{"id":43028,"date":"2023-04-14T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-14T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/?p=43028"},"modified":"2023-04-13T17:42:50","modified_gmt":"2023-04-13T15:42:50","slug":"strava-a-basic-guide-for-beginner-cyclists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/strava-a-basic-guide-for-beginner-cyclists\/","title":{"rendered":"Strava: a basic guide for beginner cyclists"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019re passionate about cycling, you have probably heard about Strava. But what exactly is Strava and why has it been rising in popularity over the last few years? In this blog post we\u2019ll share all you need to know about this app, from all its free features to how the segment section works, as well as what KOM\/QOM means. We\u2019ll also ponder on whether the Premium version of the app is worth paying for or not, and how to pair your device to keep track of your activities. Keep reading to find out why Strava has become so hot among cyclists!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is Strava?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Strava is a platform that allows its users to register, analyze and share their sport activities (running, cycling, swimming, hiking\u2026) using a smartphone, a cycling computer, GPS devices, a smartwatch and all kinds of wearables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just like any other sports app, Strava provides training and data analysis tools, even though you can only get full access to all its features with a Premium subscription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strava also has a social media component, as users can connect and \u2018compete\u2019 with other athletes by comparing their results and data with each other, commenting or giving kudos on each other\u2019s posts, as well as joining clubs and challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strava allows its users to explore new tracks and spots to practice sports, and has a real-time tracking tool (Beacon) so that your friends and families can track your location and your progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does Strava work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First of all, either from the app or on the desktop version, you have to register to create your account.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Once registered, you can log your sport activities using GPS-enabled devices such as sports smartwatches, cycling computers or smartphones. Data from these activities will load on the Strava platform through the app or by importing that data through other apps or services. For the latter you\u2019ll have to sync the app you choose with Strava.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that your data has been registered on Strava, you can check your sport activities and compare them with other users\u2019. The app allows you to check the distance covered, your time and speed, as well as your pulse and your power if you have a heart rate monitor and a power meter. In addition, it will show you graphs, maps of the route, its altitudes, as well as all the segments you have completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is the most social aspect of the app, and the most entertaining one for the users (or toxic, depending how you look at it). You can compare your data and times with your teammates and other cyclists in your area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does \u2018segments\u2019 mean in Strava?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Strava segments are shorter sections of a certain route created by its user community meant to check and compare the results of the users that have completed the same segment. Any user can create any new segment if the area is lacking in them, or create a certain segment even if there are already a lot of them within their area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you register a sports activity, Strava automatically analyzes the segments in the route and shows you the results of all the users that have passed through them. The app creates classification ranks for each segment, which allows you to compare the results with other users based on age, gender and who you\u2019re following. This way, users can determine their strengths and weaknesses, improve their performance and motivate themselves in a fun competition. Strava awards virtual medals to those who have the best time in each segment; they are known as QOM and KOM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is QOM and KOM?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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QOM and KOM are two terms used by Strava to define those users who ranked the highest by registering the best result in a specific segment. Both are abbreviations for \u2018Queen of the Mountain\u2019 and \u2018King of the Mountain\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are Strava\u2019s free features?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Strava offers many features for its users without the need to have a paid subscription. Among other things, you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n