Whether you’re hitting the road, jumping on your indoor exercise bike, or saddling up on your indoor trainer, having the best cycling app to help you hit your next fitness goal is paramount. Cycling apps have truly changed the face of both indoor and outdoor cycling. The best ones offer features such as live performance tracking, real-time connections with fellow cyclists, metric analysis, coaching, training plans, route planning, and more.
I’m a seasoned triathlete and former group cycling instructor working alongside GGR’s expert product testing team of certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and former college athletes. To help find the ideal platform for your cycling needs, we used our proprietary testing methodology to score apps on a 1-5 scale across some of the following categories:
- Pricing: We reward the best apps that give you the most bang for your buck. Lower monthly costs—or apps with a one-time purchase—earn at least a 3 out of 5 (and often higher). Meanwhile, expensive subscriptions without added value score lower.
- Ease of use: Apps that are intuitive, easy to navigate, and let you quickly find workouts earn higher scores. Confusing layouts or hard-to-follow interfaces result in lower ratings.
- Accountability: Apps that help you stick to your goals via reminders, structured programs, or even 1:1 coaching score at least a 3 out of 5. Minimal or no accountability features earn lower scores.
- Instruction: Clear visual and verbal guidance on structured workouts earns top marks. Apps that leave you guessing or provide limited cues score lower.
- Interactive features: Features like leaderboards, community feeds, or chat with coaches help keep you engaged and motivated. Apps that isolate you with no interaction score lower.
- Workout variety: Apps that offer a wide range of cycling workouts—different formats, intensities, and challenges—earn at least a 3 out of 5. Apps with repetitive or limited options receive lower ratings.
In 2024, we helped nearly 2,500 people find the best workout app—and now we’re here to help you discover the perfect cycling app for your needs.
The 5 Best Cycling Apps of 2025
- Best Overall Cycling App – Strava App
- Best Free Cycling App – Map My Ride
- Best Cycling App for Indoor Rides – Zwift
- Best Cycling App for Studio Cycling – Peloton App
- Best Cycling App for Coaching – TrainingPeaks App
Latest Updates
In November 2025, we re-evaluated our lineup, penciling in TrainingPeaks as the best cycling app for coaching. We also bolstered our mini reviews with additional photos, comprehensive ratings charts, and in-depth testing notes so you can decide which app is the right fit for you.
Best Overall Cycling App: Strava
Updated by: Stephen Sheehan, CPT, CNC
At a Glance
- GPS-powered cycling and running tracking app
- Connects with friends, clubs, and challenges
- Free version available; premium subscription optional
- Works on iOS, Android, and web platforms
Also earning a spot on our best health apps list, Strava is a fantastic platform for fitness enthusiasts of all types. For cyclists, specifically, it’s a powerful tool that offers excellent metric tracking and a robust set of interactive features, including the “Relative Effort” score that measures how much effort you put into your cardiovascular training. With the ability to build custom training routes, use offline maps, and even train with custom heart rate and power zones, Strava provides great value, earning a 4 out of 5 in this key category.
Ease of Use: 4/5
Workout Variety: 5/5
Value: 4/5
Why We Like Strava
Strava is a data-driven rider’s dream come true. Widely considered the best cycling app for tracking metrics, the free version offers a good amount of what are considered the more “basic” stats including distance, speed, elevation gain, heart rate, and calories. That said, to truly experience the magic Strava offers data-lovers, you will want the paid subscription, which costs $11.99 per month or $79.99 per year. (There’s also a family plan available for $139.99 annually.) We rate the pricing at a 4 out of 5, especially since you get a 30-day free trial to test the premium features before committing to a subscription.
Although there’s no coaching or custom programming, you can easily get started with a Strava training plan. Earning a perfect 5-out-of-5 score for workout variety, Strava has a library stocked with thousands of routes around the world. You also have the flexibility to create your own route within the app.
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Another reason Strava earned the No. 1 spot on our best cycling apps list is its ease of use. Once you download the app, you can create an account in minutes and start tracking your workouts immediately. We rate it a 4 out of 5 in this category, with GGR Staff Writer and expert product tester Matt Dustin noting he was pleasantly surprised by how simple the process was.
