Top 5 Cycling Apps: Your Essential Riding Guide

Ever feel lost on a new bike trail, wishing you had a trusty guide right in your pocket? Riding your bike is fantastic, but sometimes figuring out where to go, tracking your progress, or even finding your friends can feel like a puzzle. It seems like every week a new cycling app pops up, promising to make your rides better, faster, and more fun. But with so many choices, how do you pick the one that actually works for *you*? It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the features and reviews.

This guide cuts through the noise. We will explore the best cycling apps available today. You will learn exactly what each app does best, whether you need detailed route planning, social motivation, or simple speed tracking. Stop wasting time downloading apps that don’t fit your needs. Keep reading to discover the perfect digital companion for your next adventure on two wheels!

Top Cycling Apps Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

Virtual Cycling World - Indoor cycling videos

New content is added REGULARLY!
Explore the world on your bike!
30-day free trial special offer
All our videos are available in 4K UHD quality
Use your Amazon account to subscribe to the app

Bestseller No. 2

Best cycling apps: Cycling for weight loss

- Choose your favorite cycling workout routine from cycling exercise collection.
- Cycling pedometer to save your workout distance log to use as a cycling tracker app.
- Biking class for kids free
- Share the cycling tracker log with your friends.
- Get Biking offline training without the internet. (No internet required)

Bestseller No. 3

Jacfit Jbike Exercise Bike Sensor, Life Time Free App, Multiplayer Online Indoor Cycling Workout.

Easy to install on exercise bike include foldable, under desk, mini exercise bike. Compatible with Exclusive Jacfit app which offer a training with multiplayer online and track real time workout data.
Online Roaming with your Exercise Bike. Choose your favorite scenes in the Roaming .You can do cycling and workout with players online. Endless surprises in every different routes so makes your workout more challenging than just for fun.
Hop on your exercise bike and start online tournament. Join or create a tournament at anytime, any day, anywhere you want to workout with online players. More than 10+ different routes.
Jacfit app record Workout Data and automatically upload to your Training Diary. Track and capture real-time cycling speed, distance, altitude, power, calories, heart rate to your smart phones (iPhone, Android & Tablet). You can screen mirror to TV to get best experiences.
A Community design is to make friends, chat and play with Exercise bike multiplayer online. To create a custom virtual room, you can invite friends or join different room to meet your workout goals together.

Bestseller No. 4

ROCKBROS Bike Computer Wireless Cycling Computers ANT+ Bluetooth Bicycle Computer Mini Speedometer Odometer Waterproof 2.9inch LCD Screen GPS/BDS/Galileo Position System

【Dynamic GPS/GLONASS/BDS/GALILEO Positioning】- Equipped with four satellite positioning systems, our bike computer offers higher sensitivity, greater accuracy, and faster positioning. The navigating chip, imported from Switzerland, ensures reliable GPS signal tracking of your route. By connecting the bike computer to your phone via Bluetooth, your journey is seamlessly synchronized with the app, allowing you to review the exact route you've taken for your ride.
【ANT+ Sync Sensor and App】- Our bike computer supports simultaneous recording of various data, including speed, cadence, heart rate, power, route traveled, altitude, and more. By adding your Strava account to our app, you can effortlessly synchronize the data from your cycling computer. This feature enables you to closely monitor your workout data and gain a scientific training experience. (Search for "XOSS" in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to download the app.)
【2.9-inch Screen】- Our bike computer features a glare-free backlit 2.9-inch screen with FSTN technology, ensuring high visibility even in bright sunlight. The LCD screen automatically adjusts its brightness based on the sunrise and sunset times in different time zones, allowing for clear data reading day or night. The screen is made of high-quality tempered glass, free use without the risk of scratches. (Note: Please set the time zone for all functions to work properly when first using)
【IPX6 Waterproof】- Our bike computer features a wireless and waterproof design, eliminating cable clutter on your handlebar. It is designed to withstand rain and can be used in any weather condition.
【Large Battery & Fast Charging】- With a 1200mAh battery and our quick-charge chip, our bike computer offers fast and efficient charging. The battery can be fully charged in just 3 hours, providing a remarkable sustained working time of over 35 hours.

Bestseller No. 5

Magene Outdoor/Indoor Speed/Cadence Sensor for Cycling, Wireless Bluetooth/Ant+ Bike Computer RPM Sensor for Road Bike or Spinning Bike and Trainers Compatible with Onelap, Wahoo Fitness, Zwift

[Battery] Remove the insulating sheet of the pre-installed battery before usage; re-install the battery to switch between the speed and cadence mode.
[Mode] 1 sensor can ONLY select one mode (Speed or Cadence) at the one time.So you need 2 sensors to test both speed and cadence.(1 for speed,1 for cadence)
[Device] When using the Bluetooth protocol 1 sensor can ONLY connect to 1 APP or device concurrently; When using ANT+ protocol it can be connected to multiple devices at the same time.
[Connection] When using a smart phone APP, you need to search for the sensor in the APP, searching through the phone system’s Bluetooth setting is invalid.
[Hibernation] S3+ sensor will automatically enter the sleep state for 1 minute to save power after the sensor is stationary, the sensor will ONLY start sending broadcasts after it is properly woken-up.

