Cycling Apps
 

Anyone have any suggestions on the best bike app?

Mainly looking for a gps app that shows distance, time, calories, etc. New to cycling and was wondering what the most popular, best cycling app is.

Thank you!

I started with MapMyRide, then switched to Cyclemeter GPS after MapMyRide stopped recording elevation data.

Strava is very popular with those who like to compete, but I haven't used it. Dunno if it records GPS data now.

What OS are you using? Not all apps are supported on all platforms.

To create routes I use RideWithGPS, which is pretty good, free and sends the "map" easily to my Edge 810 - Garmin Connect, the app that came with the Edge, isn't very good in route planning. Strava is the best if you want "social interaction" which translates to knowing how other people do on the same routes you use, but I find it terrible in terms of precision. It exaggerates your average speed, distance and power ratings.

I use one called road bike by Runtastic. It works well.

When I use Mapmyride, it tells me elevation gains and drops. I don't know how accurate it is (but then again, I don't know how accurate any of the apps or services are really when it comes to elevation). I feel like the distance it is calculating is spot on because it uses my phone's GPS to track my route and is accurate to within a couple of meters.

It used to work for me, but after two consecutive rides in which it reported zero elevation (I live on the hill, so there HAS to be some elevation change), I gave up on it.

Strava.

Cyclemeter, with the elite upgrade. I only use the Strave website, uploading data from Cyclemeter.

What does Cyclemeter do for you that the Strava app doesn't? Just curious. It seems counterintuitive to use a second app, when one would do it all, no?

I use a garmin on the bike, but the data uploads/syncs automatically with Strava.

Cyclemeter give you a much better, more comprehensive and customizable "dashboard", allowing you to see what you want when you're riding. I have my main screen set to show MPH, cadence, HR, Highest speed, avg speed. I don't think any other app allows you this level of detail and customization.

I'm wholly unimpressed by the Strave app, but I find the web features to be interesting and useful for tracking my rides/progress, etc. A lot of people will use, say, a Garmin, then upload to Strava.

Makes sense. I'm a numbers geek, I have a pile of screens setup on my garmin, one for normal riding, one for climbing, etc...I get it.

I'm a much bigger fan of Strava for the ride tracking and the social aspects. The only time I use it instead of my garmin is for trips around town or bar hopping with the beater bike.

I really like the strava app.