Cycling is a sport that has been around for quite some time. While the bikes and gear have received some much needed upgrades overtime, there is not much that has been done with regards to technology especially for the amateur bikers. However, as with every other aspect of life, smartphones have brought a wave of change into cycling courtesy of apps that are able to help cyclists in a vast range of ways. Some have the ability to monitor speed and distance while others map out the roads and allow you to report hurdles so that the next time you have a better experience. Of course, to get to the best cycling apps, you will have to sift through a myriad of jokes. But, we did that for you. Here are some of the best cycling apps that could completely change how you cycle and make the sport more effective for you.
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Fill That Hole
Every cyclist will easily agree that it is never a complete ride without coming across a pothole or two. If you saw it coming early enough, lucky for you and your bike. There are other cyclists however who have not had the best experiences with potholes as with other motorists.
Fill That Hole is a unique app that was put together by a national cyclists charity. It does not measure your speed or the distance you have travelled. Nevertheless, it is important because it allows you to report the location of potholes and even take photos of them. The information you offer is then forwarded to the relevant authorities to be addressed. The beauty of the app is that you not only better the experience of that route for yourself but for a great deal of other people and could even potentially save lives. Which is why this is one of the best cycling apps that you could have when you hit the road with your two wheeler.
The application is available for both iOS and Android versions and comes free of charge to all users and you can access all the features. There are not hidden prices or strings attached with the app.
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Strava
Strava is an app that needs no introduction to most cyclists. It was launched back in 2009 and since then, it has provided cyclists with unbeatable experiences, tracking and recording of different metrics that include distance and speed.
The one thing that has made this app such a success is the way it presents the analysis. It has segmented areas and not only does it show you how you fair on certain cycling routes but also shows you how you have faired compared to others that have used the same route with the help of a leader board. This of course is compared with your speed and the time taken to complete the course. That is not it. The app also allows you to socialize with other cycling clubs and friends and even take part in challenges. This basis has been the source of Strava’s unrelenting popularity and chances are it’s going to continue to be the case for ages to come.
If you’re a newbie or even an expert to cycling and you’re looking for ways to link up with other people that share the same enthusiasm as you with regards to cycling, then Strava is going to offer you that and more. You will also get stats on how you perform on the different routes. Strava works on both Android phones and iPhones.
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Cyclemeter
If you would like to have an app that turns your bike into a cycling computer, then, cyclemeter is it. It has a plethora of features that make it every biker’s go-to app. It has a vast collection of customizable features as well. Among them is the ability to start and stop your rides with your iPhone earphone remote button. It also has integrated google maps and using the GPS feature on your phone, it is able to keep track of a variety of metrics among them being distance, heart rate speed, number of calories burn and so forth.
If you would like you can even set the app to have some audio alerts on some of the metrics from time. The integration with Google Maps ensures that you get help with the areas that you might find somewhat unfamiliar and the best part about the application is that you can also develop your own training program with the app.
So, why is such a great app not at the top of the list? Well, to begin with, it is only available for iPhone and Apple watch users and, to be able to enjoy the full features, you have to part with a small payment. The free version of the app does not open up to so many features hence not as useful. Other than that, for those that don’t mind paying a little fee for premium services, this has to be one of the best cycling apps.
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Map My Ride
Map My Ride is one of the premier ride-logging apps there is. Overtime, it has faced fierce competition from other apps that do more or less the same but it has been able to withstand the test of time and advancing technology and remain relevant. Among the metrics that the apps is able to keep an eye on is distance, elevation, speed as well as detailed information about the different routes that you will be covering.
The information that is collected on the apps is then uploaded to the site and then analyzed and later used to help other users if you prefer. Since cycling is a social sport, why not use your experiences to help others?
If you opt for the premium version, you have access to training plans, more advanced options for your routes as well as live tracking that you can share with your friends and family. You also rid yourself of the constant and annoying advertisements.
Other than monitoring your metrics, the apps is also able to offer you short courses. This is just a feature that allows you to attempt to set the fastest pace for a certain route. Something like a quite challenge. The apps is available for Android and iOS powered devices and has a premium and free version to choose from.
