The Week in Review is a collection of both all the goodness I’ve written during the past week around the internet, as well as a small pile of links I found interesting – generally endurance sports related. I’ve often wondered what to do with all of the coolness that people write, and while I share a lot of it on Twitter and Facebook, this is a better forum for sending it on to y’all. Most times these different streams don’t overlap, so be on the lookout at all these places for good stuff!
So with that, let’s get into the action!
Sports Tech Deals:
A few things have popped up this week, so here’s a quick mention:
This is the go-to sale price for the Fitbit Charge 6. It happens often, but it still doesn't take away from the fast that it's argueably the best bang for your buck fitness tracker out there.
This is a good deal, especially since it's gotten virtually all of the Edge 1050 updates, and then a boatload more. That said, it wouldn't surprise me to see this drop further to $449, as it did this past summer.
⚡⚡This is the lowest price we've seen on the Garmin Edge 540 to date, which has gained virtually all of the new Garmin Edge 1050 features as well. This is kinda an insane deal for this unit.
⚡⚡This is the lowest price we've seen on the Garmin Edge 840 to date, which has gained virtually all of the new Garmin Edge 1050 features as well. This is one of my main units I use daily.
⚡ This is the lowest price to date for the Garmin Epix Pro series, likely due to the Fenix 8 coming out a few months back (Epix as a brand was merged into the Fenix 8 branding). Still, if you don't care about diving or voice bits, this is an incredible deal.
⚡⚡⚡ This is a crazy super strong deal. Note the Epix received all of the software updates of the Epix Pro. This deal keeps floating between $399 and $429 - frankly, at either price it's an awesome deal.
⚡ This is the lowest price to date for the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro series, likely due to the Fenix 8 coming out a few months back. Still, if you don't care about diving or voice bits, this is an incredible deal.
This is the first time we've head a meaningful sale on the Forerunner 165, released earlier this year, down to $249 for the Music edition, and $199 for the non-music edition.
This is Garmin's mid-tier running watch, and is a very polished option with good multi-band GPS, and of course, a boatload of running metrics. This model also includes offline music such as Spotify and Amazon Music.
This is one of Garmin's most popular running watches, and it's down to a very strong price. I often use this in my accuracy testing comparisons when validating other watches, due to it's very strong GPS performance. Note this is the base edition without solar. It'd be hard to find any better deal in sports watches today, from any company (given this has full mapping, tons of new features even this week, etc...). I say '$100ish', because it's usually been on forever sale at $499, so $399 is a strong price, though, it dipped to $319 for Amazon Prime Day.
This is the lowest price we've seen ever on the Forerunner 965, since it's launch. It's still Garmin's top-end Forerunner watch, and I expect it to stay that way for a while. It's one I often use in comparative testing as a reference device.
This is a solid deal. Garmin Instinct 2X - $100 off!It's best thought of as an Instinct 2.5, as it has almost enough features to really be more of an Instinct 3 (which doesn't exist at this point).
This is the largest discount we've seen to date on the Tactix 7 Pro unit. Note the other Tactix 7 Pro units/variants are also on sale for 20% off too (this link takes you to all of them).
The new Hero 13 just came out, which mostly just adds a bunch of new accessory options. If you don't plan to purchase those accessories, then this is a solid deal.
This is a great deal for this tiny little thing, which should really be named the Go 4, given how many new features it has (including 4K). It also has all the Insta360 sport integration features with Garmin & Apple, to overlay your Garmin/Apple data automatically on your footage.
This is something I use frequently when shooting out and about and I need to re-charge a crapton of drone batteries, action cameras, or just cameras and such. I also use it on trips to Eurobike and elsewhere to keep equipment charged. I've even bought a solar panel to hook up to it (surprisingly effective). Heck, I've even powered a KICKR trainer ride from it!
I mean, I guess. Really, I don't see why anyone would buy this trainer at any price above $299. With the JetBlack Victory at $399 being more accurate, quiter, including WiFi, including Zwift Cog support (or mechanical cassette), including dual-Bluetooth, including Race Mode, and...one could go on and on.
This is the go-to sales price for the NEO 2T, though has become more frequent over the past year. It's still an incredible trainer, and is the top-end non-moving trainer from Garmin/Tacx.
This package includes the KICKR CORE with the Zwift V2 Cog, but notably now also includes the Zwift Play controllers. Basically, this saves you about $100 or so, and is the first time we've seen them bundle it.
⚡⚡ This is actually a very solid deal, and the first time we've seen this discounted. In fact, frankly, this is the first time in years it feels like Wahoo is actually doing a legit sale on something. Kudos.
This is lowest we've ever seen the KICKR SNAP priced. While the trend has moved towards wheel-off/direct drive trainers, this is still really solid deal if your budget it tight. That said, if you're in Europe, Decathlon has the D100 on sale for $199 also, and in my testing, I'd go with that almost every time.
