Strava vs Training Peaks - One, the other, or both? Why do you use them?

MikeInNH

If I am posting this in the wrong place, please let me know - I'm still new at EN.

My question:

There are a lot of tools out there, but I have heard of a lot of users referencing Strava and Training Peaks.  I'm interested to hear the reasons why you would use one or the other (or both).  I currently have both, but am mostly active on Training Peaks and am just getting acclimated to Strava.

Thanks.

Mike

 

 

jaleslie

I use both as well.  Mainly TP though.  I still upload my rides only to Strava....just to see how I compare to others on local climbs, descents, etc.  Since TP is more robust (includes swimming, other activities), I think it's a little more useful for a triathlete.  But, Strava is pretty cool, especially if you pay for the premium account.  I pay for the TP premium, but just use the free Strava for kicks and grins.  

I also use WKO+ for analyzing power data, although I'm not convinced I get a whole lot out of it that I can't get from TP premium.  

ezellrh

I'm very similar to Jeff. I use TP to store/analyze all of my training data. I have a paid TP account. I also have a free strava account, but I stopped uploading to it a while ago. When I did use strava, it was to compare my efforts with my own previous efforts and see how I broke out compared to others in my area. I found strava (specifically chasing KOM's) to be a very effective whip for outdoor efforts, but I found myself focusing on that aspect of riding and not my actual assigned workouts. So that's why I stopped uploading to strava. Of course, YMMV.

Good luck!

Jenn Edwards

I also use them both (paid TP and premium Strava) and find them both incredibly useful for different reasons.  

1. Strava tends towards: Fun, social, PRs, Q(orK!)OMs, etc.
2. TP tends towards: Data analysis, training load trends, etc.

Would love to hear how either or both end up working out for ya...   

John Withrow

I have Premium TP and Premium Strava, and I upload all of my files to both. As others have said, I use Training peaks for actual data analysis when looking at specific files. I also like to keep track of my TSB (and CTL and ATL) for bigger training blocks and for builds and tapers into my A race.

I use Strava because I have a lot of friend on there and I just like to see what they are doing and it keeps me honest because several of them keep a close watch of what I am doing. It also gives me the added push at going for KOM's, etc. Strava is mostly for fun/motivation and TrainingPeaks is for my actual data analysis.

(I keep a simple spreadsheet as well to log all of my workouts to have decent quick notes and total miles and hours, etc. so I can easily look back to see what I have done over time)

Shaughn Simmons

I use Strava for the social media aspects of sharing/viewing/creating clubs, etc.  I have a paid premium account and I do upload all bike/run/swims....

I am an old WKO+ guy and use that tool for data analysis and TSS/TSB tracking......

 

Peter Noyes

Strava is adding more and more power tracking features. I could see a day where Strava is the only solution needed.

MikeInNH

Thanks everyone - I really appreciate the responses