Huge Spring Sale Begins: 20% off All Trainers & Most Power Meters, $150 off Fenix 5 Plus and 30% off Suunto

Like clockwork, it’s that time of year again! The now semi-annual 20% off sale.  That’s because it happens now and in the fall.  But I don’t think anyone’s complaining about the chance to buy a brand new trainer or power meter for 20% off…or a heck of a lot of other things.

No matter what you call it, there are some amaze-balls deals in here.  And while my title says all trainers and almost all power meters, the reality is that this applies to boatloads more devices/products too. More about your imagination than anything else, in terms of finding solid deals.

To briefly back up: Historically speaking we see the biggest sports tech sales clustered in two timeframes: November (up to/around Black Friday), and May. The May ones are tied to trying to get you outdoors, so many of the sales tend to be focused on wearables or things that you take outdoors. Be it Garmin, or even GoPro. Plus, at this point almost every product that’s out, has been announced.

In general, sales fall into two buckets:

A) Retailer driven sales
B) Manufacturer driven sales (specified by the manufacturer, but then sold through retailers)

Within the US, manufacturers have to approve virtually all sales, to stay compliant with MAP policies (Minimum Advertised Price).  Said MAP concept doesn’t exist elsewhere.  So in the case of the Garmin/Suunto sales below, those fall into bucket ‘B’ above.  Whereas everything else in this post falls into bucket ‘A’ above. Make sense?  Good.

June 1st, 2019 One Day 20% VIP Sale:

I’m adding this as a quick last-minute addendum to this post that I had for the full sale that occurred a few weeks ago. The short version is this is a repeat of the 20% sale you see below. Only difference this time is that it doesn’t include any Wahoo, Tacx, or Garmin products, but otherwise it’s all identical and all other product ideas I listed below except those are included.

Simply do it by the end of today – Saturday, June 1st, 2019. Even the (VIPSALE) is the same). Linkage/ideas/etc all below!

Clever Training 20% VIP Sale:

For many of you, this is actually the much bigger sale. And it only happens twice a year, starting now (today).

And it’s not just power meters and trainers, it’s almost anything.

In this sale, each Clever Training (CT) VIP member is given a coupon code (VIPSALE) that’s good for 20% off a single non-sale item including all trainers and most power meters.  It doesn’t matter if that item is the Tacx Neo 2 trainer, Wahoo KICKR 2018 trainer or the Wahoo CLIMB, the PowerTap P2 power meter pedals, the Polar Vantage series, or Oakley aero helmets and Hoka shoes.  Your choice, but it’s only available to CT VIP members. I explain how to be a VIP Member below.

There are a handful of limitations, most notably that it’s not valid on non-power meter Garmin stuff (like watches), GoPro, Fitbit, Quarq/SRAM, Favero, and a few others I list down below in the restrictions. Those are all manufacturer driven restrictions.  And if you live in Europe, the trainer-specific deals can’t be shipped to you.

With that in mind, there are some incredible deals to be had for trainers and power meters here – or other high-value items.  Especially trainers and power meters, especially as most of you have transitioned from indoor riding to outdoor riding (or, perhaps just still chugging on Zwift year-round).  Here’s some quick guidance on both categories:

Power Meters: We haven’t really seen much in the way of new power meter announcements since last fall, and I don’t really expect much either till Eurobike (first week of September).  And even then, those don’t typically ship till later in the year or even next spring (2020). Said differently – nuttin new anytime soon.  So basically – if you want a power meter for the next 6 months or so and want to save 20%, it won’t get better than this anytime soon. My full power meter guide is here, and it hasn’t changed in any meaningful way since I published it last fall.

Trainers: As always, trainers are almost exclusively announced tied to the end of summer for Eurobike. Sometimes companies will announce things in June or July, but they are rarely available before August at the earliest – and most of the time, availability slides towards the November timeframe (despite promises otherwise). While I think we’ll continue to see trainer companies push out new products, I don’t think we’re going to see any ‘holy crap’ moments this year. I suspect just prices gradually continuing to push lower. Definitely check out my full Trainer Guide here!

The sale is members only, but it’s simple to get started:

1. Pick out the item you want to buy and add to cart (see below list as a starting point)
2. Add the Clever Training VIP membership to your cart
3. Add VIP members-only coupon code (VIPSALE) upon checkout to save 20%.
4. Enjoy gadget!

