FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

• GPX (GPS Exchange Format) files are a universal standard for storing GPS track data (latitude, longitude, elevation). They are great for sharing routes between different apps and devices.
• FIT (Flexible and Interoperable Data Transfer) files are a more advanced format, often used by Garmin devices. They can store not only GPS data but also rich sensor information like heart rate, power, and cadence, making them ideal for detailed performance analysis and features like Garmin Live Segments.

Strava's website doesn't offer a direct way to download a GPX file for a segment you don't own. However, you can use third-party tools like Peakline: 1. Find a public segment on the Strava website. 2. Copy the URL of the segment page. 3. Paste the URL into the analysis tool on the Peakline homepage. 4. Once the analysis is complete, a "Download GPX" button will appear, allowing you to save the file.

Peakline is designed specifically for this purpose. The process is similar to downloading a GPX file: 1. Analyze a Strava segment using its URL on Peakline. 2. After the analysis, click the "Download FIT" button. 3. You can choose your goal: race against the KOM/QOM, your own Personal Record (if you're logged in), or a custom time. 4. Save the generated FIT file. 5. Connect your Garmin device to your computer and copy the file into the Garmin/NewFiles directory. The device will automatically process it for use with Live Segments.

GPS data can sometimes have errors (spikes, dropouts). You can use a GPX fixer tool, often available online or as desktop software. These tools can help you: * Remove erroneous GPS points. * Smooth out the track. * Correct elevation data using satellite-based correction models. * Fill in gaps in the recording.

1. Check File Location: Ensure the file is in the correct Garmin/NewFiles folder, not in any other directory.
2. Device Compatibility: Double-check that your Garmin model supports Live Segments. Not all devices do.
3. Firmware Update: Make sure your device's firmware is up to date. Garmin often releases updates that improve compatibility.
4. File Integrity: The file might have been corrupted during download. Try generating and downloading it again.
5. Restart Device: A simple restart of your Garmin device after transferring the file can sometimes resolve the issue.

Inaccurate GPS data can be caused by several factors: * Poor GPS Signal: Tall buildings, dense forests, or deep valleys can block or reflect GPS signals, a phenomenon known as "urban canyoning." * Device Issues: An outdated GPS chip or low battery on your phone or GPS device can affect accuracy. * Initial Lock: Starting an activity before your device has acquired a strong GPS lock can lead to an incorrect starting point. * GPS Drift: All consumer GPS devices have a margin of error, which can cause slight deviations in your track.

To improve accuracy, start your activity in an open area, wait for a "GPS Ready" signal, and ensure your device's software is up to date.

1. Check Device: First, ensure the activity was saved correctly on your device (e.g., Garmin, Wahoo).
2. Manual Upload: If the activity exists on your device but didn't sync to Strava, you can manually upload it. Connect your device to a computer, find the activity file (usually a .fit or .gpx), and upload it on the Strava website via the "+" icon -> "Upload activity".
3. Check Sync Status: In apps like Garmin Connect, you can check the sync status to see if there were any errors.
4. Strava App Issues: If you recorded directly with the Strava mobile app, check if the activity is stored locally but failed to upload. Sometimes a poor internet connection is the cause.

If the activity was never saved on the recording device, unfortunately, it is likely lost permanently.

• Device Type: Devices use different methods to measure elevation.
  • Barometric Altimeter: High-end devices (most Garmin Edge, Wahoo computers) use air pressure to measure elevation, which is generally more accurate. However, it can be affected by weather changes.
  • GPS-based Elevation: Phones and simpler devices use GPS signals to determine elevation. This is less accurate and can have significant errors.
• Strava's Elevation Correction: When you upload an activity without a barometric altimeter, Strava automatically corrects the elevation data using professional survey maps. This can cause discrepancies when compared to a device with a barometric altimeter. You can see if a correction has been applied on the activity page.

This is almost always due to GPS data quality. * GPS Drift: If your GPS track "drifts" off the actual road, it might miss the start or end point of the segment, leading to an inaccurate time. * Start/End Point Accuracy: A poor signal at the beginning or end of a segment is a common cause. For example, if your device records the segment's start point a few seconds late, your time will be artificially fast. * Segment Matching: Strava's algorithm might not match you to the segment at all if your GPS track deviates too much from the segment's path.

