The Best Biking Apps
In today’s digital age, biking apps have become essential tools for cyclists, offering a range of features to enhance your riding experience, track your performance, and help you reach your fitness goals in ways that were once unimaginable. With so many options available, it can be challenging to find the perfect app for your cycling needs. Whether you’re seeking to improve your fitness, discover new routes, stay safe on the road, or simply add a bit of fun to your rides, the right biking app can be a game-changer.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best biking apps on the market, highlighting their key features and benefits to help you discover the ideal app for your cycling adventures.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best biking apps on the market, highlighting their key features and benefits to help you discover the ideal app for your cycling adventures.
Table of Contents
Types of Biking Apps
There are several types of biking apps available, each catering to different aspects of cycling and fitness to social interaction and maintenance, and niche ones such as AR and bike sharing.
Here are some common types of biking apps:
- Navigation and Route Planning: These apps help cyclists plan routes, navigate during rides, and discover new paths. They often include features like turn-by-turn directions, route customization, and offline maps.
- Google Maps: A popular navigation app that offers cycling routes, estimated travel times, and real-time traffic information.
- Komoot: A route planning app tailored for outdoor enthusiasts, offering features like turn-by-turn voice navigation, route recommendations, and offline maps.
- RideWithGPS: A comprehensive route planning app with a vast library of user-generated cycling routes, cue sheets, and real-time navigation.
- Performance Tracking and Analytics: These apps mainly foster community engagement among cyclists, allowing users to share their rides, join clubs, and participate in group challenges, in addition to route guidance and maps functionality
- Strava: A widely-used cycling app that allows you to track your rides, analyze your performance, and compete with others on leaderboards.
- Garmin Connect: Garmin’s companion app that syncs with their GPS devices to offer detailed ride analysis, goal tracking, and personalized insights.
- MapMyRide: A fitness tracking app that logs your cycling workouts, provides performance data, and connects you with a community of cyclists.
- Indoor Cycling and Virtual Racing: These apps are designed for indoor training, often connecting to smart trainers and offering structured workouts, virtual rides, and races.
- Zwift: A virtual cycling platform that offers interactive group rides, structured workouts, and races in an immersive, gamified environment.
- Rouvy: An indoor cycling app that provides realistic virtual routes, structured workouts, and online races.
- RGT Cycling: A virtual cycling platform with realistic graphics and physics, offering structured workouts, races, and social features.
- Workout and Training: These apps track your cycling performance, provide structured workouts, and help with fitness training. They often include metrics like speed, distance, heart rate, and power output.
- TrainerRoad: A training app focused on structured interval workouts and personalized plans to improve your cycling performance.
- SufferFest: Now part of the Wahoo SYSTM platform, SufferFest offers engaging video-driven workouts, structured training plans, and yoga for cyclists.
- GoldenCheetah: An open-source app that provides performance analytics, structured workouts, and planning tools to help you optimize your training.
- Safety and Tracking: These apps enhance cyclist safety by providing features like live tracking, emergency alerts, and crash detection. They can notify others of your location in real-time or in case of an emergency.
- Garmin Connect: Integrates with Garmin devices to offer live tracking and incident detection.
- Road ID: Provides live tracking and emergency alerts for cyclists.
- bSafe: Offers safety features like live tracking and emergency SOS alerts.
- Maintenance and Bike Management: These apps help cyclists manage their bikes by tracking maintenance schedules, logging repairs, and offering troubleshooting guides.
- Bike Doctor: Provides step-by-step guides for common bike repairs and maintenance tasks.
- MyBike: Logs bike maintenance history and reminds you when service is due.
- Shimano E-Tube: For bikes with Shimano components, this app offers maintenance and diagnostics tools.
- Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Riding: These apps provide immersive cycling experiences, combining real-world routes with augmented reality elements or offering entirely virtual environments.
- Rouvy: Uses augmented reality to blend real-world video routes with virtual elements.
- Fulgaz**: Offers real-world video routes, creating a realistic indoor cycling experience.