There are too many deals to list, because obviously that’d be tens of thousands of items that Clever Training carries, even helmets and other sports gear.  But you can find all trainers Clever Training carries here on the trainer landing page (it’s basically everyone).  ALL trainers listed qualify for the sale!  Yes, all of them (except the Tacx and Elite bikes, but I suppose those technically aren’t trainers).

You can find all power meters Clever Training carries here on their power meter landing page.

I’m going to call out the most notable ones in the table below:

DCR Best VIP Tech Deals - Spring 2019

Item	Year Announced	Regular Price	Review/Related Post
4iiii Power Meters	2015-2018	From $399	DCR Post Here
AeroPod Aero Sensor	Spring 2018	$499	DCR Post Here
COROS PACE GPS Multisport Watch	Spring 2018	$199	DCR Post Here
COROS APEX GPS Multisport Watch	Dec 2019	$300	DCR Post Here
Cycliq Fly12 CE Front Bike Light/Camera	Fall 2017	$279	DCR Post Here
Cycliq Fly6 CE Back Bike Light/Camera	Fall 2017	$179	DCR Post Here
Elite Drivo II Trainer	Summer 2018	$1,199	DCR Post Here
Elite Direto 2018 Trainer	Fall 2018	$899	DCR Post Here
CycleOps Hammer 2 (H2)	Summer 2018	$1,199	DCR Post Here
CycleOps Mangus 2 (M2)	Fall 2018	$699	DCR Post Here
Garmin Vector 3S Power Meter	Fall 2017	$599	DCR Post Here
Garmin Vector 3 Power Meter	Fall 2017	$999	DCR Post Here
Kinetic R1 Smart Trainer	Fall 2018	$1,050	DCR Post Here
Kinetic Smart Control 2018 Trainers	Fall 2018	$1,050	DCR Post Here
Lezyne Mega-C Bike Computer	Summer 2018	$199	DCR Post Here
Lezyne Mega-XL Bike Computer	Summer 2018	$199	DCR Post Here
NPE Cable ANT+ to Bluetooth Smart Converter	Spring 2017	$59	DCR Post Here
Pioneer Power Meters	2015-2018	From $499	DCR Post Here
Polar M460 GPS Bike Computer	April 2017	$329	DCR Post Here
Polar M600 GPS Android Wear Watch	Late 2016	$329	DCR Post Here
Polar OH-1 Plus Optical Sensor (with ANT+/BLE)	Spring 2019	$79	DCR Post Here
Polar Vantage M GPS Watch	Fall 2018	$279	DCR Post Here
Polar Vantage V GPS Watch	Fall 2018	$499	DCR Post Here
PowerTap P2 Power Meter Pedals	2015	$899	DCR Post Here
STAC Zero Trainer (with power)	2017	$479	DCR Post Here
STAC Halcyon Trainer (with power)	Summer 2018	$799	DCR Post Here
Scosche Rhythm 24	Winter 2018	$99	DCR Post Here
Suunto 9 Series	Summer 2018	$499-599	DCR Post Here
Suunto Spartan Trainer Wrist HR	2017	$277	DCR Post Here
Stages Power Meters	2015-2017	From $529	DCR Post Here
Stages LR Dual Power Meters	Late 2017	From $999	DCR Post Here
Tacx Flux S Smart	Fall 2018	$749	DCR Post Here
Tacx NEO 2 Smart	Fall 2018	$1,399	DCR Post Here
Tacx Bushido Smart	2014	$799	DCR Post Here
Velocomp PowerPod Dual ANT+/BLE	Fall 2017	From $199	DCR Post Here
Wahoo KICKR Trainer 2018	Summer 2018	$1,199	DCR Post Here
Wahoo KICKR CORE	Summer 2018	$899	DCR Post Here
Wahoo KICKR SNAP Trainer 2017 (most recent)	Summer 2017	$599	DCR Post Here
Wahoo KICKR CLIMB	Summer 2018	$599	DCR Post Here
Wahoo Headwind Fan	Summer 2018	$249	DCR Post Here
Wahoo TICKR-FIT	January 20198	$79	DCR Post Here