Here’s a not-so-small smattering of all the random things that I stumbled on while doing my civic duty to find the end of the Internet:
1) Garbage Can Running Race: Just when I think I’ve heard of or seen most types of running races, this is a new one. This particular athletic endeavor involves dragging a wheeled garbage can as fast as able for an unclear distance. Apparently flour is part of it too. It’s all a bit…fuzzy to me. But it looks spectacular:
2) Fitbit to end sideloading music onto watches: The writing on the wall for this was actually a year or two ago when they stopped allowing it on their more recent units. While I think in general, people loading MP3 files or such onto watches is mostly a thing of the past (save a few diehards), with most using streaming services, I’m surprised that this is something that requires fancy software – versus just enumerating as a mass-storage USB drive with a simple ‘Music’ folder.
3) The Argument For More Buttons on Smartwatches: I’d (obviously) agree, including with testing the Watch5. Just like that writer’s location, it’s hot and sweaty right now in Amsterdam, and trying to swipe to get to certain pages on the Watch5 Pro during workout mode is challenging at best. This is obviously no different than in the past, except now Samsung and Apple are targeting more and more of that endurance focused market with new modes like triathlon and longer battery life for GPS sports.
4) New Aerosensor System Launches Crowd-funding Campaign: This aptly named Aerosensor (no, really, that’s the product name), has been lurking in the background a number of years in development, and I’ve met with them a few times at trade shows during that timeframe. It was previously called Velosense. They’ve now launched, and CyclingTips has a pretty good in-depth article on it. Without diving into specifics on this product, it’ll be interesting to see if the aero sensor (for cycling) industry can find their way. Pre-COVID, the challenge was these products were just too finicky to use for most athletes. Even the most geeky/advanced athletes often had challenges getting repeatedly accurate (or at least consistent) results, mainly due to a blend of knowledge in how to use them, and numerous ‘gotchyas’. Then COVID came along and basically killed off any reason for racers to go out and buy a $1,000 device to test their position, since races were largely off the table (especially the big races people trained an entire season for). I have no doubt if we fast-forward umpteen years down the road, with technology improvements, aero sensors will be as common on a high-performance bike as a bike computer. In fact, probably built into the bike computer (like we saw with the iBike). But the road between now and then is long.
5) Peloton has more layoffs, increases hiring of engineers, increases prices, and more: This is an interesting one. I’d agree that they’re likely overbuilt in the customer-service departments (as well as retail presences), but I’m not convinced that switching entirely to 3rd party delivery is the answer, given how horrifically bad the 3rd party delivery has been (though, the memo addresses that head-on too). To Peloton’s credit, the new CEO has been moving very fast in making changes, and also undoing changes too when the data doesn’t support them working. The next earnings call is in 11 days, where we’ll see how numbers looked (subscription mainly). Remember, the last earnings call showed yet more subscriber growth (in an industry where everyone else is losing numbers like crazy). But maintaining that over the summer is tricky at best (this would only show the first portion of that). As a side note, Peloton is apparently honoring the old prices till Aug 19th on a case by case basis.
6) Cycling Tips Founder Wade Wallace Resigns: All the props in the world to Wade for building what is easily the best cycling news site out there, with a massively talented bench of writers. I’ve met and chatted with Wade a number of times over the years at various events, and he’s a good egg for sure. And atop that, in building that company, all of the people he has hired are simply awesome individuals as well. Good luck to Wade in whatever he does next.
7) Zwifter’s Nearby Sidebar – A Deep-Dive: Just when you think you know a fair chunk about how something works, comes this post, which dives into all the insane nuances of the Zwifter’s nearby sidebar with boatloads of little features that you may have seen, but not entirely understood. This covers it. The image at the end of the post is worthy of offering in a poster format.
8) Man in the Netherlands Caught Trying to Steal Palm Tree on Mobility Scooter: This has nothing to do with endurance sports, and everything to do with the country I live in. Also, the point of ‘Week in Review’ was technically never to be always sport related. This is funny enough that I just had to include it. The quotes in there are amazing. For context, Hornbach is basically an also-orange big-box Home Depot of the Netherlands.
I’ve seen a few purported leaks in the past week or so about a Suunto 9 Peak Pro in the near future.
With 40 hours GPS battery life and what looks like fast charging.
Not much else known about it yet.
Hey Ray. Have you heard/seen any firmware update for the 955 and the problems some are having with the Training Status/Acute Load not loading properly. Mine has been stuck at the same load since I bought it. I did comment on the forums and for the past month they said their engineering team was looking at it. Not ideal for one of the main features on an expensive piece of training equipment to just not work. I know a lot of people are having problems with this based on the forum, so wasn’t sure how big/serious this is and if you have heard of a fix coming.
I haven’t had those issues on the FR955, but I am currently having those issues on the Enduro 2, and I know it’s essentially the exact same issue (I outlined it in more depth in my Enduro 2 review).
