As a bike commuter, cycling without an app is like not owning a smartphone and still calling someone from a payphone. You can do it, but you’re missing out on some cool technology. But, with so many cycling apps available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best ones for your needs.
I have two different setups: For my mountain bike and road bike I use my Bike Computer, Garmin Edge 530, connected with Komoot (for mountain biking) or Strava (for road cycling). For my bike commuting, I use a smartphone holder with Google Maps in case I’m doing errands besides my route home-work-home.
However, since there is no one-size-fits-all app, we’re going in-depth in this article to help you choose the best cycling app for your needs.
Table of Contents
The Digital Age of Cycling
As technology continues to advance, it’s no surprise that cycling has also entered the digital age. With the rise of cycling apps and other tech, riders can now optimize their rides and track their progress like never before. Here are a few ways that technology is elevating the cycling experience:
From Analog to Digital: How Technology is Elevating the Cycling Experience
Cycling has come a long way from its analog roots. Once upon a time, riders had to rely on paper maps and handwritten notes to navigate new routes. Now, GPS technology and cycling-specific apps like Strava and Komoot make it easy to plan and track rides. Riders can use these apps to find new routes, track their progress, and even compete with friends.
But it’s not just about navigation and tracking. Technology has also led to the development of new cycling gear and accessories. From smart helmets that can detect impacts and send alerts to emergency contacts, to bike lights that can adjust their brightness based on ambient light levels, there are a variety of tech-driven options available to modern riders.
The Surge of Cycling Apps: Meeting the Needs of Modern Bike Commuters
One of the most significant changes in cycling over the past few years has been the surge of cycling apps. These apps offer a range of features designed to meet the needs of modern bike commuters. For example, some apps allow riders to plan routes based on factors like traffic and elevation changes. Others offer features like real-time weather updates and alerts for road closures or accidents.
Perhaps the most popular cycling app is Strava. This app allows riders to track their rides, compete with friends, and even join virtual challenges. With features like leaderboards and segment tracking, Strava has become a go-to app for serious cyclists.
Overall, technology has had a significant impact on the cycling experience. From navigation and tracking to gear and accessories, riders can now take advantage of a range of tech-driven options to optimize their rides and stay safe on the road.
Route and Navigation
Navigating your way through the city or exploring scenic routes and trails can be a challenge, but with the right cycling app, it can be a breeze. Here are some of the best apps for route planning and navigation.
Best Cycling Apps for the City
When it comes to commuting by bike, getting from point A to point B as quickly and safely as possible is key. These apps are designed to help you navigate the busy streets of the city with ease.
| App Name | Price | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| Google Maps | Free | Google Maps is a versatile app that works in more than 220 countries and territories. It allows you to highlight bike paths in green, as well as lower traffic roads that are safer for cyclists to travel on. |
| Waze | Free | Waze is a community-based traffic and navigation app that provides real-time information about traffic, road closures, and accidents. It also offers turn-by-turn directions and voice-guided navigation. There is no “bike option” available. |
| Citymapper | Free | Citymapper is a public transportation and navigation app that provides real-time transit information, bike routes, and walking directions. It also offers bike share information and real-time alerts for delays and disruptions. |
Best Cycling Apps for Exploring Scenic Routes and Trails
If you’re looking to explore scenic routes and trails, these apps are perfect for you. They offer turn-by-turn navigation, route planning, and information about points of interest along the way.
| App Name | Price | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| Komoot | Free with in-app purchases | Komoot is a route planning and navigation app that offers turn-by-turn directions for cycling, hiking, and running. It also provides detailed information about points of interest, such as restaurants, scenic viewpoints, and historical landmarks. |
| Trailforks | Free with in-app purchases | Trailforks is a mountain biking app that offers detailed trail maps, route planning, and turn-by-turn navigation. It also provides information about trail conditions, difficulty ratings, and points of interest along the way. |
| Garmin Connect | Free with in-app purchases | Garmin Connect is a route planning and navigation app that offers turn-by-turn directions for cycling, running, and hiking. It also provides detailed information about points of interest, such as restaurants, scenic viewpoints, and historical landmarks. |
With these apps, you can optimize your ride and find your way with precision. Whether you’re commuting in the city or exploring scenic routes and trails, these apps will help you get where you need to go safely and efficiently.
Fitness and Progress Trackers: Your Personal Cycling Coach
As a bike commuter, it’s important to track your physical performance and progress. Luckily, there are many apps available that can help you do just that. Here are some of the best apps to track your physical performance while cycling.
