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Strava eliminating free segment leaderboards
Last Post 05/18/2020 07:27 PM by Orange Crush. 6 Replies.
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6ix

Posts:485

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05/18/2020 12:45 PM
I am NOT happy about this and doubt I'm alone.

"Free users will still be able to see when they’re in the top 10 on a QOM/KOM leaderboard, and position, as well as seeing personal bests – but they won’t be able to analyse those efforts, compare their own results over time, or see their position if they’re outside the top 10"

That last part gets me.  I consider it an accomplishment to even crack the top 10% of any segment around here so cracking the Top 10 isn't ever, ever going to happen. 

I guess I could pay but if everyone isn't paying then what's cool about a leaderboard?  Nothing! 


Cosmic Kid

Posts:4209

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05/18/2020 12:58 PM
This is pretty clear evidence that Strava is struggling to find ways to monetize their platform. All their "premium" platforms have been kinda busts (I subscribed for one year and never renewed). Thier ride abalysis features, route planning, etc all lag behind other platforms, so why would I pay for something I can get in a superior version from Training Peaks or RideWithGPS?

So they now need to turn to taking desired features from subscribers that have been provided for free since the beginning. Which is entirely their right to do....but they set up their business model and are now penalizing people who took them up on their model.
Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
Cosmic Kid

Posts:4209

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05/18/2020 01:19 PM
To add emphasis to my point above, the below is from DC Rainmaker's article on the change....

“In a conference call last week, Strava was point-blank clear that if they don’t get more subscribers and become profitable, there’s a pretty good chance there won’t be a Strava in a year.”
Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
6ix

Posts:485

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05/18/2020 02:04 PM
Why don't Strava just follow the models used by free online services like all the social media sites? Or Google for that matter? They simply need advertisers while scrolling through to see what epic rides your friends did. And advertisers could sponsor some riders as influencers based on the types of rides they are doing.

Seems like this would be a better approach than trying to convert a bulk of their users to monthly subscribers.

Wonder if they will collaborate with Rapha Cycling Club to post Top 10 segment leaders, but only show those that are RCC and Strava members. Seems similar to how the winners of the Super Bowl are coined "world champions" when they only people they are competing against are in the States.
Cosmic Kid

Posts:4209

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05/18/2020 02:43 PM
I agree....just allow advertising. Yeah, some people are gonna squawk (they always do) but the uproar would die out soon enough.

Likely a larger potential revenue stream, as well.
Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
Orange Crush

Posts:4499

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05/18/2020 05:07 PM
Interesting. Not surprising. Advertising would seem like way to go. This seems backwards. A subscription model will see the ship think. Good thing I mostly just use my Excel spreadsheets.

I’m on a few remote segments with under 30 total riders on it but even there I’ve not managed to crack top 10. Added another one on Friday with 26 rides logged on it. Think I’m 15th.
Orange Crush

Posts:4499

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05/18/2020 07:27 PM
Perhaps more to the point and as pointed out elsewhere The irony here is that outfits like Garmin make good money by making hardware that feeds into Strava.
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