The Strava cell phone dilemna.

Your battery doesn’t last long enough.  You don’t want to take your phone on a ride in bad weather.  No cell/data service in parts of your ride.

I Strava phone app is great for introducing you to the program, but for the frequent user it’s not the most practical.  Recently I went on a ride with friends in a rural area.  The big climb of the day was great, but when everyone went home and uploaded their rides they weren’t accurate.  The lack of cell service was draining cell batteries and not picking up the ride.  If you live in urban areas I’m sure you don’t have this problem, but for Montana folks and mountain bikers it can be an issue.  I talked to our rep yesterday and he was saying that they are a ways out on a mapping card with trails on it.  There are some other companies trying, but if you are a mountain biker and you don’t have trails on your 800 why do you need the 800?

Last riding season I rode with the Garmin 705 (no longer in production), and tried the Edge 500 and 800.  They were great and I recommend them, but for most folks, spending $240 + on a cycling computer can be a tough sell.

For the start of spring riding I’ve beeen using my wife’s Garmin Forerunner 110.  At $179 retail it’s a solid deal for the cyclist and frequent bike switcher.  Hear me out.  It’s a watch, so no mounts, and no carrying around the unit.  I put it on in the morning and never take it off.  One less thing you have to think about prior to riding.  For weekday riding and none adventure rides you don’t need a  mapping feature.  I like looking at ride stats post ride, but not during the ride, so I just turn the watch on and let it run.

Wait!  There is a cheaper option.  The Garmin Forerunner 10.  $129 retail, but not heart rate capability (which you don’t get with your phone anyways).  It also comes in some cool colors.

These watchs were meant for running, but I really enjoy them for cycling.  Easy to use and provide solid ride stats.  If you are into cadence, power, and other stats it’s not going to work, but if your using your cell phone to Strava your ride consider this alternative.