Starting with an app that needs no introduction, Strava! Since it launched in 2009, Strava has gone on to become hugely popular and for many, it's the go-to app for many cyclists worldwide. The smartphone app tracks and records your ride, providing distance, speed and other metrics, but it’s how your rides are presented that sets it apart. ‘Segments’ show your times on leader boards so you can see how you compare to others who have cycled the same road, and the social functionality that allows you to follow the weekly progress of cycling friends, join clubs and take part in challenges that is the reason for Strava's relentless popularity. The App is available for Android and iPhone users.
In a world that is driven by technology, social media and the urge to be informed, it is no wonder that fitness too has turned to technology to track performance data. Yes, I am talking about apps that tracks one’s performance on the saddle. With the advancement in the technological sphere, there are several apps out there that are developed specifically to track fitness and progress. So how do we determine which is the best to use?
We have compiled a list of top apps for cycling, and if you don’t use them already – do check them out!
Strava
Garmin Connect Mobile
If you use a recent Garmin Edge GPS unit, then the Garmin Connect Mobile App is useful. It can connect to your device to upload your rides to the Garmin Connect website, which can then share your data with Strava and MyFitnessPal. This app is essential if you want to use Garmin's LiveTrack feature to let someone know where you are while you ride. Garmin Connect Mobile can send stored workouts via Bluetooth to most current Garmin Edges after creating them on the Connect website first. The most useful feature of this app is its calendar, according to many users. The calendar allows you to review rides you’ve done in the past, using the app as a detailed training diary. This App is available to Android, iPhone and Microsoft Windows 10 phone users.
Cyclemeter
Cyclemeter is a convenient app that turns your phone into a cycle computer, which is handy if you mount your phone to your handlebars, providing plenty of information at a glance. It integrates maps for navigational duties and can be customised in many ways, including providing audio alerts for a range of metrics. This app is currently available only to iPhone users.
Endomondo
Endomondo is an activity tracking app with a huge fan base. A major part of its appeal lies is in its simplicity compared to other similar apps. It tracks duration, speed, calories and can be used with a heart rate monitor, and will keep a full training log allow you to easily analyse your training. This app is available to iPhone and Android users.
MapMyRide
MapMyRide has been around for quite a while and is a very popular way of plotting routes or finding other routes in your area, with a large database of routes available, making it a good option for those wanting to explore a part of the country. It’s free but there is a premium version which gives you more advanced tools and mapping. This app is available to iPhone and android users.
Conclusion
With almost every one of us now having access to smartphones and the internet, these mobile applications will give us the much needed details to know our cycling pattern and training results which in turn will motivate us to cycle more and get better.
