GPS tracking tools

[Tim Kelley]

For training rides, I have a Garmin 310XT and track mileage as well as normalized/average power (with all sorts of other stuff like HR, VI, peak power, 5s power, etc…). I load the files into WKO+, which assigns me a training stress score so I can track acute training load and cronic training load based off of my functional threshold power over time. I have two years worth of data for this and I use the Training Peaks online program for sharing workout files with coaches.

Otherwise, the daily commute and errands are pretty simple and don’t change much, so I just add those miles into an excel spreadsheet where I keep track of my workouts and distances on a day/month/year basis.

[KS1G]

I’m an engineer, so data dorkiness is an occupational hazard and likely genetic. Plus I have an annual mileage competition with a college classmate. I started using a Polar 710 several years ago and switched to a Garmin 500 about a year ago.

For training rides with power, I use Golden Cheetah. I log everything at the Garmin site (good for keeping that annual mileage log current). I keep a spreadsheet for tracking my commuting (started it when my commute went from 4-5 to 11-12 miles each way). I recently found out about Strava and it looks very interesting, especially the Android app. I am pretty pleased with what is available for the Garmin devices; the upload process is reasonably effortless. Strava may become the 1st Android app for cycling I actually use. I don’t like the battery consumption the phone apps require and prefer the dedicated bike systems.

I was not impressed with Polar’s software when I was using it; the competition from Garmin & others may force them to fix the PC and web-based software.

[CCrew]

I’ve got a Garmin Edge 305. Upgrading to a 800 in the near future.

[Dirt]

Edge 705. RideWithGPS.com has weededm e off of MapMyRide. It is easier for me to use and I get better results.

[Justin Antos]

RunMeter on my iPhone. Syncs pretty easily to Google Calendar, Twitter, etc. Good “route” capabilities for commutes and frequent trips. Even gives you “behind best by 2 mins” announcements.

[SteveTheTech]

+1 data geek.

I like seeing things on Google maps.

I’ve tried Mapmyride and wasn’t sold, or got bored I forget.

I’m not convinced my phone (which is always on me and charged) can’t do a better job than a garmin, maybe with addition. I picked up something weird online, a Mainnav md-600. It has all the functions of a decent computer with coordinate logging. It worked great for training. As a beta software aficionado the accompanying software (written in Taiwanese) does actually work despite the manuals repeated attempts at foiling my attempts.

The Move bike computer software wasn’t bad, nice and simple.

GPS is great unless your under high tension lines. (I’ve seen people hit mach 3 in a fraction of a second) Crazy things happen there.

Good thread I had been curious about this topic. +1 internets.

[Justin Antos]

As for others’ complaints that phone apps drain the battery… I’ve never had a problem with it.

Also, the GPS on my iPhone does tend to jump around near tall buildings downtown. Further afield is no problem.

[Dirt]

I can’t imagine a phone working well for long rides. I’m not aware of a smart phone that can deal with constant use of the GPS for more than a few hours without killing the battery. My Garmin Edge 705 has survived quite a few 14+ hour rides.

[Justin Antos]

Ah… yeah, I never ride for more than a few hours. My maximum probably coincides with the phone’s

[eminva]

I use the same program as Justin. So far, I haven’t had any 14 hour days so it works for me. I think it is a great solution for a budget minded application. If you want all the bells and whistles, or if you need 14 hour coverage, go with the Garmin.

Liz

[americancyclo]

@Dirt 7226 wrote:

I can’t imagine a phone working well for long rides. I’m not aware of a smart phone that can deal with constant use of the GPS for more than a few hours without killing the battery. My Garmin Edge 705 has survived quite a few 14+ hour rides.

I just successfully used the Strava app on my Phone to record the Seagull Century this past weekend. I turned off all the data and voice (airplane mode) to conserve battery. After 7h 20min or running the GPS and taking a few photos, I still had about half the battery life left. I was surprised to say the least, but it makes it obvious that the data services are what kills phones. Not that I think my phone could stand up to the grand rides that Dirt participates in, but for the moment, at least until I can save up for a 705, the phone will suffice, although I really want HRM and cadence data!

Just for comparison, friends had a Garmin Forerunner 405CX that ran out of power within 1 minute of crossing the finish line, and a Garmin Forerunner 310XT that still had 3/4 battery left on it.

[Justin Antos]

In recent weeks I’ve taken a few trips in the 5-7 hour range with my iPhone running RunMeter, snapping a few pictures, etc., and I typically still have a quarter to half the battery left. I’m sure it wouldn’t last 14, but then again neither would I!!

[Dirt]

@americancyclo 9209 wrote:

I just successfully used the Strava app on my Phone to record the Seagull Century this past weekend. I turned off all the data and voice (airplane mode) to conserve battery. After 7h 20min or running the GPS and taking a few photos, I still had about half the battery life left. I was surprised to say the least, but it makes it obvious that the data services are what kills phones. Not that I think my phone could stand up to the grand rides that Dirt participates in, but for the moment, at least until I can save up for a 705, the phone will suffice, although I really want HRM and cadence data!

Just for comparison, friends had a Garmin Forerunner 405CX that ran out of power within 1 minute of crossing the finish line, and a Garmin Forerunner 310XT that still had 3/4 battery left on it.

Very cool! I end up putting my phone in Airplane mode on rides like that anyways to conserve battery. Cool that it worked for you. My Garmin 705 did fine with the MoCo epic yesterday… 13 hours of riding… I wasn’t using it to navigate though…. just to record where I’d been.

[Dirt]

@Justin Antos 9220 wrote:

In recent weeks I’ve taken a few trips in the 5-7 hour range with my iPhone running RunMeter, snapping a few pictures, etc., and I typically still have a quarter to half the battery left. I’m sure it wouldn’t last 14, but then again neither would I!!

Running I’d last 30 minutes tops… then I’d be waddling around for the next 4 days. I need to start up running slightly more seriously for the winter. I may get myself one of those fancy Garmin running watches.

[jabberwocky]

@Dirt 9222 wrote:

I need to start up running slightly more seriously for the winter. I may get myself one of those fancy Garmin running watches.

I just picked up a Garmin Forerunner 610 (using the gift card you gave me forever ago for watching the kitties). Its super snazzy.

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