Using Strava - do I have to be on-line all the time?

[Gone2far]

If I install Strava and use it on a bike trip, do I have to be on-line for my bike ride - I don't want to use up all my data time. Also, do you clip your phone to your handlebars to see the display (assuming that that kind of clip exists) or do you wear it on your arm and listen to instructions on headphones?

It doesn't necessarily eat your data - that depends on how you use it:

"While recording there is no data usage unless you're viewing the maps, or have Live Segments or Share My Activity Status turned ON. Otherwise, the app just uses GPS while recording. Once you've finished recording the app will need to transfer some data to sync the activity with the Strava servers"

I use it as a runner, and have never had any instructions to follow, so I'm not sure what it is you need to look at or listen to. I just set it going then stuff my phone in my belt.

Your phone needs to be turned on all the time. Mine used to have some sort of power saving mode which meant it switched everything off after a period of not being used and Strava paused.

You can buy a bike computer that links to your Strava and they can be mounted to your bike. I have a Garmin as it has a turn-by-turn navigation and live Strava segments but is a little pricey. There are plenty of articles that compare bike computers, so you can find one that does what you need within your price range.

You can have the phone turned on and the data turned off and the Strava will still work, as the GPS still operates. It does eat up battery power though - which is why independent Garmin (style) bike computers which then link to Strava after the event are better.