Before buying things here myself, money would be used to be ready for any potential financial emergencies, such as car or home repairs, and especially for paying things off, etc., basically savings, then the items below. But if one wants, money can be given via PayPal and credit card donations can be made here, though there is a fee (not sure the percentage), (also generally 10% of all donations I get there I give to The Trevor Project (suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQIA+ youth). While cash may be more appreciated than the stuff below, I know people think cash is impersonal, so that’s what the list below is for.

Also, as this is mostly health related, I’ve got My Potential Supplements page where I talk about what I might take to make up for a poor diet.

As most of this is for my fitness wishes, so here’s my Strava profile, so when, if, I get this stuff, one can see how I do. I also believe this is my Zwift profile.

Primary Wants

Some of the below are on this Amazon wish list, though many of the cheaper more preferred choices, such as the cheaper bike trainer (even the Wahoo trainer on there doesn’t come with a year of Zwift like the ones direct from Zwift or Wahoo do), aren’t available from Amazon. However, to make it easier on some people, I put on the Amazon list what I could.

These items are mostly for my bike, a bike computer, a new watch (mine is fairly old, and the battery is draining somewhat fast), and a smart direct drive bike trainer. As of May 2024, the power meter pedals, the best way to train without a smart trainer, and has the advantage of being used outdoors, was moved up to the Primary Wants section, along with shoes that could then be used on it, as you can’t use regular shoes with it.

The smart bike trainer would come right after a new watch, but space issues is what pushes that down. Ideally, I’d use it on my computer, because to use it outside the main living space, I’d need to have a new iPad, gaming level laptop, or 32″ TV and an Apple TV (more details below, but the TV and Apple TV are probably the cheapest option after using the computer I already have indoors). Using it outside also steps up the fan requirement to be better than what I have at the moment. Like I’d probably use it near daily if I could use it on the computer, with Zwift becoming my most “played game” or used app, whatever one would want to call it. Trying to use it on an iPad or laptop outside the house’s Wi-Fi makes things complicated. Because of the likelihood of needing to use it away from the computer, the iPad section has been moved up to Primary wants, and that makes it far more portable, can use it at work, whatever, where the 32″ TV and Apple TV idea keep it limited to the patio (like I’m not carrying a 32″ TV and the Apple TV to a remote location, lol).

A New Smart Watch

My watch is getting out of date in terms of fitness tracking. It can’t track lots of activities that the newer watches can, like climbing, and doesn’t track running dynamics. Also it’s GPS is nowhere near as good as the ones here. It’s an older Garmin Venu, and the Venu 2 came out in 2021, with then on the Venu 3 out now, so an idea of how out of date it is. The Venu is more an semi entry level fitness watch than a sports watch. So the idea is to upgrade to a proper sports watch. Plus my Venu is starting to drain a bit too fast. It is still better than say an Apple Watch, but bad for a Garmin.

The “cheaper” of the new watches I want is a Garmin Forerunner 965 ($599.99). Black band or yellow band… though really, the yellow band really kicks it up. This is what I’d probably go for, even if I had the money for the Epic Pro (gen2) below, because that extra money could go for other items on the list.

While that is the more “reasonably priced” option. Going up to $899 (for the regular Gorilla glass), or $999 (for Sapphire crystal and Titanium case), one gets the brand new Garmin Epix Pro (gen2). The Epix Pro (gen2) has far more features, far more accuracy (both GPS, and fitness), and has ECG ability, though that’s more for detecting heart attacks, which while helpful, isn’t a mandatory feature yet. Like this watch is beyond amazing, and I want it as my main watch choice, but is it really $300 better than the Forerunner 965? Probably not.

Bike Computer for Bike

Okay, as of 11 June 2023, I moved the bike computer way up, as it would help a lot navigating routes when not with a group. Also I need a way of seeing my heart rate, cadence, speed, incline, and the like. For the moment, I have an app on my phone that can show most of these metrics, I just have to keep waking the phone up and unlocking it to see them. Also even though I’ve got a new phone, the battery doesn’t last as long as a dedicated bike computer below, which can go days before I’d need to recharge them. Really though, this is after the trainer, and probably after the power meter pedals below, where it becomes nearly needed.

EDIT: In July, Garmin released the Garmin Edge 1050 ($699.99), which would be my number one choice, but it isn’t on Amazon last I checked.

The Garmin Edge 840 ($449.99) is the main choice. There is a Garmin Edge 840 Solar ($549.99) that does extend the battery some, but probably not $100 more battery for my area. Like for the price of the solar 840, I could get the 1040. Like the Garmin Edge 1040 ($599.99 or $749.99 for the solar version) would be better, especially the solar version, but again, at what I’ll be doing and using it for, the 840 is the sweet spot… The Garmin Edge 540 ($349.99), which lacks a touch screen, has half the memory than the 840, and you can’t put in an address to route yourself somewhere, would be a distant choice. So the choice order basically is, 1040 Solar, 1040, 840 Solar (though again, for that much may as well get the 1040 non-solar), 840 (the sweet spot in price/performance), 540 (where the solar version isn’t worth it, but the 840 is much preferred).

