Cycling isn’t just about the bike; it’s about the experience, the journey, and the tools that make it smoother. In 2024, cycling apps are no longer just “nice-to-haves” — they’ve become pretty much essential.
From tracking performance to planning the perfect route, the app store has something for everyone, whether you’re a casual cyclist, weekend warrior, or hardcore enthusiast.
I’ve tested a bunch of cycling apps to find the ones that truly stand out. Let me share the best of the bunch, so you can spend more time riding and less time scrolling through the app store.
11. Flare
Flare is a unique app that puts safety first. It features crash detection, location sharing, and can alert emergency contacts if something goes wrong on your ride.
It’s not packed with tracking features, but it’s an app you hope you never need… until you do. It’s especially useful for solo cyclists or those venturing into remote areas.
Why You’ll Love It
- Crash detection: Alerts loved ones if something goes wrong.
- Real-time location sharing: Adds a layer of safety when cycling alone.
10. Wahoo SYSTM
Wahoo’s SYSTM is all about scientifically designed workouts that focus on specific areas of improvement like endurance, power, and recovery.
It’s got everything from HIIT sessions to long, steady rides, so you can tailor your workouts based on your needs. If you’re serious about performance, it’s one of the most detailed apps out there.
Why You’ll Love It
- Scientific training plans: Everything is backed by research, so you know it’s legit.
- Detailed analytics: Get deep insights into your performance.
What to Consider
- Subscription-based, and the free features are pretty limited.
9. Rouvy
Rouvy brings the outdoors indoors with augmented reality routes that mimic real-world locations. You can ride through famous routes and scenic landscapes while focusing on improving your fitness.
It’s highly interactive, combining the visual appeal of outdoor rides with the benefits of structured training. Plus, there’s a free trial, so you can test it out before committing.
Why You’ll Love It
- Augmented reality: Ride through real-world locations from the comfort of your home.
- Structured training: Keeps you on track with fitness goals.
What to Consider
- Like Zwift, you’ll need a smart trainer, and there’s a subscription fee.
8. Bikemap
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Bikemap is like a treasure map for cyclists. Its global database is packed with cycling routes in cities and countries all over the world. From urban commutes to scenic trails, you can find new routes and track your rides with ease.
It’s especially useful if you’re traveling and want to explore new cities by bike. The premium version offers offline maps, which is great if you’re worried about cell service cutting out.
Why You’ll Love It
- Extensive route database: Discover new routes wherever you are.
- Turn-by-turn navigation: Keeps you on track without constantly checking your phone.
What to Consider
- Offline navigation is premium-only, so you’ll need to subscribe for full access.
7. Ride With GPS
For route planning enthusiasts, Ride With GPS is a dream. I’ve used it to map out rides through areas I’ve never been to, and it’s incredibly detailed.
The app provides elevation profiles, and navigation support, and integrates seamlessly with most GPS devices. If you’re planning a big ride or tackling unknown terrain, this app is invaluable.
Why You’ll Love It
- Detailed maps: Perfect for long-distance rides or exploring new routes.
- Syncs with GPS devices: Makes data tracking seamless.
What to Consider
- Many of the features are behind a paywall, so the free version is limited. But if you’re serious about route planning, it’s worth the investment.
6. MyWhoosh
MyWhoosh is a newer app, and it’s making waves in the indoor cycling world because it’s free. That’s right, it offers a free tier with real-time races, structured workouts, and training programs.
It’s very similar to Zwift app in terms of virtual environments, but without the hefty price tag. There are fewer bells and whistles, sure, but if you’re on a budget, MyWhoosh is a great alternative.
Why You’ll Love It
- Free version: It’s hard to argue with free.
- Virtual environments: Similar to Zwift, but less expensive.
What to Consider
- The free version lacks some advanced features, but it’s still pretty solid for casual indoor cyclists.
5. TrainerRoad
For those of us who are serious about improving performance, TrainerRoad is the app to get. It’s less about the social aspects and more about hardcore data-driven workouts.
If you’re training for a race or trying to boost your power and speed, TrainerRoad has the kind of structured training plans that get you results. It’s all about precision and making sure every ride counts.
Why You’ll Love It
- Data-driven: Everything is tailored to improving your specific cycling goals.
- Structured plans: Focuses on measurable performance improvements.
What to Consider
- There’s no social aspect here—just pure training. And yes, it’s subscription-based.
4. Zwift
If you’re an indoor cyclist, Zwift is a must. It takes the boredom out of training by turning it into a game. You ride through virtual worlds, complete with mountains, cities, and even volcanoes, and you can compete against real riders from all over the world.
The races get competitive, and the structured workouts are fantastic if you’re training for an event. It does require a smart trainer, though, so keep that in mind.
Why You’ll Love It
- Virtual racing: It’s like playing a video game, except you’re also getting fit.
- Structured workouts: Perfect for staying on track with training.
What to Consider
- You’ll need a smart trainer, and there’s a monthly fee. It’s not the cheapest option, but for many, it’s worth the investment.
3. MapMyRide
MapMyRide is more than just a cycling app—it’s part of your broader fitness routine. What I love about it is how well it syncs with various fitness devices, like smartwatches and heart rate monitors.
So, if you’re into more than just cycling, you’ll appreciate how it tracks calories burned, steps, and other fitness metrics. It also has a feature where you can access routes created by other cyclists in the community, so you can discover new rides near you.
Why You’ll Love It
- Device compatibility: Syncs with wearables and fitness devices.
- User-friendly interface: It’s easy to track your stats in real-time.
What to Consider
- Some of the more advanced features require a premium subscription. But for basic tracking, the free version will do the trick.
2. Komoot
If you’re the kind of cyclist who likes to explore unknown trails or head off the beaten path, Komoot is the app to have. The route-planning feature is on another level. It gives you detailed terrain info, which is perfect if you’re into mountain biking or long-distance cycling.
The app also offers offline maps, which means even when you’re riding in a dead zone, you’re not stranded. Plus, it gives you voice navigation, so no more stopping mid-ride to check your phone!
Why You’ll Love It
- Offline maps: Perfect for when you’re riding in remote areas.
- Voice navigation: Keeps you focused on the road (or trail) ahead.
What to Consider
- The full offline map feature comes with a price tag, but it’s worth it if you’re a serious adventurer.
1. Strava
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I have to put Strava at the very top of the list because it’s pretty much a household name among cyclists. It’s not just about the stats (though it’s great at that), it’s also about the community.
You can track your speed, distance, elevation, and calories burned. But what really sets Strava apart is the social vibe. You can share your routes, see how your friends are doing, and even compete with others on local segments.
You’ll find yourself pushing harder, not just because of your own goals but because you want to top your friends’ times too.
Why You’ll Love It
- Community: It’s like Facebook, but for cyclists.
- Challenges: Participate in competitions and earn virtual badges.
What to Consider
- Some advanced features, like segment analysis and in-depth analytics, are behind a paywall. It’s great, but only if you’re willing to shell out for premium.
Wrapping It Up
Cycling apps are changing the way we ride. From community features to detailed performance tracking, virtual racing, and safety tools, 2024’s app landscape offers something for everyone.
Some apps like Strava and Zwift have been long-time favorites, while newer players like MyWhoosh and Flare are carving out spaces with budget-friendly and safety-focused offerings. The beauty of it all? You don’t need to pick just one!
Many cyclists, including myself, use a mix depending on the day’s ride. If you’re planning your next adventure, training for a race, or just want to enjoy a safe, connected ride, there’s an app ready to make your cycling experience even better.