- Kinomap: Provides interactive indoor training with real-world videos and virtual competitions.
- Commuting and Urban Cycling: These apps focus on helping cyclists navigate urban environments, track their commutes, and find bike-friendly routes.
- Citymapper: Offers cycling routes and integrates with bike-sharing services in various cities.
- Bike Citizens: Designed for urban cyclists, providing route planning and navigation tailored to city environments.
- CycleStreets: Focuses on urban cycling routes and navigation, with an emphasis on safety and convenience.
- Bike Sharing and Rental: These apps connect users with bike-sharing and rental services, allowing them to locate and rent bikes in cities or tourist destinations:
- Lime: Offers bike and scooter rentals in cities around the world.
- Mobike: Provides dockless bike-sharing services in urban areas.
- Nextbike: Operates bike-sharing systems in various cities, allowing users to rent and return bikes via the app.
- Event and Race Management: These apps help cyclists participate in events, manage race registrations, and track performance during competitions.
- BikeReg: An event registration platform for cycling races and events.
- RaceJoy: Provides race tracking, timing, and participant updates for cycling events.
- Eventbrite: Although not cycling-specific, it’s used by many cycling events for registration and management.
By exploring these various types of biking apps, you can find the right tools to enhance your cycling experience, improve your performance, safety, increase social media presence, and reach your fitness goals.
Why Use Apps for Biking
Cycling apps have become increasingly popular among cyclists due to the numerous benefits they offer, including enhanced training, tracking, safety, and overall cycling experience. Here are some reasons to consider using apps for cycling:
- Performance Tracking: Many cycling apps use GPS and other data to track your speed, distance, time, and elevation, helping you monitor your progress and set achievable goals. You can track calories burned as well, by integrating with a heart rate monitors or power meters to get detailed insights into your training intensity and effectiveness.
- Route Planning and Navigation: Apps can help you discover new routes, plan your rides, and provide turn-by-turn navigation, making it easier to explore new areas and find the best cycling paths.
- Training and Coaching: Some apps offer structured training plans, workouts, and virtual coaching to help you improve your fitness and cycling skills. Many apps offer pre-designed training plans or workouts tailored to your goals, such as improving endurance, strength, or speed. Keep a log of all your rides and see improvements over weeks, months, or even years.
- Social Features: Many cycling apps have social features that allow you to connect with other cyclists, join virtual clubs, and share your achievements with friends. Apps like Strava allow you to join virtual clubs, participate in group rides, and engage with other cyclists in your area or worldwide. You can compete in challenges, share your rides on social media, and earn badges or recognition for your achievements.
- Safety and Emergency Features: Certain apps include safety features such as live tracking, crash detection, and emergency contact notifications, giving you and your loved ones peace of mind while you ride. Apps like Strava or Garmin have live tracking features that let friends or family know your real-time location, enhancing safety. Some apps automatically send alerts to emergency contacts if they detect a crash or a sudden stop.
- Integration with Devices: Cycling apps often integrate with fitness trackers, smartwatches, and bike sensors to provide a more comprehensive view of your cycling data and performance.
- Challenges and Motivation: Participate in virtual challenges, leaderboards, and competitions to stay motivated and push yourself to achieve more on your bike. Earn rewards, badges, or points for completing rides, achieving personal records, or participating in challenges. Platforms like Zwift allow you to ride virtually with others, simulating different terrains and conditions from the comfort of your home.
- Cost-Effective: Access to training plans and performance analysis on these biking apps is much cheaper than hiring a personal coach. And many high-quality cycling apps offer free versions with plenty of useful features.
- Maintenance and Bike Management: Some apps help you keep track of your bike’s maintenance schedule, reminding you when it’s time for a tune-up or part replacement. Log all your rides, noting conditions, performance, and any mechanical issues for future reference.
In summary, cycling apps offer a wealth of features and benefits that can elevate your cycling experience, whether you’re a casual rider or a competitive athlete. By taking advantage of these tools, you can make the most of your time on the bike and enjoy the many rewards that cycling has to offer.