I hit the record button, chose my activity type, hit start, and then ended when I was finished—the process couldn’t have been any easier, and my iPhone screen turned into a real-time display that showed all of my stats.
Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC
Alternatives
If you need that extra push or someone to hold you accountable, don’t expect that from Strava. Unlike some other popular workout apps, there’s not much in the form of accountability, which is why we gave it a 3-out-of-5 rating in the category. While you can join community challenges and track your progress on a leaderboard with a paid account, that’s about it.
Furthermore, Strava isn’t exactly the most user-friendly platform if you run into any issues. You must submit a request through the website or app to open a support ticket. There’s no live chat or phone number available, leading to a customer experience rating of 3 out of 5.
If Strava is a bit too pricey, check out MapMyRide, which is available in both free and paid versions.
Testing Breakdown
Here’s how Strava fared based on our testing methodology. Our top pick earned perfect scores in three categories, including interactive features and workout variety.
Vs. The Average
Strava offers a significantly longer free trial period and is more affordable than the average cycling app.
| Strava | Average Cycling App | |
| Trial Period | 30 days | 16 days |
| Price | $11.99/month or $79.99/year for individuals $139.99/year for Family Plan | $14.38/month |
To learn more about our top pick, check out our full Strava fitness app review.
Best Free Cycling App: MapMyRide
Updated by: Stephen Sheehan, CPT, CNC
At a Glance
- Tracks rides, distance, and calories burned
- Large database of user-created cycling routes
- Free and paid versions available
- Works on iOS, Android, and web
Part of Under Armour’s MapMyFitness platform that tracks more than 600 activities, MapMyRide is one of the longer-standing cycling apps mostly known for, as you may guess, its mapping capabilities. With MapMyRide, your phone essentially becomes its own cycling computer to track and record rides while also offering thousands of routes located all over the world. Earning an overall score of 4.48 out of 5, we love that the free version of this app offers basic tracking features and allows you to record your activities.
Value: 5/5
Ease of Use: 5/5
Interactive Features: 3/5
Why We Like MapMyRide
While the paid subscription unlocks a ton of features, the free one is nothing to sneeze at. With it, you can search through the database of routes created by others, create your own, track a good amount of metrics, and be a part of the social community of cyclists. GGR Senior Staff Writer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, tested MapMyFitness for running and was highly impressed with its user-friendliness.
“It has a very nice interface that’s easy to navigate and find exactly what you want,” she told me, rating the ease of use a perfect 5 out of 5.
The premium membership (MVP) offers training plans, audio coaching, weather, and live-tracking so you can share your exact location and route with other MapMyRide members. Even more specific metrics are available on this version, including custom splits and heart-rate zones. Plus, if you are here for all the mapping perks, the MVP version provides access to unlimited printable maps in addition to some other cool advanced mapping tools.
Although the free version should work well for many users, upgrading to the premium version may be worth it. After all, you only have to pay $5.99 per month or $29.99 per year to unlock all the features mentioned above. As a result, we rate the price and value at a perfect 5 out of 5.
For as low as $2.50 a month, you can get a LOT out of this app. All of the stats and analyses that the premium version offers are impressive!
Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC
Alternatives
Based on Amanda’s experience with MapMyFitness (essentially the same platform as MapMyRide), we have a few minor callouts. First, don’t expect much in terms of interactive features. Other than a community feed where you can connect with other users, you won’t find much else. As a result, we rate MapMyRide a 3 out of 5 in this category.
In addition, this app is not designed to hold you accountable—especially if you stick with the free version. “There’s not much outside of push notifications, but you can create and join plans in the premium version, which helps a lot with accountability,” Amanda told me.
If you’re looking for a platform that encourages more engagement, we recommend Zwift, which earned a 4-out-of-5 rating for interactive features.
Testing Breakdown
MapMyRide made a strong impression on our team and earned perfect scores in eight categories. Here’s a full breakdown of how it fared based on our testing methodology.
Vs. The Average
Even if you don’t go for the free version, MapMyRide is significantly cheaper than the average cycling app. Plus, you get a 14-day trial period that’s about on par with the average.
| MapMyRide | Average Cycling App | |
| Trial Period | 14 days | 16 days |
| Price | Free version or $5.99/month or $29.99/year | $14.38/month |
Check out our MapMyFitness review for more details on Under Armour’s training app library.
