Discussion
ewenm said:
Strava includes more than cycling but I see your points. For me, Strava is a tool to record my running. My training is based around a plan and not around chasing KOMs/CRs - if it happens that on a training session I take a KOM/CR then great, but it's not the purpose of the session. I don't see the point of chasing KOMs/CRs as it's pretty irrelevant when I then get my arse kicked in my next race - there's always someone faster 
You're right that not everyone turns up to races (equally, not everyone uses Strava) but as one gets fitter and the standard of races improves, the top people tend to congregate around the same races (in running progression is local leagues => county champs => area champs => national champs; in cycling I dunno).
I guess it comes from being a competitive runner since age 11 (now 39). I'm used to the structure and the point is the next race, with longer term target races to train towards. I wouldn't enjoy running training if I didn't/couldn't race. The focus, the pressure, the adrenaline, the need to perform at that time on that day (not just when I'm feeling good) are all part of it. IMO it adds an extra dimension over and above participating in a sport.
I take your point entirely about competeing in races. I've only ever done one and despite not doing very well I loved it. Just beating a few people was good enough for me. You're right that not everyone turns up to races (equally, not everyone uses Strava) but as one gets fitter and the standard of races improves, the top people tend to congregate around the same races (in running progression is local leagues => county champs => area champs => national champs; in cycling I dunno).
I guess it comes from being a competitive runner since age 11 (now 39). I'm used to the structure and the point is the next race, with longer term target races to train towards. I wouldn't enjoy running training if I didn't/couldn't race. The focus, the pressure, the adrenaline, the need to perform at that time on that day (not just when I'm feeling good) are all part of it. IMO it adds an extra dimension over and above participating in a sport.
However it wouldn't work for me at the moment because I simply don't have the time to train or the money to buy a competetive enough bike to compete. I know lads who do compete in races and they either have no kids or a very understanding family and are happy to spend winter nights pounding away on a Turbo trainer.
It's horses for courses and as long as what you do makes you happy and you enjoy it then that's all that matters.
What is more important is that more people start cycling.
okgo said:
Who is using this app?
Its awesome I think and really brings out the competitive person in you!
I had it on for my route to work today and there is only 1 recognised section which is Castlenau, I was not gunning it and got stuck behind a bus but I can now see that I'm 25th out of 52 people and its going to be fun trying to get to the top of that list even though the person at the fron averaged 27 mph for the 0.6 mile stretch to my 21 today!
The irony is strong in this thread! Its awesome I think and really brings out the competitive person in you!
I had it on for my route to work today and there is only 1 recognised section which is Castlenau, I was not gunning it and got stuck behind a bus but I can now see that I'm 25th out of 52 people and its going to be fun trying to get to the top of that list even though the person at the fron averaged 27 mph for the 0.6 mile stretch to my 21 today!
IroningMan said:
Get away from the overcrowded South East, ride loops to lessen the influence of the wind and average speed can be a more useful general indicator of progress - for those of us without a power meter.
Segment times take on a bit more meaning when they're on reliably empty roads, too.
This.....Segment times take on a bit more meaning when they're on reliably empty roads, too.
Also add in some "proper" hills too, to level things off a bit...... Like we have in N Wales :-)
I only use Strava to measure my own progress as there's simply too many variables to make a like for like comparison valid.
Even then, if u compare one ride with another on an individual basis there will be some differences, eg wind, what you've had to eat pre-ride etc.
I did my first imperial ton back in April, 104 miles and 9500ft of climbing. It nearly killed me.
I also came last.
Next year I will be looking to improve on my finish position, I don't "need" Strava to do that, and if I manage it then I know my performance was better!
Edited by wobert on Friday 2nd October 14:56
wobert said:
This.....
Also add in some "proper" hills too, to level things off a bit...... Like we have in N Wales :-)
I only use Strava to measure my own progress as there's simply too many variables to make a like for like comparison valid.
Even then, if u compare one ride with another on an individual basis there will be some differences, eg wind, what you've had to eat pre-ride etc.
I did my first imperial ton back in April, 104 miles and 9500ft of climbing. It nearly killed me.
I also came last.
Next year I will be looking to improve on my finish position, I don't "need" Strava to do that, and if I manage it then I know my performance was better!