You can use Strava's "Update Activity Achievements" tool on the website, which can sometimes resolve matching issues, but it cannot fix underlying GPS errors.

You can create a route using the Strava website, which offers a powerful and user-friendly route builder: 1. Log in to Strava on your web browser. 2. Hover over the "Explore" menu and select "Create a Route". 3. Use the map to click and draw your route. Strava will automatically snap the path to known roads and trails. 4. You can specify preferences like "Paved" or "Dirt" surfaces, and "Most Popular" or "Direct" routing. 5. As you build, Strava shows the estimated distance, elevation profile, and estimated time. 6. Once you're done, save the route. It will be available in your "My Routes" section and can be synced to your GPS device.

Yes, this is a great way to re-ride a favorite path or create a route from a ride you did with a friend. 1. Go to the activity page of the ride you want to use. 2. Click the three-dot menu (...) on the left side. 3. Select "Create Route". 4. Strava will automatically generate a route based on the activity's GPS data. You can then edit, rename, and save it as a new route.

Heatmaps show the aggregated, anonymized tracks of all public activities on Strava. They are an incredibly useful tool for discovering popular and safe places to ride or run. * How to use: In the route builder, you can enable the Heatmap overlay. The "hotter" (brighter) a line is, the more frequently it's used by other Strava athletes. This helps you find the best local climbs, the safest commuting paths, or the most scenic trails, even in an area you've never been to before.

• Garmin:
  1. Make sure your Garmin Connect account is linked to Strava.
  2. In the Strava route builder, or on the "My Routes" page, "star" the route you want to use.
  3. This will automatically sync the route to Garmin Connect.
  4. The next time your Garmin device syncs with Garmin Connect (via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi), the route will appear under "Courses" on your device, ready for navigation.
• Wahoo:
  1. Ensure your Wahoo ELEMNT Companion App is authorized to access Strava.
  2. Star the route in Strava.
  3. In the ELEMNT app, go to the "Workout" page and select "Routes".
  4. Sort by "Starred" and sync routes. The new route will appear and can be selected for your Wahoo device.

Yes, Strava offers a "Generated Routes" feature (for subscribers) in its mobile app. You can specify a starting point, distance, elevation preference, and surface type, and Strava will suggest three different loop options based on where other people in the area ride or run. It's a fantastic feature for exploring a new area or when you're short on time and ideas.

A segment is a specific stretch of road or trail created by users where athletes can compete for time. When you upload an activity, Strava automatically matches your performance on any segments you crossed and posts your time to a public leaderboard. This gamification is a core feature of Strava and a huge source of motivation for many.

• KOM/QOM (King/Queen of the Mountain): This is the most coveted title. The KOM is the fastest man and the QOM is the fastest woman ever on that segment's leaderboard.
• Local Legend: This award is about consistency, not speed. It's given to the person who has ridden a segment the most times in the last 90 days. It gives everyone a chance to be a "legend" on their local routes.

You can only create segments from your own past activities. 1. Go to one of your activity pages on the Strava website. 2. Click the three-dot menu (...) and select "Create Segment". 3. Use the slider interface to select the start and end points of your desired segment from your activity's path. 4. Give the segment a unique and descriptive name. 5. Once created, Strava will analyze all past activities (from everyone) to build the leaderboard. This can take a few minutes.

Important: Make sure your segment starts and ends at clear, logical points and doesn't have any GPS errors. Once created, a segment cannot be edited.

• Private Segments: If your activity's privacy is set to "Followers" or "Only You," any segments you create from it will be private. Only you will be able to see them, and no public leaderboards will be created.
• Hazardous Segments: A segment can be flagged as hazardous if it's on a dangerous road, has a blind corner, or is otherwise unsafe for competition. When flagged, the public leaderboard is hidden to discourage dangerous racing. You can still see your own time, but you won't be ranked against others.

This is a common issue, usually caused by GPS drift. For a match to occur, your GPS track must closely follow the segment's path. If your device recorded you as being even a few meters off the road, or if you missed the exact start or end point, the algorithm may fail to make a match. You can try using the "Update Activity Achievements" tool on the Strava website, which sometimes finds missed segments, but it's not a guaranteed fix for poor GPS data.

