The Android App "Bike Activity"

[Digital_Cowboy]

Has anyone heard of and/or used the Android App "Bike Activity?"

It's an app that one can enter not only their bikes but the individual components as well, and it'll remind you to do various types of maintenance on it. Such as checking the chain for stretch, lubing the chain (even though they call it oiling) checking the cassette for wear, etc. One can also enter pictures of their bikes as well as the various components.

It also has the ability to track miles, it'd be kind of worthless as a maintenance reminder if it didn't.

The free version is limited to just one bike and has ads in it.

[ItsJustMe]

My app for that is "fix something when it stops working right" or "apply lube when something makes noise."

For some things preventive maintenance makes a lot of sense but for me I've determined that it does not make sense for me on a bicycle.

I did the numbers and did the experiment and determined that the most cost effective and time effective way to deal with a drivetrain is to lube it when it squeaks, and let it run until it starts to skip, which is WAY WAY past when a "stretch gauge" would say to replace the chain. Running until the cassette is destroyed and then replacing chain, cassette, derailleur wheels and possibly chainrings turns out to be cheaper (in my situation) than replacing the chain several times, especially since it doesn't actually seem to make the sprockets last longer if I change the chain, I still need to replace the cassette and chainrings occasionally. Obviously the exact calculation depends upon what you're paying for chains, cassettes, etc.

Obviously I would fix something before it became a hazard that might cause an accident or leave me stranded, but hardly anything falls in that category on a bike.

[johnny99]

Seems like a waste to have an app running all the time just to track maintenance reminders.

[Digital_Cowboy]

Seems like a waste to have an app running all the time just to track maintenance reminders.

I don't think that it's "running all the time" as it does have on the main screen a "button" to exit the app.

[Aushiker]

I log my riding at BikeJournal.com so use there tracking options. SImple but I find it works for me.

Andrew

[Digital_Cowboy]

I log my riding at BikeJournal.com so use there tracking options. SImple but I find it works for me.

Andrew

I didn't sign up, and apparently that is the only way to see what it has to offer. Does it offer a way to tack when maintenance is needed on the various components? That is the purpose behind Bike Activity, to let the rider know when they should look at their brakes, cables, tires, etc.

[Andy_K]

I've been thinking about writing an app to track mileage on my components, but if someone has done it for me that's even better. I've been using MapMyRide, but it annoys me that I have to tell it every component I've used for every ride. It seems like it would be much better to tell it what components are on the bike and then just tell it which bike I used. Of course, given how hard it apparently was for MapMyRide to even enable gear tracking on their new site I guess I shouldn't expect too much from them.

[Aushiker]

I didn't sign up, and apparently that is the only way to see what it has to offer. Does it offer a way to tack when maintenance is needed on the various components? That is the purpose behind Bike Activity, to let the rider know when they should look at their brakes, cables, tires, etc.

BikeJournal tracks your mileage in respect to tyres and chains. For cables I just have a policy of replacing every 10,000 km. Easy to track.

Andrew

[Digital_Cowboy]

I've been thinking about writing an app to track mileage on my components, but if someone has done it for me that's even better. I've been using MapMyRide, but it annoys me that I have to tell it every component I've used for every ride. It seems like it would be much better to tell it what components are on the bike and then just tell it which bike I used. Of course, given how hard it apparently was for MapMyRide to even enable gear tracking on their new site I guess I shouldn't expect too much from them.

Even though it can be used by all riders it does seem to be geared more towards racers. As under the classification of how one rides there wasn't an option for transportation/utility/cargo. Also some components such as tire and tubes treated as one component instead of as two separate components.

I've made suggestions to the developer and from talking with him via email it does appear that he has taken them seriously.

Maybe if a few others gave it a spin and sent him their feedback as well we can get a good app improved to a really good app.

[Digital_Cowboy]

BikeJournal tracks your mileage in respect to tyres and chains. For cables I just have a policy of replacing every 10,000 km. Easy to track.

Andrew

I might have to look into it. But being as I don't always have reliable access to The Internet at home. Bike Activity appears to do what I want and doesn't require one to be online to enter information.