Best Cycling App for Indoor Rides: Zwift
Updated by: Stephen Sheehan, CPT, CNC
Zwift uses game features to make indoor cycling and running more fun, but the app has a history of crashing and isn’t great on small phone screens.
What our tester says:
“I hate doing cardio, but gamifying these bike workouts really helps me stay engaged during them.”
At a Glance
- Immersive virtual cycling and running worlds
- Real-time multiplayer races and group rides
- Requires subscription; free trial available
- Works on iOS, Android, PC, and Mac
Senior Editor Bojana Galic, NASM-CNC is an avid triathlete who’s intimately familiar with popular workout apps like Strava, Peloton, and of course, Zwift. If you’re looking for the top platform for indoor rides, she told me that Zwift easily takes the proverbial cake, especially if you want to improve your functional threshold power1 (FTP)—a key performance metric that helps cyclists pace rides and set appropriate training zones. Earning a rock-solid overall score of 4.2 out of 5, Zwift allows you to simulate outdoor riding inside—as long as you have an indoor trainer bike.
Progressive Overload: 5/5
App Setup: 5/5
Ease of Use: 4.5/5
Why We Like Zwift
Like running on the best treadmill isn’t always fun, indoor cycling can be a mental hurdle. Thankfully, Zwift does a great job of bringing outdoor rides into your home using a gamified workout design. Bojana rates the workout variety at 4.75 out of 5, noting that you can go with a free ride or select a workout from an extensive library for more tailored training. “You can also build your own training plans, giving you full freedom to control your workouts,” she told me.
Also earning a perfect score for progressive overload, Zwift builds new programs and plants frequently, meaning your development won’t stagnate. The app offers several week-long workout plans to help you improve your performance over time. Bojana particularly appreciates that Zwift is compatible with TrainingPeaks (our top cycling app for coaching), which means Zwift automatically uploads her session for that day so her triathlon coach can view her results.
Zwift does a great job of bringing outdoor rides into your home, thanks to its video-game-style design.
Bojana Galic, CNC
Alternatives
While Bojana is a big fan of Zwift, she also pointed out a few drawbacks. First, unlike some other popular workout apps, Zwift doesn’t have any trainer instruction built into the program. That means no live workouts or instructor-led sessions. As a result, we only gave it a 2.5 out of 5 in this category.
Furthermore, be prepared to budget accordingly if you want to make Zwift part of your health and wellness routine. The app costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 annually—not exactly a drop in the bucket. We rate the price at a 3 out of 5, especially since you can find many affordable workout apps for about half that cost. However, Bojana told me that compared to similar competitors, Zwift is on par from a cost perspective. Plus, the 14-day free trial gives you ample time to explore the app before you commit to a membership.
It’s also important to note that whether you have an off-road bike or a road bike, you’ll need an indoor trainer to unlock the full functionality of the Zwift app. Without one, you can’t take advantage of the app’s interactive courses, structured workouts, and virtual racing features.
If Zwift’s price tag is a little too high, check out Strava, which costs $11.99 per month.
Testing Breakdown
Zwift earned at least a 4 out of 5 in a number of key categories, including app setup, ease of use, and workout variety. However, the price and value scores aren’t as high as with other apps.
Vs. The Average
Zwift’s two-week trial period is right about what we see from most cycling apps. It’s more expensive on a monthly basis, but you can save by going with the annual subscription.
| Zwift | Average Cycling App | |
| Trial Period | 14-day free trial | 16 days |
| Price | $19.99/month or $199.99/year | $14.38/month |
Check out our complete Zwift review for more details on Bojana’s experience.
Best Cycling App for Studio Cycling: Peloton
Updated by: Stephen Sheehan, CPT, CNC
The Peloton app is one of the best training programs we’ve come across on any piece of exercise equipment.
What our tester says:
“After a few weeks of using Peloton, I knew who my favorite instructors were. Each has their own unique style that helps me push myself to perform better.”
