I’m DC RAINMAKER…
I swim, bike and run. Then, I come here and write about my adventures. It’s as simple as that. Most of the time. If you’re new around these parts, here’s the long version of my story.
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Here’s how to save!
Wanna save some cash and support the site? These companies help support the site! With Backcountry.com or Competitive Cyclist with either the coupon code DCRAINMAKER for first time users saving 15% on applicable products.
You can also pick-up tons of gear at REI via these links, which is a long-time supporter as well:Alternatively, for everything else on the planet, simply buy your goods from Amazon via the link below and I get a tiny bit back as an Amazon Associate. No cost to you, easy as pie!
You can use the above link for any Amazon country and it (should) automatically redirect to your local Amazon site.Want to compare the features of each product, down to the nitty-gritty? No problem, the product comparison data is constantly updated with new products and new features added to old products!
Wanna create comparison chart graphs just like I do for GPS, heart rate, power meters and more? No problem, here's the platform I use - you can too!
Think my written reviews are deep? You should check out my videos. I take things to a whole new level of interactive depth!
Smart Trainers Buyers Guide: Looking at a smart trainer this winter? I cover all the units to buy (and avoid) for indoor training. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
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Check out my weekly podcast - with DesFit, which is packed with both gadget and non-gadget goodness!
Get all your awesome DC Rainmaker gear here!
FAQ’s
I have built an extensive list of my most frequently asked questions. Below are the most popular.
- Do you have a privacy policy posted?
- Why haven’t you yet released a review for XYZ product you mentioned months ago?
- Will you test our product before release?
- Are you willing to review or test beta products?
- Which trainer should I buy?
- Which GPS watch should I buy?
- I’m headed to Paris – what do you recommend for training or sightseeing?
- I’m headed to Washington DC – what do you recommend for training?
- I’m from out of the country and will be visiting the US, what’s the best triathlon shop in city XYZ?
- What kind of camera do you use?
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5 Easy Steps To The Site
In Depth Product Reviews
You probably stumbled upon here looking for a review of a sports gadget. If you’re trying to decide which unit to buy – check out my in-depth reviews section. Some reviews are over 60 pages long when printed out, with hundreds of photos! I aim to leave no stone unturned.
Read My Sports Gadget Recommendations.
Here’s my most recent GPS watch guide here, and cycling GPS computers here. Plus there are smart trainers here, all in these guides cover almost every category of sports gadgets out there. Looking for the equipment I use day-to-day? I also just put together my complete ‘Gear I Use’ equipment list, from swim to bike to run and everything in between (plus a few extra things). And to compliment that, here’s The Girl’s (my wife’s) list. Enjoy, and thanks for stopping by!
Have some fun in the travel section.
I travel a fair bit, both for work and for fun. Here’s a bunch of random trip reports and daily trip-logs that I’ve put together and posted. I’ve sorted it all by world geography, in an attempt to make it easy to figure out where I’ve been.
My Photography Gear: The Cameras and Equipment I Use Daily
The most common question I receive outside of the “what’s the best GPS watch for me” variant, are photography-esq based. So in efforts to combat the amount of emails I need to sort through on a daily basis, I’ve complied this “My Photography Gear” post for your curious minds! It’s a nice break from the day to day sports-tech talk, and I hope you get something out of it!
The Swim/Bike/Run Gear I Use List
Many readers stumble into my website in search of information on the latest and greatest sports tech products. But at the end of the day, you might just be wondering “What does Ray use when not testing new products?”. So here is the most up to date list of products I like and fit the bill for me and my training needs best! DC Rainmaker 2023 swim, bike, run, and general gear list. But wait, are you a female and feel like these things might not apply to you? If that’s the case (but certainly not saying my choices aren’t good for women), and you just want to see a different gear junkies “picks”, check out The Girl’s Gear Guide too.
Recent Posts in “The Queue”
In the Queue: FINIS Neptune Underwater MP3 Player
I’ve been toying with the new FINIS Neptune swimming MP3 player. Thus far I’m liking it. It’s a more robust unit than the older SwiMP3 (both in size and capacity), but far easier to navigate … Read More Here
In the Queue: Swimovate Poolmate HR
This is the latest indoor swimming watch from Swimovate. Like it’s older siblings, it tracks indoor swim workouts – but also layers in the ability to display and record heart rate data from the included … Read More Here
In the Queue: Bryton Cardio 60 GPS Multisport Watch
The Bryton Cardio 60 is a GPS multisport watch that does swim/bike/run and connects to a variety of ANT+ sensors. It competes with other watches in the market such as the Magellan Switch Up and … Read More Here
In the Queue: Basis B1 Continuous Monitoring Watch
The Basis B1 watch is the first watch on that market that can continually record your heart rate, skin temperature, perspiration – as well as being a traditional step counter. I’ll be wearing it 24×7 … Read More Here
In the Queue: The 4iiii’s Viiiiva ANT+ to Bluetooth HR Strap Bridge
Phew, that’s a long title. I’ve had this for a few weeks now, and will be testing it for at least a number more weeks before I publish a review on it. I’m pending some … Read More Here
Timex Run Trainer 2.0 Unwrapping (including first run photos!)
The Timex Run Trainer 2.0 builds on the initial Timex Run Trainer GPS unit, by going with a bit slimmer size and a much refreshed menu system. Thus far, after a single three-hour run I’m … Read More Here
O-Synce ANT+ Wireless Lap Button
This is one of those silly simple things that just makes SO much sense. Especially for mountain bikers. This tiny little button can be mounted right on your handlebars (you know, near you’re hands), and … Read More Here
Garmin Edge 510/810 Rubber Cases
This isn’t really in ‘The Queue’ from the standpoint of me reviewing them. I’m just stashing the pics here simply so that folks that were waiting for the photos know they’re here. Make sense? Good. … Read More Here
Mio Cyclo 305 HC
The Mio Cyclo 305 is a cycling GPS unit with mapping and more casual features – such as ‘surprise me’ routing (the ability to have it pick a random route that meets various criteria). The … Read More Here
Wahoo Fitness RFLKT Unboxing
Preview unboxing of the Wahoo Fitness RFLKT iPhone enabled bike computer. Read More Here