What cycle app do you use?

[hutchysrs50]

I've just started cycling again this week, it's hard work after about 10 years of zero exercise but I'm glad to say I'm enjoying it.

I wouldn't mind getting an app for my IPhone so I can see my route, speed, distance etc...

I downloaded one yesterday and tested it on my ride today, it's all over the place and the map isn't very good or accurate.

Edited 19 April, 2016 by hutchysrs50

[dazz600]

A few guys I know use strava

No personal experience of it though

[Anddenton]

I use the free version of Endomondo. It's not too bad, but I've heard a lot of people raving about Strava too.

[Dr Zoidberg]

I swapped from endomondo to strava. Very pleased with it.

[KBPhoto]

Strava, Endomondo, Runtastic, Mapmyride, Ride with GPS, etc.

There are loads to choose from and most have a free version to sample before you commit (many don't need you to commit to keep using).

My personal favourite is the Runtastic MTB or Road app. Does what it needs to IMO.

However, you can't beat a decent (or half decent) bike computer such as the Garmins. The Mio ones are cheaper as are Brynton and almost as good if not as feature laden.

When your rides get longer or your phone gets older (especially Apple phones), your battery life will drop rapidly, the GPS signal will weaken and you'll lose track. At least that's my experiences.

I've also recently returned to cycling after 20 years and am finding it enjoyable (if a little sore on the perinium). Good luck. Take it easy and "Ride and find where all the freedom has gone."

[hutchysrs50]

I downloaded strava just before making this thread, it popped up as an apple recommended one so downloaded it but will find out tomorrow then!

Thanks

[flying pig]

I've used Strava for some time now and find that it's spot on. I can sync my Garmin cycle computer which is good for the big rides (100 miles plus) as the phone battery has a tendency to die on a long ride.

I like it and most of the lads I ride with use it too.

[KBPhoto]

There is a debate about the worth of Strava and their segments I that if they can, and are, hacked and times posts through foul means, is there any worth to it?

At least a lesser app doesn't suffer from the popularity problem and issues of status and cheating that goes with it.

I suppose it depends upon how much you care about segments and how much about just recording your time and journey.

[JohnRS]

It's easy to manipulate the GPS data before uploading it to Stava. I remember a website a few years ago that done it for you, there was an article in a magazine about it.

I use a combination of the Garmin connect app and Strava. I have a Garmin that connects via Bluetooth to my phone so my rides automatically record on both apps when I'm finished. The Garmin app is good for analysing data, where you'd have to pay for premium on Strava to do similar things.

[Dr Zoidberg]

There is a debate about the worth of Strava and their segments I that if they can, and are, hacked and times posts through foul means, is there any worth to it?

At least a lesser app doesn't suffer from the popularity problem and issues of status and cheating that goes with it.

I suppose it depends upon how much you care about segments and how much about just recording your time and journey.

 

I don't particularly care about getting KOMs on Strava segments against random strangers (though it's nice on the odd occasion where I get a top ten spot), and am far more interested in whether I've got a personal best or done well against friends.

[Coops]

Endomondo for me, does what I need it to do.

[hutchysrs50]

Well i've tested out Strava today, It seemed ok but sadly only logged half my ride for some reason. Not sure how acturate speed is etc but gave max speed of 25MPH and avg speed of 10.8.

 

Was just a short run out of around 2 mile, 1.8 on the app, after replacing my gear cable that snapped!

I like how i can sync it with the Health app on my iphone as well.

[hutchysrs50]

To add, i done 4.8 miles yesterday and my legs are still hurting from that, i thought i was going to have a heart attack, chest was hurting, vision had blue dots in it, hurting to even breath!

 

Like i say... its been a good 10 years since i did any proper exercise since school

 

I've been out everyday this week and plan on cycling aprox 5 miles everyday Monday - Friday for now untill i build myself up.

Day 1 was awful, partly due to a poor setup bike! the back brake was sitting funny (caliper) which was causing the rear wheel to bind on which didnt help.

it felt like i was riding with flat tyres, i checked the pressures and they only had 20 psi, so i've upped them to 45 for now, so the ride today felt much better, just the long uphill bits that i struggle with.

[KBPhoto]

What bike are you riding?

45psi is low for road type tyres on the road. Might be OK for MTB or CX, but not skinny road tyres (if that is what you are riding).

[Dr Zoidberg]

You'll be surprised how quickly your stamina improves. I started cycling again 4.5 years ago, not having done any serious regular exercise for ages.

At first 4 or 5 miles was very hard work then after a month or so I took a different route and did ten miles. A couple more months and I did a 15 mile circuit, then a while later 20 and so on. I've not done more than 40 in one go but I wasn't completely dead and could have gone further if I needed.

What bike are you using?

[flying pig]

With it being such a cracking day today and being off work, I took the mountain bike for a spin along the Leeds / Liverpool canal and ended up doing 53 miles. Bloody hard work compared to the road bike as there is so much rolling resistance on rough ground! I used my Garmin cycle computer and then uploaded it to Strava. Totally faultless and in fairness to Strava, I've had no problems whatsoever with it over several thousand miles of riding.

[hutchysrs50]

Cant remember which number it is but its a Trek mountain bike, no serious road bike or anything like that.

[Jrjg]

Strava for me too.

JRJG

[KBPhoto]

Cant remember which number it is but its a Trek mountain bike, no serious road bike or anything like that.

Have you swapped to smoother, narrower tyres for the road? Or are you only riding off-road?

You'll really notice the difference if you use the right tyres and pressures.

[Coops]

^^ good advice.

 

I used to road ride on my Specialized MTB but the tyres used to really drag. I switched to Schwalbe Land Cruisers (http://www.wiggle.com/schwalbe-land-cruiser-mtb-tire-2015/) and I find them much better on road but they still have the capability for off road. For a small investment they are well worth it.

 

I haven't started cycling yet this year but will after the weekend and will generally start at 5 miles then build it up, even just cycling for 30 minutes is good for you.

[hutchysrs50]

I havnt swapped tyres, I might just buy a different bike if I enjoy it enough, today was day 4 and pushed myself harder than before, gave myself a stitch in the process but was good fun.

Strava let me down a lot though!

I went for a ride so started the app, stopped halfway and paused it, all seemed well.

Continued on and got back home, stopped it and checked the results....

0.1Mi travels

Avg speed -

Max speed - 0.2mph

Map just goes as the bird flys straight over roundabouts and motorways to where I paused to getting home.

At least yesterday it only logged half but gave good details of distance and speed still.

[flying pig]

It sounds like you've not restarted Strava properly when you've set off. If you go into settings, select auto pause. It saves all the faffing about of having to pause it when you stop as it does it automatically for you when you stop. It'll then activate when you start moving again.

Once you get the hang of it, you'll find that it's very reliable indeed.

[hutchysrs50]

I'll do that now and test it on my ride tomorrow

Thanks.

[flying pig]

Ok mate. It does take a little time to get your head around it but once you do it's spot on. Give me a shout if you're struggling with anything.

[KBPhoto]

I found the auto start/stop in Strava a bit flaky at times. It'd also lose GPS signal (more down to my phone than Strava) and you'd have travelled in a straight line between losing and picking up the signal...

Never had a problem with Runtastic apps though. Also have a look at the Wahoo app; simple and worked well for me.