Heads up! Here’s your massive list of sports tech deals! This includes the Garmin Forerunner 965 for just $499, Garmin Epix for $449, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black Titanium for $735, the GoPro Hero 12 Black for $299, and plenty more! Go check out the full list here!
I’m DC RAINMAKER…
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.
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You can use the above link for any Amazon country and it (should) automatically redirect to your local Amazon site.
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5 Easy Steps To The Site
1
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.
2
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!
3
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.
4
My Photography Gear: The Cameras/Drones/Action Cams I Use Daily
The most common question I receive outside of the “what’s the best GPS watch for me” variant, are photography-esq based. So in efforts to combat the amount of emails I need to sort through on a daily basis, I’ve complied this “My Photography Gear” post for your curious minds (including drones & action cams!)! It’s a nice break from the day-to-day sports-tech talk, and I hope you get something out of it!
5
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.
DC, any commentary re the disappearance of the Shimano 4 Bolt model? Thanks for another good read buddy!
I have been told demand was far greater than they anticipated so they have temporarily stopped new orders until they meet back orders. I have been waiting for ages for another unit (Already have one on my training bike) and have previously asked Nicholas from P2M if he knows anymore but no reply. A little worrying, hopefully it’s not an accuracy issue, as it’s a really good PM option for those that swap from compact to standard or those that want the superior shimano shifting.
Hopefully Ray can shed some more light on this.
Ray, I’m in the market to buy a power meter for the first time, and I feel like this is a really interesting time in the market to be making a new purchase. Really looking forward to your upcoming buyer’s guide. No pressure!!
How does one figure out what one’s bike bottom bracket compatibility is?
Any rumors on Bluetooth Smart versions from P2M (or others)?
We discussed it a bit. They expect that medium to longer term they’ll switch to a dual chipset like others. But it’s not in the cards for this round of announcements.
For a left/right power meter the only option for the near future will be the Polar Keo then…?
Today’s true left/right power options are:
ROTOR
Garmin Vector
Polar Look Keo
Verve Infocrank
Upcoming/planned options are:
Xpedo Thrust
Brim Brothers
PowerBeat
I’m probably forgetting a few…
And of these, only Polar has Bluetooth Smart… Starting to regret getting the V800.
The following have Bluetooth Smart today-ish:
Polar Pedals
Stages Power
PowerTap (with Bluetooth Smart cap)
Down the road:
PowerBeat
I learned about these guys last year and got one of their Classic models on a Rotor 3D+ crankset. (Type S was about to come out so the Classic was already starting to be discounted).
Love it, does what it needs to do, has a great price point, and the calibration and chainring compatibility is excellent.
I have had a Classic model for about a year and I’m very pleased with it. Just looked at P2M’s website and I see where they now have the Classic with an FSA Gossamer crankset marked down to $749. That’s a complete steal and I’m seriously considering snagging another one for my TT bike. As I said, I’ve been very pleased with my P2M, they were very responsive and helpful while trying to determine bottom bracket compatibility before purchase, the price was great, and It only took me about 4 days from clicking the “Buy” button to have the unit in my hot little hands.
Everyone in my neck of the woods is in a lather about being able to give Stages $700 for a meter that only measures power from one leg. Every time I hear it I point people at P2M. At $50 more that Stages, no lead time, and none of this measure-one-leg-and-assume business that Stages does it’s a no-brainer. Don’t get me wrong, I respect Stages and love that they are helping drive prices down, but the data geek in me just can’t stand the thought of making those kinds of assumptions.
Just looked at P2M’s site and this is what I see:
entry-level P2M = 940 €
VS
entry-level Stages = 600 €
Different neck of the woods I guess.
Nice review, thanks Ray!
I am currently waiting for your post on Stages, our local dealer has a 10% cut for September, but I want to know what else is coming before making any decision.
I included Stages in my round-up yesterday. They do not plan any further announcements in the near future.
Thanks Ray, you do such a great job!
I have one more question, when you mention the second generation P2max as being their first reliable PM, you are referring to their updated ( in sept 2012) Classic model, featuring temperature compensation and left/right power, and not to the Type S, right?
Yes, correct. Post-Sept 2012.
Also Pioneer would be a contender in left/right category, with some extras like sample rate.
Don’t you agree?
It’s definitely an option in the left/right realm. The sample rate is interesting, but it’s only supported by their head unit and I’m not clear yet if I can see a tangible training/racing benefit.
Has Rotor got there unit sorted out yet? Was reading plenty off disappointed customers reviews…
Has Rotor got there unit sorted out yet? Was reading plenty off disappointed customers reviews.
Has Rotor got there unit sorted out yet? Was reading plenty of disappointed customers reviews.
Has Rotor got there unit sorted out ?
hello, maybe any type s works with sram red 22?
Hi Ray,
I checked power meter compatibility P2MAX site for BB30.
I would like to buy Type-S FSA gossamer-strada but I seen a table where they raccomended some powermeter (Rotor 3D+, Rotor 3DF, BOR RR688, Tune Smart Foot, Lightning).
FSA gossamer doesn’t appear raccomended for BB30…
Can I mount Type-S FSA gossamer-strada using bottom bracket adapter on my CAAD10 MY2014?
Many thanks for the support.
Best regards. Luca Vanelli
nice information