Bestseller No. 6

CYCPLUS Bike Computer Set Include Speed Sensor and Mount, Wireless Bicycle Speedometer Odometer, IPX6 Waterproof ANT+ Bluetooth

【Dynamic GPS Positioning】Higher sensitivity, Higher accuracy, Faster positioning. The navigating chip is imported from Switzerland. The GPS signal tracks your route. After connecting to your phone with bluetooth, your journey is synchronized with the app, so you can see exactly which route you've taken for your ride.
【2.9-inch Screen】The glare-free backlit screen introduces FSTN technology, which is highly visible in sunlight. The LCD screen will light up automatically which depending on the sunrise and sunset time in different time zones. You can read your data easier and clearer day or night. High quality tempered glass, do not worry about nails scratches the screen. (Note: When using the product for the first time, be sure to set the time zone first. And then all functions can be run normally.)
【ANT+ Sync Sensor and App】It supports simultaneous recording of various data such as speed, cadence, heart rate, power, route traveled, altitude, etc. Strava account can be added via our APP to synchronize the data on cycling computer. Helps you monitor workout data and gives you scientific training experience. (Search for CYCPLUSFit in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to download the app)
【SPEED SENSOR & CADENCE SENSOR】The bike computer set include a speed &cadence sensor, you can switch between cadence and speed sensor modes by toggling switch to different position. Supports all kinds of equipments and applications which collect speed or cadence data via Bluetooth or ANT+.
【Easy Installation】 CYCPLUS handlebar mount can be easily installed on your bike within 60 seconds (screwdriver included). All you need is to fix it and tighten the screw (Only suitable for 31.8 mm handlebars). The compact mount weighs only 29g . Even if driving over the bad pavement, there is no wavering of the bike computer.

Bestseller No. 7

GEOID CS600 Cadence/Speed Sensor for Cycling, ANT+/Bluetooth Wireless Bicycle RPM Sensor Compatible with Bike Computers, Sport Watches, iOS/Android APPS

✅Geoid CS600 sensor can be connected to ANT+ cycling computer smart watch and app, while recording multiple copies of data and facilitate analysis
✅Geoid CS600 cadence speed sensor is compatible with most Bluetooth or ant+ standard protocol APPs or devices that support third-party brand connections, such as Onelap, Zwift, Rouvy, Peloton, Openrider, Cyclemeter, RidewithGPS, TrainerRoad, and Wahoo Fitness (But WAHOO APP can’t tracking 2 data in the same time even you have 2 sensors.)
✅Geoid CS600 sensor will automatically enter the sleep state for 1 minute to save power after the sensor is stationary, the sensor will ONLY start sending broadcasts after it is properly woken-up.
✅1 sensor can ONLY select one mode (Speed or Cadence) at the one time. So you need 2 sensors to test both speed and cadence. (1 for speed,1 for cadence)
✅Dual protocol, compatible with ANT+ Bluetooth protocol. Ant+： Garmin sports watches +head units (bike computer) bryton igpsport zwift onelap bkool tacx & virtual cycling trainng software. Bluetooth： endomondo nike+ wahoo fitness strava runtasticpro moofit sports tracker runkeeper bluetooth sports watches

Bestseller No. 8

Bikevee Bike Computer 2.6" Wireless Speedometer with Bluetooth 5.4 & ANT+, GPS Odometer, Link-S App Update v1.4.7 Optimized Experience, IPX7 Waterproof Bicycle Computer for Road & Mountain – Black(AB)

𝙎𝙤𝙛𝙩𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝘽𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 – We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused. Due to an incomplete software update, Trip Distance may not display and temperature may be locked in Celsius. Please update to v1.4.7 via the Link-s app to resolve these issues. If you encounter any problems, please don’t hesitate to contact our customer support team—we’re here to help
Clear 2.6" LCD Screen with Manual & Auto Backlight – Easily read speed, distance, and ride stats on the large 2.6" LCD display. Manual backlight ensures visibility day or night, and software upgrade enables automatic backlight for enhanced riding experience
ANT+ Connectivity for Multi-Sensor Data – Connect compatible sensors via ANT+ for precise, real-time speed and distance data, ensuring accurate tracking for all your rides
Strava-Compatible GPX Data Sync & Accurate Tracking – Export rides as .GPX files through the Link-S app and upload to Strava. Monitor speed, distance, and ride progress easily
Complete Bundle with Auto Stop & IPX7 Waterproof – Includes GPS computer, out-front mount, rubber pad, mounting rings, USB-C cable, hex screws, wrench, sponge, and manual. Automatic stop function saves battery when paused. Lightweight and water-resistant for all-day riding

The Essential Buying Guide for Cycling Apps

Choosing the right cycling app can make your rides safer, more fun, and help you reach your fitness goals faster. With so many options available, knowing what to look for is crucial. This guide breaks down the important stuff so you can pick the best digital riding partner.