I suspect it’s a core reason why Garmin has delayed roll-out to the Fenix 7/Epix/Enduro 2 series, while they figure it out. I also know it’s considered a pretty critical issue, but it’s not clear if they’ve got a root-cause for it yet. :(
I have my 955 unopened in it’s box ready to be sent back with the reason of faulty firmware and no public progress in form of alpha/beta to show that Garmin is trying to solve any issues.
They recently added a forum for the FR955 alpha/beta. Typically they do that within the same day/or days of adding an actual beta. Again, my guess here is that they’ve taken a bit of a step back to try and untangle whatever is happening here.
In my case (and most others), I haven’t heard of many issues with the FR955 – people seem pretty happy. Of course, if you’re caught by the same bug there that I am on the Enduro 2, then that’s sucky.
I have returned the 955 inside the regulated 14day on online purchase. Therefore unopened box.
I felt there was so many reported bugs that would potential affect me in my Garmin usage so
I waited to order 955 until there was hints of an upcoming beta.
So I waited and there was no beta with potential bug fixes and that was a part that made my decision.
So I have to continue to use my Fenix 6 until I feel that 955 FW i mature in the parts I use the most. Then I will order a new 955.
On the zwift list, do you know if they’ve considered heart rate zone( just colour as per the user gets on their own screen) It’s be useful in races at least as IRL you can look at someone and maybe sometime see if they’re suffering.
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Hi Ray
Seems like Garmin’s recent 7.10 update for Vivoactive 4 and Venu is causing lots of user issues. In case you’re interested:
link to forums.garmin.com
Keep up the great work!
Any news on new suunto products the have such a great app but lack of new watches
Yikes. That looks non-optimal. I’ll take a deeper poke this week.
Thanks Ray – looks like Garmin have now pulled the 7.10 update for Vivo4/Venu: https://forums.garmin.com/sports-fitness/healthandwellness/f/vivoactive-4-series/304608/pulled-vivoactive-4-4s-software-update—7-10
I’ve seen a few purported leaks in the past week or so about a Suunto 9 Peak Pro in the near future.
With 40 hours GPS battery life and what looks like fast charging.
Not much else known about it yet.
The wheelie bin race is basically just me every threee weeks or so when my teens forget to take out and I see the truck coming up the road.
Substitute snow for flour here and it’s done
So true!!!!
Hey Ray. Have you heard/seen any firmware update for the 955 and the problems some are having with the Training Status/Acute Load not loading properly. Mine has been stuck at the same load since I bought it. I did comment on the forums and for the past month they said their engineering team was looking at it. Not ideal for one of the main features on an expensive piece of training equipment to just not work. I know a lot of people are having problems with this based on the forum, so wasn’t sure how big/serious this is and if you have heard of a fix coming.
did you receive 11.12 update?
many issues were solved
Yea, I have been on that update and still having this problem.
Yeah, I feel ya.
I haven’t had those issues on the FR955, but I am currently having those issues on the Enduro 2, and I know it’s essentially the exact same issue (I outlined it in more depth in my Enduro 2 review).
I suspect it’s a core reason why Garmin has delayed roll-out to the Fenix 7/Epix/Enduro 2 series, while they figure it out. I also know it’s considered a pretty critical issue, but it’s not clear if they’ve got a root-cause for it yet. :(
I have my 955 unopened in it’s box ready to be sent back with the reason of faulty firmware and no public progress in form of alpha/beta to show that Garmin is trying to solve any issues.
They recently added a forum for the FR955 alpha/beta. Typically they do that within the same day/or days of adding an actual beta. Again, my guess here is that they’ve taken a bit of a step back to try and untangle whatever is happening here.
In my case (and most others), I haven’t heard of many issues with the FR955 – people seem pretty happy. Of course, if you’re caught by the same bug there that I am on the Enduro 2, then that’s sucky.
That was created 2 weeks ago so it feels more like a “smokescreen” to calm disappointed 955 user.
Sorry for being so pessimistic.
Just to clarify though, you haven’t even opened the box and are claiming it’s faulty? I’m confused.
Both yes and no.
I have returned the 955 inside the regulated 14day on online purchase. Therefore unopened box.
I felt there was so many reported bugs that would potential affect me in my Garmin usage so
I waited to order 955 until there was hints of an upcoming beta.
So I waited and there was no beta with potential bug fixes and that was a part that made my decision.
So I have to continue to use my Fenix 6 until I feel that 955 FW i mature in the parts I use the most. Then I will order a new 955.
On the zwift list, do you know if they’ve considered heart rate zone( just colour as per the user gets on their own screen) It’s be useful in races at least as IRL you can look at someone and maybe sometime see if they’re suffering.
I suspect they’ve considered it, but for whatever reason haven’t implemented it.
Thanks for being a supporter!
Garbage can races have nothing on outhouse races.
link to youtube.com
That’s amazing Though, I feel like regulations should require a standard issue outhouse, built atop whatever sled someone wants.
According to the link below Polar have had no software updates since 21st June?
link to support.polar.com