Whether you’re new to endurance sport or just getting started with serious training or looking to upgrade your gadgets for better data collection, which running GPS watch or cycling computer or power meter to use can be tricky. Here, we’re rounding up what we’ve used and think are good value, high-functioning options.
For Riding
Garmin Edge – many models are available most of our coaching clients use a Edge 500 series or 1000 series. Peter has an 810 that he has loved for many years now. Look for models that will download to your bike and that fit your riding/racing preferences. Bigger models will be better for following routes, while the smaller models are better for lightweight racing specs.
Powermeter – Sram Quarq is our favorite for a balance of price, reliability, and the customer service potential that SRAM adds to a power meter company. Many power meter companies have been stymied by customer service/returns but Quarq seems to be the right mix of user serviceability with replaceable coin-battery and a phone app for calibration. Since Quarq will go on off-road bikes it beats out pedal-based models and also crank-arm models (which are cheaper) but that often hit wider chain-stays.
Wahoo Kickr Trainer – This is the smart trainer we have used and abused the most. As one of the first direct-drive manufacturers they have a solid customer service platform and also now own ‘sufferfest’. Several models are available depending on how ‘smart’ you want your trainer to be and if you want to leave your rear wheel on or not.
Strava app: At $5 a month this is a valuable and powerful service that rates well under your Netflix, Apple Music and other monthly subscription fees but delivers a lot to the active individual. Their ‘heat-map’ route builder leverages the intelligence that thousands of cyclists have by overlaying their rides to show what routes are popular … so making a great ride is easy! Strava’s mapping abilities alone are worth the $5/month, especially if you travel a lot or just love to explore, Strava is the best option for cyclists.
Many Consummate Athlete listeners and coaching clients enjoy the social networking aspects of seeing what their friends do and getting ‘kudos’ on big adventures. For tracking your data, analyzing data, it has a simple interface that many athletes like.
Wahoo app: Peter likes this for recording rides, both indoors and out. It works with any Bluetooth devices. We use Wahoo Tickr Heart Rate Straps for runs and hikes with the convenient phone app. If you chronically forget your bike /run computer or like to minimize devices consider a phone app.
We also like the sync between the Wahoo heart rate strap and the Wahoo app. (Get the heart rate strap: USA / Canada)
For Running
Garmin Forerunner 35: For $80, you honestly cannot beat the Garmin Forerunner 35 for a simple GPS watch that can record for 14+ hours without wrist heart rate running, and 7+ hours with it running. Molly has found that the heart rate is pretty reasonably accurate–not perfect, but generally close, and it covers all the bases that 95% of runners need. It doesn’t have a lap button, but that’s pretty much the only thing it’s missing. (Full review here)
Strava or Map My Run app: When it comes to running, often, simple is best, and an app on your smartphone can handle most of what you need. For recording, either of these apps (including the free version of Strava) are great simple to use and run pretty well off of your phone without wrecking your battery.
Interval Timer: If you use a watch that doesn’t have lap features or you want to pre-program your workout, this free app is AMAZING. You can design your workout and set noise reminders (that can play while you’re playing music or a podcast). Molly loves the boxing bell to get an interval started.
Wahoo heart rate strap + app: If you want to use more accurate heart rate data, we like the sync between the Wahoo heart rate strap and the Wahoo app. (Get the heart rate strap: USA / Canada)
For Life
HRV4Training: We both use HRV monitoring but we’re not particularly precious about it, and find that the simple HRV4Training app allows us to check our heart rate variability in the morning AND log subjective data about how the day before went and how we’re feeling. More on HRV here.
Insight Timer: When it comes to free meditation apps, Insight Timer is fantastic for guided sessions. (Personally, this is Molly’s go-to after trying most of them, and Laura Wilson also recommended it!)
Oak: For unguided meditations with a ton of options for time, background noise and more, Oak is super simple + free. It’s Peter’s choice!
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