Not quite North Wales, but the Elan Valley was nothing short of stunning last weekend. Just over the hundred and nigh on 10,000 feet.Also add in some "proper" hills too, to level things off a bit...... Like we have in N Wales :-)
I only use Strava to measure my own progress as there's simply too many variables to make a like for like comparison valid.
Even then, if u compare one ride with another on an individual basis there will be some differences, eg wind, what you've had to eat pre-ride etc.
I did my first imperial ton back in April, 104 miles and 9500ft of climbing. It nearly killed me.
I also came last.
Next year I will be looking to improve on my finish position, I don't "need" Strava to do that, and if I manage it then I know my performance was better!
Edited by wobert on Friday 2nd October 14:56
Tried 'doing a Dizeee' today on my weekend ride out... 
Managed 19.25mph
, it was going quite well until I hit the 'four winds' of the Fens* where a stiff wind dragged me back and then the cramps and aches set in and it was game over...
Oh well, at least it gives me a winter training target for next year.
https://www.strava.com/activities/405233775/overvi...
Managed 19.25mph
, it was going quite well until I hit the 'four winds' of the Fens* where a stiff wind dragged me back and then the cramps and aches set in and it was game over... Oh well, at least it gives me a winter training target for next year.
https://www.strava.com/activities/405233775/overvi...
- I fully understand that various facts and figures 'prove' that the Fens are no windier than any other parts of the UK but I believe that the flat, feature free nature of the geography leaves the rider more exposed to swirling winds travelling to and from the coast. (just before anybody pipes up!)
Banana Boy said:
Tried 'doing a Dizeee' today on my weekend ride out...
Managed 19.25mph, it was going quite well until I hit the 'four winds' of the Fens* where a stiff wind dragged me back and then the cramps and aches set in and it was game over...
Oh well, at least it gives me a winter training target for next year.
https://www.strava.com/activities/405233775/overvi...
Oh Managed 19.25mph
, it was going quite well until I hit the 'four winds' of the Fens* where a stiff wind dragged me back and then the cramps and aches set in and it was game over... Oh well, at least it gives me a winter training target for next year.
https://www.strava.com/activities/405233775/overvi...
- I fully understand that various facts and figures 'prove' that the Fens are no windier than any other parts of the UK but I believe that the flat, feature free nature of the geography leaves the rider more exposed to swirling winds travelling to and from the coast. (just before anybody pipes up!)
on Thursday I was doing 12.something on the drops and getting absolutely battered. Fen winds seem to have more torque and come from four directions at once 
I was on the South Coast, heading from Eastbourne toward Bexhill last Christmas, legs turning over easily and flying along.
I enjoyed this for a while, then looked at the Garmin - 25 mph, 150 watts. Oh.
Sure enough, heading back into Eastbourne was 15 mph at 350 watts.
Still, it wasn't raining.
I enjoyed this for a while, then looked at the Garmin - 25 mph, 150 watts. Oh.
Sure enough, heading back into Eastbourne was 15 mph at 350 watts.
Still, it wasn't raining.
Banana Boy said:
Tried 'doing a Dizeee' today on my weekend ride out...
Managed 19.25mph, it was going quite well until I hit the 'four winds' of the Fens* where a stiff wind dragged me back and then the cramps and aches set in and it was game over...
Oh well, at least it gives me a winter training target for next year.
https://www.strava.com/activities/405233775/overvi...
Managed 19.25mph
, it was going quite well until I hit the 'four winds' of the Fens* where a stiff wind dragged me back and then the cramps and aches set in and it was game over... Oh well, at least it gives me a winter training target for next year.
https://www.strava.com/activities/405233775/overvi...
- I fully understand that various facts and figures 'prove' that the Fens are no windier than any other parts of the UK but I believe that the flat, feature free nature of the geography leaves the rider more exposed to swirling winds travelling to and from the coast. (just before anybody pipes up!)
Just did my Saturday morning training ride no commutes today!
Banana Boy said:
Tried 'doing a Dizeee' today on my weekend ride out...
Managed 19.25mph, it was going quite well until I hit the 'four winds' of the Fens* where a stiff wind dragged me back and then the cramps and aches set in and it was game over...
