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Messages - blueyork

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Component Deals & Selection / Re: Garmin FR 265 for $269 on Ali — solid deal or better options around $250?

« on: September 09, 2026, 03:16:58 AM »

@raisinberry777 Good to know HR broadcast works fine, that's a big plus for me.

@00Garza Pace 3 at $199 is solid, but the AMOLED screen + Garmin ecosystem feel worth the extra ~$70. Appreciate the suggestions!

Component Deals & Selection / Garmin FR 265 for $269 on Ali — solid deal or better options around $250?

« on: September 08, 2026, 03:58:28 AM »

Hey all,

Looking to upgrade my wearable for tracking recovery/sleep, cross-training, and broadcasting HR to my bike setup.

Spotted the Garmin Forerunner 265 on AliExpress:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256812700245414.html

It’s listed at $304.40, but code FAUS35 drops it to $269.40 shipped (retail is normally ~$450).

Before pulling the trigger:

Is $269 a good deal for the 265 right now, or should I wait?

How does the AMOLED screen hold up on the handlebars in bright sunlight?

Any better alternatives in the $250–$300 range (Coros Pace 3, older Fenix, etc.)?

Appreciate any quick thoughts!

Component Deals & Selection / Skipping cheap PMs. ThinkRider X2Max / XXPro trainers instead?

« on: July 27, 2026, 03:54:56 AM »

Hey guys,

Thanks for the reality check on my last post about that super cheap PP5 power meter. You guys made a lot of sense—sprinting on a literal noodle doesn’t sound like a good time. Plus, after digging into some more user data, it seems like these early budget power meters still suffer from pretty noticeable power drift (especially with temperature changes). Until they actually fix that data drift issue in a future gen, I'm completely steering clear of their power meters.
So, I’m pivoting my winter training strategy. Instead of a sketchy budget crankset, I’m looking to spend that money where it might actually matter for structured training: a direct-drive smart trainer for my pain cave.
Everyone over on the main forums defaults to Wahoo or Tacx, but since we are on Chinertown, I'm naturally looking at ThinkRider's direct-drive line, specifically the X2MAX or their flagship XXPRO models. Since they've been doing trainers for a while, I’m curious if their hardware and ERG algorithms are more mature than their PM tech.
Since I use Zwift and TrainerRoad religiously, I'm more worried about the software side:

1. For those running the X2MAX or an XXPRO unit, how is the actual ERG mode responsiveness during short, punchy micro-intervals? Does it lag or overshoot the target watts?
2. How has the Bluetooth/ANT+ connection stability been? Any annoying dropouts mid-ride?
3. Does the trainer handle power data better than their stand-alone meters, or does it also suffer from drift and require constant spin-downs?

I’d love to hear from anyone who has put some serious winter miles on one of these units before I pull the trigger.
Appreciate the insights!

Component Deals & Selection / Re: Is this ThinkRider PP5 power meter for $98 legit or a total gamble?

« on: July 23, 2026, 06:55:59 AM »

I checked Magene P515, but it’s around $299. Way over budget for a cheap winter bike.
That’s why I'm still so torn. An alloy crankset alone costs money, so $98 for the whole package is a crazy deal, even if the data drifts a bit.
The 3x price difference is making it so hard to decide.
I honestly don't know if I should just roll the dice or pass.

Component Deals & Selection / Is this ThinkRider PP5 power meter for $98 legit or a total gamble?

« on: July 23, 2026, 04:38:24 AM »

Hey guys,
I was scrolling through Slickdeals today and stumbled upon this: a ThinkRider PP5 Spider Power Meter Crankset selling for $98.58 on Amazon US (using coupon code O7OOJADV).

Link here if anyone wants to check:
https://slickdeals.net/f/19795164-thinkrider-pp5-spider-power-meter-4-bolt-aluminum-crankset-110-bcd-ble-ant-lightweight-for-road-bikes-160-172-5mm-99-free-shipping

Honestly, a power meter crankset for under 100 bucks sounds super sketchy to me, but the price is definitely tempting for a cheap winter bike build. It claims ±1% accuracy and uses a standard 24mm spindle, weighing around 565g.

Has anyone actually bought or tested this thing yet? I'm standardly skeptical about cheap Chinese power meters when it comes to data accuracy and connection drops. Also, how is the actual crank stiffness? I don't want something that flexes like noodle when I sprint.

Is this worth a shot as a budget tool, or should I just save my money and buy a used Stages or Magene?

Appreciate any honest feedback before I waste my money.

Component Deals & Selection / Re: Is the ThinkRider PP5 Power Meter worth it for $69? (Looking for advice!)

« on: June 08, 2026, 01:10:45 AM »

Thanks! Just finished watching GPLama's review. It looks like the main accuracy issues happen at higher wattages, which honestly shouldn't be a problem for a casual rider like me—I don't think I can even hit those numbers anyway! 😂 For $69, I think I'm going to pull the trigger. Appreciate the help!

Component Deals & Selection / Is the ThinkRider PP5 Power Meter worth it for $69? (Looking for advice!)

« on: June 07, 2026, 10:23:12 PM »

Hey everyone,

I’m currently looking for a budget-friendly power meter and stumbled upon the ThinkRider PP5 on Amazon. It’s listed at $99, but I also found a 30% off discount code (Code:DPK5OQT2), which brings the final price down to just $69.3.
Link:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GJSL5Y12?th=1

Given that most other power meters on the market easily retail for over $200, this looks like an absolute steal. However, since the price seems almost too good to be true, I wanted to get a sanity check here before pulling the trigger.

Has anyone here used the ThinkRider PP5? How is the data accuracy, battery life, and overall reliability? Would you recommend buying it at this price point, or should I save up for something else?

I appreciate any feedback or advice you can share.
Thanks in advance!