There are some minor announcements from me later on today (UK time). Something that only the keenest gadgetphiles amongst you will be pressing the refresh button for.
But I reckon that today (Tuesday…OK maybe Thursday) is just about the last day of the year that we will possibly get new Garmin hardware announcements.
I think there could be a D2-Delta (Fenix Variant), or two, announced but if there is no new HRM-PRO and no new RD-PROD from Garmin then all hope is lost and I think I will go into early sporty hibernation. 🙁
Edit: DCR has some bike news today (edit Zwift hardware) which is very interesting but, if it’s the one I’m thinking of, then it’s not a launch just a foretaste of something for next year. It tangentially links in with some things I allude to here in BEATING GARMIN…have a guess (or wait for DC’s post as I’m not going to write about it)
STOP PRESS: A Whole swathe of rumours have just fallen out of the rumour mill. MASSIVE excitement. There is something possibly imminent (but not too exciting in itself) but the rest of the fallout defines 2020. Hold your breath, it’s coming.
https://the5krunner.com/release-radar/
Last Updated on 17 January 2026 by 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
Don’t be surprised if the follow up to the Descent MK1 is introduced tomorrow or Wednesday.
Could it be a Fenix 7 release? After all, the 6 series has already been out for over a week and Garmin needs you to open your wallets again.
yes the fenix 7 is this week but that launch will be overshadowed by the fenix 8 next week.
Waiting for the review of the fenix 6 Plus and fenix 6 Plus Max before that. As we may have strong deals for BF.
i only know about BF deals on the 945/935
none on f6 i know about (prob could be some tho)
you didn’t mention the Fenix 6 Plus Mega-Max…any reason ?
Hmm wasn’t there talk of a footpod at some stage recently?
hmmm, maybe there was. maybe that’s later today. maybe not.
My hope is a Forerunner 655, but unfortunately it will arrive only in 2020…