disagree on controversial topics and it be ok.

      Black people have had more success in the USA than anywhere. If you are black in this world the one place you want to be is the USA. By every number that is the case.

    • The Real Bob

      Typing this on my phone so spelling/word/autocorrect mistakes are bound to happen.

      Saying baby’s out of wedlock is racist?

      again, that is part of the problem.

      You should listen to Shelby Steele, he cites many of the same causes that I quoted. He is black. I guess that makes him a racist black person? This is getting confusing.

    • The Real Bob

      Also, I am just arguing I think the wealth gap is the real problem and not racism. Not sure what that is spinning you up to call me names and racist.

      And for Bermuda, that link doesn’t answer it all. I don’t even see where it says wealth. Depending on who you believe the black population of the USA, if taken a a country, is either the 15th or 44th most wealthy country in the world.

      Bermuda has a really low single parent rate of 15%. They call that to high, not me. So does that make them racist?
      link to bermudasun.bm

      72% of all black children in America are born to single parents.
      link to en.wikipedia.org.

      As a kid of a single parent for a large portion of my life I can tell you it makes a difference having two parents.

      Sorry to trigger you White Privilege. Just trying to have an honest discussion, I mean no ill will what so ever.

    • James

      Well said ?

  2. Slartibartfast

    An Update to Tickr mk2 – hooray! I was actually thinking about contacting support due to the problems I’ve been having with my unit. Hopefully now I won’t have to.

  3. Bikeman

    I suggest you stay away from telling others what to do. This isn’t your platform.

  4. Robert Black

    Was just about to push the button on the tickr, added it to my Amazon wish list one night, slept on it (already got hrm-dual and h10) woke up to order it. And it’s not listed on any Amazon EU countries web site. Not out of stock. I mean you’d never know the product existed

    • Yeah, I don’t entirely understand why stockage has been such an issue. It’s rare that HR straps have stock issues. But then again, I suppose it’s rare to have a pandemic where tons of people are buying HR straps. :-/

  5. Sam

    a typo in the garmin 1030 firmware

    Removed new radar > Improved new radar

  6. Sam

    a note for heaters, this is dc rainmaker blog, he has every rights to say anything he wants on his personal blog, please open your own blog if you want to dictate the editorial tone…

  7. Dr. D

    Ray – Thanks for sharing Ayesha McGowan’s piece. I have followed her evolution closely and admire her grit and determination to make a difference/be a role model.
    For fellow athletes who do not believe that there is no racism in cycling, why don’t you reach out to Ayesha and engage her in respectful dialogue.
    If she (Ayesha) states that racism exists in cycling, it is because she has seen/experienced it. [If it never snows where you are, do you believe it does not snow?]
    Find that person who is different from you and hear their story, look for perspectives.

  8. Robin White

    Got to agree with the open letter about the virtual coaches. Garmin knows pretty much everthing I am doing from my wrist yet the vitual coach stuff seems to be a little dumb and as far as I can see have only come up with 9 plans (5k, 10k, 1/2 Marathon x 3 coaches). I was just expecting more. I can’t stretch to anything about a 245 so suggested workout are out for me but some other plans would be good. So near and yet so far.
    Also they *still* haven’t created an e-bike workout yet in Garmin Connect.. How hard can that option be? It’s an option on the edge 1000 but never passes through.

  9. ReHMn

    I am not sure, that Garmin users are the best sample for Covid studies, but ok…
    The whole Covid now became a big business, where prevention and treatment go sideways and the only aim is to make money on it.
    The truth behind the numbers is, that any death cause is now claimed as Covid because health insurance companies pay 4times more for the coronery expenses than for any other case.
    yes, that applies to deaths by car accident too…

    • “I am not sure, that Garmin users are the best sample for Covid studies, but ok…”

      These aren’t ‘Garmin users’ per se, they’re US Navy users, that are being given various Garmin devices.

