Features & How-To Guide
The only mountain bike app that combines Strava ride analysis, live trail conditions, AI-powered training plans, and a data-aware AI coach — all built for riders who want to improve, not just log miles.
New to Gradient? Follow these steps to get fully set up and unlock the complete experience.
1
Create a free STRAVA account
Gradient syncs entirely from STRAVA. If you don't have a STRAVA account yet, sign up for free at strava.com. You'll need at least a few rides in your history to get the most out of Gradient — the more the better.
2
Sign in with STRAVA
Click 'Sign in with STRAVA' on the Gradient homepage. Authorize Gradient to read your ride data. This uses STRAVA's secure OAuth — Gradient never sees your password. You'll land on the Dashboard after a successful sign-in.
3
Complete the onboarding wizard
After signing in, the onboarding wizard launches automatically. It walks you through nine quick steps — about you, your bio, Strava sync, body metrics, FTP & VO₂, training availability, goals, and an optional first race. Strava history syncs in the background while you finish the rest, so you're ready to use the app the moment you finish.
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You can exit the wizard at any time — a banner on the Today page will let you resume right where you left off.
4
Set your FTP
FTP (Functional Threshold Power) is the single most important number for personalized training. Go to Profile → Power (FTP) and add your FTP. If you don't know it yet, sync a few weeks of rides first and use Auto-Calculate to estimate it from your data.
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Not sure what your FTP is? Sync 4–6 weeks of rides first, then choose Auto-Calculate → Critical Power. You can refine it with a formal test later.
5
Set your fitness level and goals
Go to Settings → Profile. Choose your fitness level (Beginner to Elite) and select your goals — endurance, climbing, race prep, technical skills, weight management, or just having fun. The AI coach uses these to tailor every recommendation to you specifically.
6
Configure your weekly training schedule
Go to Settings → Training Preferences. Set your weekly hours target, rest days per week, and describe each day of your typical week (e.g., 'Zone 2 ride', 'Intervals', 'Rest', 'Cross-training'). The 14-day training plan builds around these constraints.
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The more accurate your weekly schedule, the more realistic and achievable your generated training plan will be.
7
Generate your first training plan
Go to Training in the sidebar and tap 'Generate Plan.' Gradient builds a personalized 14-day periodized plan using your FTP, fitness level, goals, and weekly schedule. Each day gets an intensity level, a detailed workout description, and a target power range.
8
Check local trail conditions
Go to the Trails page to see live conditions for all trails in your area — dry, muddy, frozen, or closed. Bookmark your favorites by tapping the heart icon. The Dashboard 'Rideable Now' widget gives you a quick morning conditions check without opening the Trails page.
9
Ask the AI Coach your first question
Open AI Coach from the sidebar. The coach has full access to your ride history, training plan, FTP, and VO2max. Try asking 'What should my workout be today?' or 'How was my training this week?' You'll get a specific, data-backed answer — not generic advice.
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Be specific for the best results. 'How should I train to improve climbing before my race on June 15?' works far better than 'How do I get faster?'
10
Install Gradient on your home screen
Gradient is a progressive web app (PWA) — no app store needed. On iOS Safari: tap Share → Add to Home Screen. On Android Chrome: tap the menu (⋮) → Add to Home Screen. You'll get a full-screen app icon and faster load times.
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The installed PWA feels like a native app — full screen, no browser chrome, and always one tap away from your home screen.
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