JUMP TO:

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
Adobe Creative Cloud Pro (12 Months) - $389 off (50% off!)$389As a side note, you can cancel and take advantage of this. Which, is precisely what I did when I realized my existing plan was gonna be stupid expensive. In any case, I use the Adobe Creative Cloud Pro suite for a lot of what I do.
AmazFit T-Rex 3 - $75 off$226We did see lower just back in July, at $199. So I'd probably hold out a bit more here. Assuming that happens, you can't beat this watch at this price point (heck,not even at $226 either).
Amazfit Active 2 - $20 off$79There's absolutely nothing on the market that comes close to the features of the Active 2 at a mere $79.
Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro - $20 off$379Perhaps this deal will get better, but right now at $20 off...nah. Given the price of the Garmin Epix Pro has flirted into the $429 range a bit over the past few days (and is a vastly better watch), this needs to drop down closer to $299 to be worth picking up during Black Friday pricing.
Amazon Echo Dot Kids - 47% off$31Despite being a tech-focused dude, our kids don't actually get much tech in their lives. However, we got these two years ago for them in their rooms, to play music. They do lots of other things, but our kids mostly just use it to play music (from Spotify and Apple Music too), and occasionally they ask it questions. It has all the parental controls I want, so it locks it down from bedtime/etc...For $31? Solid deal (The coolest 'nice touch' feature is that if you whisper to it, it'll whisper back...in the owl kids voice it has.)
Apple 11" iPad - (Wi-Fi, 128GB) - $75 off!$274⚡ 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 Indievelo, Kinomap, 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.
Apple 2025 14" MacBook Air Laptop with M4 - $250 off$1,149See my other note about the MacBook Pro. While I'd love the MacBook Air instead, the singular reason I use the MacBook Pro is the added USB-C port (2 vs 3 on MacBook Pro). Otherwise, this spec-wise woudl do the trick.
Apple 2025 14" MacBook Pro Laptop with M5 - $250 off$1,349This is the updated/newer model of the MacBook M1 Pro that I use for all my video editing. In my case, I still use a 2021 14" MBP, with relatively modest specs (32GB RAM). And I've been super happy with it, even while editing complex drone/action cam videos with 4 concurrently 4K streams in a multicam configuration, it has zero issues rendering or anything else.
Apple AirPod Pro 3 - $30 off!$219These are the just-released AirPod Pro 3, with optical heart rate sensors in them. These are my daily-driver headphones these days, and even more notably, the heart rate accuracy is incredibly good in these.
Apple AirPods 4 - $70 off!$69This is a very soild deal on these, by far the lowest to date.
Apple Watch SE 3 - $50 off!
$249/$299 (cellular)
$199This is the first major sale for the Apple Watch SE 3, which came out just 2 months ago. It's essentially Apple's 'budget' offering, yet it still has all the same software features as a higher-end Apple Watch Series 11, as long as the hardware permits.
Apple Watch Series 11 - $70 off!$329This is the the just released Apple Watch Series 11, which also includes WatchOS26.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 - $100 off!$699This is the first time we've seen the Apple Watch Ultra 3 on sale, and given it's $100 off, that tends to be the typical sale price for the holidays/Black Friday for the current/just-released version.
Balega Comfort Running Socks - 27% off
$15
$12This is the singular piece of apparel that's lasted the longest in my collection - some 15-16 years of buying the same socks. Heck, some of them are probably half that old. EIther way, this be the ones I use. Love them (well, except for hiking and trail running, then I use other stuff that goes higher). I'm wearring them as I wrote this post too.
CORE 1 Body Temperature Sensor - 50% off€149
CORE 2 Body Temperature Sensor - 20% off€251This is the newer pod that came out this past spring.
COROS Pace 3 - $30 reduction$199This is a great price for this watch. Note though that technically speaking, this is a price reduction (took effect Nov 14th following the launch of the Pace 4). Most companies would first call it a sale, then make that sale price the new price as a price reduction. But COROS often beats to a different drum. Kudos on being upfront about the reduction though!
COROS Pace Pro - $50 price drop
$349
$299This is a great price for this watch. Note though that technically speaking, this is a price reduction (took effect Nov 14th following the launch of the Pace 4). Most companies would first call it a sale, then make that sale price the new price as a price reduction. But COROS often beats to a different drum. Kudos on being upfront about the reduction though!
DJI Action 4 - $100 off$199While technically two years old, it's an incredibly strong contender at this price point.
