I will start by saying I am a Garmin fan from cycling computers to my watches. But I do review honestly and this is no different. As usual having varying models of Garmin watches over the years I finally bought the 965 over a year ago. Now let me caveat this review with the fact I am no runner but a cyclists. The features for the most across Garmins range are the same. Oh, you get some more bells and whistles and functions the more you pay no doubt. I need only HR, FTP, VO2, Endurance Score, Pulse Ox, and I am happy. The 965 does this and more obviously. The system seems very accurate as well when compared to known calibrated devices that measure these variables. So to keep this review simple and not bore folks with in depth cycling needs and results, it meets my needs and plenty more. Battery life usually yields 6 days unless I am cycling in warm months when I use the features more. Screen visibility 8s awesome and easily read in bright sun without washout. This watch has never had one hiccup in a year. Worth purchasing if you need a great all-purpose health watch. Yes, there is a newer model but unless you need it's functions, save some money and get a 965. Sorry for any typos ahead of time.
I've always used a small bag under my seat, with a light below that, but I was worried the bag and/or rear tire would get in the way of the Varia I got recently.
With this kit, I'm able to keep my bag, and the radar/light gets mounted at the back of my set, behind my bag. I've had no issues with visibility or not picking up traffic behind me because it puts the radar at a good height without anything to get in the way. And, I get to keep using my bag.
If you have a bag that goes to about the rear of your seat, you're probably good to go with this kit. If you have something that extends to the rear a bit more, I'm thinking of bike packing bags or something like that, then you're probably going to need to figure something else out.
Got the Garmin edge 1050 after my edge 10:30 began to have difficulties. It has been working nicely over the last 3 to 4 months that I have been using it. It downloads routes quickly and seamlessly through Garmin connect. It sinks up nicely with Ride with GPS and Strava. The screen is nice and crisp, much better than the 1030 with the new OLED display. Thus far the battery life has been more than adequate, I suspect it would last an estimated 20 hours. The screens are relatively easy to configure, and I did not have any troubles with syncing this to my power meter. I do enjoy having a larger screen, which is helpful for older eyes. It does have multiple alerts for various things which can be configured for those that prefer a quieter ride. Taken all together , I would certainly purchase the unit again.
I purchased the Vivoactive 6 watch to cover activities that my Apple iWatch didn't. I appreciate that I can go several days without recharging it, whereas my iWatch requires daily recharging. That means, I can always wear the V6 while sleeping and get my sleep data. Other features I like are the many watch faces available at the Garmin IQ Store and accessing my exercise data in the Garmin Connect app. I am not a hardcore runner, so this watch fit my style of exercise and activities.