Smart Trainer for Bike

So one of the main reasons I wanted a bike period, is to use Zwift, TrainerRoad, or other similar apps (more on those later). So it’d be number one on this list, but space to use it is why it’s down here. Plus to use it anywhere I can’t see the computer, means an iPad, gaming level laptop, Apple TV and a new TV, or something along those lines.

The main advantage of a smart trainer is being able to do actual training, at set power levels, and set heart rate zones, etc. Which one can’t do realistically on the road, at least without power meter pedals (and a bike computer to read the power on), which are further down the list. And power meters are far more expensive, though become required in addition to a trainer if one is serious about racing on Zwift and other platforms for cash or other prizes, but those type things are far off for me. Even with all that, the terrain, temperature and wind, other people on the road or trail, all effect what one is doing, making it near impossible to keep at a certain heart rate or power zone. Indoor training fixes that. Plus you can do it every day, all year, where going out in the snow, rain, extreme heat and cold, and dealing with road traffic, make it harder to train outdoors.

Also, programs like Zwift help gamify the fitness, and keep you riding, chasing kits (clothing items, such as socks, gloves, glasses, shirts, bibs, bike shorts, shoes, etc.), bikes, wheels, badges, achievements, and more. Like it’d probably be my most played “game” while also helping me get more fit. The main goal being to be able to keep up on group rides in the real world, which presently is a problem as there’s like two group rides I can keep up with, which is a great group ride one Friday a month, but it’d be nice to get out on more. Anyhow, like I said, it’d probably be my main “game”, even over my Steam games and the like, because there’s just more I could in theory do, and goals to chase. New routs to take. There’s so much that one could take advantage of with it. Seriously, it’d be used a lot if I could use of Zwift and others like it. Like my most played game is Path of Exile, a Free to Play game that I have over 400, nearing 500 hours in, though that’s since 2012 and most of that is the last few years… all beyond the point.. but to say that I think I’d get that many hours in Zwift in less than a year. Zwift is basically the number one reason I have a bike in the first place.

The doctor also recently recommended I put the bike on a trainer to help with things like a overly tight calf, overall fitness, the especially heart health. Basically just overall fitness would be vastly improved. And it’s not like others couldn’t use it as well.

Smart trainers are quieter than a stationary bike that people might be used to, it’s even quieter than a bike on the road, so noise isn’t a concern. Like people in the units below and to the sides wouldn’t hear it. Even people in the same unit in different rooms would have to really listen for it to hear it, and would likely hear me breathing heavy than the bike and trainer itself.

The big problem with the smart trainer, is space is tight. They aren’t big by themselves, they can be put aside and aren’t overly heavy. It’s the space for the bike. Like the footprint of a Wahoo Kickr Core below is 20″x23″ while the legs are open, and closes to 20″x9″ when the legs are closed for storage. It’s small enough to fit in a corner or storage space while not in use.

It’s the bike on it that adds to the space. The bike itself is about 5.5′ long counting the tires, so about the size of me. The back wheel comes off so the bike can drive the trainer, so the whole setup would take up less than 6′ of space while in use, and folds down to a fairly small footprint when the bike is away. Still, that’s a bit of room to use up in the unit itself while in use. Where the bike goes between uses is probably the other problem, though more on that below too.

To use it on the porch, I’d need a new tablet (my current tablet isn’t powerful enough to run it), so that would mean one of the iPad’s below. Or a gaming level laptop (specs down in the iPad section below), which in many ways would be far better, but I’m not going over that in detail on this list, but any time I mention iPad here about the trainer, same would go for a gaming laptop. Or… cheaper than those, a 32″ TV and Apple TV, more on those in a bit.

I can in theory use it anywhere I’d have WiFi and a way to plug the trainer in, and somewhere to hold the iPad or laptop… I could perhaps take the bike and trainer to work, if they’d let me (and I don’t think they’d object), then after I’m done for work for the day, just set up there, do my rides, workouts, etc. then when I’m done, come home. I’d probably have to take a way to do a recovery drink or something with me there on harder workout days, and FTP test days, etc. Weekends I would have to figure out. Another pricier option is to have the iPad on it’s own cell line, which increases the cost of not only the iPad, it’d mean having to get another cell line.

The most affordable option (aside from using the existing computer which would be ideal, but as I noted room is the problem) would be an Apple TV 4K ($149 for the version with 128 GB of storage and the ability to use Ethernet, not just WiFi). Though that also requires either using the existing TV (again the problem is room), or a semi-cheap TV (32″, with 1080p ($140-230) or 4k ($399.9) if possible), and that isn’t exactly as portable as an iPad/Laptop. Or a 32″ monitor (so long as it was at least 1080p or 1440p), as one wouldn’t need the TV tuner built in. Still, not exactly portable, but still cheaper than an iPad or Laptop would be.

