As a cyclist who's been using Strava for years, I've discovered numerous ways to enhance my riding experience with this powerful app. Whether you're a casual rider or a serious athlete, Strava offers a wealth of features that can help you track your progress, stay motivated, and connect with the cycling community. Here are 20 of the best Strava tips to get the most out of your riding.
1. Follow the Pros
Strava allows you to follow your favorite professional riders and see their training stats. This can be incredibly motivating and give you insights into their training routines. It's a humbling experience to see just how hard they push themselves, which can inspire you to take on those tough interval workouts .
2. Seek Out Obtainable KOM/QOM
Finding a segment that isn't heavily contested can give you a realistic chance at achieving a KOM (King of the Mountain) or QOM (Queen of the Mountain). Look for less-traveled routes or create your own segments to increase your chances of topping the leaderboard .
3. Set Up Off-Road Segments
If you're a gravel rider, setting up off-road segments can be a great way to earn and keep KOM/QOM titles. These segments are less likely to be challenged by other riders, giving you a better chance to shine .
4. Become a Local Legend
If you can't compete for KOM/QOM, aim to become a Local Legend. This title is awarded to the rider who has completed a segment the most times in the last 90 days. It's a great way to show your dedication to a particular route .
5. Take Advantage of Strava Perks
Strava offers a range of perks for its paid subscribers, including insurance discounts, gear discounts, and emergency taxi fare coverage. These benefits can add real value to your subscription .
6. Join Challenges
Strava frequently hosts challenges sponsored by popular cycling brands. Joining these challenges can provide extra motivation and even the chance to win cycling gear. It's a fun way to set new goals and push your limits .
7. Create Strava Art
Planning and riding routes that form interesting shapes on the map can be a fun and creative way to use Strava. This not only adds an artistic element to your rides but also provides a unique challenge .
8. Tag Riders in Comments
Just like on social media, you can tag other riders in your comments using the '@' symbol. This is a great way to share your achievements and get more Kudos from your friends and followers .
9. Study Your Heatmap
The Strava heatmap can help you discover new routes and analyze your riding patterns. It shows where you've ridden and can inspire you to explore new areas .
10. Don't Take It Too Seriously
While Strava can be highly competitive, it's important to remember that it's just a tool to enhance your riding experience. Don't let the pursuit of KOMs or QOMs overshadow the joy of cycling .
11. Use Grade Adjusted Pace (GAP)
GAP adjusts your pace to account for the steepness of the terrain, providing a more accurate measure of your effort. This can help you maintain a consistent effort on hilly routes and avoid overexertion .
12. Pick a Day to Go All-In
If you can't resist the urge to chase segments, dedicate one day each week to going all-out. This allows you to enjoy the thrill of competition without overloading your training schedule .
13. Use Segment History as a Benchmark
Your past performances on specific segments can serve as valuable benchmarks. Use these to track your progress and set realistic goals for improvement .
14. Plan Your Routes
Use the Strava heatmap to find new and interesting routes. This can help you break out of your routine and discover new areas to explore .
15. Take Privacy Seriously
Strava offers robust privacy settings. Use them to keep your home location and other sensitive information private. This ensures your safety and security while using the app .
16. Label Your Commutes
Labeling your rides as commutes can help Strava gather data for urban planning and other professional uses. This small act can contribute to a larger effort to improve cycling infrastructure .
17. Use Flybys to Compare Rides
Flybys allow you to compare your segment times with other riders. This feature can help you analyze your pacing and identify areas for improvement .
18. Follow Local Riders
Following local riders can provide valuable insights into their training routines and favorite routes. This can help you discover new places to ride and get tips on how to improve your performance .
19. Join Strava Clubs
Joining Strava clubs can connect you with like-minded cyclists and provide additional motivation. Clubs often host group rides and challenges, adding a social element to your cycling .
20. Use Spin-Off Apps
There are several apps that integrate with Strava, offering more detailed analysis and additional features. VeloViewer, for example, provides advanced analytics and beautiful graphics to help you dig deeper into your data .
Summary
Strava is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance your cycling experience. By following these tips, you can maximize the app's features to track your progress, stay motivated, and connect with the cycling community. Whether you're aiming for KOMs, exploring new routes, or simply enjoying your rides, Strava can be an invaluable companion. Happy riding!