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.
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.
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.
Got to ride the BRP and Wintegreen, and it was beautiful.
Enjoying one of the last warm sunsets of the year with a nice surf session!
Group ride :)
A couple zwift sessions
MTB mudfest with the club
Run 10 miles and a casual ride
I’m going to cycle (suffer?) at the route of the Tour of Flanders!
Zwift time… not quite fat bike season.
A hard, fast-paced ride with my local cycling group on Saturday, then our Breast Cancer Awareness Social Ride on Sunday for a recovery ride.
Weekends are certainly not reserved for recovery. Most weekends consist of one to two runs, paired with a long ride with my “old man cycling club” and then either some hikes or volleyball to round it all out.
a long slow 20 miler by foot
Long trail run, then rest
Training this weekend is a final big double training run before my first 100 mile race! 30 miles Saturday before 26 miles Sunday!
Planning on hiking with my family and some college friends we haven’t been able to see since last year! Hopefully all our kiddos enjoy getting outside!
netflix and chill.. put air in roadbike tires
Taking my sensa for a long ride, waited to long now for a long ride. And have some good take away and a wiskey to recover afterwards.
Did two long and hard rides to compensate for massive eating at a Thursday night wedding (stupid Covid) and follow on Friday brunch.
Ride up the Galibier!
My last weekend, and week ?, was all about creating 2 bedrooms on our 2nd floor. So this week and next weekend, while starting a New job, ik am planning to do some 45k of running.
Tonight started well with 15km at 4.59/km ?
A bit of strength and conditioning then maybe a beer to recover
Continuing training in this difficult period
Recovery weekend planned from trip to San Diego this week.
A short bike ride and a game of socially distanced golf with my father :)
Doing the Alp du Zwift for the 2nd time! Last weekend with a group, but this non climber likes to do a Dunoulin; samen pace the whole climb ????
Ride in the country!
Getting cold here. Back on swift.
I hit 80 miles on the bike and 9 running. Need me some stuff to replenish myself noe
Try out that sweet flow trail I’ve been scoping for a while now.
Getting on Zwift for a race with my colleagues from work and getting out later for a walk in the autumn sunshine…well I can dream!
Does mini-golf count? Part of me was wondering the course it would show up on my Garmin.
6 pack of IPAs
Looking forward to a trainer ride on Saturday; and a long ride on Sunday. And plenty of rest, recuperation and football!
Hoping to get on my roadie before fall hits us hard here in Czechia!
My workout will be a 10km run along with a quick weights session on Saturday, followed by some recovery yoga on Sunday!
Congratulations on the new partnership! Competitive Cyclist, and then Backcountry have been my go-to for everything cycling-related for many years.
The weekend, as usual, will include a Saturday morning bike ride with wife and friends – attired from head to foot in gear from competitivecyclist.com. ?
Long run, yoga, functional fitness for core
Downhill mountain biking for sure
I’ll be running on the Grand Canton for the first time. Down to the bottom and then back up! Should be a beautiful sunrise!
5 mile run and a Zwift Academy workout
Running in the woods
Definitely some outdoor and indoor rides!
Using my whoop data and Apple Watch se – 50 mile bike ride on my ar3.
Will definitely go for a long cycle ride since i have been on business trips for the last two weeks
I will try to get out and ride for a couple of hours on some gravel.
Learn to use clipless pedals
8 mile run Saturday, recovery on Sunday
2 hour trainer ride, 2 hour long run and 1 hour of strength and conditioning :)
Get out for rides on Saturday and Sunday before the fall weather turns to winter! One day road, one day gravel – and using my new edge 530 metrics to dial in performance and recovery!
MTB, Surf or Run
I’m planning a 100 km+ mountain bike ride
Walk along the lake front trail.
I’ll be hopping on the bike trainer for some FTP intervals, followed by recovery on the couch with some IPA intervals.
I had a great plan to ride the Silver Comet trail to the Alabama state line but my wife said that painting the kitchen cabinets would be a better form of exercise.
The gyms have recently re-opened. Will do a run, swim, run.
Binge watching the New Hulu show Helstrom and some minor calisthenics.
Alpe de Zwift again, chasing the Tron bike and the 25x badge!