Clubs are a great way to find other athletes, discover new routes, and join local events. 1. In the Strava mobile app, tap the "Groups" tab. On the website, use the "Explore" menu and select "Clubs". 2. You can search for clubs by name, location, or sport type (e.g., cycling, running, triathlon). 3. Browse the results. You can see the club's member count, recent activities, and a description. 4. When you find a club you like, tap "Join". Some clubs are public and you'll join instantly, while others are private and require an admin to approve your request.

• Public Clubs: Anyone can join. Their content, including the member list, discussion board, and recent activities, is visible to anyone on Strava.
• Private (Invite-Only) Clubs: You must request to join, and a club administrator must approve you. The club's page is only visible to its members, making it a good choice for close-knit groups, teams, or friends.

Any Strava user can create a club. 1. From the "Clubs" section on the website or app, look for a "Create a Club" button. 2. You'll need to provide: * A unique club name. * A location. * A sport type. * A description and a club website (optional). * A profile photo/logo for the club. 3. Choose whether the club will be public or private (invite-only). 4. Once created, you can start inviting members.

When you ride or run with other Strava users, Strava can automatically group your activities together. * How it works: If your activity occurs at the same time and your GPS track overlaps with other athletes' for more than 50% of the duration, Strava will group you. * Benefits: This creates a single post in your feed, showing all participants. It's a great way to share the experience and give kudos to everyone involved. * Leaving a Group: If you were grouped by mistake or prefer to have a separate post, you can go to your activity page and click the "Leave Group" button.

Yes, this is a key feature of Strava clubs. 1. As a club admin, go to your club's page. 2. Find the "Create Club Event" option. 3. You can set the event name, date, time, meeting point, and add a route. 4. Members will be notified and can RSVP. This is perfect for organizing weekly group rides, training sessions, or social meetups.

For all users, Strava provides basic metrics like distance, time, pace/speed, and elevation. Strava subscribers get access to a much deeper level of analysis, including: * Heart Rate Analysis: Time spent in heart rate zones, Relative Effort. * Power Meter Analysis (Cycling): Power curve, weighted average power, training load. * Pace Analysis (Running): Pace zones, GAP (Grade Adjusted Pace). * Fitness & Freshness: A model that tracks your fitness, fatigue, and form over time.

Relative Effort (formerly Suffer Score) is a subscriber feature that measures how much cardiovascular work went into any activity that has heart rate data. It allows you to compare the effort of a short, intense run with a long, steady bike ride on a level playing field. It helps you see how your efforts are trending and avoid overtraining.

This is a powerful tool for Strava subscribers that helps visualize your training over time. * Fitness: A score that rises as you train consistently and effectively. It's calculated based on your training load (derived from heart rate or power data). * Fatigue: A score that reflects the short-term fatigue from your recent workouts. It rises quickly after hard sessions. * Form: Calculated as Fitness - Fatigue. A positive form value (or a value near zero) suggests you are "fresh" and recovered. A negative value indicates you are carrying a lot of fatigue and might be at risk of overtraining. Athletes often use this chart to time their "peak" for a specific race or event.

GAP is a running metric for subscribers that estimates your equivalent flat-land pace for a run that included hills. For example, if you run an 8-minute mile up a steep hill, your GAP might be 7:30, reflecting the extra effort the incline required. It's a great way to compare your efforts across different hilly and flat routes.

You can customize your zones in your Strava profile settings for more accurate analysis. 1. Go to Settings -> My Performance. 2. You can enter your max heart rate, and Strava will calculate default zones. You can also customize the ranges for each zone. 3. For cycling, you can enter your Functional Threshold Power (FTP), and Strava will calculate your power zones.

Using accurate zones is crucial for features like Relative Effort and the Fitness & Freshness chart to work correctly.

Garmin Live Segments is a feature on compatible Garmin devices that provides a real-time, immersive racing experience. As you approach a "starred" segment, your device screen changes to show a virtual representation of the segment. You can see your real-time performance against: * The KOM/QOM (King/Queen of the Mountain). * Your own Personal Record (PR). * The time of a friend you follow. It will show you your time ahead or behind your target, and your projected finishing time.