At a Glance
- On-demand cycling, running, and strength classes
- Live and recorded instructor-led workouts
- Multiple subscription options
- Works on iOS, Android, and TV devices
GGR expert product tester Caroline Lubinsky, CF-1, completed 176 Peloton workouts over a seven-month span (kudos to her), and let’s just say she was highly impressed by the uber-popular training app that brings indoor cardio training to life with virtual worlds, competitive workouts, and real-time data tracking. While it requires a monthly fee and smart equipment, its engaging platform is ideal for cyclists (and runners) who want to elevate their training.
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Earning an impressive overall score of 4.3 out of 5, the Peloton app allows you to enjoy a studio cycling experience from the comfort of your own home.
Workout Variety: 5/5
Ease of Use: 4/5
Interactive Features: 4/5
Why We Like Peloton
With the Peloton app, you can stream hundreds of live and on-demand cycling classes on nearly any smart device, including Android, Apple TV, Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, LG, and AirPlay. While a Peloton Bike or Bike+ unlocks the full studio experience—including leaderboards, challenges, and synchronized live classes—the app alone still delivers world-class instruction, motivating playlists, and a wide variety of ride types and intensities. We rated it a perfect 5 out of 5 for instruction, as well as workout variety.
What separates Peloton from the rest of the pack for studio cycling is the combination of expert coaching and immersive community features. Instructors like Robin Arzón, Jess Sims, and Becs Gentry bring energy, encouragement, and personalized cues that make every ride feel engaging, whether you’re tackling intervals, endurance rides, or music-themed classes. The app also tracks detailed performance metrics such as cadence, resistance, speed, and output, letting cyclists gauge their progress and continuously challenge themselves. As a result, we rated it a strong 4 out of 5 for progressive overload.
Add in themed challenges, extensive class filters, and the ability to ride alongside millions of fellow members, and it’s clear why Peloton remains the gold standard for at-home studio cycling.
Whether you want to do intense intervals or jam out to some great music with a straightforward ride, I feel like there is an option for almost everyone.
Caroline Lubinsky, CF-1
Alternatives
While we love that the Peloton app is packed with features, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Accessing the full live class experience, leaderboards, and multiple user profiles requires a Peloton Bike or Bike+ (a substantial investment) and the higher-cost All-Access membership ($49.99 per month). As a result, it earns a 3.5 out of 5 rating for price.
Additionally, the large class sizes mean the live community experience can feel less personal than smaller studio settings. So, if you crave that intimate, boutique feel, this may miss the mark. Caroline also told me that pre-loading classes can take up significant storage, and the app focuses more on cardio, cycling, and dumbbell-based strength rather than barbell training.
If you rather not go the Peloton route but still want great instruction, go with TrainingPeaks.
Testing Breakdown
The Peloton app performed well across the board, earning at least a 4 out of 5 in a majority of categories. Although it’s not the cheapest app, it provides excellent value.
Vs. The Average
Peloton’s trial period and price are not far off from the average. In fact, the base membership is slightly more affordable.
| Peloton | Average Cycling App | |
| Trial Period | 14 days (Peloton Strength+) 30 days (Peloton App One and App+) | 16 days |
| Price | $12.99/month for Peloton App One $28.99/month for Peloton App+ $49.99/month for Peloton All-Access (required for Peloton equipment) | $14.38/month |
Check out our Peloton app review for more details on Caroline’s experience.
Best Cycling App for Coaching: TrainingPeaks
Updated by: Stephen Sheehan, CPT, CNC
At a Glance
- Detailed training plans and performance analysis
- Syncs with devices and smart trainers
- Free basic version; premium subscription optional
- Works on iOS, Android, and web
Senior Staff Writer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC has utilized a number of workout apps to support her cycling, running, and other cardio workouts. She puts TrainingPeaks right near the top, especially when it comes to preparing for a major cycling event. Offering a robust library of built-in workouts and excellent metric tracking, this platform isn’t necessarily a coaching app on its own. However, if you’re a serious cyclist who wants to maximize performance, you can utilize TrainingPeaks with a private coach to set yourself up for success.