Oh well, at least it gives me a winter training target for next year.
https://www.strava.com/activities/405233775/overvi...
Try dropping a gear or two, 105 cadence is probably too much Managed 19.25mph
, it was going quite well until I hit the 'four winds' of the Fens* where a stiff wind dragged me back and then the cramps and aches set in and it was game over... Oh well, at least it gives me a winter training target for next year.
https://www.strava.com/activities/405233775/overvi...
- I fully understand that various facts and figures 'prove' that the Fens are no windier than any other parts of the UK but I believe that the flat, feature free nature of the geography leaves the rider more exposed to swirling winds travelling to and from the coast. (just before anybody pipes up!)
okgo said:
Try dropping a gear or two, 105 cadence is probably too much
Oh ok, tbh I'd understood that a higher cadence was more efficient and kinder on the knees?Although when I started work on my cadence which was in the low to mid 80s I had been aiming for an average of 95-100 but recently I find myself spinning at about 110-115?! I guess I could do with slowing that down a bit?
105 is pretty high, 95 is is still quite high but more like what most people do, just try dropping a cog and see how you feel, I've got a single speed bike and its far harder to ride it at 25 mph than it is riding my geared bike at 25 mph because the SS requires 110rpm vs 90 or whatever I prefer on the road bike - for me anyway
That's because you can push a bigger gear, most mortals cannot imagine pushing 25mph unless going downhill! I can just about maintain 24 and a bit for 10miles!
I used to do about 80rpm average, then raised it to 90-95 (as everything I read said that was optimum). Now do about 90 most of the time.
I read today that 60rpm was the bodies natural physiology balance.
I used to do about 80rpm average, then raised it to 90-95 (as everything I read said that was optimum). Now do about 90 most of the time.
I read today that 60rpm was the bodies natural physiology balance.
Currently use 'Map My Run' to record my cycling, a hangover from when I was running. Wondering if Strava may be a better option though?
Wrote a really long post about what I want to do and why but got a bit tedious - instead I have 2 questions:
1) Does Strava record elevation and 'effort' reasonably well, and the split between on and off-road cycling? Current app says 30% fewer calories burned on off-road route compared to same distance on-road, not sure that's right as the off-road route is much harder terrain. While I'm not entirely bothered by the calories figures I'm a data geek and the inaccuracy bothers me.
2) I'm competitive, but only with myself. I'd like to be able to compare times and speeds but not make them visible to others. From what I understand this is bread and butter for Strava, is that correct?
Simply, is Strava for me or is there something else I should consider?
Damnit, that's 3 questions.
Wrote a really long post about what I want to do and why but got a bit tedious - instead I have 2 questions:
1) Does Strava record elevation and 'effort' reasonably well, and the split between on and off-road cycling? Current app says 30% fewer calories burned on off-road route compared to same distance on-road, not sure that's right as the off-road route is much harder terrain. While I'm not entirely bothered by the calories figures I'm a data geek and the inaccuracy bothers me.
2) I'm competitive, but only with myself. I'd like to be able to compare times and speeds but not make them visible to others. From what I understand this is bread and butter for Strava, is that correct?
Simply, is Strava for me or is there something else I should consider?
Damnit, that's 3 questions.
The elevation data is only as accurate as the device recording it. GPS-based elevation data recorded on a smartphone is not accurate at all. If your device (Garmin?) has barometric sensors then you'll get a relatively accurate figure, depending on other weather conditions. Calories burned is purely formulaic and I wouldn't consider it to be anywhere in the vicinity of accurate. If you want to know this I'd suggest you need a power meter.
It is possible to maintain privacy on Strava. If you like the data then you may also want to link your account to Veloviewer, which makes the data work a little harder.
Other logging services are out there but I prefer Strava for the clean interface, the growing user base and the pace of development that brings with it.
Edited to make sense after the thread merge
It is possible to maintain privacy on Strava. If you like the data then you may also want to link your account to Veloviewer, which makes the data work a little harder.
Other logging services are out there but I prefer Strava for the clean interface, the growing user base and the pace of development that brings with it.
Edited to make sense after the thread merge
Edited by Gruffy on Friday 9th October 10:29
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