Heads up! Here’s your massive list of sports tech deals! This includes the Garmin Forerunner 965 for just $499, Garmin Epix for $429, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black Titanium for $735, the GoPro Hero 12 Black for $299, (or Hero 13 bundle for $339!) 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.
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.
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Check out my weekly podcast - with DesFit, which is packed with both gadget and non-gadget goodness!
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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.
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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!
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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.
Living in Phoenix usually just requires an extra layer for warmth.
Change wheels on my bike and add an extra layer… nothing more here in Siena!
I keep running. All I do is just to use more layers or warmer clothes. Can’t live without running!
I live in Oregon so out comes the bike trainer and lots and lots of rain gear. Good thing is that if you leave the cap of a bike or running water bottle you’ll never be empty.
I live in Stockholm, Sweden, and the winter is on its way here, so I moved inside to the gym running on the treadmill.
Lower volume, higher velocity (kind of) :)
Ray, I didn’t see a link for the PayPal donation. Is there one or are you saying you’re “findable” by the name “DCR Supporter”?
I do roughly the same mileage but have to put on more layers and look harder for my ambition. I live in new England and we can get dumped on some years.
I save my sunday newspaper to stuff in my shoes after the wet rainy winter runs here in San Francisco! Lets hope I go through a lot of newspaper this winter!
Running outside and biking on a trainer
Running is something I like in all kinds of weather, but for biking I go indoors!
I live in Northern Thailand. Still pretty hot here. 5:30am now – time for a run – in shorts
Mmmm… I just put on an extra layer and run on the snow! Winter training in Munich can be quite fun!
Hit the weights, when i can’t get out. Love to have a new Fenix 3! Thanks Ray!
I put on an extra layer (Rule #5). Unless there’s ice on the road, then it’s the turbo, or hiking in the mountains.
Put on an extra layer of wool and then get outside more often although for shorter rides or hikes.
I use good winter gear and continue running outside. For the bike I either use my MTB outdoors (fun in the snow!) or the tri bike on my trainer
Winter in Sydney is fine, its adapting for summer where humidity and heat gets up. I take rest days on the super hot days and then run at night or first thing in the morning.
I both cycle and swim, these days.
The only thing I alter for Winter exercise is more clothing being put on.
Living in New Jersey makes it harder to continue training during the long cold days and nights. So I sign up for running events in March and April, as well as a triathlon early in the season to keep me motivated. I run outside or the treadmill, indoor cycle trainer and never stop swimming, the key is keeping yourself motivated!!!
I switch to mountain biking and inside trainer rides, hang the wetsuit for the pool, and use the treadmill more.
I just moved to Miami :) Which doesn’t solve the “getting dark too early and too scared to ride my bike in the dark in this not so bike friendly city”-issue
I live in the Blue Mountains to the west of Sydney and it gets pretty cold in winter, just add a couple of extra layers and get out there, cold and/or wet weather is no excuse for not training. Sometimes it feels like more of an accomplishment to finish a session in adverse conditions.
Put on more layers and put up with the pain.
Bought a Wahoo Kickr several months ago, and discovered Zwift. Whereas I used to run and swim more often during winter months, the Kickr-Zwift combination definitely kicks motivation sky-high.
Winters will never be the same again…
Layers layers and layers… And run faster!!!
Here in Norway we use the winter to do a lot of cross country, good endurance training, also built strengh. And of course a lot of swimming, turbo session and treadmill.
I guess I am the lucky duck as I live in the tropical region where the greatest deterrent to running is merely monsoon raitropical storm and haze. I guess it would make it easier than running among the snow. :)
Southern Arizona: Finally able to run outside at daytime and not boil to death! Winter is very welcome here!
Here in Boston, we just bring a snow shovel on our runs!
I bring all my cycling indoors and brave the wind and/or snow during my runs (unless I wimp out and stay in bed)
After reading your reviews I have just bought the Vortex Smart, my training now involves TV watching that can be measured in miles! Thanks for the advice and reviews.
I change nothing !!
No need to worry about winter, only rainy days – just wear a jacket!!!!
Winter training means trainer time. Lots and lots of trainer time. Base building is key for me in the winter.
Layers! Best days are when you get a layer of ice on the inside of your jacket.