Key Features to Look For

A good cycling app does more than just track your speed. Think about what you need most for your rides.

GPS Tracking and Mapping: This is the most important feature. The app must accurately track your route, distance, and elevation. Look for offline maps so you can navigate even without cell service.
Performance Metrics: The app should show you real-time data like speed, average pace, duration, and calories burned.
Route Planning and Navigation: Can the app help you find new trails or roads? Does it offer turn-by-turn voice navigation?
Integration with Devices: Check if the app connects easily with your heart rate monitor, power meter, or bike computer (like Garmin or Wahoo). Bluetooth and ANT+ compatibility are key here.
Social and Community Features: Some riders like sharing achievements or competing in virtual challenges. See if the app has strong community support.

Important “Materials” (Data and Privacy)

In the digital world, “materials” refer to how the app handles your data.

Data Export Options: You should be able to easily download your ride files (usually in GPX or TCX format) to use on other platforms.
Privacy Settings: Understand how the app uses your location data. Strong privacy controls let you decide who sees your routes and personal stats.

Factors That Improve or Reduce App Quality

The quality of a cycling app often comes down to its reliability and design.

What Makes an App Great:

Battery Efficiency: A high-quality app uses your phone’s battery wisely. Poorly coded apps drain your battery quickly, which is dangerous if you are on a long ride.
Intuitive Interface: The screen should be easy to read while you are moving. Large buttons and customizable data fields improve usability.
Accuracy: The GPS tracking must be precise. Inaccurate distance measurements reduce the app’s usefulness for serious training.

What Makes an App Poor:

Frequent Crashing: If the app stops working mid-ride, you lose all your data.
Complex Menus: If you have to dig through five menus just to start a ride, the user experience suffers.

User Experience and Use Cases

Consider how you actually ride your bike. This determines which app suits you best.

For Commuters and Casual Riders: You need simple tracking, good map visibility, and perhaps basic traffic alerts. A free, simple app might work best.
For Fitness and Training Riders: You need interval timers, power zone tracking, and excellent integration with external sensors. Paid subscriptions often unlock these advanced features.
For Adventure/Gravel Riders: Offline maps and reliable routing tools are non-negotiable. The ability to load pre-planned routes saves time and prevents getting lost.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cycling Apps

Q: Do I need a paid subscription for a cycling app?

A: Many apps offer a free version that covers basic tracking (distance, time). Paid subscriptions usually unlock advanced features like detailed training plans, live segment competition, and detailed performance analysis.

Q: Can these apps replace my dedicated bike computer (like a Wahoo)?

A: For casual riding, yes. For serious training, a dedicated computer is often better because it uses less phone battery and often has superior screen visibility in bright sunlight.

Q: How accurate is GPS tracking on a smartphone app?

A: Smartphone GPS is generally very accurate today. Accuracy can drop slightly under heavy tree cover or between tall city buildings. Good apps compensate for these small dips.

Q: What is “segment matching”?

A: Segments are short, predefined sections of road or trail where users compete for the fastest time, similar to a virtual race. Apps like Strava specialize in this.

Q: How much phone battery do these apps usually drain?

A: It varies widely. An app that constantly uses the screen and GPS can drain 15% to 25% of your battery per hour. Always carry a power bank for long rides.

Q: Are cycling apps safe to use while riding?

A: The app itself is safe, but you must use it responsibly. Rely on voice navigation and glance quickly at the screen. Looking down for too long distracts you from traffic.

Q: Can I use these apps in the rain?

A: The app software is fine in the rain. You must protect your phone itself! Use a waterproof phone case or mount.

Q: What file types should I look for when exporting my ride data?

A: Look for GPX (for general route sharing) or TCX (which often includes detailed heart rate and power meter data).

Q: Do all apps work with both iPhone and Android?

A: Most major cycling apps work on both platforms, but always check the specific app store listing before committing to a subscription.

Q: How important is offline map capability?

A: It is very important for rural or wilderness riding. If you lose cellular signal, offline maps ensure your navigation continues working seamlessly.