Biking and Versa 101

[yoyomum60]

I am going to cut to the chase. I have two basic questions on how to use Strava and Versa.

• I currently run the Strava app off my iphone. Sometime after my ride, the ride will show up on my Versa. My question is: can I use Strava on my Versa to record my ride without using the iPhone app? If so, how do I do this? Will all the stats flow to the Strava app? 
• If I am NOT using Strava, do I have to initiate the "Bike" function on my Versa? I think the answer is "no". If the answer is "no", and Versa automatically tracks a ride if you have it set to auto do this, then why have the option to self-initiate a ride on the Versa?

Yes, I have the new software update. Thank you!!!

[chugalug]

1) If you have the accounts linked correctly, then a recorded Fitbit activity will show up on the Strava app. I have recorded a couple of hikes using the Versa, and all of the information successfully transferred over to the Strava app. This is accomplished through starting an activity under "Exercise" on your Fitbit.

2) I believe that it would be best to manually initiate any exercises that requires Connected GPS for route mapping (hikes/runs/biking). Otherwise, the Auto-detect feature may just track duration and heart rate without the GPS info.

***Note: for anything to show up on the Strava app on the Versa, it must be recorded using Strava on your phone...

[yoyomum60]

So, on a bike ride, I use the iPhone to track the ride on Strava, but the data moves to Versa/Fitbit.

Is this the right sequence?

[yoyomum60]

And, rides recorded on Versa move to Strava? This hasn't happened

[chugalug]

In my experience (Fitbit Versa Firmware Version 32.32.10.15; Google Pixel 2 XL running Android P beta; Strava version 45.0.1; Fitbit version 2.71) an exercise recorded on the Versa using connected GPS will sync to my phone's Strava app, and an exercise recorded with Strava on my phone will sync to my phone's Fitbit app.

Some notes:

• The only exercises that appear in the Versa's Strava app are the ones recorded using my phone's Strava app.
• The only exercises that show map data within my phone's Fitbit app are the ones recorded using my Versa (with Connected GPS). Recording with either will result in a map in the Strava app.
• There have been reports that the distances reported by Versa Connected GPS exercises are not accurate. Mine have all been slightly different that the same routes recorded using Strava (usually shorter).
• Recording using the Versa will mean that the stats transferred to the Strava app will include heart rate.

[kcronin]

@chugalug  Well said!

[matimeo · Accepted solution]

This is a good summary of what I am finding in tinkering with my new Versa.

-You have to make sure that you give permission both in the Fitbit app and the Strava app for the two to talk to each other seamlessly.  

-If you initiate a bike ride on the Versa (with connected GPS), it will automatically sync to Strava and include a map and all of the normal data you'd get from recording the ride with Strava.

-If you initiate a bike ride just on the Strava app, it will NOT send any information to the Fitbit app, but it will just auto-detect an outdoor bike ride and have just heart rate and calorie burn information (no map, distance, etc.)

-If you initiate a ride on both the Strava and Fitbit apps, it seems like it will create a duplicate in Strava of the event.

Overall, I'm just a little disappointed in how well this works.  I wish that you could record a ride on Strava, and for all of the information about that ride sync over to the Fitbit app.  However, it looks like the syncing really only happens one way: from the Fitbit app to Strava and not the other way around.  I think it's more accurate and one less step if my phone can just record the ride in Strava, and probably a lot less battery drain on the Versa.  

Can we fix this Fitbit?

[yoyomum60]

This was very helpful. It worked exactly as you said. Previously I did find that rides would synch from my Strava iphone app to Versa eventually but without all of the data as you mentioned.

So, from now on, I will use the Versa bike ride + GPS feature and get all the data I want on both the fitbit and the Strava apps.

Phew.

Now, if only I knew the difference between a bike ride and an outdoor bike ride... Thanks so much.

[matimeo]

I did my bike ride home from work today using the Versa to start a bike ride with connected GPS. It seemed to consume more battery (around 8%), but nothing conclusive from just one ride. I don't like the idea of the Bluetooth being on constantly during the ride, so I still think Strava and Fitbit need to make the two apps sync better. Best would be if they filled in the gaps of information the other doesn't have.

Me personally, I think I'm going to just keep using Strava on my phone as a standalone as I always have without trying to connect the GPS to my Versa. The Versa will still automatically detect a ride and keep track of heart rate, time and calories burned. Strava will track the miles and route. It's still less steps to record info and I'm letting the two different apps do what they're good at. 

[yoyomum60]

I am going to give using both a try but I certainly see what you mean. Thanks for your help

[yoyomum60]

I am going to give using both a try but I certainly see what you mean and I agree 100%. Thanks for your help

[Poli554]

R u having any syncing to versa problems with the pixel 2 ? Or did u ? 🤔 When u got it , I've been thinking about getting a versa special addition . Lmk. Thank you

[Frank75]

If I have a Phone with Strava,, why would I need to connect Versa to it. Strava does a great  job on its own, and keeps good records..I was hoping that Versa would show my milage as I ccycle . The way Versa is set up, it's useless to a cyclist on its own. I am better off just putting an odometer on my bike and leaving Versa on the shelf

[yoyomum60]

If you connect your Versa your Strava will include your HR (if you are a Summit user). I use it for this reason. 

[Petrolburner]

So... Heart Rate Data will Not be included if the "Free" STRAVA app is used?