SRM PC8 - Early Impressions

[ptourkin]

After waiting almost a year, a couple weeks ago, I finally received my PC8. i took some photos of different screens on a short recovery ride when I first got it and have collected my impressions for a couple weeks of training.

First off - Bluetooth and Wifi are not yet enabled but according to the internet, we'll be getting Bluetooth this month. Set up is done via the PC8 Device Agent - you can customize all of your screens on your PC and Mac and relay them to the device instantly. Customization includes being able configure your own training zones (just like Garmin) and name them anything you want - for example: Zone 6 can be "Gasp and Puke." Connection to your computer is via new magnetic USB attachment. Uploads are through the new SRMX software which includes links to upload to Strava and Training Peaks.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/cecilhayduke/20150826_080918.jpg

The new screen is dazzling in its contrast. I can see a much smaller font on this screen than on my 810. This is the main ride view, pretty much in default setup.


http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/cecilhayduke/20150826_084427.jpg

Pretty standard max and avg in ride.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/cecilhayduke/20150826_084610.jpg

Elevation and altitude info is mostly eye candy.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/cecilhayduke/20150826_084434.jpg

I like SRM's intervals better than Garmin's "laps" although they serve the same function. When you hit "start interval" on the PC8" your various screens switch to showing you the info for the current interval and don't return you to the full ride data until your interval is over. After each interval, you can review the full data on the above screen. After a number of intervals, you can review each separately.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/cecilhayduke/20150826_084355.jpg

Additionally, you can review info for each of your training zones. If the boss gave you three hours of tempo, you can check before you pack it in.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/cecilhayduke/20150826_105636.jpg

You can review a series of screens of the full ride data at any time.

Battery life is excellent, even with GPS set to the most frequent measurement rate. With rides up to 7 hours, I have yet to drain it down to 60%. There is no touch screen but the buttons are responsive. I'm pleased with the functionality for now although I'm looking forward to Bluetooth as I've gotten used to sending my Garmin file up where ever I finish instead of waiting to get home. There are no navigation functions but I don't use that on my Garmin anyway. I find Google Maps on a smartphone superior.

[sessl]

Thanks for writing this up. I've been on the wait list for a few months. Hopefully soon!

[shovelhd]

Thanks for the pics. Mine shows up this month. Does the elevation screen, or any other screen, show grade?

[ptourkin]

I don't see an option for grade right now but I would still consider the firmware beta as they are still implementing some promised features. However, when I say beta, it's not like Garmin has been with some already implemented features being buggy - everything that's out works and works well.

Mine is number 804. I got lucky and caught someone in Colorado on the right day.

There is an 8 page thread on Slowtwitch, http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=5606702; with a lot of information from one of the earlier dealers to use it. I'm not sure exactly how they are allocating units, but he had some for sale, which doesn't seem fair to those of us who were waiting after last year's promotion.

[wallymann]

i've been interested in the PC8, but ever since announcement it would not be compatible with powertap hubs. thats weak. :-(

[shovelhd]

I don't see an option for grade right now but I would still consider the firmware beta as they are still implementing some promised features. However, when I say beta, it's not like Garmin has been with some already implemented features being buggy - everything that's out works and works well.

Mine is number 804. I got lucky and caught someone in Colorado on the right day.

There is an 8 page thread on Slowtwitch, http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=5606702; with a lot of information from one of the earlier dealers to use it. I'm not sure exactly how they are allocating units, but he had some for sale, which doesn't seem fair to those of us who were waiting after last year's promotion.

I know Eric, he is a friend, and has some great connections. He was a PC8 beta tester. That's why he has them. He's legit.