1. Star Segments on Strava: Go to the Strava website or app and "star" the segments you want to race. These are the segments that will sync to your device.
2. Enable Live Segments: Ensure Strava Live Segments are enabled in your device's settings (e.g., in Garmin Connect).
3. Sync Your Device: Sync your Garmin or Wahoo device with its companion app. The starred segments will be loaded onto your device.
4. Ride! The next time you approach one of these segments during a ride, the Live Segment experience will start automatically.

Most modern GPS cycling computers and many high-end running watches support this feature. This includes: * Garmin: Most devices in the Edge series (530, 830, 1030, 1040), Fenix series, and Forerunner series (945, 955, etc.). * Wahoo: All devices in the ELEMNT series (BOLT, ROAM). Always check the manufacturer's specifications for your specific model to confirm compatibility.

• Segment Not Starred: The most common reason is that you haven't "starred" the segment in Strava.
• Sync Issues: The device may not have synced correctly after you starred the segment. Try syncing again.
• GPS Signal: A poor GPS signal at the segment's start can prevent it from triggering.
• Opposite Direction: Live Segments only work in the direction they were created. If you ride it in reverse, it won't trigger.
• Activity Type: Make sure your activity profile on your device (e.g., "Ride" vs. "Indoor Ride") has Live Segments enabled.

Yes. On most modern devices, when you are following a pre-loaded course, any starred segments that are part of that course will still trigger. The device will temporarily switch from the navigation screen to the Live Segment screen, and then switch back to navigation after you've completed the segment.

Strava offers granular privacy controls. Go to Settings -> Privacy Controls. The main settings are: * Profile Visibility: * Everyone: Anyone on or off Strava can see your full profile. * Followers: Only your approved followers can see your full profile. Non-followers see limited stats. * Activity Visibility: * Everyone: Anyone can see your activity details. * Followers: Only your followers can see your activities. * Only You: Your activities are private by default. You can also set the privacy level for individual activities after they are uploaded.

This is a crucial safety feature. You can set a privacy zone around sensitive locations like your home or office address. * How it works: You enter an address and a radius (e.g., 1/2 mile or 1 km). Strava will then hide the start and end point of any activity that begins or finishes within that zone from everyone, including your followers. The map will show the activity starting/ending on the edge of the circle, obscuring your exact location.

In Settings -> Privacy Controls -> Map Visibility, you have several options. You can choose to hide the map completely or hide the start/end points for all your activities from people you haven't approved to follow you. The most secure option is to set a Privacy Zone, which hides your location from everyone.

Flyby allows you and others to re-watch an activity on a map and timeline, seeing who you passed and who passed you. While it's a neat social feature, some people may have privacy concerns. You can disable it completely. * Go to Settings -> Privacy Controls -> Flyby. * Set the preference to No One. If you do this, you won't appear in anyone else's Flyby, and you won't be able to see your own.

• Blocking: If you want to prevent another athlete from following you or seeing your content, you can block them. Go to their profile page, click the "..." icon (on web) or gear icon (on mobile), and select "Block Athlete". This will also remove them from your followers and you from theirs.
• Reporting: If an athlete is posting inappropriate content or their behavior violates Strava's Community Standards, you can report them using the same menu. Strava's support team will review the report.

• Strava (Free): The free version covers the basics. You can record and upload activities, see key stats like distance and time, participate in some challenges, and interact with the community via kudos and comments.
• Strava (Subscription): The paid subscription unlocks a powerful suite of advanced features designed for training, analysis, and safety.

A subscription provides access to dozens of features, but here are some of the most popular: * Route Planning: Build custom routes, use heatmaps, and get personalized route suggestions. * Segment Leaderboards: See full leaderboards (not just the top 10), and filter them by age, weight, or who you're following. * In-depth Analysis: Access to Fitness & Freshness charts, heart rate/power zone analysis, Grade Adjusted Pace (GAP), and detailed workout analysis. * Live Segments: Race against your PR or the KOM/QOM in real-time on your GPS device. * Beacon: Share your live location with up to three safety contacts. * Training Log: A comprehensive log to track all your workouts and progress over time.

This depends on your goals. * It's likely worth it if: You are a data-driven athlete, training for a specific event (like a marathon or gran fondo), love competing on segments, or frequently plan new routes. The training and analysis features are top-notch. * It might not be worth it if: You use Strava primarily as a social network and a simple log of your activities. The free version is excellent for that.