DJI Action 5 Pro - $70 off$259This is last year's model. And sure, the Action 6 came out 48 hours ago, but honestly, the initial rection hasn't been kind there. I just started testing it, so more to come very shortly.
DJI Avata 2 Bundle - $110 off!$619DJI Avata 2 Fly Smart Combo (Single Battery) with Goggles N3 and RC Motion 3
DJI Flip - $90 off$349Look, don't buy this drone. This is the drone that never should have left the napkin at the lunch table at DJI's HQ. The unit breaks easily (as I, and many others found out), and doesn't really do anything super well. Literally, buy any other DJI drone except htis one...you're welcome.
DJI Mini 4K Drone - $60 off$239If you're looking to get into flying with a DJI drone, this is a solid place to start.
DJI NEO - $40 off!$159⚡ This is a great little drone as your first drone, especially for sports usage, where it'll do an astonishing job following you (running, cycling, etc...). And, you can crash it a gazillion times without any problem.
DJI OSMO 360 - $190 off$357NOTE: This is not sold by DJI directly via Amazon. DJI itself is NOT selling the OSMO 360 in the US, and WILL NOT support/repair it in the US. That said, it's a solid deal if you're ok with those risks.
DJI OSMO Pocket 3 - $280 off$529This is the unit I use to film virtually all of my videos these days. I absolutely love it.
Elite Direto XR Smart trainer with Zwift Cog/Click - $120 off!
$1,000
$479This is Elite's previous-gen trainer, but it's still a reliable workhorse. This bundle is paired with the Zwift Cog/Click, though, you can also buy it without a cassette for the same price.
FORM Smart Swim 2 Goggles - $80 off$199
FORM Smart Swim Pro 2 Goggles - $30 off$299These is the new model just released this past summer with stronger anti-scratch resistance (I even dragged it down a textured concrete pool desk, lens-down, to show this).
Favero Assioma Duo/Uno Power Meter Pedals - 220EUR off!469EURThis is a good deal for the dual-sided pedals, especially if you don't mind the pod design.
Favero Assioma Pro MX Pedals (Dual) Power Meter Pedals - 100EUR off!$589/589EUR⚡The Favero Assioma Pro MX dual-sided power meter pedals deal is a no brainer. I use them in my testing constantly along with the PRO RS pedals. Note for US folks: Favero does include all taxes and tarrifs in the price.
Favero Assioma Pro RS (SPD-SL) Power Meter Pedals - 100EUR off!$649/599EUR⚡The Favero Assioma Pro RS dual-sided power meter pedals having their first sale yet. This deal is a no brainer. I use them in my testing, and will likely pick up another set in this sale. Note for US folks: Favero does include all taxes and tarrifs in the price.
FeedBack Sports Pro Mechanic Bike Repair Stand - $50 Off$375We use this stand for both any of the work we do on any of our bikes (well, except the cargo bike). Super quick and easy to take out when we need it. Note: Feedback Sports is a DC Rainmaker Partner
FeedBack Sports Pro Mechanic HD Bike Repair Stand - $55 Off$470Note: Feedback Sports is a DC Rainmaker Partner
Feedback Sports Team Edition Tool Kit - $45 Off$330I've got this setup, andit's basically got almost everything I need for regular/daily bike maintenance across virtually all of my bikes. Plus, in theory I can keep things tidy in that carrying case....I mean, if I were to actually put all the tools back in it. Note: Feedback Sports is a DC Rainmaker Partner
Fitbit Ace LTE Kids Activity Smartwatch - $80 off$99⚡ This is (by far) the lowest price we've seen on this watch to date. This is their first full smartwatch focused on kids activity tracking and gamification.
Fitbit Charge 6 - 38% off!
$159
$99⚡ This is the go-to sale price for the Fitbit Charge 6. It happens often, but it still doesn't take away from the fast that it's argueably the best bang for your buck fitness tracker out there.
Fitbit Inspire 3 - $30 off$69If you're looking for a simple and inexpensive activity tracker, you won't go wrong with a Fitbit (or this Inspire 3). It's got literally all the same software features in the Fitbit app as a higher-end Google Pixel Watch or other Fitbit device, except...just tiny.
Garmin Bounce 2 Kids Smartwatch with LTE (all colors) - $50 off!$249⚡ This is Garmin's newest kids-focused and LTE connected smart watch. Our three daughters have been using it for about two months now, after using the original Bounce 1 for years. This is a *massive* upgrade over the Bounce 1, both in features/hardware, but frankly also battery life. My review should be up next week, but if you've got any questions drop them in the comments below.