The Apps that Help Me in Bike Training
When it comes to training, I try to keep things simple. I can afford to use more technology to improve my “game”, but this helps me manage what I can, and I have seen improvement. My go-to apps and gadgets are –
- Strava: I use it to connect with close friends, track my miles on all my rides, and more importantly for me, it sends out a location tracker before I start my ride so that if something were to happen, my family can find me. I can also track other workouts such as running, hiking, walking that I do, weather and mood permitting. I feel the Strava free version has the option and features that fits my needs.
- Runkeeper: An older app, Runkeeper tracks all sorts of workouts from running, cycling, skiing, walking, mountain biking, rowing, etc. Similar to Strava for tracking your progress in the wild with maps and location. I use the free version of Runkeeper as well.
- Bike Computer: I use a Meilan Wireless Bike Computer with speedometer and cadence/ speed sensor, with a heart rate monitor with a chest band (which I haven’t used yet). I use this when on the indoor bike trainer during the cold months and on my road bike during the summer. The cadence part is important to me as that is what determines the speed and endurance aspects of cycling. Also winter indoor training, for me, helps me get faster and stronger during the outside rides in the summer. There are other more advanced models from Garmin, CatEye, and others, but this suits my need perfectly.
Your bike training apps and gadgets don’t have to break the bank. Start slow, or cheap, and see how you use these. You can always upgrade as your fitness improves, or you need something else for your unique situation.
Tips for Using Technology on a Bike Trip
Using technology on a bike trip can greatly enhance your experience, from navigation and safety to documenting your journey.
Here are some tips for using technology on a bike trip:
- Utilize Navigation Apps: Use GPS-enabled apps like Google Maps, Komoot, or RideWithGPS to plan your routes, get turn-by-turn directions, and discover new cycling paths. Consider using a dedicated cycling GPS like those from Garmin or Wahoo, which are designed to be more durable and have longer battery life than smartphones.
- Track Your Progress: Use cycling apps like Strava, MapMyRide, or Endomondo to record your rides, monitor your performance, and share your achievements with friends or social media followers.
- Battery and Connected: Bring a portable charger or power bank to keep your devices charged during your bike trip, ensuring that you have access to navigation, communication, and other essential functions. Turn off unnecessary features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data when not in use. Lower your screen brightness and use battery-saving modes. Another option for powering devices is to install a dynamo hub that generates electricity while you ride, which can be used to charge devices directly, or charge a power bank.
- Use Safety Apps and Features: Apps like RoadID, Garmin Connect, and Strava offer live tracking, emergency contact notifications, and incident detection features that can provide peace of mind and safety during your trip. Set up emergency contacts in your devices, and enable features like automatic crash detection if available. Use front and rear lights that can be charged via USB. Some apps or GPS devices can control these lights automatically based on ambient light conditions.
- Protect Your Devices: Invest in waterproof and shockproof cases or bags for your smartphone and other electronic devices to protect them from damage during your ride.
- Listen Responsibly: If you choose to listen to music or podcasts while riding, use only one earbud or consider using a Bluetooth speaker to maintain awareness of your surroundings.
- Plan for Limited Connectivity: In areas with limited cell service or internet connectivity, consider downloading offline maps or saving important information for easy access during your trip. If you’re traveling internationally, research local SIM cards or international roaming plans to stay connected. Keep important documents (like your ID, insurance, and emergency contacts) stored offline on your phone or on a USB drive in case you lose connectivity.
- Use Technology for Fitness and Training: If you’re training, consider using a heart rate monitor or power meter to track your exertion levels and optimize your performance. Use fitness apps like Strava or TrainingPeaks to log your rides, analyze your performance, and keep motivated by tracking progress over time.
- Plan for Repairs and Emergencies: Download apps or save PDFs that provide step-by-step instructions for common bike repairs, like fixing a flat tire or adjusting brakes. In case of an emergency, make sure you know how to share your exact location with emergency services or friends using apps like What3Words or Google Maps.