I plan to get a minimum of a 35 miles bike ride in, a 13 mile run, and a weight lifting session. Also lots of recovery and mobility work!
Lockdown permitting I’ll be riding my bike around the Peak District U.K.
About 6 hours of cycling over the weekend.
I’m going to Cycle the Haarlemmermeer trekvaart w my wife
Following my recent heart attack I am looking forward to getting out and walking in the beautiful fall weather.
Since this was intended for this past weekend, I did two workouts. I rode my new fat bike (yay) on some off road stuff – nothing too intense, no single track or anything. Then yesterday, I did an out and back trail run on the Ice Age Trail here in Wisconsin. There were many hikers, and I appeared to be the only runner on that segment at that time.
Just a slowish walk as I deal with ankle stiffness.
I’ll do 1 hour running and 2 and a half road cycling
Tending the victory garden and an easy run.
Hopefully a short bike ride and test fight of my new magic mini!
Boldering away this weekend!
I ran a mile TT. Went out too fast and flamed out spectacularly! Good fun. I might have a chance to go again next weekend though.
Sunday morning’s workout was a pacing run to help “my Girl” (now my bride!) achieve a 10k PR! A bit chilly, but a great start to the week.
Hoping to get out for a bike ride after training for my half marathon
105km cold but sunny group ride with my mates
Saturday: Mtb 102km, Elevation gain: 3200m.
Sundat: Recovery at the swimming pool
Do a long ride in the sun, nothing that’s more enjoyable!
More Netflix than running… sadly
Mostly I will be chained to my desk but I plan on some hill reps or some virtual hill reps.
Last weekend it was as a mountain bike ride up lookout mountain in Golden Saturday and a long swim in Sunday. This weekend the weather is going to be shit so possibly just a hike or indoor climbing. Also I have to take care of the monster this weekend which is awesome but limits my choice slightly.
For my gravel bike and my trip in the south of France
Running a good 10k race
Hopefully going to get in two long road rides!
bonjour Ray: I went for a family hike in the Vosges area and the sun was kind enough to keep us company for a while ! keep up the great work
I hope to get in a suite Century ride before the snow starts falling in Iowa!
Typical long run on the weekend with some swimming and a decent MTB ride.
Plus to top it off some badminton :)
weekend workout will be watching this space on who wins. cant run on a tropical storm im afraid.
Getting out on my bike with my 2yr old daughter on the Mac-Ride! Best bit of kit you can get as a parent :-)
Fall colors ride with my wife and able stoker on our tandem.
giving that new ekoi winter jacket the first chance to prove it’s worth
Hill sprints and long bike tour will do it for the weekend ?
My weekend workout plans were to go for a couple of mountain bike rides to see the fall colors… So active recovery with a possible interval or two thrown in depending who joins in the fun
Was hoping for a mountain bike ride but the snow got in the way. A long dog walk instead!
30 km bike plus 10 km run.
I went for a great gravel weekend. Destroyed my legs, dreams and gear. Loved it!
Up early for a ride before the twins get up. Maybe add in some weight training if the wife doesn’t have other plans for me
Some sort of cycling
Ramping up for a 24 hour race!
My weekend workout was a hard, windy bike race at a motorsport park. Awesome fun!
Get back in the pool. No really, I mean it this time.
And, run Saturday, bike Sunday.
A weekend workout to get me back to regular workouts after a glorious vacation.
Racing my bike on a motor racing circuit… fun times! :) and then eating all the food :)
It will be a ride to and up the only higher mountain around here.
Maybe some “ZWIFTING”?
Bikes! Always bikes! Maybe a gravel ride, maybe a road ride? Let’s see how the weather is!
Zwifting, since I am not at all ready for a rainy 30-40 something degree day outside. Feeling like some shoe covers and a skull cap under the helmet are in my future.
Saturday strength circuit while the Mrs takes in her long run. Sunday 2500m easy swim then BIG Family Roast dinner with the in laws (and wine, it’s been a while!)
Going for a quick ride with my 6 yo on the bike path.
2 run days in a row and longest run in long time.
I’ll be spending time in the West Virginia mountains enjoying nature.
