Cycling Apps That Improve Your Rides

Cycling Apps: The Ones I Actually Use

Cycling app recommendations have gotten complicated with all the platforms and subscription tiers flying around. As someone who’s tried probably a dozen cycling apps over the years, I learned everything there is to know about why most get uninstalled after a week.

A few have become essential parts of my riding. Here’s what’s actually worth your phone storage.

For Tracking Rides

Strava

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. The default choice, and for good reason. Tracks rides via GPS, syncs with most devices, and has the largest community. The segment feature – comparing your times on specific stretches of road against everyone else – is addictive.

Free version does most of what you need. Premium adds training analysis, route planning, and beacon (live location sharing). Worth paying if you want the deep analytics or use the routes feature regularly.

The social features keep me riding more than any other app. Seeing friends’ activities creates gentle accountability.

Garmin Connect

If you have a Garmin device, this is unavoidable. Syncs all your data, shows detailed metrics, manages device settings. The interface is clunkier than Strava but the data depth is greater if you’re into numbers.

Most people use both – Garmin Connect for device management and detailed analysis, Strava for social features and segment hunting.

For Route Planning

Komoot

My go-to for planning new routes, especially off-road. The surface type indicators (gravel, singletrack, paved) actually work. Turn-by-turn navigation with voice prompts helps when exploring unfamiliar areas.

The free version covers one region. Pay once for areas you ride in, or pay more for worldwide access. Worth it if you travel for cycling or do any bike touring.

I plan routes on the desktop, sync to my phone, then send to my bike computer. The workflow is smooth.

Ride with GPS

More focused on road riding than Komoot. The route library from other users is extensive. Good for finding popular routes in an area you’re visiting.

The mobile app works well for navigation. Premium adds offline maps which matter if you ride in areas with spotty cell service.

For Indoor Training

Zwift

The big one. Virtual worlds, group rides, races, structured workouts. If you own a smart trainer, you probably already know about Zwift. It makes indoor training bearable by gamifying it.

$15/month adds up, and you need a smart trainer to get the full experience. But for winter training or weather emergencies, it’s the standard for a reason.

TrainerRoad

Pure training focus, no virtual world distractions. Adaptive training plans that adjust based on your performance. This is for people who want to get faster and don’t need entertainment to suffer through intervals.

Boring compared to Zwift but arguably more effective for structured training. Choose based on what motivates you.

What I Actually Have Installed

That’s what makes finding the right apps endearing to us cyclists who’ve tried everything. Strava (daily), Komoot (planning), Garmin Connect (device management), Zwift (winter), Windy (before rides). That’s it. The rest either duplicate features or don’t provide enough value.

You don’t need a dozen apps. Pick one for tracking, one for routes, one for indoor, one for weather. Keep it simple.