Fhirleighinn wrote:
In the review of the new Wahoo computer there was a comment about people leaving the garmin ecosystem, just want to know what people think is wrong with it.
My interpretation of the term "ecosystem" is a collection of products and technologies that when used together are better than their point solution selves. For example, Garmin has special features if you use their head unit with lights,radar, and power meter pedals. They have a three-tier platform (device, mobile app, & web app) for viewing and analyzing data. They have an app marketplace for custom apps on devices. If you use a Garmin activity tracker, it will share its info to your Garmin watch. That is their ecosystem.
If people are honest, Garmin is the best ecosystem in the fitness space. Wahoo's ecosystem is their integration of KICKR, Climb, and Headwind. And, their head unit has some direct control over the trainers, but few people probably use that. Wahoo only has a 2-tier app platform-- no web app-- so they are a little behind there.
As a few noted, some people may just be complaining about device issues. I have seen countless firmware complaints on the Internet, but I have had almost no issues in the last decade+ of Garmin device use across many different products. My Garmin 305 fell apart after several years, but that was the first real GPS watch. My 910XT lost its barometer and speaker after a few years. My 735XT has been close to perfect. My 520 has only rebooted 3 times during a ride in three years of use. I have never lost a file from a workout (except when I let the battery die). My friends with Garmin devices simple wore them out. Garmin has had some stinkers, like their Vector pedals (IMHO). So, I just use PowerTap and now Assioma instead. And I hated the 820 with the heat of a thousand furnaces.