The 9 Best Apps for Cyclists You Should Install Right Now!

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Did you know there are almost 2.5 million apps on the Google Play Store? This number is insane! It isn’t easy to find apps that are worth it, especially if you are an avid cyclist. But not anymore!

I selected the best cycling apps from all the categories cyclists should care about. I also use most of them myself. They are available for both iOS and Android.

So, without further ado, let’s dive in!

What Are the Best Cycling Apps?

Learn more about how I selected and evaluated these criteria below.

1. Increase Your Motivation with Strava

• Website: strava.com
• OS: Android, iOS
• Costs: Free (premium subscription available)

Strava has been my go-to app ever since I started cycling. It grabbed my attention right from the start and hasn’t let go since. It’s perfect for tracking your cycling activities and connecting with other athletes, including pros. Strava isn’t just for cyclists anymore; you can use it for over 30 different sports.

One of the features that really gets me going is the segments. These are sections where you or others aim for the fastest time. It’s a great way to push yourself and see how you stack up against others. Segments aside, Strava offers a lot more. I recommend linking it to a heart rate sensor or power meter to get the most out of it.

2. Learn First Aid with Red Cross

• Website: redcross.org
• OS: Android, iOS
• Costs: FREE

The official Red Cross app offers easy-to-follow guides for handling emergencies, whether bleeding, a broken bone, or a head injury—anything that might happen during a bike ride. I suggest familiarizing yourself with the app’s navigation beforehand. However, it’s straightforward enough to use even if you’re opening it for the first time during an accident.

You can also study and prepare for emergencies in advance. After feeling ready, test your knowledge with the included quizzes. If there’s something you don’t understand, you can always revisit the topic. The app stores all the information, so you don’t need an internet connection. Plus, the app remains consistent across different countries; the only difference is the language.

3. Get a Weather Forecast with Windy

• Website: windy.com
• OS: Android, iOS
• Costs: FREE (premium subscription available)

Windy stands out as the most visually appealing weather app available. Its stunning colored visualizations are detailed and easy to understand. However, forecast accuracy is crucial when it comes to weather forecast apps. Rest assured, Windy delivers accurate and reliable data.

With Windy, you have access to over 40 different metrics, including wind speed, rain probability, temperature, humidity, pressure, CAPE index, and much more. Subscribing to Windy Premium grants you access to the latest 1-hour data. Trusted by sailors, professional pilots, storm chasers, and anyone who needs reliable weather information, Windy is the go-to app for staying informed about the weather.

4. Komoot – The Best App for Route Planning

• Website: komoot.com
• OS: Android, iOS
• Costs: One map region for free (You need to pay for other regions)

Komoot ranks among the top route-planning apps for hikers, bikers, and runners. Setting it up initially is a breeze, and the app is incredibly user-friendly. When mapping out a route, it takes into account the type of activity you’re doing. For example, if you’re road biking, it selects smooth tarmac surfaces.

Do you prefer a mountain bike adventure? The app will adjust the route accordingly if you choose the ‘mountain bike’ option. What’s neat is that estimated times factor in your fitness level. I particularly enjoy the route profile visualization, especially when exploring new areas.

You can also draw inspiration from others’ routes, and the app will guide you with voice navigation. All in all, Komoot packs a ton of features and choices. So, if you’re a meticulous planner, this app is definitely worth checking out.

5. Reach New Levels with TrainingPeaks

• Website: trainingpeaks.com
• OS: Android, iOS
• Costs: Free (14 days of premium trial), premium subscription available

TrainingPeaks is the go-to app for those aiming to elevate their performance. It offers personalized plans, access to accredited coaches, and powerful tools to enhance your training.

Start by deciding whether you want a training plan or a coach. To monitor your progress, you can sync with apps like Zwift and devices from top brands such as Apple, Fitbit, Garmin, Polar, Suunto, and Wahoo.

Syncing with an app or device is crucial for receiving feedback. After each workout, TrainingPeaks provides detailed feedback, allowing you to track your improvements.

For serious cyclists, this app is well worth the investment. Just keep in mind that specific training plans or coaches require additional payment, as they’re not included in the subscription. Alternatively, you can explore Pro Cycling Coaching, a third-party coaching service trusted by professional athletes to help them reach their goals.

