I’ve been riding with an Epix Gen 2 on the handlebars for almost a year already. I had the Edge 1030+ before. While I’d prefer to have a dedicated computer, I don’t miss it at all.
Looking at @dcrainmaker list the deal on the Epix is pretty good and also the forerunner 255 music, if you don’t need full blown maps.
I’m still rocking the Fenix 6X I’ve had for the last 4 years, but I’m waiting for the Fenix 8. The rumor I’ve seen is this fall, but probably wait a little after release anyways…
I love my FR255S - I bought it this spring for a little more at REI.
I only use it as a cycling computer for short commutes - I’ve noticed that the HR is pretty far off when riding (10-15bpm on either flat bars or drop bars, and inconsistently off compared to my exertion).
I had a Garmin instinct 2 solar - the HRM optical laser died out after about a year and was not super impressed. Replaced with Garmin Venu 2 Plus which was nice, but did not have HRV. Gave that to my wife after a couple of months (which was an upgrade for her Garmin Venu) and I went to Fenix 7.
Of them all, have really liked the Fenix 7. While the battery of the instinct solar was great, the unti as a whole was not durable. So far, the Fenix has all the metrics I want, a good battery life (2 weeks or so), and nice display. The HRM is ok and good in a pinch (or for running, where I don’t like the strap as much).
If there is a Fenix 8 due soon, then expect some even better Fenix 7 deals in the days leading up to that.
I believe it can do power, as well as use an external HRM as well, so I think in theory could work well for a bike computer if you did not want a dedicated bike computer.
My 2024 small but noticeable gains are focused on breathing (JoinBaseCamp winter group coaching turned me on to this) and strength (StrongFirst Quick&Dead), and so far I’ve been very happy with progress and results of both.
SECOND WIND Express online breathing course:
Online course is 25% off thru tomorrow. I bought it last week and like everything else StrongFirst you can get the info cheaper from other sources but its very high quality with references to studies/results and demonstrations.
Preview:
and
Yes its a lot of $$$ so you be the judge of value.
i had the 935 and then upgraded to the 255. learned that 255 did NOT do garmin cycling dynamics (used for dual R+L side power data) so sold the 255 for a loss and upgraded to the 955. lov the 955 with all the 24/7 data. also found the HR was much more accurate on me, so accurate i almost could skip the chest HR. i have the 955 as my primary and then 530 edge as a secondary for cycling…
I’m unable to put it into succinct words other than “believe me” and feel free to tell me it is all voodoo! Books are cheap. Info is out there on YouTube and X and blogs. Its not huge but it sure appears to be making a small dent in performance, unless I’m getting a contact high from all the dope smokers driving past me in the afternoon in which case YMMV and don’t believe a word I say
Just want to give a little kudos to Brands Cycles. I’ve never purchased from them before. I chose standard shipping (free) and they shipped it the same day (last night) and I’m supposed to get it on Saturday (3 days)
Yeah they’re good folks. I’ve only made a few purchases there but they’ve been good deals. I should remember to browse their site more often.
Also for those not in the US, Lordgun looks to have some good prices going via a summer sale. I didn’t look at all of it but they had some decent offers on Sram and Garmin, there and more. But they won’t ship either of those to me here so I didn’t dig into too much beyond those two.