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
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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.
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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!
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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.
Author Archives: Ray Maker
Stryd Launches Premium Running Power Subscription Platform, Reduces Prices
Last fall Stryd announced their intention to add a subscription-based service to their offerings, in conjunction with their existing Stryd running pod. That pod provides running power (as well as acting as an ANT+ & Bluetooth Smart footpod). The pod … Read More Here
My Stupidly Overcomplicated 2021 Bike Mileage Tracking Project
So, back on Black Friday (Nov 2020), there was a slight deal on Garmin’s V2 Speed sensors, down to $32USD, which can track and store ride data. Which got me thinking – how much does each bike in our family … Read More Here
Week in Review: April 5th, 2021
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 … Read More Here
Review: Bike Mount for DJI Drones to use with Active Track
If you’re a long-time follower of the site or channel, you know I’ve got a long history of trying out drones with sports track capabilities. This has gone back almost a decade in fact, with all sorts of drones at … Read More Here
Peloton’s $120 Credit & 10X Points for Chase Sapphire Cardholders (US only)
This one is entirely for US folks, as it has to do with credit cards. But, it’s a pretty notable ‘deal’ when you start doing the math on it – and could be an interesting template for other larger companies … Read More Here
Tacx & Garmin Increase Tacx App Integration, Plus Training Status Plans
Yesterday Tacx (via Garmin) sent out an e-mail to users of their Tacx Training platform that on April 22nd the world will change. Or, depending on your view – end. It’s that day that the Tacx app/platform will utilize the … Read More Here
Suunto adds Komoot Routes Turn by Turn Integration in Latest Update
Despite coming up on its third birthday here in about two months, the Suunto 9 received a modest firmware update yesterday (as did the Suunto 5). But more importantly, all Suunto Spartan, Suunto 5/7/9 watches get the new below-outlined Komoot route … Read More Here
Polar Ignite 2 Hands-On: What’s New & Different
Last week Polar launched the Ignite 2, alongside the new Vantage M2. While I’ve been using the Ignite 2 for a few weeks now, this isn’t a review – mainly since the unit isn’t done yet. It’s not set to … Read More Here
Week in Review–March 28th, 2021
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 … Read More Here
Peloton Acquires Atlas Wearables: A Peloton Wearable Ahead?
Peloton has been quietly acquiring various companies over the past half a year, some three of which were mentioned in their latest quarterly filing – however, only one was by name. The rest remain unnamed. But this week, two companies … Read More Here
Garmin Rally Power Meter In-Depth Review (SPD/SPD-SL/LOOK KEO)
Garmin has launched three new power meters today, all under the new ‘Garmin Rally’ brand, which supersedes the Garmin Vector power meter lineup. The Rally series includes three pedal bodies at this point: Shimano SPD-SL (road), Shimano SPD (typically off-road/MTB), … Read More Here
Polar Vantage M2 In-Depth Review
Polar has launched two new watches today, the second iteration of the mid-range Vantage offering, now called the Vantage M2, while also launching their updated Ignite fitness watch – the Ignite 2. You’ll remember last fall Polar refreshed the higher-end … Read More Here
Wahoo Relaunches Speedplay, Announces Power Meter Plans (POWRLINK Zero)
It’s been roughly 18 months since Wahoo announced the acquisition of Speedplay. Since then the company reduced some 50 different SKUs down to 4 core models, moved factory locations, shut down factories, moved factory locations again, and started building a … Read More Here
Scosche Rhythm+ 2.0 Heart Rate Sensor In-Depth Review
Back in January, Scosche announced the new Rhythm+ 2.0 optical HR sensor. This would be the next iteration from their original Rhythm+ released way back in 2014 – arguably the optical HR sensor band that started the trend of optical … Read More Here
SRM X-Power SPD Power Meter In-Depth Review
It’s been a long time since a major brand new power meter was announced, and today’s post…well…it doesn’t change that. In fact, the SRM X-Power was announced some 18 months ago, and started shipping in super limited quantities nearly a … Read More Here
Insta360 GO 2 Tiny Action Cam In-Depth Video Review
There’s a new winner in town for the smallest action camera. Or at least, the smallest action camera from a brand name you’ve probably heard of. While Insta360 has a more pronounced history in the 360° action cam market, over … Read More Here
Week in Review– March 7th, 2021
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 … Read More Here
Zwift Plans Three At Home Fitness Hardware Products
Last week Zwift posted a slate of new job positions, notably around supply chain management. Included within that, the company listed that they’ll not only be making three specific models, but that they’ve also selected their hardware production partners already. … Read More Here
KOM Cycling $59 Trainer Desk In-Depth Review
It’s entirely plausible I might be starting to develop a bike trainer desk fetish of sorts. I mean, first there was the Wahoo KICKR Desk, then there was the KICKR desk knock-offs at half the price with more features, now … Read More Here
DJI FPV Drone Review Published To YouTube
This post is a simple heads-up that I’ve published a deep-dive review of the DJI FPV drone & system up over on YouTube, for those that are interested in that sorta thing. FPV stands for ‘First Person View’, which means … Read More Here
TrainerRoad Launches TrainNow as Part of Bigger Adaptive Training Overhaul
Today TrainerRoad announced sweeping changes to the platform, which they’ve dubbed Adaptive Training. This means they’re starting to use machine learning algorithms to change workouts based on your progress towards a given goal. A workout is scored as you complete … Read More Here
Kommander Review: Zwift Control For Your Handlebars
Looking for a way to control Zwift from your handlebars with dedicated clickable buttons for using PowerUps, navigation, and changing camera views? Or perhaps increasing intensity during a structured workout? The new Kommander buttons aim to solve exactly that. The … Read More Here
A Snowy Cargo Bike & Sports Tech VLOG
Back a week or two ago it got all snowy here in the Netherlands. It’s sorta a rare thing, and even more so, is the fact that it actually stayed on the ground for a meaningful amount of time. It … Read More Here
Strava Adds Indoor Workout Recording to App (For all users): Quick How-To Guide
Undoubtedly, for many readers of this site, you’ve probably got a watch or twelve to record your indoor workout on. But, if you’re still narrowing down options from my recommendations guide, then this new tidbit might be applicable to you. … Read More Here
Make Everything a Zwift Ride with this Meme Generator
Now you can make not just outside rides, but anything at all into a Zwift ride. Here’s how. Read More Here