Heads up – Massive Sports Tech Holiday Deals List is Live!!! The Garmin Fenix 8 is $250 off (even the Fenix 8 Pro is $100 off!), the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is on sale, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is $249, the GoPro Hero 13 Black, DJI NEO, and a ton of other brands/deals, including Wahoo, Oura, Whoop, Polar, Samsung, Google, and more than 100 sports tech deals here!
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:
We’ve got a handful of new deals this week, a pile from Garmin in the cycling realm, and then a pile from DJI in the everything realm. Garmin does often put cycling gear on sale this time of year, albeit it’s far more rare for DJI to do the same this time of year.
Product
Sale Price
Amazon
Other site
Sale Notes
Adobe Creative Cloud Pro (12 Months) - $389 off (50% off!)
As 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.
We 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).
Perhaps 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.
Despite 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.)
⚡ 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
See 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
This 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.
These 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.
This 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.
This 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.
This 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.
This 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!
This 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!
This 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.
Look, 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.
⚡ 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.
NOTE: 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.
This 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.
These 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).
⚡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.
⚡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
We 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
I'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
⚡ 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.
⚡ 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.
If 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.
⚡ 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.
This 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.
This 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!
This 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.
⚡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).
⚡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).
⚡⚡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!).
This 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.
⚡⚡⚡ 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.
⚡⚡⚡ 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).
⚡⚡ 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.
⚡ 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.
⚡⚡ 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!]
⚡ 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.
⚡ 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.
As 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.
⚡ 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.
The 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.
⚡ 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).
⚡ 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).
The 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...).
I 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.
The 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.
The 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.
This 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.
This 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?
This 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.
⚡ 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.
⚡ 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.
⚡ 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).
⚡ 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.
This 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.
This 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.
We 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.
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.
This 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.
⚡ 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).
This 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.
⚡ 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).
This 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).
This 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.
Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi Delux Kit - 35% off!
⚡ 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
I 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!
I 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).
⚡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).
This 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%.
If 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
These 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
I 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
We 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.
⚡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 - $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!
This 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.
While 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.
I 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.
This 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.
⚡ 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).
This 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.
This 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.
⚡ 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).
⚡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...
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. Also, there’s a few things this week that were actually from a week or two ago – I’m just catching up on this list:
1) Going off the rails…err….route, in Zwift: I’ve accidentally done this once or twice before. For those that want to take-flight in Zwift for an aerial tour, here ya go.
3) A Massive Pile of Garmin Beta Updates: This week was notable for a huge swath of Garmin wearables getting beta updates, largely driven by both Connect IQ updates, but also a bunch of devices getting the newish strength training muscle map that shows which muscles a structured workout benefits. Notably, the Fenix 6 series is getting this (along with the FR945 & FR745, among others). It’s good to see new features still coming to the Fenix 6, after the Fenix 7 has launched. Hopefully that continues. Oh, and also Endurance Horseback Riding activity profile was added. Regrettably, I won’t be testing that one. Any such testing would likely just result in a viral video (of failures).
4) Upcoming Peloton Guide rumored to cost substantially less: The new CEO continues to make numerous tweaks around hardware pricing, and I suspect this one is the right call. The Peloton Guide was set to launch any week now, so it’ll be interesting to see what comes of it in terms of the overall product, and the price-point Peloton tries to hit.
5) Strava adding Tour de France Hub for 2022: This didn’t quite make it for a standalone post this week, namely because Strava didn’t have any actual imagery or concrete details to share about it when I dug deeper. But, it is interesting nonetheless. Basically, Strava is going to be doing a hub in the app during both the men’s and women’s TdF this year, which will be a consolidated view of Pro riders during the race, including things like stage details and segments on those stages (and how those athletes perform against those segments). This could be pretty interesting, looking forward to seeing how it turns out. Note that Strava did confirm there’s nothing being added to try and entice/require the remaining 20-30% of the pro peloton that doesn’t publish to Strava, to do so this year. It’s more of a hope that they will, though, it does continue to increase each year.
6) SRM X-Power Flats: This has been sitting on an open tab for a while now, been meaning to mention it somewhere. In short, SRM announced a few weeks back that they’re selling a flat-pedal version of their X-Power pedal-based power meter. In other words, they’ve taken the spindle from their existing SRM X-Power SPD units, and stuck it in a pair of flats. Thus, I can finally equip my Urban Arrow Cargo Bike with a power meter unnecessarily. Plus, these new units should have far better battery burn than the earlier SRM X-Power units that I initially tested (these have upgraded hardware).
