Derailed

I use an Android phone coupled with a Pebble smart watch, and this works very well for me. I keep the phone in a handlebar bag, with the display off, but I get speed, distance and time information on the watch.

I don't even have Strava installed on the phone. Instead, I use an app called Aerotracker Pro and its companion app on the Pebble. It uses the phone's GPS during the ride, does the logging,mand sends information to the watch via Bluetooth. At the end of the activity, it syncs the information to Strava, or one of a few other similar supported services. A key feature for me is that I can start, pause and end activities entirely from the watch.

I've been very happy with this setup, and my phone's battery can last an entire day of riding. I use the Pebble / phone combination for running and kayaking as well.

AlmostTrick

What are you using for STRAVA?

I don't have much of a sweet tooth, but I prefer real sugar.

a77impala

I set up a measuring guide on my driveway. Before a ride I stop at the end of driveway and note where my shadow ends on the guide. At the end I repeat. The length of my shadow tells me how long my ride was.
It only works on sunny days.