6. Train in a Virtual World by Zwift

• Website: zwift.com
• OS: Android, iOS
• Costs: Paid (subscription)

If you’ve ever heard of virtual racing, chances are you’ve heard of Zwift. I vividly recall my friend’s excitement when he started using it. It was a tough blow for me when we hit the road together after winter—let’s just say he left me in the dust.

Training on an indoor bike trainer can be a snooze-fest. However, apps like Zwift turn indoor training into a thrilling game. Plus, connecting with people worldwide ignites your competitive spirit.

Sure, the cost of virtual training can be a hurdle, especially with the need for a power meter or a smart bike trainer. But trust me, the enjoyment and performance gains you’ll get from Zwift are worth it.

With over 1000 workouts, 10+ worlds, and 130+ routes to choose from, Zwift offers plenty of variety. And the Zwift team is continuously adding more options to keep things fresh.

Just a heads-up: Zwift requires a monthly subscription fee, and for the best experience, it’s recommended to use it on larger screens to fully immerse yourself in the virtual world.

… or read my in-depth Zwift review.

You might also be interested in the best indoor cycling apps.

7. Track Your Nutrition Using Cronometer

• Website: cronometer.com
• OS: Android, iOS
• Costs: Free (premium subscription available)

My friend introduced me to Cronometer, and I was amazed by the amount of data I could track with it. Granted, you can’t be lazy like me and skip inputting your nutrition info, but once you do, you might discover that your diet lacks essential vitamins, for instance. Using the app effectively and tweaking your shopping and eating habits can lead to better results.

Credit to the developers for making Cronometer user-friendly. You hardly have to do any calculations, and there are pre-filled meals to choose from, simplifying data entry. Commit to using Cronometer long-term to get the most out of it. Tracking metrics like weight and body fat over time allows you to fine-tune your diet as needed.

8. Repair Your Bike with Bike Repair

• Website: bikerepairapp.com
• OS: Android, iOS
• Costs: Paid (one-time purchase)

For newcomers, fixing a bike might seem like an impossible task. I remember feeling that way—I couldn’t even change a tire at first. So, naturally, I was thrilled when I finally learned how to do it.

But bike maintenance doesn’t end with tire changes. With Bike Repair, you’ll learn everything you need to know to keep your bike in top shape. It features 58 repair guides and 95 tips and tricks, all well-explained and illustrated.

As a bonus, the Bike Repair App also offers tips on dressing for various temperatures, cycling news, and other helpful information.

9. Chase Challenges with Trek Ride Club

• Website: trekbikes.com
• OS: Android, iOS
• Costs: Free

The Trek Ride Club app offers features like curated local routes, turn-by-turn navigation, and detailed ride metrics, including distance, elevation gain, and CO₂ emissions saved. It offers an integration with popular platforms such as Strava, Garmin, and Wahoo, allowing you to consolidate your ride data in one place. Additionally, the RideLine feature provides direct access to Trek’s expert support team for assistance during your rides.

To keep you motivated, the app includes a variety of challenges, such as the monthly 500-Mile Club and the Annual Distance/Elevation Challenge, where you can earn rewards (such as bike accessories or complete bikes) and track your progress. Special events like the Earth Day Challenge encourage environmentally friendly commuting by rewarding users who replace car trips with bike rides. Whether you’re a casual rider or a seasoned cyclist, the Trek Ride Club app offers tools and incentives to support your cycling journey.

How Did I Choose the Best Cycling App?

Before I could declare any of the apps as the best, I set the criteria for assessing the individual apps.

Disclaimer: These criteria (sorted by importance) are purely subjective and may not reflect your preferences.

Ease of Use & Design

Ease of use and design are among my top priorities. When I install a new app, I don’t want to learn to control it for several days. A well-designed app should be intuitive so that even a child can use it.

Design is crucial for usability. I appreciate simple, clean graphics, and the overall impression is also important to me.

Price

Most of the apps in this selection are free, but some offer in-app purchases. Some of the apps listed in this article are also paid.

When reviewing the paid apps, I assessed them more critically because I expect more from them than from free apps.

Availability for Android and iOS

The most used smartphone operating systems include Android and iOS. Due to the low market share of other operating systems, I considered only these 2 operating systems.

