spelger

Hi,

Been using stava for a few days now and i like the web interface. one thing i have a hard time getting over is the lack of absolute speed on the phone app. i've come to find out that to get that i need to pay for it. sorry, not happening. i saw on the strava forum that wahoo can be used during the ride then the data can be transferred to strava, all while getting absolute speed. here is the question, does anyone do this and if so do the strava segments get captured as well?

thanks,
scott

LesterOfPuppets

Ridewithgps shows instantaneous speed*. You can run RWGPS and Strava concurrently if you want to record to Strava for social aspects. It may take a hair more battery to run both, but not nearly as much as keeping your screen lit the whole time to look at your current speed.

*technically not really instantaneous, probably a 10 or 15 sec running average speed.

MattTheHat 

Wahoo Elemnt shows current speed as well as average speed for the ride, complete with auto pause when you’re stopped. It will also record Strava segments. If you’re a paid Strava member, it can show live segments. You can set the Elemnt to automagically upload your ride when you finish.

-Matt

Le Mechanic

I've been a Strava user since 2012 or so. I've generally only used the free version. Started with just the phone app, but it just used up too much battery. I got a Garmin 500 in late 2012 and it was a game changer for me. Currently I have a Wahoo element bolt. I'd highly suggest one of the GPS based computers to use with Strava. Makes the overall experience much more robust and enjoyable!

Machka 

I turn on Strava, put my phone into my handlebar bag, and then observe my computer.

mattleegee

Another option
I enjoy Samsung Health, its free, gives audible updates of avg speed/distance, GPS if needed, auto pause if stopped, charts your ride afterwords with a summery and logs all your workouts
i just start it up through my phone in my back jersey pocket and go
And observe cyclometer to monitor cadence, speed, etc if need quick facts

dsaul

It doesn't matter to Strava, what device you use to record the ride. As long as it records a file that can be uploaded to Strava, the software at Strava will match up the segments that you rode. I upload all of my ride files from my Garmin to Strava with no issues.

In my opinion, using a phone for a handlebar mounted cycling computer is a bad idea. I'd much rather damage a $250 Garmin than a $900 smartphone. The Wahoo Elemnt Mini is only $99 and pairs with your smartphone to give you a display on your handlebars that won't upset you as much when you see it bouncing down the road, if it gets knocked off the bars.

jadocs

Get a computer and a speed sensor like the Elemnt Bolt. By using your phone you are at the mercy of GPS signal strength and any data associated with it such as speed and distance. I used to use my phone and a battery pack case as a dedicated computer until the GPS became unreliable. Also the Elemnt Bolt companion app provides analysis (for free) that surpasses premium subscriptions of Strava (as long as you have the sensors, HR, Speed, Cadence, Power, etc...).

Teamprovicycle

Ok it's a simple fix ,it you are using a phone like me , my phone costs 40 bucks , it dies everything I want it to , if you are using yours mounted for live speed just download a speedometer app ,there are hundreds of free and paid gos based speed sensor apps . Other wise you can get a cheap computer , or a nice speed cadence sensor and have real time speed data . I have a lezyne micro color now I got used for pennies ,it super small give me real time speed from a sensor or gps speed ...

philbob57

I'm now using a metal mount for my $140 Moto X4 - search on 'universal bike phone mount metal' (no quotes); I'm pretty confident my phone won't be lost.

Meanwhile, the X4 has a bigger screen than any dedicated computer I've seen, and it's readable in sunlight and under clouds. Lots of apps provide metrics; and because I don't turn on data or spend hours on the phone, I get great battery life. I tried using my retired Galaxy S4, but I can't read the screen when it's sunny.

Would I like a Garmin 520 or Wahoo Element or even something like a Lezyne Macro? Sure - but I can't justify the expense. If only the bike mount looked unreliable! If only the X4's screen were unreadable....

spelger

i like this option. will have a look to see what is available, something very lite weight.

thanks for the idea.

-scott