- Respect Local Laws and Etiquette: Make sure you’re aware of local laws regarding the use of electronics while cycling, especially for navigation and communication. If you’re using headphones or a speaker, keep the volume low or use bone-conduction headphones that allow you to hear ambient sounds for safety.
- Stay Focused on the Ride: Limit the use of your phone or other gadgets while riding to avoid distractions. Consider setting your phone to Do Not Disturb mode during the ride. Set up all your devices and apps before starting your ride to avoid fiddling with technology while on the move.
By incorporating these tips into your bike trip planning, you can effectively leverage technology to enhance your cycling experience while ensuring your safety and enjoyment on the road.
Can Apps Help Gamify Your Bike Workout?
Yes, apps can definitely help gamify your bike workout, making it more engaging, enjoyable, and motivating. Gamification in cycling apps often involves using game-like elements such as points, achievements, leaderboards, virtual worlds, and challenges to enhance the workout experience.
Here are some ways that apps can introduce gaming elements into your cycling routine:
Here are some ways that apps can introduce gaming elements into your cycling routine:
- Virtual Environments: Apps like Zwift and Rouvy create immersive virtual environments where you can ride, race, and explore alongside other cyclists in real-time. These platforms often feature interactive elements such as power-ups, leaderboards, and virtual rewards to enhance the gaming experience.
- Structured Challenges: Many cycling apps offer structured challenges, such as climbing a specific elevation, completing a distance goal, or participating in virtual races. These challenges can help you push your limits and stay motivated while earning badges, trophies, or other in-app rewards.
- Personal Records and Leaderboards: Apps like Strava and Garmin Connect allow you to track your personal records and compare your performance with other cyclists on leaderboards. This friendly competition can encourage you to strive for continuous improvement and celebrate your achievements. In Zwift, as you complete rides, races, and challenges, you can unlock new gear, bikes, and customization options for your avatar. These rewards can provide additional motivation to keep riding and achieving new goals. Garmin Connect offers a variety of badges that you can earn by completing different types of activities. Collecting these badges can be a fun way to track your accomplishments and see your progress.
- Interactive Workouts: Some apps, like SufferFest and TrainerRoad, offer structured interval workouts with engaging video content, motivational coaching, and virtual power targets to help you stay focused and push your limits during your training sessions.
- Social Features: Many cycling apps allow you to connect with friends, join clubs, and participate in group challenges, fostering a sense of community and friendly competition that can make your workouts more enjoyable. Strava is built around this feature and the KOM (Kind Of the Mountain) is now synonymous with any cyclist looking for that elusive badge of honor.
- Custom Workouts and Adaptive Training: Customized workouts can help you improve specific areas as you continue to get stronger and faster on the bike. TrainerRoad offers structured workout plans that adapt based on your performance. The app gamifies your training by providing clear goals, feedback, and progress tracking. You can see how each workout contributes to your overall fitness and how close you are to reaching your targets. Xert uses adaptive training technology that adjusts your workouts based on your real-time fitness data. The app gamifies the experience by providing visual feedback on your effort, showing how much “XSS” (Xert Stress Score) you’ve accumulated, and how close you are to your goals.
Augmented Reality and Immersive Experiences: New in sports training is AR. The Rouvy and Fulgaz apps offer augmented reality (AR) and real-world video experiences, making indoor cycling more immersive. You can virtually ride through famous routes and compete with others, adding a layer of realism and excitement to your workouts.
By incorporating these gamification elements into your bike workouts, you can transform your cycling routine into an engaging and rewarding experience that helps you stay motivated, reach your fitness goals, and have fun in the process.
More Fun, Better Performance with Biking Apps
Happy Riding!
I hope you found this information helpful. Check out my other related posts such as changing your bike’s jockey wheel, interval training for cyclists, and common reasons for foot numbness in cyclists. We also recorded a relevant podcast on injuries and prevention.