Garmin Bounce LTE Kids Tracker - $30 off$119This is the activity tracker that both of our oldest daughters have used for years (age 8 & 9), as well as most of their friends now. They/we all like it. Check out my full in-depth review for all my thoughts. That said, the new Bounce 2 came out two months ago, and while my review isn't out yet, it's a far better product. But, quite a bit more too. The TLDR on that review will be that it's the best kids smartwatch/tracker to date (for both parents and kids), but obviously will cost you $100 more.
Garmin Descent G2 (Dive Watch) - $100 off!$599This is Garmin's dive watch based on the Instinct 3 lineup.
Garmin Descent MK3 (Dive Watch) - $250 off!$949This is Garmin's premier line of diving watches, which is based on the Fenix 7 seies, rather than the Fenix 8 series. Still, it's by far one of the most capable dive+everything else watches on the market.
Garmin Descent MK3i (Dive watch with air integration) - $250 off!$1,349This is Garmin's premier line of diving watches, which is based on the Fenix 7 seies, rather than the Fenix 8 series. Still, it's by far one of the most capable dive+everything else watches on the market. The 'i' version (MK3i) means that you can connect it to an air tank monitor transmitter pod.
Garmin Edge 1040 Cycling GPS - $150 off!$399⚡This is a very solid deal, and is still one of the best bike computers Garmin has ever made, especially when you look at the battery side of things (it lasts far longer than the Edge 1050).
Garmin Edge 540 - $100 off$249⚡At $249, it's pretty much impossible to beat this deal in terms of bike computers. There's no competitive option that beats it on features/battery/etc at this price, or frankly anywhere near it. Sure, it doesn't have a touchscreen, but it's not as bad as it used to be (I did a stint on it this winter for a week or so, and was fine).
Garmin Edge 540 Solar - $150 off$249⚡⚡This is the lowest price we've seen on the Garmin Edge 540 Solar to date, which has gained virtually all of the new Garmin Edge 1050 features as well. And notably, lower than the Edge 540 without solar (which is kinda silly, but hey, win for us!).
Garmin Edge 840 - $100 off$349This is Garmin's main mid-range cycling GPS, it's what my wife uses and she's perfectly happy with it.
Garmin Edge 840 Solar - $150 off$399⚡ This is the lowest price we've seen on the Edge 840.
Garmin Enduro 3: $100 off
$899
$749This is the lowest price we've seen on this to date. The Enduro 3 is simply the Fenix 8 with a MIP/Solar display (but without the scuba or voice calling features). It gets all the Fenix 8 features and updates otherwise.
Garmin Epix Pro (42mm) - $300-$400 off!$449⚡⚡⚡ This is a fantastic deal. By far the lowest price we've seen this! The Epix Pro has a flashlight which the regular Epix lacks, plus the newer Garmin Elevate Gen5 optical HR sensor with ECG support.
Garmin Epix Pro (47mm) - $300-$400 off!$499⚡⚡⚡ This is a fantastic deal. By far the lowest price we've seen this! The Epix Pro has a flashlight which the regular Epix lacks, plus the newer Garmin Elevate Gen5 optical HR sensor with ECG support. Note: Availability on this deal fluctuates, just keep checking back, I'm sure it'll pop back again (it always does).
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar Sapphire (MIP) - 31% off
$799+
$439⚡⚡ If you wanted the battery life of a Fenix MIP series without the cost of a Fenix 8, this is basically your best deal. Plus, unlike the base Fenix 7 series, the Pro series includes the flashlight and Gen5 HR sensor with ECG.
Garmin Fenix 7S Pro Solar Sapphire (MIP) - 31% off$449⚡ If you wanted the battery life of a Fenix MIP series without the cost of a Fenix 8, this is basically your best deal. Plus, unlike the base Fenix 7 series, the Pro series includes the flashlight and Gen5 HR sensor with ECG.
Garmin Fenix 8 Pro (yes, the new Pro) - $100 off!$1,099⚡⚡ This is very unexpected, and is an Amazon-specific deal, not a Garmin-supported one. Thus, I expect it won't last more than minutes/hours. Grab it while you can! [Update: This keeps fluttering back and forth, just keep checking!]