Many users start with the free version and upgrade once they feel they need more advanced tools.

You can subscribe either through the Strava website or through the app store on your mobile device (Apple App Store or Google Play). * Website: Subscribing via the website is often recommended. * App Store: If you subscribe via mobile, your subscription is managed by Apple or Google, including billing and cancellations.

You can manage your subscription status at any time in your profile settings.

---question_sperator---

Can I get a free trial of the subscription?

Strava often offers a free trial (usually 30 or 60 days) for new subscribers. This is the best way to test out the premium features and decide if they are right for you. You can typically activate the trial from the Strava website or app. Remember to cancel before the trial ends if you decide not to continue, to avoid being charged.

Strava has several ways to handle multisport events: 1. Separate Activities: The most common way is to record the swim, bike, and run as three separate activities. Most multisport watches (from Garmin, COROS, etc.) do this automatically. When they sync to Strava, they will appear as individual workouts. 2. "Multisport" Activity Type: Strava has a dedicated "Multisport" activity type. If your device records a triathlon as a single file, Strava will often interpret it this way. It shows the total time and distance, with breakdowns for each leg of the event. 3. Manual Tagging: You can tag activities to link them together, for example, by adding "Ironman 70.3 Cozumel" to the description of all three activities.

Strava supports a huge range of activities beyond just running and cycling. This includes: * Water Sports: Swimming, Surfing, Kitesurfing, Windsurfing, Kayaking, Rowing. * Winter Sports: Alpine Skiing, Backcountry Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Ice Skating. * Gym Workouts: Weight Training, CrossFit, Yoga, HIIT. * Walking & Hiking: Walking, Hiking, Rock Climbing. * Other: E-biking, Velomobile, Wheelchair, and many more. Choosing the correct activity type helps with accurate calorie estimation and ensures your efforts are categorized correctly in your training log.

Strava's advanced analytics, like Relative Effort and the Fitness & Freshness chart, are designed to work across different sport types, as long as you have heart rate data. This allows you to see the combined training load from your swimming, cycling, and running. However, some metrics are sport-specific (e.g., power zones for cycling, pace zones for running).

No, you cannot set default privacy settings based on the type of sport. The privacy settings (Everyone, Followers, Only You) apply to all new activities by default. However, you can easily change the privacy of any individual activity after it has been uploaded. For example, you could set your default to "Followers" but manually change your walk to the shops to "Only You".

Yes, the "My Gear" feature is very useful for multisport athletes. You can add: * Multiple bikes (road, time trial, mountain bike). * Multiple pairs of running shoes (training shoes, racing flats, trail shoes). You can then assign a specific bike or pair of shoes to each activity. Strava will automatically track the total distance for each piece of gear, helping you know when it's time to service your bike or replace your running shoes.

Challenges are virtual competitions that motivate you to reach specific goals within a set timeframe. They are a great way to stay motivated and push your limits. Types of challenges include: * Monthly Distance Challenges: e.g., run 100km or ride 1,250km in a month. * Climbing Challenges: e.g., gain 7,500m of elevation in a month. * Sponsored Challenges: Hosted by brands, often with prizes or discounts for completion. * Completion Challenges: e.g., complete a single activity of a certain distance, like a marathon. When you join a challenge, your eligible activities will automatically count towards your progress.

Strava automatically recognizes your best-ever efforts over key running and cycling distances and awards you a "PR" achievement. * Running: Standard distances include 400m, 1/2 mile, 1k, 1 mile, 5k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon. * Cycling: PRs are awarded for your longest ride and highest single-ride elevation gain. Your 2nd and 3rd best efforts are also recognized, motivating you to beat your own records.

Your Trophy Case is a virtual cabinet in your profile that displays all the digital badges you've earned from completing challenges. It's a fun, visual way to look back on your accomplishments and a great source of pride and motivation.

Besides PRs for standard distances, you earn achievements for your performance on segments: * KOM/QOM: A crown for being the fastest person ever on a segment. * Top 10: A trophy for placing in the top 10 on a segment's all-time leaderboard. * Local Legend: A laurel wreath for being the most frequent rider/runner of a segment in the last 90 days.