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John Ambulance First Aid for Cyclists
It is easy to get caught up with the speed and the scenic views along your route but you always have to remember that your safety comes first at all times. It is easy to download some of the best cycling apps that are related to metric monitoring and improving your skill. But, you should also consider this unique app which would really save the day in case things get awry. You always have to prepare for the worst at all times. IT is an app that you hope you’ll not need but will be grateful to have in case the dreaded moment comes beckoning.
The app was produced by St. John Ambulance and is a completely free app. It helps to address and guide you through the tips and first aid treatment for the most common injuries that are related to cycling. With these tips, you can be able to treat yourself and others by the roadside and potentially save your own and other people’s lives.
The app covers quite a wide range of injuries and offers point-by-point guides inclusive of images and diagrams on how to care and offer first aid to some of the injuries. It also explains to the user what they ought to do is serious and emergency situations. While you never see such instances coming, you can clearly see how valuable the app would be in the event that such instances arose. It is a free for all and available for both Android and iOS devices.
Should you find that this app is not your daily cup of tea, you can download other equally important versions that achieve more or less the same thing like First Aid by British Red Cross.
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Dark Sky
An awesome biking experience is usually way more than just having a good bike and proper planning. With Global warming and covering new routes, you can never tell when the weather will take a plunge for the worst. You never want to be caught out. At the same time, you don’t want to play it too save and end up losing the one factor that makes for a great ride out. Dark Sky is one of the best cycling apps that provides up to the minute weather forecasts.
Unlike most of the other apps, Dark Sky is an independent service that uses cutting edge features and technology to offer you the more recent weather forecasts and you can also have other customizable weather based notifications. The best part about the app is that it offers pin point forecasts. The exact position where you’re standing. The forecasts include everything from precipitation, UV related data as well as the times when the sun is expected to set. With this app, you will never be caught out again.
There is not free version of the app but the premium is equally affordable and android and iOS users can be able to enjoy the benefits that it has offer. If you would prefer to have some free options that offer the same services albeit at a lower efficiency, you could try the Rain Alarm or, the BBC Weather app.
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Garmin Connect
Before you can be able to use the Garmin Connect app, you should know that you need to have a compatible Garmin GPS device first. Once you’re set up, you should be able to do quite a lot with the application. The app will be able to display the weather data, time you have been cycling, distance covered, calories burnt and so on and so forth. You can also decide how you would like to view your data on the app. Instead of the conventional numbers, you can opt to have the data represented in maps, graphs or even charts.
Another impressive feature of the app is the LiveTrack. It allows your family and friends to follow you and the progress you have made as you’re riding and monitor your metrics as well. If you’re up to the challenge, you can also take up the weekly opportunities and also upload your activities and any other progresses you might have made. Once you have bought the compatible Garmin Device, the subscription to the app is entirely free. You can also enjoy the benefits of the app whether you’re using an android device or an iOS device.
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Bike Doctor
So far, the apps that have been covered have been about you, your safety or the routes that you will take during your cycling. None of them have addressed the well-being of your beloved bike. Most cyclists will tell you that their bikes are not only exceptional results of engineering but rather something that they have made a connection with and would like to keep them running for as long as possible. If not for that, bicycles are not the cheapest things and you need to make sure that you keep it in the best condition for the longest time possible.
If you’re the kind that keeps depending on your mates to make all the repairs for you. Or, you’re the kind of person that depends heavily on bike workshops, then this app could be really handy for you. It features guides illustrated in a step-by-step format to help you tackle almost any of the common mechanical calamities that you might encounter.
The apps is not free but the premium price is definitely more affordable that visiting a bike repair shop and it is available on most mobile platforms. You will need to have data when you use the app also.
Conclusion
Any cyclist that is serious about their sport should have at least four of these apps. One for every aspect. One for keeping track and recording metrics, a weather forecast app, a first aid app and definitely a bike repair app. The eight are among the best cycling apps there are and will definitely prove to be handy for any cyclist in any situation.
Anything but Hangbiker, please … ahahha…. I just somedays take the long road to home , my agm x1 ( great rugged phone), some music and enjoy the afternoon 🙂
For my cycling i usually the only app i use is the music player … ahahha…. I just some weekends take the long road to home for the beach , my agm x1 (a great rugged phone), some music and enjoy the afternoon 🙂 i didnt like the battery enough (is great, tho) but now there is a gold edition with 5000 battery 😀 ! i hope can get one soon 🙂