Hi,
I've seen several suggestions for new features regarding fixed gear and single speed bikes.
I would like to reiterate why I think it would be a good idea and give new elements that are relevant.
Currently, riding a fixed gear / track bike (one gear no freewheel) or a single speed (one gear with freewheel) is counted as a regular bike on Strava.
However, the speed, effort, watt, heart rate may be quite different from bike to bike. There are already several other categories of bikes and riding fixed or single speed changes the riding effort so much I think it deserves it's own category.
Moreover, if this new category would include a ratio calculator (number of teeth on the chainring divided by number of teeth on the cog), we could also calculate and estimate our pedaling cadence, which is important.
Since Strava is already calculating our speed, and since speed on a fixed gear is directly related to our ratio and cadence I really think it would give a valuable information.
For example I can reach 33Km/h with a cadence of a 100rpm with a ratio of 49/19, or reach a similar speed by pedaling at a 90rpm with 49/17 ratio. Tire size also affect this metric but you get the idea.
Pedaling cadence and gear ratio are really important when riding fixed gear and I think they would also mix well with other metrics such as watt and heart rate.
All of this, + the fact that fixed gear and single speed deserve their own leaderboard, KOMs etc...
You must be a registered user to add a comment. If you've already registered, sign in. Otherwise, register and sign in.