Garmin 920XT w/HR
So as a new member whose Ironman logo'd TIMEX from Target is sitting at the bottom of Lake Madona, I am now investing the better technology and have decided to go with the Garmin 920XT w/ HR. I feel this is the best investment and will work well with a power meter (when I buy one). Any suggestions where to get one sooner than later? So far I believe pre-orders are available making delivery Mid-November. This of course puts a minor set-back in my OS get faster training plan..I think having the correct technology will be well worth it though.
For now I am using a cheap running Garmin that shows mileage and pace...without HR.
Dana
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The price will not change so I suggest buying the watch when you can afford it and when you need/want it. Now or later is really a function of finances and/or desire.
There are a few deals out there, check DC Rainmaker and Clever Training - also there may be some 'Black Friday' deals if you want to wait for those.
I have a 910XT, it has been invaluable to my style of training - but plenty of others use nothing. As for getting it NOW, I've heard reports that some people have gotten them at show expos, but these are far and few between.
Unfortunately, Mike is right. Most places do not yet have them in the store and orders are getting backed up. Like Mike, I've heard of some races (both run and triathlon) having them for sale at the pre-race expo.
Do you know anyone who has a 910 (or other power reading watch) and a separate bike computer that reads power meters (or even two bike computers that read power)? If so, maybe you could borrow one of them for the couple of weeks until the 920 gets to your doorstep.
I have the 920 on back order from Clever Training, but I have a sickness. I was merely trying to counsel a neophyte regarding the long dark road to gadget oblivion. It's too late for me, but I had hoped to save Dana.....
If you really want to roll like a BOSS, go for the Garmin 620 on the run. It is redic and pair it with the Garmin 1000 cycling computer for riding. If you really want your fix and to keep up with the Jones' you need sport specificity.
I only rock the 910 on race day and I still have either the 510 or 1000 on the bars (depending on bike configuration and distance) for the bike leg. It's a back up and easier for old eye to read with more screens.
Thanks for your input everyone. Now I need to decide if I would/could actually wear this in a race. Aren't we supposed to train like we're going to race? Wearing this on my tiny wrist seems a bit much (mainly for the swim). However, maybe it's just a matter of getting use to it.
Dana
Many people (myself included) do not wear a watch on the swim, putting it on during T2. Getting a wet suit on and off over a watch is … inconvenient, if not difficult. There are some nuances in doing this … e.g., is it detachable? when do you turn it on, sync to power meter, HRM, what setting is used (multisport vs individual sport) … and you might want to get some advice from people who use this particular watch (I use a Garmin Fenix2) for all of that.
Q: "But how will I know my overall time?" A: "Pay attention to your nutrition and your pace; your time and place will take care of themselves." If you really *must know*, you can always use the "time of day" feature to get an approximate read on overall time, but, really, it's the smaller increments within each leg that are the important chronological metrics.
After the swim the first thing I do is take off the watch and hold it in my left hand. I then take my left arm out of the wetsuit, and then take the right arm out, still holding the watch in my left hand. I skip the wetsuit strippers and run straight to my bike and attach the watch. I then finish stripping the wetsuit myself.
I did pre-order the 920xt
Some people have reported losing the watch on the swim because of the quick release failing. I have done nearly 10 triathlons with the quick release without trouble, but who knows, maybe I am just lucky.
I think the best option is to have the 910/920 on your wrist the whole time, use the multi-sport mode to get your splits, and then also have a Garmin 500/510 on the bike for monitoring your power. A Garmin 500 is now super cheap, especially used, and it is nice and small, perfect for racing.
Dana - The Garmin may be big, but it is pretty easy to get used to, and I read that the 920 is smaller and lighter.
Dino - Calling it a "sickness" is way to judgmental. It's not a problem, it's a passion!
Ugh! Garmin has pushed back the delivery date until at least first week in December. I hate to purchase a later model however I'm 3-weeks into EN and have not done the bike or run test. Of course I am following the workouts :-).
I did get a Stages PM to test my power, however my 920xt w/ HR has not even been manufactured.
Perhaps I should look into other options so I don't fall behind with OS training. Purchasing something that I can incorporate into my training/racing after the 920xt becomes available may be a good idea.
I live in So CA and the Port of Los Angeles is on strike! When the 920xt is available, I'll need to find it on the East Coast..most likely.
FWIW, I really like my 510 as it syncs nicely with my phone so my wife can track me during all of my rides and I don't have to plug it in to anything to upload my rides... But the 500 is a great workhorse.
John, that is so kind of you to offer and I will PM you if I can't get the Stages app to work for now
. It's possible I may just fork out the funds for two devices as many EN members made suggestions that work for them.
I've been following the workouts and think "the work IS speed entering my body"..but need to measure my workouts with HR and PM to be absolutely sure.
This is one of many examples of what people outside the haus do not understand about EN. 1) Some folks have been doing this so long and hard that they have valuable "extras" laying around collecting dust! 2) Some/many are willing to share valuable stuff with others in the haus (who they've probably never physically met in person).
Kudos JW.
Dana - The only reason I recommended the 500 was that it is pretty cheap now. I actually have the 510, not the 500. I really like the 510 for the same reason as JW. The wireless sync with Garmin Connect through my iPhone is fantastic and the real time tracking is a nice option, although I do not use it that much. I also have and like the Garmin 220 watch for the same wireless sync to my phone function. Hmm, actually seeing this in writing makes me think that maybe I do not really need to replace my 910 with the 920 right now.
Regarding the HR option, I think I have bought one Garmin with a HR strap. I have several HR straps so I no longer need to get the package; any Ant+ HR strap will work with a Garmin. I love gear and gadgets and just bought the MIO Link optical HR strap that you wear on your wrist (no chafing!).
Definitely get the 920 and not the 910. I picked up my 920 at the Toronto marathon race expo 3-4 weeks ago and love it. I had a 910 before, as well as an 800, and the wifi sync and bluetooth tracking is worth it alone. I already had a few garmin HRM straps, but the last device left came with the run HRM with run dynamics. I question how valuable most of the metrics are, but the fact that it doesnt require the footpod for cadence is a big plus. No more worrying about swapping footpod between multiple shoes.
Hi John,
I've determined wearing the Garmin issued HR strap is annoying!
How is the MIO optical wrist strap working? It looks somewhat bulky.
Thanks,
Dana
Pros: (1) comfort; (2) no chafing; (3) no chafing; (4) no chafing; (5) it broadcasts both BTLE and Ant+ signals; (6) rechargeable battery; and (7) I keep it in my gym bag with my running watch so I always have it and do not have to worry about losing the snap on piece like the Garmin.
Cons: (1) battery life (needs to be charged every 8 or so hours); and (2) wearing on the same wrist as the watch adds some overall bulk.
Here is a review from DC Rainmaker: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/01/mio-link-first-look.html
Please let me know if you have any questions.
It may be too much for my wrist with both the Garmin and MIO on one wrist. Perhaps I'll find someone local to me and try it on before making the purchase.
Thank you, John!