Summary:

In summary, I think the Timex Global Trainer is a great new entrant to the market. Even though the product is a first generation device for Timex, I think they’ve hit the mark in almost every category. Based on my in depth discussions with the development/engineering team – I think they understand the areas they need to address – and can largely do so with simple firmware updates. Between the Timex team and the Training Peaks team they are one of the most receptive athletic watch companies I’ve talked about new features with.

Further, based on the private firmware updates I was provided over the previous weekend, I think they are indeed making good on fixing some of the issues that were outstanding, and those updates should be making their way to your hot little hands in the next three weeks – just in time for the full retail availability launch in September.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what I see as the Pro’s and Con’s of the Global Trainer are:

Things I like:

- Highly customizable, everything is tweakable…everything.
- Leverages TrainingPeaks.com as data repository
- Ability to export/import all settings to a simple savable file on your computer
- Fully waterproof to 50 meters
- Multisport mode allows one to still utilize ‘Lap’ functionality (small, I know, but really nice!)
- Smoothing of run paces helps to minimize typical GPS speed fluctuations
- Same form and size as all other multisport GPS watches
- Only one unit – no separate GPS dongle/attachment required

Things that could use some improvement:

- No footpod support is a huge bummer for treadmill users
- Lack of power meter calibration makes it less than ideal for power meter users
- Backlight isn’t as bright as most competitors
- Some of the user interface could be smoothed out a bit

Ordered my Quarq Sram Red yesterday .

But I'm anxious of that "lack of Powermeter calibration" detail of the Timex...

Louis