Oh man, I hate winter training! I’m training for IM 70.3 Chattanooga this winter, so I need to get a Flow Trainer for the Bike, a gym for the pool and running is always outside even in cold weather. I HATE the treadmill.
That’s how I adapt!
Just use good warm clothes and continue to ride as often as possible. Only change bike to my CX.
train at the gym
This winter I’m doing crossfit in hopes that it will improve my running and cycling next summer!
Essex gets a little colder but not much wetter so I cut down on cycling and rollersking and go up on spinning, circuit training and early morning running with more layers and lights.
Great opportunity to switch it up and do some trail running in the snow. Nice to do something different!
I install my bike on the trainer and greatly lower the time on it, I begin my running season.
pilates and yoga
Go Xc skiing from outside the house
Force workouts at the GYM
Milwaukee here. Lots of layers. Always too many at first, but it works itself out.
In northeastern PA, I put on extra layers and when it gets too freaking cold I run and bike indoors. When it gets icy I am stuck with indoor training. But have been known to run and bike in 10F weather with ice and snow on the ground.
Living in the south of the US I don’t have to adjust training too much. Weather is actually more comfortable in the winter for running. We get some snow and ice so I don’t go for runs on those days, but other than that, it’s training as normal.
The fenix 3 is an amazing watch! The leather band would be amazing.
Winter is coming, knobby tires as well ! I will have some fun in the woods south of Paris (Clamart, Meudon, Versailles, etc.).
My brompton is still my usual suspect for my daily commute (just need to add some layers of clothes) !
Cheers,
Cyril
Keep on running; more skiing, less biking.
I change my running clothes to winter clothes and switch from the road bike to the indoor trainer.
I’m a lucky runner living in tropical lands. No change need it.
Swim indoors more and run outside less! I don’t mind the cold on the bike. (28 degrees and lower mornings).
Please pick me random number generator, I’ll never be able to afford this!
train at bodytech!!!
Add a few layers and a head torch and I’m sorted… That and my shiny new Vortex Smart of course – should keep me busy!
Living in the UK I’ve had to limit my cycling due to the short days and not wanting to get run over. Still plenty of running though. A cup of tea before I brave the cold and some reflective gear has me pretty much sorted!
I walk indoors and bundle up and walk outdoors.
gotta mix it up, going into maintenance mode for the bike, focus on rebuilding core & strength training. keep fun factor up: XC skiing, stairs climbing and a nice week long break to recup =)
No changes. Whether is pretty nice during winter too.
I climb aboard the ol faithful dreadmill. I hate it, but where I live it’s hardly safe to run the roads with ideal conditions, so add snow and ice and it’s a big risk.
Going to give Zwift a try this year and continue running in the mean time.
I have to change things around a lot. I hate the cold so once it gets below 50F I use treadmill and indoor trainer. Never been a fan of a pool when it is the slightest bit cold so I skip the water in the winter
What winter? Here in SIngapore we get to train almost everyday (Except when our neighbours suffocate us with Haze… that’s another rant for another day).
Love the watch and would make my kakis jealous!
In the winter time I switch to doing some video workouts like insanity max 30 or T25. Usually ride indoors on a trainer and use trainerroad plans alot.
Cheers
As I live in the UK and winters are usually mild over here I don’t have to change my training much. I still do long runs and rides outside, no matter the weather, just put on more layers and use my winter road bike. When it’s pissing down heavily instead of going out on a bike over the weekend I’m either staying indoors and have a turbo trainer session or use a wattbike in my local gym for some quality 60min intervals. In terms of swim training, warmer months I swim 2x per week in the pool and once open water, during cold months I do all sessions in the pool.
All cycling indoors, and a lot more time in the pool. I hate the cold
Beautiful weather in SF, no changes at all!
The only change I make is riding indoors more; 95% of my riding is indoors anyway, even during summer, due to safety reasons (I’m kinda attached to my skin), but 100% of my rides go indoors when the rain starts and the time change kicks in.
Running-wise, though, nothing changes…other than my wardrobe. I despise treadmills, and the cold and rain don’t bother me (I’m a true green-blooded Oregonian).
Thanks for the giveaway, Ray; looking forward to the newsletter, and I’ll be joining as a DCR Support soon!
In Calgary, Canada it’s often a dry cold. But sometimes -30 cold. :(
That said, the bike commute continues all winter, supplemented with spin class in lieu of long road rides. Also some additional core work in the gym and (if Santa cooperates) some indoor trainer work.