Value: 5/5
Ease of Use: 4/5
Instruction: 3/5
Why We Like TrainingPeaks
While Amanda believes the paid version of TrainingPeaks is well worth it, there’s also a fully free version available that offers a ton of value. “I’ve been using the free version for years and it has plenty of functionality for the recreational athlete, especially if you’re using it in conjunction with something like Garmin Connect or Strava,” she told me.
TP earned dual 4-out-of-5 scores for setup and ease of use—a testament to its user-friendly design. Amanda told me the interface is a little overwhelming with all of the data, calendar, and other tabs that are shown, but you can customize it to only see what you want. “TrainingPeaks does take some getting used to, but once you’re familiar with it, everything is easy to do,” she explained.
Another area where TrainingPeak shines is progressive overload. Amanda rated it a 4 out of 5 in this category, noting that even without a coach, the premium version provides a ton of valuable data that, if you can interpret it, tells you how to move forward with your training or when to pull back.
“It can help you prepare for a big cycling event by helping you understand when you’re progressing, maintaining, peaking, or overtraining,” she told me.
I really do think the subscription is worth it for athletes training for a big cycling (or other endurance) event.
Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC
Alternatives
TrainingPeaks is by no means the most budget-friendly cycling app on this list. It costs $19.95 per month, $49 per quarter, or $135 per year, resulting in a price score of just 3 out of 5. That said, it may be a smart investment, depending on your training goals.
“I feel this is pretty standard and premium TrainingPeaks comes with a lot of data and analyses that makes the cost very worth it for those who are serious about cycling,” Amanda told me. “I think it’s a worthwhile subscription if you’re, say, training for an Ironman race or something like that.”
Furthermore, don’t expect much in the form of accountability or instruction. We rated TrainingPeaks a 3 out of 5 in both categories. “This isn’t a coaching app in and of itself, though you can buy plans from coaches who use TrainingPeaks, and then those workouts are imported into your account and show up on your calendar,” Amanda states. So, while TrainingPeaks is fantastic at facilitating coaching—or, if you’re really a data nerd, allowing you to coach yourself—it doesn’t offer direct coaching in the app.
If you’d like to spend less per month to support your cycling efforts, we recommend Strava.
Testing Breakdown
Here’s how TrainingPeaks scores using our testing methodology. While it shined for workout variety and progressive overload, it left us a bit disappointed in terms of accountability, instruction, and interactive features.
Vs. The Average
TrainingPeaks has a shorter trial period than the average cycling app. It’s also slightly more expensive, though there is a fully free version available, too.
| TrainingPeaks | Average Cycling App | |
| Trial Period | 7-day free trial or fully free version available | 16 days |
| Price | $19.95/month, $49/quarter, or $135/year | $14.38/month |
Other Cycling Apps We Researched and Tested
There is no shortage of great cycling apps on the market. Our team researched the most notable ones, and a few came close to making our list but ultimately did not make the cut.
Here’s a quick overview of the other contenders we considered:
- CycleGo: Offering virtual classes that suit beginner and advanced cyclists alike, CycleGo is a solid option for anyone looking to spice up their indoor training sessions. CycleGo immerses you in an enjoyable riding experience with unique music for every workout. With this app, you choose and customize your own Avatar to simulate a ride. However, this app does not track specific workout metrics and is solely designed for indoor use.
- Komoot: Komoot is a powerful cycling and navigation app that keeps you on track with turn-by-turn navigation instructions, topographic route suggestions, and offline maps for any adventure. The premium version adds multi-day planning, live tracking, sport-specific maps, and weather forecasts to take your rides to the next level. That said, its limited social features and the extra cost for additional map regions gave us pause about adding it to our lineup.
- BikeMap: Bikemap is a route-planning cycling app with over 7 million users and 11 million routes, offering filters for distance, ascent, surface, and bike type as well as community-reported hazards like potholes or construction. Its premium features include turn-by-turn voice navigation, offline maps, bike-type optimized routing, and iOS-exclusive fall detection, helping cyclists ride smarter and safer. However, its interface can feel cluttered compared with other apps, which kept it from making the top list.
- Garmin Connect: Garmin Connect is a solid choice for any owner of a Garmin fitness tracker. As with most cycling apps, it offers detailed analysis of your cycling performance, which can be charted weekly, monthly, and even yearly. You also get access to a Garmin coach for customized workouts and personalized guidance.