Also, regardless of which of the trainers I got… The new Zwift Play controllers ($149, though on sale for $99 during the beta software period, which is still the price as of August 2024) would be a great bonus, as they help navigate the menus and other stuff without the need to have a keyboard/mouse. They also add steering to Zwift, and can be used for virtual shifting on trainers that allow for that, more on that in a bit. This is most certainly optional, but helpful in Zwift.

And while Zwift is one of the main aims here, especially as some of the main choices include a year of it free, there are other similar apps like Rouvy where one rides on real video on real courses around the world (over 1000 courses), Rolla which is currently free, My Woosh, which also free, and which is what the UCI is using for official esports cycling, and indieVelo, another free option while it is in it’s current beta form (though PC and Mac only), to name a few . Then there’s TrainerRoad eventually when I’m ready for more serious training, as it’s got lots of features that make for serious training. As noted though, most of the trainers below come with a year of Zwift with them, that’s a $190 value right there (or one can go monthly for $20 a month). Note, Zwift has a gift card, but you can’t for some reason use it for the membership, just physical items like socks, shirts, and the like…

• Anyhow, here are the trainers, it’d be only ONE of these. The first two are the more “affordable” ones, then going up in price with the last two.
  • The JetBlack VICTORY ($399.00). This one will be available in the Fall of 2024. It does NOT include a year of Zwift, which costs $199.99, so in some ways the Kickr Core below, which does include it, is a bit more of a value. However, as a base trainer, this is the cheapest, best bang for the buck trainer on the market. It does have 2 months of Zwift. And it is my first choice. The only real negative, is that it uses a Zwift cog like the Kickr Core Zwift One below, so to use it with programs outside of Zwift and Trainer Road, I’d need to get a new cassette, though that’s only $50 anyhow. I’m not sure the footprint, but likely near the same as the Kickr core below. EDIT: Actually, using the QZ Fitness app ($4.99 on the Apple App Store, though there is an Android version for Android users), I can apparently use the Cog, and still have virtual shifting, even in other programs like My Woosh, indieVello, and the like. So the JetBlack Victory may be the best way to go.
  • Wahoo Kickr Core Zwift One ($649.99). This is accurate enough for my current, and likely ever, fitness level, and for what I’d be using it for. So it gets top billing. The negative is that for right now, aside from Trainer Road, you are stuck to using Zwift for virtual rides. One can’t use apps like Rolla yet. This is because this uses virtual shifting, so there are no real gears for the bike to shift using, making things even quieter than a direct drive trainer already is. Zwift has said for nearly a year, they will open up their virtual shifter to other apps, and now that the are partnered with Wahoo, that might happen sooner than later, but as of 7 February 2024, it is Zwift only. Trainer Road uses the trainer in what is called Erg mode, which you can use Rolla on for their training as well, and Zwift has some workouts that use Erg mode, and that doesn’t use shifting, in fact, the way this Zwift One cog works, might make it harder to cheat while in Erg mode. Not available in stores, this is only on the Zwift and Wahoo stores. The being stuck to using Zwift only is limited to just the Zwift Cog thing and virtual shifting, I could easily add a compatible cassette (microSHIFT | Advent X Cassette | 10-Speed | 11-48t | Black | Alloy Spider ($50.81)) and use any of the other programs. Footprint is 20″x23″, legs open, 20″x9″ legs closed.
    EDIT: As of October 2024, I’d rather have the JetBlack Victory, which is cheaper, even after adding a year of Zwift to it, and it does more, and includes a new version of the Cog.
  • I’ve deleted the others to simplify the list.
• Not a trainer, but the Zwift Cycling Training Mat ($80), while advertised to help reduce sound, is more to keep the sweat off the carpet or floor, though vibrations may be the main thing it dampens. This mat is 36″ x 80″ and 6 mm (nearly a 1/4″) thick. A larger yoga mat probably is about the same thing, and cheaper, so long as it is the same size or larger. One could also use puzzle exercise mats if one can find some that are wide enough. JetBlack Trainer Mat ($39.00) is basically the same thing for far less. ELITE Folding Trainer Mat One Color, One Size,Black ($48.47) is another option that is on the Amazon Wish list (one of two mats), again much cheaper than the Zwift branded one. So probably the JetBlack One, followed by one of the ones on the Amazon wish list.
• A place to put the iPad or Laptop would be needed too if being used anywhere other than looking at the main computer or TV in the living room. There’s a Wahoo Indoor Cycling Desk ($299.99) though I’m sure any adjustable small table would be fine, and I can probably find those at Target, Home Goods, or something for far less. Or perhaps even better, would be a floor tablet stand, such as this ASWINN Tablet Floor Stand ($25.88), though that assumes an iPad from below. If I were to get a laptop, probably just a taller laptop desk from Home Goods. This is another area where JetBlack has a small holder, but it’s more for just holding the phone and some snacks…
• Potentially, if I could, a vertical bike stand ($39.99), to hold the bike on the porch if I’m going to use it all again so soon that taking it back down to the storage locker would be a waste.
• Another item needed if being used anywhere but the main computer or TV in the living room, is a better fan. There is the Wahoo Kickr Headwind below, but that’s $300, an insane amount to spend on a fan. The Amazon Wish List has a Vacmaster AM201R Portable Air Mover with Remote Control ($79.06) which would be okay, and is basically a carpet drying fan, and is the cheapest option for a good fan to keep cool while on a trainer. The JetBlack Trainer Fan ($149.00) is an exercise specific fan, though missing some of the Kickr Headwind features. So probably the Vacmaster, then the JetBlack fan, then the Headwind… like why spend $300 when the $79 Vacmaster is basically just as good?

