Integrating a bicycling app with a Fitbit Charge HR?
January 19, 2016 11:25 AM Subscribe
I have a Fitbit Charge HR. It doesn't do well with cycling, per Fitbit's instructions, so I'd like to connect it to an app like Map My Ride or Strava for my trips on my bicycle. Can this work or should I use something like Microsoft's Band 2 or the Fitbit Surge that has fully integrated GPS and cycling modes?
Ideally I'd be able to see at least summaries--calories burned, heart rate while exercising, time--consolidated with the other data the Fitbit captures (steps and floors). Looking in a separate app portal for the GPS-enabled app for route-specific data is expected. The problem is that everything I've read isn't clear on if one or the other (Fitbit or Map My Ride/Strava) will make full use of the added data, like heart rate.
I'm not doing heavy duty riding, at least not for another year. This is for getting more exercise and general health improvement. I've gone back and forth between a Charge HR and a Band 2 and right now the killer feature that's missing from the Charge HR is using it with biking.
(I understand that Fitbit and Microsoft fitness devices aren't guaranteed-accurate heart rate monitors. I'm going for an "improvement over time" metric, not clinic-grade measurements.)
Ideally I'd be able to see at least summaries--calories burned, heart rate while exercising, time--consolidated with the other data the Fitbit captures (steps and floors). Looking in a separate app portal for the GPS-enabled app for route-specific data is expected. The problem is that everything I've read isn't clear on if one or the other (Fitbit or Map My Ride/Strava) will make full use of the added data, like heart rate.
I'm not doing heavy duty riding, at least not for another year. This is for getting more exercise and general health improvement. I've gone back and forth between a Charge HR and a Band 2 and right now the killer feature that's missing from the Charge HR is using it with biking.
(I understand that Fitbit and Microsoft fitness devices aren't guaranteed-accurate heart rate monitors. I'm going for an "improvement over time" metric, not clinic-grade measurements.)
Actually, it looks like the charge HR can not simply be used as a blutooth heart rate monitor. I don't know why I thought otherwise; sorry.
posted by nobeagle at 12:41 PM on January 19, 2016
posted by nobeagle at 12:41 PM on January 19, 2016
I have the same Fitbit as you and have experienced a similar issue. I like to use my Nike Running app to track GPS and distance while trail running, then link up my stats to my Fitbit afterwards. It's worked pretty well for me, but there is some manual entry involved.
My boyfriend is a cyclist and uses Strava, so I'll give my recommendations using that app. You'll want to have the app running and the Fitbit on your wrist while you cycle (hopefully this goes without saying). After you finish, manually log your Fitbit stats. Here's how: from your Fitbit app, select "Track exercise." Tap the stopwatch in the top right hand corner. Make sure the toggle switch at the top of the screen is set to "Log." Here you can type in "bike" or "mountain bike" (no "cycling" option available). Now all you have to do is adjust the specs to reflect the time that you were actually biking and the distance you went (simple, since you have that info from Strava!). Voila. Your Fitbit factors in your heart rate during the time you specified and gives you calories burned, active minutes, time in heart rate zones, and max heart rate.
I've also used manual entry for walking, hiking, and yoga sessions. Good luck!
posted by Teradactyl at 2:47 PM on January 19, 2016
My boyfriend is a cyclist and uses Strava, so I'll give my recommendations using that app. You'll want to have the app running and the Fitbit on your wrist while you cycle (hopefully this goes without saying). After you finish, manually log your Fitbit stats. Here's how: from your Fitbit app, select "Track exercise." Tap the stopwatch in the top right hand corner. Make sure the toggle switch at the top of the screen is set to "Log." Here you can type in "bike" or "mountain bike" (no "cycling" option available). Now all you have to do is adjust the specs to reflect the time that you were actually biking and the distance you went (simple, since you have that info from Strava!). Voila. Your Fitbit factors in your heart rate during the time you specified and gives you calories burned, active minutes, time in heart rate zones, and max heart rate.
I've also used manual entry for walking, hiking, and yoga sessions. Good luck!
posted by Teradactyl at 2:47 PM on January 19, 2016
I have a Microsoft Band 2 and recommend it heartily for its fitness tracking features. The best part is the built-in GPS, which means not having to carry my phone with me on a run/ride. I've linked Strava to my account.
I realize this doesn't address the question of how to consolidate the data from your Charge HR with a ride-tracking app. But since you have access to both devices, I wanted to give the Band 2 an enthusiastic thumbs up as a means to side-step your problem.
posted by gox3r at 5:12 PM on January 19, 2016
I realize this doesn't address the question of how to consolidate the data from your Charge HR with a ride-tracking app. But since you have access to both devices, I wanted to give the Band 2 an enthusiastic thumbs up as a means to side-step your problem.
posted by gox3r at 5:12 PM on January 19, 2016
I have a fitbit and training for half marathons. One thing to consider with an app is that it will kill your phone's battery. Honestly, when I do any kind of exercise I use a Garmin with a hr monitor and GPS. The fitbit just isn't made for that kind of stuff.
posted by Brittanie at 2:32 AM on January 20, 2016
posted by Brittanie at 2:32 AM on January 20, 2016
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I don't have the charge, but I have a bluetooth HR monitor. I've used it with strava, endomondo and AeroTrackerPro all without issue under Android. Your phone must support bluetooth 4.0 .
posted by nobeagle at 12:25 PM on January 19, 2016