Garmin Fenix 8 Series - $250 Off!$749⚡ The Fenix 8 keeps getting all the new software features of the Fenix 8 Pro that was launched two months ago. Setting aside that Fenix 8 Pro which gained LTE & Satellite Messaging, this is otherwise the most capable sports watch on the market.
Garmin Fenix 8 Series - $250 Off!
$999-$1,199
$749⚡ The Fenix 8 keeps getting all the new software features of the Fenix 8 Pro that was launched two months ago. Setting aside that Fenix 8 Pro which gained LTE & Satellite Messaging, this is otherwise the most capable sports watch on the market.
Garmin Fenix E - $250 off!$499As a general rule, the Fenix E is the watch that literally nobody is buying, and makes no sense at higher prices. The hardware is simply the Epix Gen 2 with Fenix stamped on it. That watch is going for $400, though I expect we'll see it down to $300 over Black Friday. However, one *KEY* difference with the Fenix E, is that it includes all of the software features of the newer Fenix 8, whereas the Epix Gen 2 doesn't get all the new software features. Otherwise, save your $200.
Garmin Forerunner 165 (Base) - $50 off
$249/$299
$199
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music - $50 off!$249
Garmin Forerunner 255/255S Music - $150 off!
$349/$399
$249
Garmin Forerunner 265 Series - $150 off!
$449
$299⚡ This is (by far) the lowest price on the Forerunner 265, which was recently replaced by the Forerunner 570 (but at nearly twice this price). What's fascinating about this sale price, is it's well beyond the usual sale prices for Garmin for this product. This pricing is 100% an Kansas-themed 'Hello!' to COROS and their just released COROS Pace 4 at $249.
Garmin Forerunner 55 - $50 off
$199
$149The Foreurnner 55 is a great option if you simply don't want to spend a ton, but still want a super-capable runners watch (and general activity/sleep tracking watch). I've heard a lot of you get it for teenagers that run, as a great/inexpensive way to track their runs, and still be a good everyday watch.
Garmin Forerunner 570 - $100 off!
$549
$449⚡ This is Garmin's mid-tier Forerunner watch that came out earlier this year, packed with running features.
Garmin Forerunner 965 - $150 off
$599
$449⚡ This is the lowest price to date on the Forerunner 965, which is logical given the Forerunner 970 came out this past spring (which essentialy adds a flashlight and some other running metrics/features).
Garmin Forerunner 970 - $100 off!
$749
$649⚡ This is a very unexpected sale, just launched, on this very new watch, which is Garmin's top of the line Forerunner watch with virtually all the same software features as the Fenix 8 (but in a plastic case and without the diving features).
Garmin Index BPM ~$40 off!$160The Garmin Inded BPM is Garmin's medically certified blood pressure monitor. It integrates directly into your Garmin Connect account. I use it on occasion as a comparison for wearables, and it works just fine (obviously it's already medically certified by the FDA, so I say 'works' here in the sense of usability/functionality/etc...).
Garmin Index S2 WiFi Scale - $50 off
$149
$149I use this scale, merely for the weight tracking functions (not body fat). It works just fine for that piece, and integrates with the rest of your Garmin data. If you aren't in the Garmin ecosystem, there's plenty of (far) cheaper options.
Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED - $100 off!
$399/$449/$499
$399The Instinct 3 series came out earlier this year, with both an AMOLED and Solar variants. The big upgrade over the previous editions is the inclusion of the flashlight in all sizes, and a massive ugprade of sports features.
Garmin Instinct 3 SOLAR - $100 off$299The Instinct 3 series came out earlier this year, and the Solar edition in particular has 'unlimited' battery life in certain scenarios. The big upgrade over the previous editions is the inclusion of the flashlight in all sizes, and a massive ugprade of sports features.
Garmin Lily 2 - 20% off
$249
$199The leather version is also on sale as well.
Garmin Tactix 8 AMOLED - $250 off!$1,049This gets all the same updates as the Fenix 8 Pro, from a software standpoint.
Garmin Tactix 8 SOLAR - $250 off!$1,149This gets all the same updates as the Fenix 8 Pro, from a software standpoint.
Garmin Varia RCT715 Camera Radar - $50 off$349
Garmin Varia RVR315 Radar - $50 off$99This is Garmin's radar without the light, so it's a bit smaller as a result. Same radar tech though, and compatible with Garmin/COROS/Hammerhead/Wahoo bike computers.