While individual users cannot create public challenges like the ones Strava hosts, Club Administrators can create their own challenges specifically for their club members. This is called a Club Challenge and is a great way to foster friendly competition within a smaller group.

Most modern devices and platforms sync easily with Strava. The general process is: 1. Go to the website or app of the service you want to connect (e.g., Garmin Connect, Wahoo ELEMNT app). 2. Find the "Connected Apps" or "Partners" section in the settings. 3. Choose Strava and authorize the connection. Once linked, your new activities recorded on that device will automatically sync to your Strava profile.

Yes, many services support a direct integration (see the previous point). If a direct link isn't available, you can usually: 1. Export the workout from the source app as a file (typically GPX, TCX, or FIT). 2. Import that file into Strava manually using the website. Click the "+" icon in the top right -> "Upload activity".

API stands for Application Programming Interface. It's a set of tools and rules that allows third-party developers to create applications that interact with Strava data. With the API, developers can (with your permission): * Read your activity, segment, and profile data. * Build powerful analytical tools (like Peakline, VeloViewer, or StatsHunters). * Develop training plan apps. * Integrate Strava data into other products.

If you have some programming skills, you can build your own apps using the API. 1. You'll need to register your application in your Strava profile settings: Settings -> My Apps -> Create an App. 2. You will receive credentials (a Client ID and a Client Secret). 3. Review the official Strava API documentation to learn how to make requests and handle the data.

Yes, you can sync data from these services to Strava. * Apple Health: On your iPhone, open the Strava app and go to You -> Settings (gear icon) -> Applications, Services, and Devices -> Apple Health. From there, you can enable permissions to import workouts recorded by your Apple Watch or other sources into Strava. * Google Fit: A similar connection can be enabled in the Strava app on Android devices. This is a great way to get all your activities in one place.

While all these apps are popular in the endurance sports world, they each have a different primary focus:

• Strava:

  • Strength: The social network and gamification. Strava is the best platform for competing on segments, sharing your activities with a large community, and engaging in challenges. It's about social motivation.

• Komoot & RideWithGPS:

  • Strength: Advanced route planning and navigation. These apps are superior for planning detailed tours, especially for bikepacking and hiking. They offer turn-by-turn navigation and detailed information about surface types.
  • Weakness: Their social and analytical features are less developed than Strava's.

• TrainingPeaks:

  • Strength: Serious, data-driven training analysis and coaching. It's a tool for athletes and coaches to plan and track progress towards a specific goal. Its performance management charts and analytics are more advanced than Strava's.
  • Weakness: It has almost no social or community features.

Conclusion: Use Strava for community and competition. Use Komoot/RideWithGPS for adventure and exploration planning. Use TrainingPeaks for dedicated, structured coaching.

Yes, many serious athletes use a combination of these services to get the best of all worlds. A common workflow is: 1. A coach prescribes a workout in TrainingPeaks. 2. The athlete completes the workout on a Garmin device, which syncs to Garmin Connect. 3. Garmin Connect automatically pushes the activity to Strava (for kudos, segments, and social sharing) and TrainingPeaks (for the coach to analyze the data). 4. For a weekend adventure, the athlete might use Komoot to plan a new route. This ecosystem approach allows you to use the best tool for each specific job.

Kudos are Strava's version of a "like." It's a quick way to give props or show respect for another athlete's activity. It's a fundamental part of the Strava culture, meaning "well done" or "great job."

• KOM (King of the Mountain): This title is awarded to the fastest male athlete on a specific segment's all-time leaderboard.
• QOM (Queen of the Mountain): This is the equivalent title for the fastest female athlete. Holding a KOM/QOM is a significant achievement and a major source of bragging rights.

A segment is a user-created stretch of road or trail where athletes can compete for time. They can be any length and vary in difficulty, from short sprints to long, grueling climbs. They are the backbone of Strava's competitive features.

The Local Legend honor is not about speed, but about consistency. It is awarded to the athlete who has completed a particular segment the most times over a rolling 90-day period.

A feature for Strava subscribers, Relative Effort measures how much cardiovascular work went into an activity, based on heart rate data. It allows you to compare efforts across different sport types (e.g., a one-hour run vs. a two-hour bike ride).

Suffer Score was the original name for Relative Effort. The feature was rebranded and updated, but the core concept of quantifying effort based on heart rate zones remains the same.