The big news stories this week have been the public release of an improved look and feel to Garmin Connect plus the potential imminent demise of Stages Cycling. Here is more information that I’ve not covered before
Stages Cycling
Further rumours are that the company is already at quite an advanced stage in negotiations with a potential buyer. I don’t know who that is with but my bet is Giant.
Mini MyWhoosh – MyWhoosh GO
I’ve enjoyed using MyWhoosh over the last few weeks (a free version of Zwift).
I’m normally a Windows PC person but it just so happens that my partner’s MAC is in front of my indoor bike, so I’ve been using the MAC version of MyWhoosh. It’s stable and I’ve had no issues. However, if you read around the net you will see vociferous complaints about the PC version and the lack of a tablet version.
thus, MyWhooosh confirmed the launch of MyWhoosh GO, a separate lighter version of its virtual cycling platform available to download from the Microsoft Store, and designed to make MyWhoosh available to a wide range of PC users with lesser-powered devices.
PC users can now enjoy the indoor cycling training app, with access to numerous immersive virtual worlds, where you can simulate riding on inch-perfect recreations of real roads and dreamt-up routes inspired by iconic cycling hotspots in places such as Colombia and Belgium. There are also workouts and training plans and the MyWhoosh Sunday Series (Sunday Race Club), offering the biggest prize purse in eSport cycling, week in and week out. Our goal has always been to make indoor cycling accessible to as many people as possible. With the launch of MyWhoosh GO version, we have come a step closer to realising that goal. We look forward to welcoming a swathe of new riders to our free-to-use platform with this latest development. [MyWhoosh]
Google not-the-Pixel-3
9to5Google has discovered a WearOS-powered watch on the FCC but one which appears not to be sufficiently well-specified to be the Pixel 3. My thoughts are that it is the company’s budget model, just like the Watch SE is the lower-end version of the Apple Watch.
Peloton Down
Peloton was down for several hours today in some countries.
My utility suppliers offer a cashback if their service goes down. I wonder if Peloton does the same? (A: No)
Stryd
Stryd has announced a powerful new feature that lets Apple Watch users customise the display metrics on the Watch. Shown in the image above…it looks pretty cool.
Last Updated on 16 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.
- Beet It Sport nitrate shots: Beetroot shots I take in the days before a race. 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.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
Reader-Powered Content
This content is not sponsored. It’s mostly me behind the labour of love, which is this site, and I appreciate everyone who supports it.
Support the site: Follow (free, fewer ads) · Subscribe (paid, ad-free) · Buy Me A Coffee
Written by real people, with AI assistance. Fact-checked and verified for originality. See the Editorial Policy. FTC: Affiliate Disclosure — some links pay commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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. See the gear tfk uses. ID
