it is becoming a joke to own garmin gadgets

Issues with Garmin 965 and E1040 for Cycling

Over the past six months, I have experienced increasingly poor performance with my Garmin 965 and E1040 devices used for cycling. Below are the key issues I have encountered:

1. Declining Fitness Level Readings:

   • My fitness level, as reported by the Garmin app, has dropped from 43-46 down to 32, despite no significant change in my actual performance.
   • As a lifelong athlete approaching 60, I know my body well and can recover my fitness level quickly after breaks. Garmin's calculations are inaccurate and need correction.

2. Incorrect Overreaching and Strain Indicators:

   • The app now ALWAYS shows my status as overreaching or strained, marked in orange, which contradicts the performance data recorded by other platforms like Strava and Ride with GPS, where I consistently set personal records.

3. Incorrect Sleep Tracking:

   • Despite getting nearly 10 hours of good sleep after tough cycling sessions, the watch inaccurately reports that I haven't slept, indicating a malfunction with my less-than-one-year-old 965.

4. Incorrect Energy Calculations:

   • There is a significant error in calculating movement and energy expenditure (kcal) from my Favero Assioma power pedals. Garmin's app confuses kilojoules and kilocalories, leading to faulty consumption data.
   • For example, during a 5.5-hour ride on the Isle of Wight, my expected energy expenditure was around 5500 kcal, but Garmin reported only 2000 kcal, which is incorrect.

5. Incorrect Power Readings from Favero Assioma Pedals:

   • My pedal power readings average between 90-95 watts, significantly lower than the 220-320 watts I typically achieve. Tests in the gym confirm that my power is in the 220-250 watts range.
   • I am confident in my power output, especially during steep climbs where I exert up to 1000 watts, but the pedals do not reflect this accurately.

6. Poorly Designed Incline Map on E1040:

   • The incline map feature often appears at inconvenient times and obstructs navigation. During strenuous rides with heavy climbs, such as those on the Isle of Wight, it becomes a safety hazard as I struggle to navigate and swipe through screens under duress.

Summary of Errors and Potential Causes:

• Sleep Tracking Error: Clearly a Garmin issue with the watch.
• Overreaching Indicator: Could be due to errors with pedals, watch, or E1040, but needs serious correction.
• Energy Calculation: Garmin's misunderstanding of movement vs. energy consumption leads to inaccurate calculations.
• Fitness Level Error: Another clear Garmin error with incorrect assessments.
• Power Readings: Despite proper calibration, power readings remain incorrect.
• Incline Map Design: Poor user experience that poses a safety risk during intense rides.

Conclusion: I am considering discontinuing the use of these expensive Garmin products due to their consistent malfunctions and inaccuracies. It's becoming clear that other, simpler devices or competitors may provide a better user experience without the high cost and frustration. Is anyone else feeling the same way about Garmin's products? It might be time to form a group to address these concerns and explore alternatives.

PS! I just found out my training level is 29, what a joke!