Garmin Varia Radar (RTL515) - $50 off$149This is Garmin's standalone radar+taillight option, and $149 is pretty much the standard sale-price. Even despite all the new radars out there, this remains the most accurate option on the market. Now, only if Garmin would just re-release it with USB-C. C'Mon Garmin...maybe next year?
Garmin Varia Vue Front Light/Camera - $50$499This is the first time this product has been on sale, since launching last spring. I'd argue it could have used a $100 off sale...but hey...they don't consult me.
Garmin Venu 3 - $100 off!
$449
$349The Venu 4 came out in September, though with a massive price jump.
Garmin Venu 4 - $50 off!$499⚡ The Garmin Venu 4 just came out two months ago, and one of the big ticket features is the LED flashlight built-in. However, it's also got a ton of other new features, as Garmin merged the codebase with the Forerunner/Fenix series, resulting in a boatload of added things like Training Readiness, Acute Load, and more.
Garmin Venu X1 - $200 off!$599⚡ This is the lowest price we've seen on the newest product in the entire Garmin Holiday 2025 sale lineup. This is basically a blend of a Forerunner 970, Venu 4, and Fenix 8...but super thin. It's argueably one of the best deals here at $599, though, Garmin is still clearly trying to figure out the right pricing to drive purchases.
Garmin Vivoactive 5 - $100 off!
$299
$199
Garmin Vivoactive 6 - $50 off!
$299
$249⚡ This is the first time we've seen the Vivoactive 6 on sale, which is essentially a Venu 4, but without the voice/calling/ECG features (and a few other tidbits). It's probably one of the best deals in Garmin's lineup (sale or otherwise).
Garmin inReach 2 Mini Satellite Communicator (2-way) - $150 off$249⚡ This is the lowest price we've ever seen for this. 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 Plus - $100 off!$349This came out last fall, and is the second time this has been discounted, but now to the lowest price to date. The key difference with the new Plus model is that it adds the ability to send photos and voice messenges via satellite. I've used it a bit, and it's pretty cool because it makes it a lot faster to just say something rather than type it out, but the $499 price seemed excessive. $399 makes it slightly more palatable.
GoPro Hero 13 Black - $100 OFF!$309This is the lowest price we've seen in a year.
GoPro Hero 4K - $20 off$179This is GoPro's budget option, which includes a full color touchscreen on the back as well. The main benefit is it's super small, but note it's not quite in the same quality ballpark as their higher-end cameras. If you want size and GoPro ecosystem on a budget, this is an option. But with the DJI Action 4 just $20 more than $199, that offers notably better quality.
GoPro LIT Hero 4K - $40 off$229
GoPro Max 2 - $50 off!$399This is now the lowest price we've seen for the Max 2, which just came out in September.
Google Nest Cam Indoors - 25% off$74We 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 WiFi Pro - 6E (3xPack) - $110 off!$279I've been using the Google Nest WiFi packs for years. And then I converted over to this newer version last fall. Super happy with this three pod pack.
Google Pixel Watch 3 (45mm) - $100 OFF$200+The newer Pixel Watch 4 came out back in October. I see the Pixel Watch 4 as a pretty substantial hardware upgrade over the Pixel Watch 3, notably due to satellite SOS, as well as a user-replaceable battery.
HJC Sports - IBEX 2.0 - €125 off€124.50Note: HJC Sports is a DC Rainmaker Partner
HJC Sports FURION 2.0 - 100€ Off€99.50Note: HJC Sports is a DC Rainmaker Partner
Hammerhead Karoo 3 - $55 off!
$474
$420I really like this unit, and think they've easily surpassed Wahoo these days in terms of features, display-quality, stability, etc...
HoverAir X1 Drone Combo - $50 off!$237This has become one of my favorite drones, given it's tiny size (fits in my running shorts pockets) and ease of use. Plus, you can crash the crap out of it (hundreds of times for me and my wife) without any issues. This combo includes an extra battery and fast charger.
HoverAir X1 Pro Drone Combo Kit - $300 off$607⚡ This is a solid deal on a solid drone, and one of the two main ones I use when taking videos of myself hiking or running. This includes the two extra batteries as well as the fast charger (so 3 batteries total).
HoverAir X1 ProMax Bundle - $250 off!$719This includes three batteries, the drone, the vast charger, and some extra accessories.
HoverAir X1 ProMax Cycling Bundle - $352 off!$929This includes three batteries, the drone, the vast charger, and some extra accessories, plus the Beacon (handelbar remote)
Hydrow Rowing Machine - $400 off$1,695This 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.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 - $65 off!$334This is one of my two main daily action cams (along with the GoPro Hero 13 Black).