7) Super League Triathlon Sponsorship by Garmin/Tacx: You’ll remember that Garmin/Tacx has previously sponsored the SLT (I went to one here to check it out), and it’s a cool concept. However, I caught in the press release the notion that athletes will use the Garmin Index S2 smart scale to measure their weight prior to their race, as required by Zwift’s esports rules. However, what is carefully skirted around in the next sentence is that they say the “data is given to Zwift”. Note, the data is not sent to Zwift, it’s manually entered. That’s because, despite the most obvious pairing that could exist for Zwift, they don’t actually support Garmin WiFi scales (even though it’s trivially easy for Zwift to receive weight data from Garmin, upon authorization by a user). Thus, I’m just here making an obvious nudge for Zwift to implement this). If countless other companies can do so, so can Zwift.
“If countless other companies can do so, so can Zwift.”
I tend to disagree. There are so many small things that you would think Zwift could easily do, but they haven’t done it for years. So, at this point I’m fairly certain that they simply lack the skills. It can’t be a lack of money.
Yeah, I know they have talented people. And they have plenty of money. But I get the impression there’s a gap in the technical direction side. Meaning, I don’t get the feeling there’s a deeply technical CTO or CTO minus one.
Meaning, most companies have at least a person or team or persons that’s singular job in life isn’t day to day programming/etc, but is ‘Futures tech’. Basically, they look at all the shiny objects, and figure out what’s worth doing or focusing on (sometimes for 3-6 months down the road, and sometimes for 3-6yrs down the road). They’re supposed to be uber-geeks and basically get to have fun with things and figure out what’s good or what’s half-baked.
Usually, these people drive at least one of a few different channels into a company implementing new things (alongside customer requests and other business priorities). They don’t override business priorities, but rather, typically look at the future far enough out to say “Hey, this will solve a problem for us, or a business goal down the road”.
In the case of Zwift, this makes ground on people not updating their Zwift weight frequently (or even seasonally). It doesn’t solve purposeful cheaters, but it does solve accidental cheaters.
The point is, while Zwift has people like Wes that do look at futures (he’s on Zwift’s podcasts and such occasionally), his role is still day to day making things happen for the next day. They need people that look at longer-range things and figure out how it fits into the greater picture (even if the answer is ‘Nah, that’s not worth it.’).
Just two cents from following the ins and outs of this company for a long while…
That role in a lot of tech product companies has always been fulfilled by either a Chief Architect or a Fellow. Unfortunately my current company (a legacy SaaS company) doesn’t yet recognize the need for that type of role and instead can’t figure out why our products and platform don’t fit together.
The Garmin API basically allows any authorized developer to request access to that data, be sent to them. It’s been silly simple for about three years now (actually, three years from next week). And then was further simplified in 2020 with a single API key.
So basically, any company that’s authorized as a recipient for Garmin data (which is relatively easy to get, it’s far harder/impossible to get the ability to push data into Garmin), can get this data.
Yeah, it’s basically just using the account credentials (username/password) that you provide to it though to manually create a weight entry. Versus a proper API solution.Obviously, that’s Garmin’s fault – but, worthwhile noting the differences.
I wonder about the general quietness about the Garmin Vivosmart 5. The confidentiality of the FCC filing has run out, pictures and specs are open, yet Garmin and Ray, even t5k said nothing about it. Maybe because it is not exciting (the specs are definitely not).
The exciting part might be that obviously Garmin does not even bother to release it, confirming the suspicion that they have given up on fitness bands altogether?
There are a few different items in their existing catalog that had their shipping availability forecasts change in recent months. Best guess is that the pandemic supply chain issues are still causing companies to be very selective about what goes into mass production.
Although it seems strange to put a power metre on flat pedals it does make some sense. I use flat pedals on my mountain bikes and sometimes my gravel bikes. So if i was more serious about racing and training it might be an option. Note i don’t do MTB trails just forest tracks which can be rough and sandy at times.
So if it was cheap for them to implement they have the field to themselves so it may be worth experimenting to see if there is a market for a flat pedal.
I love your site and blog. I have found it very useful when looking to upgrade my wearable. I currently have the Garmin Venu 2 but it doesn’t support race prediction. I saw your blog from 2016 which talked about a third party app called Race Screen on Garmin Connect. I downloaded the app but I can’t get it to work. It just shows the Connect logo (see photo). I have sent two emails to the developer via the Connect store portal but haven’t heard anything. It says it is supposed to be compatible with the Venu 2. Wondered if you had any suggestions.
Well the SRM X-Power Flats finally solves my loaded, self-supported, cross country touring use case. My touring bike has a triple front crank and a 36-spoke rear hub… neither of which are supported by today’s power meters. I’ve been known to travel in hiking boots and stop often for excursions or ice cream, so flats are ideal.
But $1,500 for flat pedals? Are you freakin’ kidding me?!
I tried updating my FR945 to the beta software.
It broke my running suggested workout. Showed funny symbols on the screen.
Rolled back. Going to have to wait till the official release.
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Edge 530/830 Plus ok the cards?
Any idea if this is a clearance of Edges to make way for new models, or just a spring sale?
can;’t wait for the *40 edge
“If countless other companies can do so, so can Zwift.”