Apple TV

There’s a few reasons to go for an Apple TV 4K 128k 3rd gen ($149.99). Mostly related to being a better device to use to get to watch various TV services on, and the ability to do Apple Fitness+ on it, which one can’t do on a regular TV, can’t even cast it to the TV from an Apple device. Anyhow, it’s better than the Google TV, Roku, and Firestick to get to stuff like Netflix, Max, Apple Tv, and various online live TV options. This would allow me to run Zwift on the patio without the need for an iPad as noted below, though I’d need a small 32″ 1080p TV to also have out there, the two together is still cheaper than the iPad. The iPad has the advantage that if I got one with a mobile ability, I could add a line and then use it anywhere. This obviously has many uses far outside of Zwift, as it is the best streaming device.
EDIT: As of October 2024, Macrumors has the Apple TV on Do Not Buy as they are expecting a new version soon.

A New iPad

My current tablet (A Fire HD 10) isn’t powerful enough to run Zwift or any of the other programs. It’s used only for watching YouTube, Max, Disney Plus, and the like.

Apple has just just updated the iPad models in May 2024. The iPad Air is basically the power of the older iPad Pro, while the Pro keeps going up in power, and is the better long term option. For both versions, the 11″ would be fine. With the Air, storage would need to realistically start at 256 GB ($699), but the 512 GB ($899) is probably the sweet spot in the Air lineup, as the 1 TB ($1099), starts moving into more expensive space, and may as well get the Pro. The Pro side of things, is where it gets really impressive, and the chip inside it is amazing… With the Pro, starting less than the 512 GB ($1199) doesn’t make sense, so that’s the basic starting point, with the 1 TB ($1599) being the sweet spot there, as the 2 TB ($1999) starts getting into wait for the M4 versions of the various Apple laptops.

And as noted in the bike trainer section above, a gaming laptop would probably be better, though much more expensive option. A few key goals is a 4060 or better GPU, 16 GB, preferably 32 GB of RAM, and at least 1 TB of storage on an SSD or M2 drive. Probably a 15″ or larger screen, no less than a 13″. The CPU on any laptop having those other specs would be good enough. It is perhaps overkill for Zwift and the like, but there’s more to it than just Zwift in this case. Here is a Best Buy filtered list of laptops ($1250-3899) that would work. An M3 MacBook Air 15″with at least 512GB SSD ($1499-1699) would be a bit less ideal, as it wouldn’t be too useful for gaming, but it perfectly usable for other stuff. Although as of May 2024, with the new iPad Pro’s getting the new G4, the MacBook lineup should be getting the much more powerful M4 chips soon too. Probably announced in June 2024. EDIT: As of June 2024, it doesn’t look like the announcement for the new M4 version of the Apple laptops is expected in June after all, but the MacBook Pro should still be updated by the end of the year.

Power Meter Pedals for the Bike

So this first needs a bike computer further up the list, and proper bike shoes, then this comes into play. Really would prefer dual sensing, so each side registers power, but that does nearly double the cost. And single sided is more than fine at my level. Also, power meter pedals for the bike allow me to track my VO2 Max in terms of cycling, not just running, so I can get a better idea of where my real VO2 Max is… Currently, based on running, my VO2 Max puts me in the top 15% for people in my age bracket.

EDIT February 2024: Favero Assioma Pro MX ($811.46 for dual sensing, and $486.40 for single) is the new and by far best choice. For now, check out DC Rainmaker’s review of the Favero Assioma Pro MX. Single would be fine, but one can get dual for near the price of the Garmin Rally single. Also, if I were to get serious about racing on Zwift and other platforms, I would still need power meter pedals as a secondary power source as one has to upload their results as well, to prove that the trainer wasn’t cheated somehow. As of May 2024, Power Meter City has them in stock. Aside from the smart trainer, this is probably the best tool to train with, and as it’s unlikely I’d get the ability to use the trainer anyhow, this is probably the best deal. Also, can use it outdoors on all rides, and for the cost of the trainer. So bonus.

The Garmin Rally series ($649.99 for single, $1099.99 for dual… both assuming SPD compatible cleats on the shoes) is another option, but for the price it makes no sense, especially now that the Favero Assioma Pro MX is in stock.

Regardless of which one was used, I’d need proper bike shoes for them, as they can’t be used with regular street shoes.