And, here’s a pile of other categories, many of which aren’t directly sports tech but are things you and I buy just as much. So if you need some shopping inspiration, here ya go:

Main sale landing page (shows all of the categories below):

o    Bike Trainers
o    Power Meters
o    Bike Computers
o    GPS Watches & Fitness Trackers
o    Sunglasses
o    Outdoor Accessories
o    Running Accessories (there’s a lot of mark-down items in here that can still have 20% applied to them)
o    Bike Travel
o    Cycling Accessories
o    Climbing
o    Saddles & Tires
o    Cross Training Accessories

So you’re probably wondering about that VIP requirement?  That’s basically akin to what REI does with their twice-yearly members-only sale.  Except in this case the Clever Training VIP membership only costs $4.99.  And the proceeds of that go to ‘Girls On The Run’, a running focused charity.  So it’s basically a win-win.  You get a massive savings, and an awesome charity gets supported.

And of course, your gadgetry purchase helps support the site here (as all Clever Training purchases do).

The only power meters excluded from this sale are Favero Assioma and Quarq/SRAM. Those are manufacturer specific choices by those companies. Non-power meter exclusions are GoPro, non-power meter Garmin stuff, Fitbit, again, also per manufacturer requirement.  Finally, the Elite Fuoripista and Tacx Neo Smart Bike are excluded, as is the Wahoo Desk and ELEMNT/BOLT/ROAM.

Garmin/GoPro/Suunto/Sigma/More Sales:

 

Now we’ve actually got a secondary sideshow sale as well here. One from Garmin and another from Suunto (and actually, another from Saris/CycleOps too).  First though, let’s talk watches. These do NOT require any VIP deal, but are straight up discounts available now:

Garmin Fenix 5 Plus Series (the one with music, contactless payments and maps) – sale underway already:

Garmin Fenix 5S Plus – $150 off (Amazon/Clever Training)
Garmin Fenix 5 Plus – $150 off (Amazon/Clever Training)
Garmin Fenix 5X Plus – $150 off (Amazon/Clever Training)

Garmin Instinct (the mini-Fenix series watch that looks like a Casio watch):

Garmin Instinct – $50 off – now $249 (Amazon/Clever Training)

Garmin Edge 1030 mapping & navigational GPS:

Garmin Edge 1030 – $100 rebate – now effectively $449 (Amazon/Clever Training)
Garmin Edge 1030 and Varia RTL510 Radar – $150 rebate for combo purchase (Amazon/Clever Training)

Garmin satellite inReach device (sends messages when out of cellular range):

Garmin inReach Mini  – $50 off (Amazon/Clever Training)

Garmin Edge 520 Plus mapping & navigation GPS – this is a massive sale:

Garmin Edge 520 Plus Base – $70 off – now $209 (Amazon/Clever Training)
Garmin Edge 520 Plus Sensor Bundle – $82.50 off – now $296 (Amazon/Clever Training)
Garmin Edge 520 Plus MTB Bundle – $95 off – now $234 (Amazon/Clever Training)

Just to point out – this is an incredible deal on the unit. And it’s one I still use as the core of my power meter/trainer/etc testing fleet. While the navigation in dense areas can be a bit slow – I generally get where I’m going.

Garmin Varia RTL510 Radar – 20% off with REI Membership

Varia RTL510 Radar-Taillight – 20% off – now $160 (REI with member coupon code ANNV19)
Varia RTL510 Radar-Taillight Bundle – 20% off – now $240 (REI with member coupon code ANNV19)

This is REI’s also annual sale. And in fact, you can use the link above to help support the site (for this unit or anything else on REI). I’d get this deal while it lasts…cause honestly, I don’t think it’ll last very long. Note that I’ve yet to hear of a single unhappy purchaser of the RTL510 (plenty of unhappy people who have never tried it though). It’s awesome for the right roads. Also, Wahoo has committed to supporting this unit by the end of 2019 on their ROAM units.

All Suunto devices here – 30% off most!

Suunto watches – 30% off many units (including the Suunto 9 and certain Suunto 3 units!).

GoPro Hero 7 Black – $50 off – down to $349

Pretty straight forward this one, a straight $50 off, bringing it down to $349. Typically GoPro puts a few items on sale prior to the summer. I don’t expect any new GoPro camera till September or so (annual release cycle).

