9 Strava Features I Wish I’d Known About with GCN
Source: GCN Youtube Channel: 9 Strava Features I Wish I’d Known About
Video 9 Strava Features I Wish I’d Known About with Global Cycling Network
Video 9 Strava Features I Wish I’d Known About with Global Cycling Network YouTube Channel.
9 Strava Features I Wish I’d Known About
Global Cycling Network: Uncovering Hidden Features of Strava
In the world of cycling, Strava has become a go-to platform for tracking rides, connecting with other athletes, and adding a competitive edge to your training. Many cyclists rely on Strava to keep track of their personal best efforts, compare their times with others on leaderboards, and discover new routes using heat maps. However, there are several hidden features on Strava that you may not be aware of, which can enhance your overall experience on the platform.
Best Efforts: Tracking Personal Records
For Strava subscribers, the Best Efforts feature is a game-changer when it comes to tracking personal records and progress. This feature compiles all your best efforts and times in one convenient location, allowing you to see how fast you’ve ridden over a specific distance and challenge yourself to improve. Not only does it provide a motivation boost when you beat your previous best, but it also serves as a valuable tool for monitoring your overall progress and fitness levels. With notifications for new achievements, you’ll always be motivated to push yourself to new limits.
Leaderboards: Tracking Your Ranking
Leaderboards have always been a staple of Strava, allowing cyclists to compare their times with others and strive for the top spot on a segment. However, a recent update now allows subscribers to see where they rank in terms of percentage, giving a more comprehensive view of their performance. Whether you’re in the best 1% or top 50%, knowing your percentile can provide valuable insights into your progress and help you set realistic goals for improvement. By tracking your ranking over time, you can stay motivated and see how you stack up against other athletes on the platform.
Hidden Start Time: Privacy and Convenience
If you’re someone who values privacy or simply wants to keep your ride start time discreet, the Hidden Start Time feature on Strava is a handy tool to have. By toggling the option to hide your start time, you can share your ride without broadcasting when you left the house or started your activity. This is particularly useful for commuters or those with regular ride schedules who prefer not to disclose their timing to the public. With this simple setting adjustment, you can enjoy a more discreet and convenient sharing experience on Strava.
Straa Flyovers: Enhanced Ride Mapping
For those who appreciate visual aids and detailed ride mapping, Straa Flyovers is a must-try feature on Strava. This feature allows you to view your ride in a stunning 3D map format, complete with data overlays such as time, distance, elevation, and other stats. By replaying your ride on the map, you can relive the experience and share it with your friends in a more engaging and interactive way. Whether you’re exploring new routes or reminiscing about past rides, Straa Flyovers adds a whole new dimension to your cycling adventures on Strava.
Heat Maps: Discovering New Routes
Heat Maps on Strava are a hidden gem for exploring new routes and finding popular cycling trails in your area. By visualizing where other cyclists have been riding on the map, you can uncover hidden gems and scenic routes that may not be immediately apparent. With the ability to filter heat maps by activity type and view your own weekly heat map, you can discover new roads and trails to challenge yourself and expand your cycling horizons. Whether you’re a road cyclist, mountain biker, or trail runner, Heat Maps can help you find exciting routes to explore and enjoy.
Commute Tagging: Environmental Impact Awareness
For cyclists who commute to work or ride regularly, the Commute Tagging feature on Strava provides valuable insights into your environmental impact and carbon savings. By tagging your activity as a commute, you can see how much carbon you’ve saved by opting for cycling over other modes of transportation. This feature not only helps you make more sustainable choices but also contributes to Strava Metro, a tool used by urban planners and advocates to promote bike-friendly infrastructure and active transportation options. With Commute Tagging, you can track your carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the environment while enjoying your rides on Strava.
Dark Mode: Eye-Friendly Display
Strava now offers Dark Mode, a feature that inverts the colors on your app or phone to make them more eye-friendly in low-light conditions. By switching to Dark Mode in the settings menu, you can reduce eye strain and enhance visibility during nighttime or early morning rides. Whether you prefer a sleek and stylish look or prioritize functionality, Dark Mode on Strava offers a customizable viewing experience to suit your preferences and cycling habits.
Points of Interest Overlay: Planning Pit Stops
The Points of Interest Overlay feature on Strava is a handy tool for planning pit stops and navigating your routes with ease. Whether you’re looking for a cafe, bike shop, water refill station, or scenic viewpoint, this feature highlights key locations on the map to guide you during your rides. For subscribers, you can even add these points of interest to your route, ensuring that you always have access to essential amenities and attractions along the way. With this feature, you can customize your rides, discover new places, and make the most of your cycling adventures on Strava.
Matched Activities: Tracking Progress
With the Matched Activities feature on Strava, you can automatically compare your current ride with previous similar routes and track your progress over time. This algorithm-driven function analyzes your performance on familiar routes and provides insights into your speed, fitness levels, and overall improvement. Whether you’re aiming to beat your personal records or simply gauge your consistency, Matched Activities offers a valuable tool for monitoring your cycling performance and setting achievable goals. By leveraging this feature, you can stay motivated, track your progress, and celebrate your achievements on Strava.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Strava offers a wealth of hidden features and functionalities that can enhance your cycling experience, motivate you to push your limits, and connect you with a global community of athletes. From tracking personal records and monitoring progress to discovering new routes and making sustainable choices, Strava provides cyclists with a comprehensive platform to elevate their riding adventures. By exploring these hidden features and incorporating them into your cycling routine, you can unlock new possibilities, challenge yourself to new heights, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow cyclists on Strava. So, next time you log your ride, remember to explore these hidden nuggets on Strava and make the most of your cycling journey. Happy riding!
The opinions expressed in this space are the sole responsibility of the YouTube Channel Global Cycling Network and do not necessarily represent the views of Bicycles4ever Cycling Culture.