Insta360 GO 3S Tiny 4K Action Camera - $70 off!$279
Insta360 Go Ultra Tiny 4K Action Cam - $70 off!$379⚡ This just came out this past August, and is a great little unit. The pod isn't quite as tiny as the Go 3S, but the features and quality are a huge step up (especially the removable MicroSD card).
Insta360 X5 360* Action Cam - $85 off!$464This is one of the best 360 action cams on the market, alongside the GoPro Max 2 (both have their pros and cons, check out my full comparison guide linked).
Lasko High Velocity Pro-Performance Fan - 15% off$54This 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. It's one of the ones in my rotation.
Moxy Muscle Oxygen Sensor - 10% offAll their sensors and accessors are 10% off with coupon code BFMoxy25
Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi Delux Kit - 35% off!$142⚡ 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!
Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven - $120 off$279I use the Fyra 12 (with wood pellets), and love it. The Karu 12 is essentialyl the newer version of that, and there's both a gas-only version, and a multi-fuel option (gas or wood). Love it!
Oura Ring 4 - $100 off!$249⚡ This is by far the best deal we've seen on the Oura ring (really, since ever, let alone the current version).
Peloton Cross Training Bike is $300 off$1,395This is Peloton's mid-range model, the Bike Cross training, which also came-out this past summer.
Peloton Cross Training Bike+ - $700 off!$1,995This is Peloton's highest end bike model that came out this past summer.
Peloton Cross Training Tread is $500 off$2,795
Philips Hue Smart Lighting - 28% offI use Philips Hue stuff all over the DCR Cave/Studio for lighting, both obviously colorful stuff in the background of shots, but also just for automation of the lights. Same goes at home. Love it (mainly when it's on sale like now). Starter packs are a good place to begin, and then I love the light strips (such as pictured).
Pixel Watch 4 - $50 off!$299All base variants of the PIxel Watch are $50 off, however the LTE variants are $100 off, and those include satellite SOSconnectivity!
Pixel Watch 4 LTE editions - $100 off!$349⚡The Pixel Watch 4 LTE includes satellite SOS connectivity, even if you don't activate a cellular plan on it. I'd strongly recommend getting the LTE version for $50 more, to future-proof you a bit there (or, to save your bacon in the woods).
Polar H10 Chest Strap (Dual ANT+/Bluetooth Smart) - $20 off
$89
$84This 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%.
Polar H9 Chest Strap - $10 off$59If you're looking for a good solid high-quality strap, that does both ANT+ & Bluetooth Smart, for a reasonable price...look no further than the Polar H9
Polar Ignite 3 - $60 off!
$329
$339
Polar Pacer - $65 off$234
Polar Vantage M3 Multisport GPS Watch - $35 off!
$399
$463
Polar Verity Sense - 15% off
$99
$89I use this as one of my reference devices for heart rate accuracy testing.
Precision Fuel & Hydration 30g Caffine Gels - 15 Pack - 15% OFF$52These are the caffine version of the main gels I use when I don't need the bigger 90g ones. Note: Precision Fuel & Hydration is a DC Rainmaker partner
Precision Fuel & Hydration 30g Energy Gels - 15 Pack - 15% OFF$39These are the main gels I use when I don't need the bigger 90g ones. So for example doing something a bit shorter where I don't want to carry the bigger 90g packs (mainly running). Note: Precision Fuel & Hydration is a DC Rainmaker partner
Precision Fuel & Hydration PF90 Energy Gels 10pkg - 15% OFF$50I primarily use these 90g packs on all my adventures, roughly doing 90g/hour for cycling/trail running/hiking/etc... Note: Precision Fuel & Hydration is a DC Rainmaker partner
Precision Fuel PF 30g Energy Chews - 15% off$36I like to mix it up a bit, and include the chews on some of my longer adventures. Note: Precision Fuel & Hydration is a DC Rainmaker Partner
Precision Fuel PF 60 Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix -15% Off$27This is the main drink mix that both myself and my wife use. Note: Precision Fuel & Hydration is a DC Rainmaker partner
SHOKZ OpenFit - Open-Ear Headphones - $20 off$159
SHOKZ OpenRun Headphones - 31% off$89
SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 - 31% off!$124
SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 Mini - 31% off!$124
SONOS Roam 2 - 22% off$139We 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. I think the main reason I love it, is that we heavily use it in summer, so...kinda reminds me of summer.
