STRYD (above) – It’s a running power meter based in a proprietary, multi-band HRM. Good integration with the SPARTANs. It just ‘works’ if you ONLY PAIR it as a HRM.
ESSENTIAL READING: STRYD Review
Running-power data also gets shown as all other ‘normal’ metrics on MOVESCOUNT. I expect to play more with STRYD and SPARTAN over the next year.
4iiii Viiiiva V100 – It’s a caching HRM that also converts ANT+ signals to Bluetooth LE ie for the Spartan. I had a bit of trouble getting this to work. With firmware v1.2.0 it seems to work, before it did not seem to work. Unlike the STRYD I had to pair it BOTH as a HRM and as a bike POWER POD. It will not cache for the SPARTAN, only for the 4iiii app (which you can export data from).
ESSENTIAL READING: 4iiii Viiiiva V100 Review
As the (poor) image below shows, power IS transmitted to the SPARTAN from my ANT+ -only PM via the Viiiiva V100. There appeared to be a delay in the SPARTAN picking up the power levels compared to the 3s power levels on the 820 – but that could be the fault of the 4iiii which seems to be stuck on an old firmware version that I can’t upgrade from.
Cadence did seem also to get passed through to MOVESCOUNT when I FURTHER PAIRED it as a bike pod. The HR seems to be missing today, whereas last night it was definitely working. I’ll update this post with more testing.
The Viiiiva also supports footpods. I had problems with the Viiiiva feeding a Polar V800 that data and haven’t tried with the Suunto. I might if anyone is interested.
So I’m a bit confused about this behaviour. The STRYD pairs as a HRM and then silently and simultaneously pairs as a PM. The Viiiiva seems to be required to pair for each sensor type.
Having said that I’m confused I guess it does not really matter once you have it set up.
Interesting point: I expect Polar to bring out a product with similar bridging functionality very soon. Read this: Polar H7i. This will almost certainly work with the SPARTAN too.
Recommendation: Don’t buy an ANT-only PM on the basis of this post for your SPARTAN!! It should be OK tho.
Last Updated on 15 January 2026 by tfk the5krunner
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Kineon MOVE+: Red light therapy for niggles. It works.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