Measuring the Burn: Apps to Track Your Physical Performance
Strava
Strava is a popular app among cyclists, and for good reason. It tracks your ride data, including distance, speed, and elevation, and allows you to set goals and track your progress. Strava also has a social component, allowing you to connect with other cyclists and join challenges.
MapMyRide
MapMyRide is another great app for tracking your physical performance while cycling. It offers detailed ride data, including distance, speed, and elevation, and allows you to set and track goals. MapMyRide also has a feature that allows you to create and save custom routes.
Cyclemeter
Cyclemeter is a comprehensive app that tracks your ride data, including distance, speed, and elevation, as well as your heart rate and calories burned. It also offers training plans and allows you to set and track goals. Cyclemeter has a feature that allows you to share your ride data with friends and family.
Endomondo
Endomondo is a popular app that tracks your ride data, including distance, speed, and elevation, and allows you to set and track goals. It also has a social component, allowing you to connect with other cyclists and join challenges. Endomondo also has a feature that allows you to track your nutrition and hydration.
By using these apps to track your physical performance and progress, you can optimize your ride and become a better cyclist.
Stay Safe and Connected: Emergency and Communication Tools
As a bike commuter, safety should always be a top priority. Fortunately, there are several cycling apps that can help you stay safe and connected on your rides.
Alert and Aware: Apps for Real-Time Traffic and Road Condition Updates
One of the best ways to stay safe while bike commuting is to be aware of your surroundings. Real-time traffic and road condition updates can help you plan your route accordingly and avoid potentially dangerous situations.
Apps like Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps can provide real-time traffic updates to help you avoid congested areas and plan your route accordingly. Additionally, apps like AccuWeather and The Weather Channel can provide up-to-date weather information to help you plan for inclement weather conditions.
SOS Features: Ensuring Help is Just a Tap Away on Your Rides
In case of an emergency, it’s important to have quick and easy access to help. Fortunately, several cycling apps offer SOS features that can help you get the help you need in case of an emergency.
Apps like Ride with GPS and Strava offer Beacon features that allow you to share your location with friends, family, or emergency contacts in case of an emergency. Additionally, apps like Road ID and ICEdot offer emergency identification tools that can provide important medical information to first responders in case of an accident.
By utilizing these emergency and communication tools, you can ride with confidence knowing that you have the necessary resources to stay safe and connected on your bike commute.
Join the Pack: Social Networking for Cyclists
As a bike commuter, it can be challenging to find like-minded individuals to ride with. However, with the rise of social networking apps for cyclists, it’s easier than ever to connect with fellow bike commuters and build your bike tribe. Here are some of the best apps to help you connect with other cyclists:
Building Your Bike Tribe: Apps to Connect with Fellow Cyclists
Strava
Strava is a social networking app for cyclists that allows you to track your rides, compete with other cyclists, and connect with fellow bike commuters. You can join groups based on your interests, such as bike commuting or road cycling, and participate in challenges to stay motivated. Strava also offers a feature called “Beacon,” which allows you to share your location with friends and family while you’re out on a ride.
Garmin Connect
Garmin Connect is a social networking app for cyclists that allows you to track your rides, connect with other cyclists, and share your progress with friends and family. The app offers a feature called “LiveTrack,” which allows you to share your location with others in real-time, making it a great option for bike commuters who want to stay connected with loved ones while on the road.
Map My Ride
Map My Ride is a social networking app for cyclists that allows you to track your rides, connect with other cyclists, and discover new routes. The app offers a feature called “Route Genius,” which uses your ride history and preferences to suggest new routes that are tailored to your needs. This makes it a great option for bike commuters who want to discover new routes and avoid traffic.
In conclusion, social networking apps for cyclists are a great way to connect with fellow bike commuters and build your bike tribe. Whether you’re looking to compete, stay motivated, or discover new routes, there’s an app out there for you. So why not join the pack and start connecting with other cyclists today?
Cycling Apps for Bike Maintenance
As a bike commuter, keeping my bike in top condition is crucial for a smooth and safe ride. Fortunately, there are several cycling apps available that can help with bike maintenance and repairs.
One app that I find particularly helpful is Bike Gear Calculator. This app allows me to calculate gear ratios and compare different gearing options, which is especially useful when I’m considering upgrading my bike’s drivetrain. The app also has a feature for calculating chain length, which can be a bit tricky to get right without the right tools and knowledge.
For those looking to optimize their bike fit, Bike Fast Fit is a great app to consider. The app uses photos and measurements to help cyclists find their ideal saddle height, handlebar position, and more. The app also includes a feature for analyzing pedal stroke and identifying areas for improvement.
