Author Archives: Ray Maker

Elite Direto Trainer In-Depth Review

Earlier this summer Elite announced the Direto, a direct drive trainer that’s fully integrated into the likes of Zwift and TrainerRoad. Priced at $899 it was initially targeted at the mid-range price market, but over the course of the last … Read More Here

An awesome ride in the Swiss Alps

It’s been a while since I’ve written about a random ride in an epic spot.  But in years past in the deserts of Jordan, or the coast of South Africa, or the Pyrenees, I’ve been lucky to sneak in some … Read More Here

Hands-on: Polar’s OH1 Standalone Optical HR Sensor

*** Update: I have written the full In-Depth Review on the Polar OH1 Plus, check out that link for the most up to date information on the OH1 & OH1Plus*** Over the past couple of years, Polar has been continuing to … Read More Here

Garmin’s Vivomove HR: Everything you need to know

Sometimes, beauty is only skin deep. And unfortunately in the case of the Vivomove HR – that’s never been more true. But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves.  The Vivomove HR is the second iteration of Garmin’s dabble … Read More Here

Hands-on: Wattbike introduces new Atom stationary bike (with ANT+/BLE and more!)

Today Wattbike has introduced their first consumer-focused smart stationary bike.  And unlike some of the other ideas floating around – this one is actually real, here today, and with production underway.  So much real that a unit has been sitting … Read More Here

First Look: Tacx introduces Tacx Neo Smart Bike

(** Update: Check out my full Neo Smart Bike In-Depth Review for the most recent information and thoughts on the product**) While you may not know it, we’re just at the edge of an indoor bike revolution.  Or, at least … Read More Here

Garmin Vivoactive 3: Everything you need to know

Today Garmin announced a swath of new Vivo-branded wearable devices.  You’ve got the Vivoactive 3, which I’m covering here – but also the Vivomove HR and Vivosport, which you’ll see in another post.  Those two are updates of the existing … Read More Here

Hands-on: Wahoo’s New KICKR 2017 Edition

It’s that time of year again – new trainer season.  Or more precisely, just about the end of new trainer announcement. Wahoo’s been busy this summer between the new KICKR SNAP announced last month, as well as the new Wahoo … Read More Here

Hands-on: Wahoo’s new KICKR CLIMB Incline Simulator

(Update: The Wahoo KICKR CLIMB has since been released, and you can find all the details from months of testing and use, here in the Wahoo KICKR CLIMB In-Depth Review) While this Eurobike is a bit quieter when it comes … Read More Here

PowerTap lowers P1 pedal price to $999, matches Garmin Vector 3

In a move that took a mere 3 hours, PowerTap has responded to Garmin’s new Vector 3 pedal debut by matching their price.  The Vector 3 pedals were announced earlier today at a price of $999, which was $200 less … Read More Here

Garmin Edge 1030 In-Depth Review

** Update: The Edge 1030 has been superseded by the Edge 1030 Plus. Check out the Garmin Edge 1030 Plus In-Depth Review here for the latest info** After over three years, Garmin has updated its flagship GPS navigation computer with … Read More Here

Hands-on: Garmin Vector 3 Power Meter

b December 2017 – Heads up – you can now find my full in-depth review of Garmin Vector 3 here! Today Garmin announced their third generation of power meters, Vector 3.  This new unit brings sweeping changes both easily seen … Read More Here

The Fitbit Ionic Smartwatch: Everything you need to know

Today Fitbit launched their first legit smartwatch with 3rd party apps, wireless payments, and music support onboard.  That’s all in addition to a revamped optical heart rate sensor, refreshed GPS platform, new coaching services, and a boatload of smaller features … Read More Here

Hands-on: Stages LR Dual Left/Right Power Meter

Today Stages (finally) announced their long seen but never sold dual left/right power meter, the Stages LR.  This new system simply adds in right-side measurement to what has long been Stages left-leg only product line. Of course, long-time power meter … Read More Here

Wahoo rolls out planned workout support, FE-C trainer support in ELEMNT/BOLT

Today Wahoo checked off another box on the ELEMNT & ELEMNT BOLT series, by adding in support for executing structured pre-programmed workouts on both cycling computers.  In addition, they also added in support for controlling 3rd party trainers via ANT+ … Read More Here

Power2Max NG ECO In-Depth Review

I know, you’re confused.  You’re thinking to yourself – didn’t he just review the Power2Max NG last month?  And indeed, I did. But this isn’t the Power2Max NG.  It’s the Power2Max NG ECO. Well, that’s a different beast. The ECO … Read More Here

5 Random Things I Did This Weekend

This weekend was split on both sides of the Atlantic.  I spent the first portion in Paris, and the second half in NYC.  It was like being a super-model, without the model part.  Just super I guess. 1) More indoor … Read More Here

Garmin quietly drops the price of Edge 520 to match Wahoo BOLT

The Battle Royale between Garmin and Wahoo on bike computers continues to heat up with each side sending up stronger and stronger serves…all to the benefit of us consumers. After a number of weeks of Wahoo throwing down (first with … Read More Here

GoPro Karma Grip Gimbal In-Depth Review

I get detailed on the GoPro Karma Grip, Grip Extension, Hero5 Black, and Seeker bag in a 10-month test of how things actually work and hold up. Read More Here

5 Random Things I Did This Weekend

Here’s a look at what I was up to this weekend, which includes a healthy dose of sports tech as well as a bit of fun with the family riding around! 1) So much unboxing I can’t really even begin … Read More Here

Feiyu Tech G5 Action Cam Gimbal In-Depth Review

Ahh yes, gimbals.  It’s the magic that makes your average footage look beautiful.  It’s what keeps shaky stuff from being unusable, and what makes selfie-sticks feel like a simple tree branch. You might remember last year I did a review … Read More Here

The 2017 Giveaway Extravaganza Winners!

Wow – yet another massive Giveaway Extravaganza in the books! Yesterday was pretty crazy once again, with what can only described as an absolute crapton of people stopping by the site to enter the dozen giveaways.  You’ve once again stated … Read More Here

Suunto Spartan Trainer Wrist HR In-Depth Review (It’s a full triathlon watch for $279)

I think Suunto finally got their groove back.  After what I’d argue as 1-2 years of being a bit lost, today they’ve nailed it with a product that hits the target audience perfectly and does so at an awesome price.  … Read More Here

Giveaway Extravaganza: Garmin Forerunner 935 GPS Watch

All good things must come to an end. And this, my friends, is the end. To wrap things up I’m giving away my current running and triathlon watch – the Garmin Forerunner 935.  Affectionately known as a plastic Fenix 5, … Read More Here

Giveaway Extravaganza: GoPro Hero5 Black

It’s rare that I leave the house without an action camera in my pocket.  And when I do, it’s almost always the GoPro Hero5 Black. Be it for a run, a ride, or just a trip to the pool with … Read More Here