I will be doing a 2 hr bike ride on Saturday with my local bike group and on Sunday I will run 10 km on the local park and after that go to the swimming pool for an hour swim
trying to ramp up the road running now that its finally post southern humidity season. It’s been a long hot summer so fall feels just incredible
Get my brick workouts on!!!
I finished up my peak week with a 5.5hr trainer ride on the Saris H3 which I bought from BackCountry.com.
Big Gravel ride with my buds!!!
Long sweet-spot sessions indoors. Thanks.
Going for a good run!!
Long run on Saturday, nice bottle of wine in the evening. Sunday, long bike ride outside with my fiancé (or on zwift if it is raining), finished with some great BBQ and relaxing TV night :)
My weekend workout will be riding my bike through a couple of local hills.
Swim, Bike, Run, Repeat
Zwift all the way!
Catching as many fall leaves in my chain while mountain biking in the suburbs of DC as possible.
Zwifting all the way. Trying to build stamina and strenght.
A gravel ride to enjoy fall colors
Well my weekend workout just happened! But my girlfriend and I went on a short trail run outside her house.
After that I hooked up my trainer and started my winter training block on trainer road and Garmin!
Would love this pack
Trainerroad workout on Saturday and being blown about by the wind outside on Sunday!
Probably gonna attempt a 40+ mile ride that I didn’t finish last time. Looking forward to it!
Hoping to do my first 200km ride, if the weather allows! Slightly nervous, but looking forward to it. My previous longest ride is around 120km, so it’s a big jump, but I feel the need to do something silly before winter really sets in here.
Switching to morning runs after dropping the little one at kindergarden next to the park, so the weekend is all about rest.
Love the content. You’ve helped me decide what gear I do and don’t need! Keep up the great work!
this weekend plans consist of car maintenance and hopefully a quick 10k
Post-rowing season break, so it might just be Netflix.
Long hike + Mtn bike ride with the wifey… and if I have time maybe a more hard-core bit of Mtn bike riding solo to get a bigger workout.
Setting bike back up on indoor trainer.
Rain is here so I guess I will just sit back and relax a bit
Swim and run on Saturday. Sunday spent trying to do bike aerodynamics testing.
Ride into out Mother’s Day (Argentina)
Hanging out with my daughter and wife, and maybe slip in a backyard mountain bike ride.
Weekend workout includes 2 full body weightlifting sessions,1 10 mile bike ride, 1 4 mile run and 2 walks for recovery
I’ll enjoy my Staycation. Covid canceled our holiday plans.. Again!
Plan is for a couple of rides along the beaches north of Sydney with mates and then some beers – Team BMC (Beers, Mates & Cycling)
Saturday: long steady solo ride; Sunday shorter “piano” ride + coffee stop with a bud. Painted landscape up here in the Ottawa valley has been breathtaking … so much so that a colourful kit is almost like camouflage!
Spent the weekend enjoying time cycling the MCT here in Illinois while its still warm
Couple easy runs, and a long ride on Zwift
Well I’ve just finished my weekend workouts which was a group ride on Sat for lots of pain err I mean fun & a Sun endurance ride.
Riding the mtb and chasing the kids around, maybe at the same time.
Lots of running in Montreal and the suburbs.
Going for a hard ride in the crisp fall weather.
Yesterday I ran uphill multiple times with my young kids and wife. It’s good to start working out when you are young!
Going for a short ride because spousal unit scheduled outdoor cocktails.
I enjoyed a 24k run and earned the On Fire Badge on Zwift.
A few 5Ks and relaxing will be in order.
Nice endurance ride and core work followed by a brewery visit
I am having surgery Friday, so the weekend will be recovery time.
I’m planning on a nice metcon on Saturday followed by some heavy weight training Sunday!
I started running a month ago, barefoot, and was making good progress until I fell into the trap of too much too soon. Spent the last 5 days alternating ice and heat on the top of my foot for what I hope is just a bit of tendonitis that will clear up soon.
Recovering from a knee injury :(
I’m getting back on the bike after a cold. I’ll take it easy, just go by feel
Spending time in the pool, floating in CA heat
I am going to spend the weekend at the lake doing some kayaking.
On the bike getting away from it all.
Weekend workout. Cleaning roof gutters and putting up Christmas ? as first snow hits. Last bike ride on clear roads. Here comes indoor training season.