The app’s availability for the most popular smartphone operating systems (Android and iOS) was important to me. I also ensured that the app was well-optimized for both systems based on user reviews and my experience.

Privacy & Data Security

Privacy and data security are more relevant today than ever before. For some users, they may even be the primary factor in choosing an app.

So, I quickly looked at the privacy pages of all the apps in my selection. I also researched the internet to find any controversy – and if I found some, I did not include the app.

Popularity

The app can be good. But, if a few people use it, it may not reach its full potential. Therefore, I also took into account the popularity of the app.

I derived popularity from the number of downloads and user reviews on Google and the App Store. And I can tell you that every app in my selection is pretty popular.

Conclusion

I explained what app categories are useful for cyclists. It is not always just about the training itself. You should know how to provide first aid, plan a route, calculate calories, maintain your bike, etc.

It is up to you what app you will download in the end. Even if you download only one app from my selection, I will gladly give you a useful tip.

Honestly, I also don’t use every app (even if I did before). My favorites are Strava, Red Cross, and Cronometer.

I would also like to hear about what cycling smartphone apps you use and why. What are the best cycling apps for beginners? Let me know in the comments below.

The Most Important App Categories

If you expected that I would compare the apps from the same category, you are wrong. I decided to take it from another end. I selected the 8 most important app categories every cyclist should install.

1. First Aid

When you ask your friends what is important to them, you will probably hear values such as family, honesty, creativity, loyalty, and health.

Although cycling offers many benefits, sometimes an accident can occur. And you must be prepared to care for yourself or someone else. Some apps will tell you what to do if you have not taken a first aid course.

2. Weather Forecast

It is always good to check the weather before going on a bike trip. You don’t want to be surprised by rain, strong wind, or even snow.

Therefore, every cyclist should install a weather forecast app on their phone. This will easily prevent you from having to call a pick-up.

3. Route Planning

PRO TIP: If the wind is strong, plan your route so that you return with a tailwind.

As you gain more experience, you may stop planning your trips in the app and plan them only in your head. However, I recommend planning trips using an app for the reasons mentioned above.

4. Training

Before the ride, cyclists turn on apps that record various metrics such as the distance covered, average speed, meters climbed, etc. More sophisticated apps offer features like ‘segments.’ Once you finish it, you can compare your time with the times of others.

In addition to the training log, these apps have another side effect: motivation. Based on your and others’ performance, you will be motivated to achieve even better results.

5. Virtual Training

With technology’s development, indoor training apps‘ popularity has grown in recent years. Cyclists worldwide use these apps, especially in winter or during lockdowns. The apps are also slowly entering the professional peloton.

Did you know that the first virtual Tour de France occurred in 2020?

The virtual training apps work on a simple principle. You move through a virtual world by pedaling on a smart trainer. You can also compete against your friends if they are connected to the same race.

6. Nutrition Tracking

Tracking burned and received calories may seem completely unnecessary. However, the opposite is true, especially if you do not want to lose muscle mass and strength.

According to a Harvard University study, a normal person weighing 185 lb burns an average of 311 calories when riding a bike with a moderate effort for 30 minutes. This is the equivalent of around 3 bananas.

So, what does this mean for you? After long bike rides (3+ hrs), it is important to replenish the energy you spend with nutritionally rich food. Feel free to read the article What to eat after a ride by bicycling.com.

7. Bike Maintenance

You should also not neglect your bike’s maintenance. If you don’t know how to do it, don’t worry. The best practices are also explained in smartphone apps.

If you do not have the necessary tools yet, check some tips on the best ones in my bike tool kit roundup. Once you have both the app and the tools, feel free to start taking care of your bike. It deserves it.

Don’t you have a bike yet? Check out my other article on choosing a bike, which includes an interactive guide!

8. Motivation

The right kind of motivation is one of the cornerstones of any activity you want to do regularly, and smartphone apps can be a source of motivation.

There are several motivational elements in similar apps. You can share your performances with friends or compare them with your results or other cyclists’ results.

Are you a competitive person? Cool, this kind of motivation will be especially effective for you. Because…

“If you wanna be the best, you gotta beat the best.”

This will force you to train harder, improving your performance.

Best Cycling Apps FAQ