I tend to disagree. There are so many small things that you would think Zwift could easily do, but they haven’t done it for years. So, at this point I’m fairly certain that they simply lack the skills. It can’t be a lack of money.
Yeah, I know they have talented people. And they have plenty of money. But I get the impression there’s a gap in the technical direction side. Meaning, I don’t get the feeling there’s a deeply technical CTO or CTO minus one.
Meaning, most companies have at least a person or team or persons that’s singular job in life isn’t day to day programming/etc, but is ‘Futures tech’. Basically, they look at all the shiny objects, and figure out what’s worth doing or focusing on (sometimes for 3-6 months down the road, and sometimes for 3-6yrs down the road). They’re supposed to be uber-geeks and basically get to have fun with things and figure out what’s good or what’s half-baked.
Usually, these people drive at least one of a few different channels into a company implementing new things (alongside customer requests and other business priorities). They don’t override business priorities, but rather, typically look at the future far enough out to say “Hey, this will solve a problem for us, or a business goal down the road”.
In the case of Zwift, this makes ground on people not updating their Zwift weight frequently (or even seasonally). It doesn’t solve purposeful cheaters, but it does solve accidental cheaters.
The point is, while Zwift has people like Wes that do look at futures (he’s on Zwift’s podcasts and such occasionally), his role is still day to day making things happen for the next day. They need people that look at longer-range things and figure out how it fits into the greater picture (even if the answer is ‘Nah, that’s not worth it.’).
Just two cents from following the ins and outs of this company for a long while…
That role in a lot of tech product companies has always been fulfilled by either a Chief Architect or a Fellow. Unfortunately my current company (a legacy SaaS company) doesn’t yet recognize the need for that type of role and instead can’t figure out why our products and platform don’t fit together.
As far as I know, Garmin also doesn’t sync weight to Strava too, which I think is also pretty annoying.
It’s not a Garmin problem, it’s a Strava problem.
The Garmin API basically allows any authorized developer to request access to that data, be sent to them. It’s been silly simple for about three years now (actually, three years from next week). And then was further simplified in 2020 with a single API key.
So basically, any company that’s authorized as a recipient for Garmin data (which is relatively easy to get, it’s far harder/impossible to get the ability to push data into Garmin), can get this data.
Some details here: link to dcrainmaker.com
Thank you, Ray, for the clarification. I googled the problem again and found workarounds. I will try FitnessSyncer now.
Smart Scale Sync is able to send to Garmin as a Destination with all metrics of a Withings scale
Yeah, it’s basically just using the account credentials (username/password) that you provide to it though to manually create a weight entry. Versus a proper API solution.Obviously, that’s Garmin’s fault – but, worthwhile noting the differences.
I wonder about the general quietness about the Garmin Vivosmart 5. The confidentiality of the FCC filing has run out, pictures and specs are open, yet Garmin and Ray, even t5k said nothing about it. Maybe because it is not exciting (the specs are definitely not).
The exciting part might be that obviously Garmin does not even bother to release it, confirming the suspicion that they have given up on fitness bands altogether?
There are a few different items in their existing catalog that had their shipping availability forecasts change in recent months. Best guess is that the pandemic supply chain issues are still causing companies to be very selective about what goes into mass production.
Garmin forerunner 935 – $230 off at best buy.
link to bestbuy.com
That’s pretty much the norm for pricing these days on the FR935.
In fact, it often floats down to $230-$240 or so.
Although it seems strange to put a power metre on flat pedals it does make some sense. I use flat pedals on my mountain bikes and sometimes my gravel bikes. So if i was more serious about racing and training it might be an option. Note i don’t do MTB trails just forest tracks which can be rough and sandy at times.
So if it was cheap for them to implement they have the field to themselves so it may be worth experimenting to see if there is a market for a flat pedal.
Did Garmin killed running power? I used to have power with my 945 & Tri HR but after the update, two consecutive runs, have 0 power.
Hey,
I love your site and blog. I have found it very useful when looking to upgrade my wearable. I currently have the Garmin Venu 2 but it doesn’t support race prediction. I saw your blog from 2016 which talked about a third party app called Race Screen on Garmin Connect. I downloaded the app but I can’t get it to work. It just shows the Connect logo (see photo). I have sent two emails to the developer via the Connect store portal but haven’t heard anything. It says it is supposed to be compatible with the Venu 2. Wondered if you had any suggestions.
Well the SRM X-Power Flats finally solves my loaded, self-supported, cross country touring use case. My touring bike has a triple front crank and a 36-spoke rear hub… neither of which are supported by today’s power meters. I’ve been known to travel in hiking boots and stop often for excursions or ice cream, so flats are ideal.
But $1,500 for flat pedals? Are you freakin’ kidding me?!
I tried updating my FR945 to the beta software.
It broke my running suggested workout. Showed funny symbols on the screen.
Rolled back. Going to have to wait till the official release.