How We Picked And Tested The Best Cycling Apps
After bringing together our team of triathletes, former group cycling instructors, and certified personal trainers, we researched just about every cycling app on the market today. After finding the ones that are compatible with the most exercise bikes as well as those offering basic features like GPS tracking and built-in workouts, we took them to the test.
That meant testers—such as Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer and competitive triathlete—used the apps while training or simply biking around their respective neighborhoods. During our weeks-long testing process, we looked at things such as the app interface (how easy it is to use the app), customer experience, how quickly it drained our smartphone’s battery, and how many features it offered.
We also compared how well the free version of the apps performed against the premium ones for platforms that offer a paid version of their app. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how we scored each category when it comes to cycling apps:
Trial Period
A free trial gives you time to explore an app’s features and functionality before committing to a subscription. To earn at least a 3 out of 5, a cycling app should offer a seven-day free trial so users can assess its capabilities. Apps that go beyond this by providing 14-day (or longer) trials, allowing access without requiring card info, or sending clear reminders before charging—can earn higher scores.
Pricing
Nobody wants to add another monthly subscription if it’s not worth it. A score of 3 out of 5 in this category requires monthly pricing between $16 to $25, which is fair for the features provided. Apps that cost less than $10 per month, or offer a one-time purchase option, earn higher scores.
App Setup
How quickly can you get the app running? To score a 3, an app should be easy to install with a straightforward account setup process (though minor hiccups may occur). Apps that are ultra-simple to install and get running on the best fitness trackers or smartphones in less than five minutes earn top marks. Confusing installation processes, unclear navigation, or frustrating errors result in lower scores.
Ease of Use
Once you get the app set up, we want to know—how easy is it to use? A 3-out-of-5 rating means the platform is mostly intuitive but may require occasional pause to locate features or understand instructions. Apps earn higher scores when the interface is clean, navigation is seamless, and workouts are easy to follow. On the other hand, poorly organized or cluttered apps with overly confusing menus lose points.
Accountability
Cycling apps earn at least a 3 out of 5 by offering structured programs or workout schedules that users follow independently—sometimes with reminders. We give higher scores to apps that provide group challenges or 1:1 coaching that encourages motivation and adherence. Apps with no notifications or tracking features earn a 1 or 2.
Instruction
If you’re ready to crank out a HIIT bike workout, you want to know exactly what to do. So, we carefully assess the clarity of the instructions provided. A 3-out-of-5 rating indicates adequate visual and verbal instructions that users can follow along confidently. Apps that go above and beyond by providing cues for rest, equipment changes, or tailored guidance earn higher scores.
Interactive Features
To score at least a 3 in our testing methodology, cycling apps should provide basic community features, such as seeing other users’ rides or visible leaderboards during workouts. Platforms with robust community engagement, social media integration, and chat features that can enhance social interaction earn higher marks.
GPS Accuracy
When applicable, we assess the accuracy of GPS tracking. A 3-out-of-5 reflects minor discrepancies compared to known distances. Apps earn higher marks when their GPS is highly precise and consistent, ensuring accurate navigation and performance data.
Progressive Overload
Stagnation isn’t an option here, so we look for apps that integrate progressive overload principles into their programming. A score of 3 out of 5 means the app provides programs that work if followed, but may lack full optimization for long-term improvement. Higher scores require well-structured, progressively challenging programs designed to reliably produce results over time.
Workout Variety
Bland, boring workouts will often lead users to abandon their fitness routine. The best cycling apps offer a mix of workout types, though some repetition may exist. Apps with extensive variety and fresh workouts that keep users engaged and excited earn a 4 or 5. Limited or repetitive programming results in lower scores.
Value
How much bang for your buck do you get? A score of 3 indicates the app offers a fair amount of content and functionality for its price. Apps that are inexpensive or provide exceptional features relative to the cost earn a 4 or 5. Expensive apps with limited features that don’t match the subscription cost earn a 1 or 2.
Customer Experience
From how easy it is to get in contact with customer service to the refund policy, FAQ section, and more we look at all factors that impact the customer experience. A 3-out-of-5 means users can contact support and eventually resolve issues. We give higher ratings when there’s quick, flexible, and easy-to-access support.