Proper Bike Shoes / Peddles

So regular flat shoes are okay for the most part, but proper clipless cycling shoes with the proper peddles would go here. These are a couple hundred to a few hundred for a pair, plus the peddles, which itself is going to be $150 to a couple hundred. The main aim here is Shimano SPD (gravel and mountain bike) compatible system. The advantage to these is that you can be far more efficient, with far more power getting delivered to the peddle stroke, and a bit of lift on the back side. I’d probably want more mountain bike shoe, as you can get commuter, road, and other style shoes with Shimano SPD. I’m a size 8 on shoes normally, but one really needs to try shoes on, and not just go on size.

However, that all said, there are good flat pedal shoes, like the Giro Tracker (I in theory should be a size 41? I’m a shoe size 8). Or something like these Five Ten Freerider… Again, these are things that should be got locally to try on, rather than trust online fit. So these would require an REI gift card, or Pro Bike Run Gift Card.

As the power meter pedals above use SPD, that’s the system the shoes would have to work with.

Cleaning Supplies and Chain Wax

So there’s a power washer down in the Secondary Wishes, which would probably help here, but this is more about keeping the chain and stuff clean…

Cleaning the bike. One needs a disc brake cover ($29.67), because the degreaser can mess up the disc brakes. There’s a few degreasers, Muc Off Bio Drivetrain Cleaner ($20), or Silca’s Bio Degreaser ($25), a good chain cleaner like Pedro’s Chainpig ($28.79), which is more if one is not going to wax. The other stuff is somewhat required anyhow. That doesn’t include good quality micro fiber towels and the like.

Before waxing, one can use this Silca Chain Stripper ($36), put it in a Mason Jar, and deep clean the chain. One can also use mineral spirits in one jar, acetone in another, then rinse in another… a bit messier, and a bit more costly at least initially.

For the Waxing of the chain, there’s the Silca Chain Waxing System ($99.99), which is probably the best way to wax the chain easily. To use that, one needs Hot Melt Wax ($40.00). To maintain the wax one uses the Super Secret Chain Lube ($16-$45 depending on size), which tops of the wax and maintains it every few rides.

Secondary Wishes

We now get into more specialized items. Here we go with a multi tool for bike maintenance (I’ll probably get on my own anyhow), proper bike shoes/peddles, a bike radar (for greatly enhanced safety on the road), a battery operated portable power washer, and new headphones.

Multi Tool for Bike Maintenance

So I lack the tools for a lot of the bike maintenance, so there’s Crankbrothers Multi-Tool ($33). The big problem with proper maintenance, is I still don’t have the room here, and even if I had the tool, I don’t have a proper bike stand like the Park Tool PCS-9.3 Home Mechanic Repair Stand ($219.95) to help hold the bike… that’s back to needing a proper space issue… but the multi-tool there still would help, one can put the bike upside down on the seat and handle bars for some things… or just other less convenient ways. EDIT: A better option than the Park Tool stand is the RAD Cycle Pro Stand Plus Bike Rack ($54.45) which works better for the price and space. And for a proper torque wrench, I’m thinking the Pro Bike Tool 1/4 Torque Wrench Set ($53.99) which does 2 to 20 nm, which is plenty of range for most stuff I’d ever use it for.

Bike Radar and Light

The Varia RTL515 ($199.99) is a bike radar that helps alert you to cars approaching from behind on your bike computer. The light flash pattern adjusts as cars approach to make sure they see you. It is far more helpful if one has a bike computer as above. A next step up from a radar/light combo is one that also includes a camera, to record any accidents… it’s like a dash cam for bikes, but I won’t list any here, as the Varia is plenty.

A possible headlight is the Garmin Varia UT800 Smart Headlight which has an adjustable range of lumens for a light… like my current main headlight is 190 lumens for about 1.5 hours. This can do 800 lumens for 1.5, 400 lumens for 3 hours, and 200 lumens for 6 hours, in addition to flashing modes. And 200 seems bright enough for most situations. 1.5 hours is a bit short, which is why one generally has a backup light anyhow. Though my current lights are probably fine.

Warmer gear

I need warmer base layers for going out in the cold. I don’t have what size I am in these yet. The idea is to have some of the ECWCS Gen III layers. These are mostly for outdoors in the winter, or cold spring/fall days, and some could be called for work and the like. But these are last on the “primary wants” list for a reason.

The one that seems most recommended is Brynje Wool Thermo Mesh, at least for just going outside period, not necessarily cycling. Then one wears a regular Merino Wool Base Layer with a zipper part way down, then one can do other layers over that. The Brynje can also be wore by itself in summer to keep cool. Again, that might not be best for cycling, not sure. This would be more for work, walking, range days, hiking, anything that isn’t super aerobic I guess.

The best cycling specific base layer seems to be Spatwear Basez 2 ($89.99) which would be a bit better if it had a zipper to the sternum or so.