I am from Canada and I bought a Vortex smart and have started Trainer Road!
> How do you adapt your training schedule for winter? Do you change sports altogether, or do you happen to be one of those lucky ducks living in Hawaii?
I change focus. Less running — because I don’t like treadmills much, and it’s really cold outside! — and more indoor cycling on the trainer with a movie. Upgrading to a Kurt Kinetic Rock and Roll made a big difference in how much I enjoy my indoor cycling. Between the R&R and my Kreitlers, I can make biking indoors about as hard or easy as I want to.
I work in a gigantic data center, so jogging laps around the halls keeps my co-workers entertained and burns off some calories too…
This year, I have switched from almost 100% road biking to a more cross-training schedule. Road biking, mountain biking, running on weeknights after dark, and hiking with a weighted backpack.
December Run Streak
Get my self some good winter kit, slow the rides down and ride longer (whatever the weather.
I live on the coast of California right between LA and SF. We don’t have winters but it sometimes does get down to around a bristling 50 degrees F. For those days I just add a layer or two. So I don’t change my training, or rather, my riding schedule at all. I live in the perfect place.
Thanks.
Randy
Unless the weather is out of control, i just bundle up with running tights a hat and run outside. I mix in the treadmill if i have to train indoors. Pretty spoiled here in Norcal.
Supposed I’m one of the lucky duck living in tropical country. But that do not stop us from signing up for races in climate countries where cold wind are a blest and something to die for…but not the thick snow of course.
I live in Sydney, Australia and while our winters are mild (gets to 5 deg Celsius at 5am during winter), I wear long compression tights, a thermal teeshirt and a light jacket (which reflects the light as its dark). even though its cold – there is a good incentive to put some pace in to warm up.
Clever training device thank you.
Just wrap up and get on with it. Can’t beat running in snow !
I leave in Chicago. In the winter, I train inside, try to get stronger and look forward to spring.
I try to run outside as long as I can, but I switch my out door riding to spin classes and try to get in some base swimming and gym classes. I am a fair weather rider for sure.
Strap a headtorch on and hit the dark coast paths or try and make new patterns on Garmin connect with my town based streetlight runs.
Also more dog walks and shorter runs.
Winter is my offseason, I am in maintenance mode so I do a couple bikes, runs and swims a week. I do however increase my strength training and freely do other winter activities like snowshoeing and snowboarding.
I tend to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Winter running gear when required and the same if I’m climbing. If the weather is poor I move indoors and go to the Bouldering Wall.
Lots of trainer rides in the basement!
Train harder in the summer months then go on Holiday to Bali in the winter months and Chillax.
How do you adapt your training schedule for winter? Do you change sports altogether, or do you happen to be one of those lucky ducks living in Hawaii?
I still run in the mornings, just a bit later than usual. Lots of layering, some indoor track workouts, and drainer.
Usually I lower mileage too, but we have marathons to run!
I layer up and face the coldness!
I have no idea how I’ll adapt my training schedule for winter, as this is my first winter as a runner (started running mid-June). Likely I’ll learn to bundle up and add traction to my shoes and just keep running through winter. Death before treadmill!
How do you adapt your training schedule for winter?
I workout more! I live in Tucson,Az and our winters are really what make living here worth it. You can go on long hikes in the middle of the day, long mountain bike rides, run 10+ miles and you’re comfortable the whole time. The morning seems cold to us in Tucson, but in reality, a good baselayer is all you need for warmth. Love it in Tucson! I don’t live in Hawaii (Beautiful place too) but the variability in weather really seems to keep my interest more than a steady temperature year round. (We get snow sometimes!)
Training is at top through the winter. I prefer the winter especially when there are few people and I can enjoy the nature.
a lot of snow in Wisconsin so do walks & runs
I’m fortunate to live in Park City, UT. So I simply transition from mountain biking to backcountry skiing.
I’m lucky enough to live in Western Australia so winter training means adding more layers and protection from the rain and fewer swims in the ocean but I can pretty much train all year round.
I tend to just do more intervals in the evenings in a place where there’s good grip, and save longer runs for warmer times of day…
More mountain biking!Just more layers of clothes for all other training.
Minor clothing adjustments needed in SoCal