Benefits of Using a Cycling App
Cycling apps can be beneficial to cyclists of every fitness level. Our Garage Gym Reviews expert in the area of cycling—Amanda Capritto (a triathlete and certified personal trainer)—weighs in, stating, “Cycling is a fantastic form of exercise that challenges both your cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. Whether you choose to cycle on an indoor stationary bike or outdoors on a road bike, mountain bike, or hybrid bicycle, you’re setting yourself up for great gains in cardio endurance, muscular endurance, and stamina.”
In other words, cycling cna help your heart and lungs grow stronger and more efficiently, and it improves your ability to sustain physical activity for longer.
Using a cycling app can help you stay on track with your goals, as well as keep you entertained and engaged on a stationary bike. With a cycling app, you can log your workouts and track metrics like distance, duration, miles per hour, and heart rate (with a compatible monitor), so you can see your big-picture progress over time. Let’s break that down.
Motivation
Many of the apps available today come with a dedicated community of athletes. Cyclists are able to connect with one another, comment on each other’s progress, take part in challenges, and even ride together virtually. This all helps with accountability and to keep you motivated! If you don’t get much of a thrill from the social aspect, some cyclists derive their motivation from seeing their stats and progress over time.
Tracking Metrics
The combination of personal devices and compatible apps makes it easy to track your performance and use the data to guide your training. It takes the guesswork out of how hard you are working, how far you went, and how quickly you reached the finish line. Athletes and coaches can use this information to tailor training plans based on concrete data.
Planning Routes
Riding the same route can get tiresome. The route-planning capabilities available on cycling apps enables you not only to plan new bike routes but to search ones that others have ridden, filtering by distance, elevation, intensity, type, and more.
Coaching
Working with a coach is made easy with the rise of their availability through popular cycling apps. They offer expert guidance helping athletes meet their fitness goals through personalized and preset training plans.
What to Look For in Cycling Apps
There are some key factors to consider when deciding on a cycling app. Here are the most important ones to keep in mind:
Cost
The cost of cycling apps can vary greatly, with some offering free versions and others carrying a decent price tag. Usually, the subscription version of an app is where the good stuff can be found. It is important to identify your bottom line when it comes to price so you don’t waste your time looking at an app that you just can’t afford.
Features
The first thing you need to know is why you are using a cycling app. Are you looking for live studio classes? Training for a road race? Looking for a coach? Wanting to find new routes to ride? Your intended use will drive what features you need in a cycling app. I recommend making a list of your “must-have” features and honing your search based on these.
Compatibility
Not all apps are compatible with all platforms so be sure to look at this closely. It is also important to consider how important it is for your app to integrate with a wearable (such as a heart rate monitor, a GPS watch, cadence meter, etc.) Some apps seamlessly allow for this transfer of data.
FAQs About Cycling Apps
What is the best free cycling app?
We chose MapMyRide as the best free cycling app because it lets cyclists plan routes, track metrics like distance and cadence, and explore heatmaps of popular rides. It also works well for mountain biking, road cyclists, and integrates with devices like Wahoo.
What is the 75 rule in cycling?
The 75 rule suggests keeping at least 75% of your training rides at a moderate intensity to build endurance while reserving the remaining 25% for high-intensity efforts.
What are the best cycling apps for indoor training?
Zwift and Peloton can be excellent for indoor cycling, allowing you to ride on a smart trainer or turbo trainer while tracking metrics like power, cadence, and heart rate. You can also sync with Apple TV for a larger display and join virtual group rides.
What should you look for in a bike computer app?
Look for apps that track essential metrics such as power, cadence, and distance, provide navigation via Google Maps or turn-by-turn directions, allow route planning with Ride with GPS or Cyclemeter, and offer social network features that encourage accountability and engagement with fellow cyclists.
References
- McGRATH, E., Mahony, N., Fleming, N., & Donne, B. (2019). Is the FTP Test a Reliable, Reproducible and Functional Assessment Tool in Highly-Trained Athletes?. International journal of exercise science, 12(4), 1334–1345. https://doi.org/10.70252/RQOO7391