Those two items, or the regular Merino Wool Base Layer would be the Level 1 on the ECWCS list. Level 2 would be used mostly for at home, or standing type situations.

Winter level bibs might be a bit of a more tricky find. Assos Mille GT Winter Bibs ($175), Gorewear Distance Winter Bib Tights ($200), or local Aero Tech has some Fleece tights ($199), not sure of sizes on those.

Cycling jacket would be the Castelli Men’s Alpha RoS 2 ($299.99), which has layers built in, so you can open each layer itself. This is basically a Level 3.

For regular days, not exercise the Level 3 would be done with either a warm fleece or sherpa. Though sherpa is more used as a lining and is harder to keep clean, which is probably why ECWCS specifies fleece.

I’m less sure about the soft shell jacket, more a wind breaker, water coat thing, Level 4 on the ECWCS scale. Near the end I do talk about one waterproof option.

For socks, there are these Keecow Merino Wool Ski Socks ($15.99). Other Merino Wool would likely be fine too, such as the lightweight and heavyweight ones from Aero Tech Designs (more on them later).

Overshoes, which would go over the bike shoes noted below… Spatz ‘Roadman 3’ Super-Thermo Hi-Viz Reflective Overshoes with Kevlar ($76.99).

In the unlikely event I wanted to go out in the rain and cold… then there are waterproof wind breakers to consider. At the high end there’s a C5 Gore-Tex Shakedry 1985 Jacket ($300). Though I’m sure there are far more affordable options…

A Merino Wool hat to wear under the cycling helmet.

Power Washer

This is not only to help clean the bike, but the car and more. I’m thinking of the Ryobi One+ EZ Clean. Preferably the 40V 600 PSI version, but the 18V 320 PSI probably would be okay too, or midway between them the 18V 600 PSI. NOTE: Only the 40V version linked there includes the charger, AND perhaps more importantly, the battery. the 18V versions would need the 18V charger with battery, so really, by the time you add the charger, you really are near the cost of the 40V version. EDIT: Here’s an 18V version that includes a battery and charger.

Sleeping Earbuds

Soundcore Sleep A20 ($104 now, retail later will be $149) are sleep ear buds that act like a sound machine that is highly customizable, and has sound blocking.

New TV

Hisense U7K ($449) is the semi-affordable TV to replace the current TV. This U7K TV is a rather decent TV, and a good bang for the buck. This is 55″ or 65″. Can’t really go much bigger than that in our current space. Though if I was getting a dream TV, I’d go LG G4 at either 55″ ($2,499.99) or 65″ ($3299.99) as best TVs one can get. Note, that’s to replace our main TV, not the one for patio use which as noted above would be a basic 32″, so long as it was 1080p, or 1440p monitor…

Books

The Ninth House series by Leigh Bardugo, starts with Ninth House ($13.48), then Hell Bent ($12.73) is the second book in the series (the 3rd and last book isn’t out yet). She’s got a new book out, but not in the Ninth House series. The Familiar ($17.98).

Rest of the Saga graphic novel series. I have book one. Saga Book Two ($33.94), Saga Book Three ($34.42)

S. ($23.72) by J.J. Abrams and Doug Dorst.

The Electric State ($24.49) by Simon Stålenhag, then maybe their book Labyrinth ($29.14).

Webcam

Razer Kiyo Pro Webcam ($85.50 to $120 depending on it it’s on sale) because sometimes virtual meetings would help if I had a proper webcam and not trying to do something on the phone.

Tertiary Wishes

Now we’re getting to true wishes. Most of the above can be a bit more justified, but these still have their place. The video card might be first here, but it is far more expensive. The power meter peddles for the bike are actually secondary (nearly primary), but they are sort of expensive to justify putting them up there.

A New Video Card

Technically this would be a secondary wish list item, but the issues I was having with the current card seem to have been fixed a bit, plus it’s expensive. The card here is a GeForce RTX 4080 (aprox $1200 – $1400+). There are better graphics cards out now, but the price/value sort of drops off, at least without going for 4k gaming… and really, the 5070, 5080, and 5090 likely will be out by Q3 2024, which will have a far greater improvement over the current 4000 series… and that’s not counting AMD’s offerings… but the 4080 sort of hits what I need and want from a video card, and unless it’s near the Q3 2024 launch of the 5000 series cards, it’s likely to be the main choice until then.

A New Monitor

The above graphics card would be far overkill for my current monitor. ASUS TUF Gaming 27″ – VG27AQL1A ($410 last check) is the monitor of choice… problem is as I run a dual monitor setup, I’d need another1440 monitor for the second one, though wouldn’t have to be as high end. That is about the best I can do on my current graphics card (I’d probably have to turn some things down), and near the top end of what the graphics card I want above can do without turning graphic options down. Sure, I’d prefer a 4k monitor, but that does require a much higher end graphics card than I have, and even the one above would be hard pressed to do 4K properly.