Samsung Galaxy Ring - $120 off$279
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) - $100 off!$549
Samsung Galaxy Watch8 - $70 off$279This is the lowest price to date on this recently released watch.
SanDisk 1-4TB Extreme PRO Portable External SSD - 30% off$129⚡This is one of the two the high speed drives types I use to store the footage I'm actively video editing. I typically buy the 2TB and 4TB ones, and then eventually offload the footage onto a NAS array when I'm done.
Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-frame Mirrorless Camera w/ 28-70mm Zoom - $700 off$2,198Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-frame Mirrorless Camera w/ 28-70mm Zoom - $400 offThis is the main camera I use for still photography and video b-roll. I semi-recently wrote about all the photography gear I use, linked at side here.
Suunto Aqua Swimming Open-Ear Bluetooth Headphones - 22% off!$139
Suunto Ocean (Dive Watch) - $180 off!$719
Suunto Race - $50 off!
$449/$549
$296
Suunto Race S - $70 off!
$349
$279
Suunto Run - $50 off!
$249
$199This is a very solid deal. It's got virtually all the software features of Suunto's higher-end watches (minus the app store), and just came out this past May.
Suunto Vertical (Solar edition) - $320 off$519
Suunto Vertical - $150 off!$339While the new Suunto Vertical 2 just came out a month ago, if you wanted to stock-up on MIP-based display watches before they disappear, here's your chance. This is also the lowest price we've ever seen on the Vertical 1, which is otherwise still a very soild watch.
Suunto Wing headphones - $30 off$119
Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS223j NAS - $35 off!$165I have bigger Synology NAS units at the DCR Studio/Office, but I also have a smaller unit (this one) that I use to keep various piles of data here too. I like the Synology stuff, as it's generally quite dependable.
Tacx NEO 2T Smart Trainer - $200-$300 off
$1,399
$899This is the go-to sales price for the NEO 2T, though has become more frequent over the past year. It's still an incredible trainer, and is the top-end non-moving trainer from Garmin/Tacx.
Tacx NEO 3M - 25% off!
$1,999
$1,499⚡ This is the lowest price we've seen to date on the Tacx NEO 3M, and finally takes it down to a semi-logical price (compared to it's competitors). This is a good buy, and obviously, given it's only a year old, I definitely don't expectany sort of new version of this anytime soon (the last NEO series unit was about 5 years between versions).
Therabody Theragun Prime - $120 off!$199My wife uses the Theragun, and absolutely loves it, in the most hatefun kind of way.
Vacmaster AM201R Fan + Remote/holder (15% off)$67This is another very popular fan that people use for indoor training/cycling, especially due to inclusion of the remote and remote holder to clasp on your handlebars.
Wahoo ACE Cycling GPS - $125 off
$624
$499
Wahoo CLIMB Accessory - $190 off!
$599
$569This simulates the up and down motion on Wahoo KICKR trainers moving your bike up and down. Also, there's virtually no product except SNAP, that Wahoo likes to put on sale more. Wouldn't be a sale around here unless this thing was discounted.
Wahoo KICKR BIKE SHIFT - $580 off!
$2,999
$1,912⚡ This is a very solid deal for this bike, and the lowest price to date. I actually like the KICKR BIKE SHIFT more than the higher-end KICKR BIKE V2/Pro, mainly because it's both quiter, and seems to be more resillient to issues (less complex design).
Wahoo KICKR Desk - $17 off$183
Wahoo KICKR V6 - $262 off!
$1,299
$734⚡This is actually the lowest price we've ever seen on the KICKR V6. Wahoo says we won't see a new top-end KICKR this fall, with them instead focusing on the new KICKR Bike Pro, KICKR CORE 2, and all their new bike computers/radar/etc...
Wahoo ROAM V3 - $70 off!$426
Wahoo TRACKR Heart Rate Sensor - $15 off
$89
$84
Whoop 5.0 - Peak (12-Month Subscription) - $40 off!$199
Whoop 5.0/MG - Life (12-Month Subscription) - $60 off!$299

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!

YouTube video

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: Improved new radar all-clear tone, other bug fixes [Note:

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!

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked.
If you would like a profile picture, simply register at Gravatar, which works here on DCR and across the web.

Click here to Subscribe without commenting

Add a picture

*

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.