    • Facts Not Fiction

      Your statement regarding COVID is false. Only Medicare treats COVID differently than other illnesses.
      To be more specific, Medicare reimbursement rates for COVID treatment are higher than they are for other diseases, but even the increased rate doesn’t cover the cost of care (84 cents on the dollar for COVID instead of 70 cents on the dollar) — and it isn’t even double the rate of reimbursement for other illness, much less four times (it’s a 20% increase (14 cents divided by 70 cents)). Here’s an article laying it all out — if you continue to insist otherwise, please supply a source (to be clear, not a tweet — an actual source): link to denverpost.com

    • ReHMn

      Maybe in the USA… But in the EU is totally different. I mean everything: the insurance, the capitation, the point/task ratio, the reimbursement.
      Do you want numbers?
      800 EUR bonus paid for the first-line health care workers.
      Hungary is now hiring for the Covid tests health care workers … 3000 EUR/month.
      And this is from an individual standpoint.
      You have no idea how much the institutes (hospitals, laboratories, coroners) claim against the insurance companies…

  10. Heinrich Hurtz

    FWIW: Watching that clip of the guy totaling his bike, I put it mostly on him. Sure the car did a weird thing, but he should have been riding more defensively. He had plenty of time to slow before the car turned, and judging from the clip, he should have use WAY MORE FRONT BRAKE rather than just locking the rear.

    • It looks like a pretty steep hill though, and you can see it’s slowing down as the car comes out of the spot, and I think if the car hadn’t done the U-turn, all would have been well. After all, the U-turn was illegal.

      Given the downhill grade and the speed, there’s a super fine line between applying just enough front brake and endo’ing.

    • SF rider

      As an SF biker, I can confirm that Woodside Avenue is a reasonably steep hill and a major N/S thoroughfare with a 35 mph speed limit. It’s literally a pass through the hills of SF (Twin Peaks and Mt. Davidson). SF has steep hills. The driver did a U-turn over an ISLAND (two sets of parrallel double yellow lines seperated by 1 meter with large diagonal yellow lines between). The rider was coming off a curve and through an intersection with a light. He didn’t have much time to see the car and the driver was an idiot. If the driver hadn’t pulled an absolutely illegal U-turn from the right lane without looking for traffic, the biker would have been fine.
      You should never blame the victim.

  11. Harriet

    Fascinated to see how Garmin’s pregnancy tracking goes. Not sure what the Girl’s experience was but I found myself essentially unable to train in the first trimester (not helped by pools/lidos being shut here in the UK and feeling that ow in the Thames in winter in pregnancy won’t be ideal). I’m slowly, slowly, slowly starting to get a few running miles in the legs again and will get back on the turbo shortly.

    Garmin also added menstrual tracking at a recent update- I obviously haven’t been able to use it but these are awesome strides for female athletes and feed through into coaches finally taking periods seriously as a training enhancer/disruptor. There is surely a lot of scope to build on this work but it’s good that it is starting.

  12. Andre

    I don’t know if it is available on all countries, but on france, decathlon has the 735xt at 159eur
    link to decathlon.fr

  13. Adam

    You said it Ray “I get to choose my own lanes here…because it’s my own pool. If you don’t like my lanes, or my pool – you’re welcome to find your own pool somewhere else.”

    Keep sharing articles like the one by Ayesha Rosena Anna McGowan, because there is so much discrimination in the sporting world. It just seems that those not negatively affected can’t (or won’t) see it.

  14. James

    Well said ? Ray

  15. Patrick

    Thank you for sharing this article and shinning light on the challenges of being a black person wanting to simply enjoy our sport.

  16. Travis Thompson

    Hi Ray
    I love your work. Just wondering if you have been able to get your hands on or any info about the Amazon Halo fitness tracker. Would love to see a review from you I know its pretty new I dont think we can access it here in Australia yet but keen to learn more about it as its ongoing membership is much more reasonable than the Whoop ongoing costs.
    Cheers Travis Thompson

  17. Nicholas Favill

    Why did wahoo call this a rival when it isn’t, that was bold and when someone shows a rival ownerv a fenix 5s plus that is like 2 years old and is more functional than this, and smaller, I’d say this is a big misstep. Do people buy products that are released too early, seems like wahoo will struggle to recoup capital to pay for the updates that are sorely needed.