New Wheels and Group Sets for the Bike

So one of the main problems with a Gravel Bike is that the tires are a bit too big and knobbly for efficient road use. The wheel set that comes with the bikes are a general middle of the road between road and gravel (gravel being part way to a proper mountain bike). The first wheel set I’d want would be more specific to road, then after having those, then if I was serious about gravel racing, then perhaps gravel specific, but that would be way down the line. Road set would be high on the list… now a wheel set includes the wheels, tires, and in the case of the rear wheel, a cassette that would work with whatever bike I have (technically road cassettes and gravel cassettes are a bit different, so long as the derailleur could handle it… and that’s where I’d have to see the bike dealer, otherwise just get a matching cassette) . So obviously this all depends on what bike I had.

As far as the groupset, I’m currently thinking upgrade to SRAM Force AXS (preferably with the dual-sided Quarq power meter crankset), then an SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS rear derailer, and a SRAM X01 Eagle, 10-52t cassette, and SRAM Force AXS brakes).

New tires that are more appropriate for gravel and roads. Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M (about $90 each, Amazon link will be later) in 45mm wide. My existing wheels (wheels here I’m referring to what the tires are mounted to, then to the bike itself, the part in between the two) are 700c, and I’m not 100% sure it’d let me put these on, though in theory that shouldn’t be the main issue. Not sure if it would be worth going for 650b size wheels, or sticking with the 700c size wheels… but new wheels would likely be in the cards with the new tires, though that’s where it gets expensive… 650b might be the best choice overall. Wheels get very expensive though, and most wheel sets would require changing which gears I use too… which I’d want to do anyhow. Like these Mason & Hunt wheels are fairly cheap at $419.30 for the full set (front and back). I’d probably switch to the Sram Red XPLR AXS (however, that’s over $3500 for the full groupset)… that is if that groupset is compatible with the bike’s hanger… Like this assumes sticking with the current bike, which is a good enough bike. If I upgraded, I’d probably want a Titanium, but for more “affordable” I’d go with Lauf Seigla Ultimate (about $6k), and if stuck with a mainstream brand dream bikes, I’d go with either the Specizlized Crux (S-Works), or Trek Checkpoint SLR 9… but at those price points (near $12k), may as well go with a Titanium dream bike either No. 22, or Sage, which get into full on dream territory… No. 22 being slightly more into dream territory as then the bike is custom built to one’s exact size, as in you have to go to a special bike fitter and get the sizing absolutely correct.

Quaternary Wishes

The fourth, but not last section of this wish list probably should have the cash and games near the top. The AirPods are more the luxury item…. Well, so is the Headwind… The hitch and rack being the most sensible item after the cash. The SUP is sort of like a… would be nice, but don’t know if I’d use it enough to justify…

Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

The SUP section of the Fitness Wish List is still mostly accurate. With the SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board ($389.99, though on sale 44% off while typing this 27 May, for $219.99) still being plenty for my use, though I’d need a PFD and electric pump still, as noted on the aforementioned Fitness Wish List. This is here more for giggles than being serious… but still would be somewhat fun to have, though wouldn’t be used as much as much of the stuff even below it…

Go Pro Hero 11

To record rides, a Go Pro Hero 11 ($399.99 @ Amazon)… more coming later… Also, this Hover Camera X1 ($329 or $469 when it goes retail), is a pocket sized drone that would help make sweet videos of rides. Or more likely for the action cam, an Insta360 ONE X2, which I’d need to add mounting stuff, but probably the better camera for what I’d be doing. As of February 2024, I’m less sure about a camera, like cool, but I might move this down the list.

Hitch for the Car and Tray Bike Hauler

So right now the only way I have of moving a bike around is a removable thing that mounts to the trunk of my car. That isn’t very secure, and is easy to steal a bike off of. A hitch mount is far more secure, safe… and well secure in lowering theft as well. If I were to go to U-Haul and have them install a trailer hitch, that would be $288.75 to $308.75 (depending on which hitch). Then one needs a rack to install in said hitch, here there’s a few choices, but the best long term investment there is a tray mount as it’s best not to hold a bike by the frame, and if you have a carbon frame, you have to use a tray mount. At the pricier end is the Thule T2 Pro XTR ($639.96), down to the RockyMounts MonoRail ($499.99). You can go much more expensive, but not much cheaper, and those are about the best two of the bunch. Of course who knows how long my current car is good for (it’s costing about $1k in repairs each inspection), so while the tray mount could be moved once a new car had a hitch, the money spent on the hitch itself might be wasted. Might be best to wait on this until a new car…

More Bike Stuff…

I also own a basic pair of bibs shorts with a cheaper chamois, and it functions okay. I might pickup a basic bike shirt if I get a bike again, the local Pro Bike Run has a good sale on their named gear… Ideally, down the line I’d get better bibs and shirts from Aero Tech Designs, a local place, known nationally, that actually designs, and sews their cycling apparel here in Pittsburgh, and was part of the original fitness wish list way back in July 2020. They also do custom designs for clubs, and others, like if someone wanted to sponsor me… lol… Seriously though, my basic bib shorts are okay for now, I’d just buy on of the sale shirts and should be good to go for a while, then upgrade to the better gear.

