Blaze connected GPS not tracking distance correctly on bike

[robynj123]

I got my fitbit blaze just over a month ago, mainly because I cycle to work every day (so obviously this is the same route/distance every day) and wanted to track this. Initially the GPS tracking of my cycle worked well, and was very similar to both what Endomondo on my phone tracked, and what google maps said the distance was. I went away for a week, where I did do a fair bit of walking (not sure if this is relevant or not!) and now that I am back, the tracker has been consistently tracking the cycle as at least 1km less than it should be (where before the distance was always within approx. 0.1km). 

I've tried disconnecting and reconnecting the fitbit, and it doesn't seem to think there is an update available. I tracked the distance at the same time with endomondo one time, and in comparison, the blaze gradually got further and further behind in distance (as endomondo was still correct, I don't think this is to do with my phone). I've attached two maps to see the difference between the two, and what is quite clearly the same route.  And incase it is relevant, my phone is the iPhone SE.

I did see some other posts saying that the distance was out, and that this was the blaze, but given that it worked fine initially, and consistently, I don't really believe that this is the problem here. If anyone has any suggestions then that would be much appreciated!

Thanks

[bbarrera]

@robynj123 this has been a common issue reported on these forums for all makes of phones, although most folks are reporting the issue for walks and runs. Likely cause is Bluetooth interruption, which can be inconsistent just as you are seeing, the reason I say that is because folks can track with an app (Endomondo, Strava, MapMyRun, Fitbit MobileTrack, etc) at the same time as Connected GPS is running. The results are that the app reports correct distance but Blaze reports incorrect distance.

The usual response is 'go vote on it' however I don't think there is a Feature Request for it, so you can either wait and see what comes with the September firmware update, or decide on tracking with a phone app (and either return Blaze, or simply not track as cycling activity).

If you configure Strava and Endomondo, they will send bike ride to Fitbit as an activity (but no HR or map). As long as you leave Blaze in normal mode (no workout tracking), you'll be able to see HR separately from activity. I use Garmin bike computer, which syncs with all sorts of 3rd parties (Strava, Endomondo, RideWithGPS, MapMyRun, etc), and one of my auto-syncs is to Endomondo which then syncs rides to Fitbit as an activity.

Hope that helps.