# Getting Started with WatchMy.bike

WatchMy.bike is a cycling gear tracking platform that helps you manage your bikes, track components, monitor distances, and share your builds publicly. This guide will walk you through setting up your account and adding your first bike.

## Creating Your Account

1. Visit [watchmy.bike/signup](https://watchmy.bike/signup)
2. Sign up with your email address or use Google sign-in
3. Verify your email address (check your inbox for a confirmation link)
4. You're ready to start tracking!

## Adding Your First Bike

After logging in, you'll land on your dashboard. Here's how to add your first bike:

### Step 1: Click "Add Bike"
From your dashboard or the Bikes page, click the "Add Bike" button.

### Step 2: Enter Basic Information
- **Name**: Give your bike a name (e.g., "Canyon Aeroad", "Commuter", "Sunday Ride")
- **Make**: The manufacturer (e.g., Canyon, Specialized, Trek)
- **Model**: The specific model name
- **Year**: Model year
- **Type**: Select from Road, Mountain, Gravel, TT, Track, City, E-bike, or Other

### Step 3: Optional Details
- **Purchase Date**: When you bought or received the bike
- **Purchase Price**: Track your investment (only visible to you)
- **Weight**: Bike weight in kg
- **Notes**: Any additional information

### Step 4: Add a Photo
Upload a photo of your bike. This will be displayed on your dashboard and public profile (if enabled).

## Connecting Strava (Optional)

If you use Strava, connecting your account enables automatic distance tracking:

1. Go to **Settings > Strava**
2. Click "Connect Strava"
3. Authorize WatchMy.bike to access your activities
4. Import your existing Strava bikes or link them to WatchMy.bike bikes

Once connected, your bike distances update automatically every 6 hours based on your Strava activities.

## Adding Components

Track every part on your bike:

1. Go to your bike's detail page
2. Click "Add Component"
3. Select the component type (Drivetrain, Wheels, Brakes, etc.)
4. Enter details: brand, model, weight, price
5. Set an expected lifespan to get replacement alerts

Components automatically track their own distance from the moment they're installed.

## Understanding Your Dashboard

Your dashboard shows:
- **Total Riding Time**: Combined time across all bikes
- **Quick Stats**: Total bikes, components, distance, activities
- **Recent Bikes**: Your most recently used bikes
- **Component Health**: Components needing attention (due for service, near end of life)
- **Recent Activities**: Your latest rides (if Strava is connected)

## Next Steps

- [Connect Strava](./strava.md) for automatic distance tracking
- [Set up maintenance alerts](./maintenance.md) to never miss service
- [Make your profile public](./public-profiles.md) to share your builds
- [Learn about component tracking](./components.md) for detailed gear management

## Subscription Tiers

WatchMy.bike offers three tiers:

| Feature | Steel (Free) | Alloy (€39/year) | Carbon (€69/year) |
|---------|--------------|------------------|-------------------|
| Bikes | 3 | 10 | 50 |
| Photos per bike | 3 | 10 | 100 |
| Strava sync | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maintenance alerts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Public profile | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cost tracking | No | Yes | Yes |
| Document storage | No | 1GB | 5GB |

Start with Steel (free) and upgrade when you need more features or storage.