And one last also, apparently helmets are really only good for 5 years. Then the foam like material in them starts to degrade. Mine is about 3 years old (as of 2023), so it’s got a couple to a few more years. I might get another year or so out of it past the 5, but something to think about down the line. The important thing is it is MIPS, and is highly visible. Bonus points for having a retention system (a knob on the back), and extra points for that retention system having height adjustability.

Cash and Games

Keeping some of this section from the original birthday list… Just moved way down…

Cold hard cash (PayPal and credit card donations can be made here, though add a note it’s for Birthday, as 10% of all donations I get there otherwise go to The Trevor Project).

Steam gift cards. Or direct off my Steam Wishlist. Also number one on that list is expensive enough ($649), that it is actually much further down the list, but it comes in 3 versions, the cheapest isn’t worth it at all, the midrange version comes close, but the lack of storage space and how slow it is makes the premium version worth the extra money… Unfortunately one can’t specify in the Steam wish list which one wants. The first few games are in order, but after that… so really a Steam Gift Card is probably best.

Proper VO2 Max and Heart Rate Zone Testing

So next on the list. Going to get my VO2 Max tested. While the watch is likely accurate for this, what’s more important is that while testing that and metabolic rate, they can find my actual heart rate zones.

There are times that according to my watch I’m past zone 5 and I feel I’m still well in max. In fact, I think that all my zones are off a tad. Likely because I used an age based calculator to find my heart rate zones.

My VO2 Max on my current watch, has me at a fitness age of 33, so nearly 20 years younger than I am… Now fitness age I wouldn’t put much stock in. It says my VO2 Max is in the top 15% of people my age and gender, and that might be more accurate.

The heart rate zones though, need a little more accuracy than a simple age based one.

Insurance likely doesn’t cover the costs of this. Though it’s normally around $100 or so anyhow.

Proper coaching

Not sure the costs to get a coach to help get my cycling better…

Quinary Wishes

Now we’re getting near to the end.

A New Car

So my car is getting older, nearly 10 years as I write this, and has nearly 190k miles. As of February 2024, this list may be out of date.

Gas in Pennsylvania is expensive, so the first choice would be a hybrid… well electric would be first, then plug-in hybrid, but I’ve go no way of recharging at home or work, so those are sort of out of the way options. Then regular cars… No big SUV or full size pickups (though I quite like the small Ford Maverick Hybrid, which is more crossover sized). Station wagons like the Subaru Outback or crossovers like the Subaru Crosstrek (Wilderness Edition), Hyundai Kona/Kia Seltos, and the like are about at big as I’d want to go… or perhaps more like up to Hyundai Tuscon/Kia Sportage…

For non-plugin hybrids, the 2024 Toyota Prius (LE or LXE trim) is pretty nice… but the Ford Maverick Hybrid (XLT or Lariat trims) is probably the go to choice for me. The versatility of it, even though the bed is super small…

The main choices for regular cars would be Hyundai Kona 2024, Mazada CX-30 (Select trim), Kia Soul (GT-Line trim, and probably the most affordable of all them), Kia Niro (EX Touring trim), then the Crosstrek and Outback…

If I had a new house, and a way to plug in, then the electric car choices are Hyundai Ioniq 5 (SEL trim) / Kia EV 6 (Wind AWD, or GT-Line AWD trim)… I’m not sure between those two. I like different things about both… I mean there’s also the Genesis version of them, but I sort of like the basic ones. Next would be the Hyundai Ioniq 6 (SE Long Range trim). Plug-in hybrids would mostly be the 2024 Prius Prime… though the Kia Sportage might have a plug in version, I can’t remember…

Steam Deck

Remember what I said about it in the first section of this list about Steam wish list? This is where it’d go on this list.

Senary Wishes

We end things with the expense bikes… Though at this point I’d need a storage unit, and/or a new home. Lol.

Treadmill

This section will be revised soon, as of February 2024 it is out of date.

The main use of a treadmill is to use Zwift, and Zwift has a somewhat likely out of date list of Zwift Compatible Running Hardware. Again though, any basic treadmill can do if your watch, running pods, or heart rate monitor can send that data to Zwift.

Again, this would basically require a new house, with a fitness area (read “dry basement”), as I can’t put one at my current location (not only is there no space, seriously not allowed per the condo association rules). I mean, unless I could have internet and electricity at a storage unit and did the stuff there…

EDIT: February 2024, the no questions asked treadmill of choice would be the Wahoo Kickr Run, which runs about $5000, which seems insane, but given the level it is competing at, it actually apparently is a bargain.

Telescope

Celestron C9.25 ($1899.95) with either a CGEM II EQ Mount and Tripod ($1699) or CGX EQ Mount and Tripod ($2399). Near as I can tell, the CGX is smoother on tracking, and quieter. Not sure that unless one was getting super serious for astro-photography if it is worth the extra money, but it does sort of future proof that way…