Here’s a quick one for the GPS geeks like me out there. For 2011 Timex is introducing its first GPS-enabled Ironman watch, the Global Trainer, and it’s chock full of features.
Beyond the typical GPS functions you’d expect speed, time, distance, elevation the Timex Global Trainer is ANT+ compatible with dozens of third party heart rate monitors, cadence sensors, and power meters. The screens are fully customizable so you can view key stats at a glance and you can even program each screen based on the sport (speed for cycling, pace for running, etc.). Timex bills this device as easy to use but let’s just say the jury is still out on that one, especially given the overwhelming array of buttons and menus on this gadget.
With a claimed 15-hour battery life, the Global Trainer was designed with epic rides and marathon training sessions in mind. And unlike some of the other wrist-mounted GPS devices we’ve used, the round body on the Global Trainer shouldn’t impede wrist motion any more than a regular watch. No matter though Timex even includes a simple bike mount in the box.
While we can’t imagine riders getting much use out of this device for navigation on the trail, it certainly seems like it’s well suited to multi-sport athletes (trail running anyone?). For fitness tracking and training, the Timex Ironman Global Trainer looks to be a great partner.
