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 2024 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
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