Hoping to get a mile in at the pool.
I will either get in some mountain biking; the fall leaves are in full effect, or some zwift academy training. Got to squeeze in the rides; working 10s at the hospital through the weekend. Thanks for the chance to win some gear! I’ve been eyeing the wahoo element roam all week: hoping for a price drop.
Zwift workout with my bro
My weekend plans start with one of my more intense runs – that helps me justify having the rest of the weekend off chilling ? Can’t beat a film night at home with local lockdown restrictions!
Could use a new gadget to help me track my fitness progress and goals ?
I’ll do my usual F-45 daily workout plus probably a strength session on Saturday and a short run on Sunday.
Work out plans:
– Friday night – Prep for a long bike ride Saturday by eating as much food as possible
– Saturday early morning go for a long bike ride
– rest of the weekend – using the bike ride as an excuse to do nothing
I’ll hopefully be recovering from some real rides by taking the MTB out!
Lots of gravel
A bit injured, so just a standard shorter run for me this weekend.
My weekend workout plan is to get back into running by walking/running on the rail trail near my house.
I’ve got a 12-hour solo MTB race this weekend.
Thanks for all the great work Ray!
Building up the new crit bike!
Run up the Gellért hill in Budapest thrice, then watch premier league marathon from the sofa!
Weekend plans include a paradise loop followed by an aquatic park swim on Saturday. Sunday is a 7 mile run around Golden Gate Park. San Francisco is hard to beat!
My legs were threatening to leave me if I worked out more after last week, so my workout this weekend involved watching TV and ordering new pedals and shoes.
I’ll be watching the Giro and La Vuelta while riding on my indoor trainer. Just diagnosed with a hernia so nothing jumpy, heavy or pushy, just pedaling.
I tried to set up my Tacx Flux using my Salsa Warbird gravel bike. The thru axle adapter doesn’t work on that bike, so I had to set it up with my Salsa Fargo bikepacking bike and I’m planning on riding to, then camping out in, the jungle loop. I thought about titans grove but there’s scary dinosaurs there.
Setting up my new turbo as we head into another lockdown in Ireland. Bought based off your reviews! Looking forward to a winter of zwift.
I’ll be jumping out of a plane…. hopefully with an instructor and parachute attached!
A workout of the heart rate!
My weekend workout plans are to go hike a mountain with friends and then go enjoy some good food afterwards!!
No thrills this weekend – just hitting the gym for some light lifting.
Easy swim to recover from last weekend 70.3
Last weekend workout it was 210kms and 3300+ on road bike.
This weekend aome mtb but not too long
Off-season mode ?
Weekend workouts are for the long run and rest!
Tune my tt position
Continue to build on my recovery with an hour’s cycling. And lots of down time
Some kickr biking: lots of TV shows to catchup with… and I was a bit hungover from Friday so stationary bike seems safer.
Doing a sprint triathlon to gauge fitness level
Hopuflly a honeymoon ride. I’m getting married on Wednesday
Skins swimming in Stoney Cove! Brrr…
My weekend workout its base long ride in the morning my wife will join me she ia a beginner so it wont be fast but i can work in my power output usin high gears then little snack i back home and rest all day ….
Plan to run on Vermont back-roads and take in the foliage!
For me, it’s the last outside bike ride befote winter?
Pilates, transporting kids to birthday parties, croissants and putting in a new floor at our appartment… DIY!
I would go out for ride on my bike with my brand new GPS watch that I won. That would be great!
Lots of stuff for this weekend! Baseball practice with my son, and then continued LSR training for the Marine Corps Marathon 50K!
No weekend workouts yet….. Received some shocking news few weeks ago, got blood clots in my leg, then found out pulmonary embolism as well, so I’ve been resting well. But getting close to the time to hop back onto Zwift and get my running and riding back on track again. Gonna be tough going but looking forward to hitting up some of the Zwift academy run workouts and the Tri series workouts too.
Easy morning run, then watching some football!
Going kayaking…assuming the kayaks I ordered come in. Covid has really brought out the outdoor adventurist in people…which is great, but I want my kayaks. And a new sport watch LOL
Defenitly a ride on my mountainbike here in sunny South Africa Saturday and then an easy run with my wife on Sunday