Saris & CycleOps 20% off sale:

While you can get Saris/CycleOps gear for 20% off with the VIP sale above, starting tomorrow you can also just get it on sale as-is without any one-item limitations of the VIP sale. This is a pretty common sale that happens like clock-work each May and November. It includes CycleOps trainers like the H2 (Hammer 2), as well as racks and such from Saris. Full CycleOps and Saris listings.

Sigma ROX 12 Price Reduction

Added May 21st: SIGMA has reduced the price of their ROX 12 series down to $349 (from $475). I don’t see this as a sign of a new product, but rather just the realities of competitive pressures from the Hammerhead Karoo, Garmin Edge 530/830, and Wahoo ROAM. Still, it’s a fantastic unit – especially for that price. Full review here!

Now this is not the first time we’ve seen the Fenix 5 Plus on sale. Garmin did so back in November last year for Black Friday (also $150 off). I don’t expect this to mean some sort of brand new Fenix coming out anytime soon. Rather, this is super consistent for Garmin to put these devices on sale each May. They’ve done it for years like clockwork (either the Fenix or high-end Forerunners). Given the higher end Forerunners were just announced a mere two weeks ago, there’s a 0% chance you’ll see those on sale anytime soon.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Here’s what I expect to be a few frequently asked questions:

How many items can I get a discount for?

One item. Just one, and only one.

Is this per household?

No, it’s one item per member (per human).  Thus, if you have multiple unique VIP members in a household, then you can have multiple people.  You can sign-up to be a Clever Training VIP member here.  I explain more of the details here.

Which brands doesn’t it work on?

At this time, it’s not valid on non-power meter Garmin stuff, GoPro, Favero, and Fitbit.  Also, the Wahoo bike computers (ELEMNT/BOLT/ROAM) and Wahoo Desk are excluded. Finally, the Elite Fuoripista, and Tacx Neo Smart Bike are excluded. There are some additional non-tech exclusions listed on CT’s site.

In the cart it says it doesn’t work?

Validate that you only have one item in the cart, and that it’s not one of the above listed items.  Also, validate that if you’re not already signed in as a Clever Training VIP member, that you’ve got the VIP membership option in your cart too.

Do I get VIP points on top of this?

No, since it’s a large sale item. No double-dipping here.

Are there some fancy details I can read somewhere?

Yes, right here (end of page, some text).

When does this end?

May 27th, 2019 at 11:59PM US Eastern Time.  However, I’d really stress to get orders in now. You’re a million times better off getting your order in and canceling later if you change your mind, than waiting.  This isn’t so much a sales pitch, but just word to the wise (be it inventory, etc…).  Clever has done a good job stocking up (containers worth!) based on what demand looked like last year for this sale, but it’s always hard to know.

What happens when it ends?

It’s over. End of the road.  Time to go outside and enjoy the weather. Or fake it – eat Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream instead.

What about Europeans and CT Europe?

In this case, it’s a Clever Training USA-specific sale, though per the next item some things can be shipped internationally.  In the case of Clever Training UK/Europe, you get 10% off all year round on everything, whereas the US folks get caught up on the whole MAP thing I mentioned earlier on.

Is shipping free?

Yes, US shipping is free as long as your order is over $49.  For items that can be shipped internationally, it’s $29 flat rate.  Generally speaking, trainers can’t be shipped internationally but most other things can. You would be on the hook for any import duties, so you’d have to do the quick math to see if it’s worth it.

Should I wait for a better deal?

Frankly speaking, for the items in this post, there won’t be any better deals till fall (at earliest). There’s never been a case in recent memory where people got trainers or power meters for more than 20% off (aside from accidental small retailers bulk loading sales and then having to undo them).

If we were to fast forward till then, typically speaking for the US folks we see Black Friday-specific sales (meaning, just those couple days) as more accessory in nature rather than big ticket items like trainers/power meters. In Europe, you tend to get more selection, but that’s because European retailers don’t need approval from the device manufacturers like in the US. Whereas within the US, MAP basically means all these sales are pretty much locked and loaded already.

Is this the end of the FAQ section?

Yes. It’s time for lunch.

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Phew – there ya have it! Go forth and enjoy.  And feel free to drop any questions you have down below on recommendations, etc… I’d be happy to try and help ya out.  Thanks for the support!

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