8,113
edits
Changes
From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
no edit summary
Strava is available as a free service or a premium subscription. There are also a number of extensions, such as the elevate plug in for Chrome web browser that enrich the functionality. The notes below are for the free version without extensions unless noted. Strava works as a phone app, which can record from attached devices, GPS sensors, and track a range of sports. Or it can be used as a service that integrates with a huge range of devices and other services. Arguably, the extensions like the elevate plugin gives so much additional information, it's not been necessary to pay for the subscription.
* '''Basic'''. Strava is one of the most popular training apps, and continues to be supported and extended. ** '''Sports'''. App will record: Run, Walk, Bike Ride, Hike, Canoe, E-Bike ride, HandcyleHandcycle, Ice Skate, Inline skate, Kayak, Kitesurfing, Rock Climbing, Roller Ski, Row, Various Ski options, Snowboard, Snowshoe, Standup paddleboard, Surf, Swim, Wheelchair, Windsurf! It will also record other activities manually – for things like Weight / Gym / Yoga. Although it is fairly simple, it asks for time/distance and speed for everything. I love a 10k Yoga.
** '''Usability'''. Exceptionally easy to use. Very intuitive app interface, and great social integration. Once linked to Garmin Connect, it is very straightforward. I've been using with my running club colleagues for many years. The only concerns I've seen people have are occasional times when Garmin servers have been unavailable, but activities have caught up. And for people with new devices, Garmin activities only synchronize to Strava after linking the two accounts – this can frustrate those who want to join Strava after completing a race goal. However, they can still add the activity using a GPX file.
** '''Devices'''. The app supports most Apple and Android phones, plus the Apple watch.
*** Power Meters, though only Stages is noted.
** '''Export'''. Yes – easier via Strava website. Can export single GPX file for an activity. Full download option in Account / My account on website.
* '''Integration'''. Yes, to allbelow, plus onward sharing – with "apps", see below for details. Strava has a Crop feature. which is great for when you forget to stop your watch at the finish line on race day.
** '''Garmin Upload'''. The Garmin app will automatically upload to Strava.
** '''Polar Upload'''.
** '''Search'''. Yes, by activity search via keywords.
* '''Social'''.
** '''Privacy'''. Good – you can set private by default, or allow public if you wish, or just your approved followers. They also offer a geofence. You can setup a fence around your home/work/etc., of whatever size you like. then the public facing GPS tracks omit the region. meaning that if you're stalked on Strava, they won't know exactly where you live.
** '''Friends/Followers'''. Yes – links well with Facebook.
** '''Finding People'''. Yes – links well with Facebook, suggests people, and has a search option. Also identifies people you run with.
