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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
