Top 9 Cycling Apps for iPhone and Android 2022

The best cycling apps will help you plan a route, train effectively, fix your bike and much more. There’s no shortage of apps aimed at cyclists, with many more being released all the time, so sometimes it can be difficult to sort the wheat from the chaff.

Fear not – these are 9 of the most useful apps for cycling, as recommended by the Hovsco team.

We’ve included a variety of cycling apps for iPhone and Android devices, ranging from highly analytical training tools to simpler social apps and useful navigational resources.

1. Strava 

Strava barely needs an introduction, such is its popularity. The year 2020 saw big changes for the app as it put some of its most popular features, notably segments and leaderboards, behind its premium paywall. We say it's worth the few quid it costs a month, however, as Strava really is the ultimate companion for any bike ride.

For: iOS, Android
Cost: Free (with premium service available at a cost)

2. Zwift 

With an internet connection, turbo trainer and device compatible with the app, riders across the world can ride with or race each other inside the world of Zwift.

As well as being an efficient training tool, thanks to the built-in workouts and training plans, Zwift promotes social interaction and is a great way to break up the tedium of indoor riding.

Price: £12.99 / $14.99 per month
Download: Zwift for iOS or Zwift for Android

3. Komoot

Komoot has over 8 million members worldwide, with approximately 4 million cyclists, of which about 1.8 million are mountain bikers. komoot makes it simple to get out and about in the great outdoors, whenever and however you choose. Komoot uses the open-source OpenStreetMap database and allows you to plan road, mountain bike, and gravel rides as well as commutes. Komoot tries to choose the most efficient route, considering how ebike-friendly a road or path is, utilizing terrain type, elevation, and other elements to produce a ride that other mapping systems would struggle to replicate. It has a turn-by-turn voice navigation system and offline maps that keep your adventure on track even when out of coverage, though you might need to pay a one-time fee. For their reward system, some of their best contributors are taken on bucket-list-level riding vacations all over the world.

4. ME

This app is another option for navigation with a twist. Cyclists, and travelers in general, who venture into more remote areas really like this app. That is because it has a powerful offline navigation feature. Just download the route before you hit the road or trail without worrying about signal strength along the way.
MAPS.ME includes voice cues during navigation and displays points of interest like restaurants, grocery stores, and hotels that can be extremely helpful when riding in new areas. The app will also give you different navigation for different types of travel. So, you can use the bike navigation to cycle your way to the next village then switch to walking navigation to explore the area on foot.
Some riders find that the lack of topography on the map display is a disadvantage but the price is right. This is often on the list of best free cycling app.
If you will be touring by bike in different regions, you will find a travel trunk bag helpful to store those essentials.

5. Kudo Coach

The Kudo Coach app is designed primarily as a training app for cyclists. It helps you set up your training program and then monitor your activity against your plan. One of the features that make Kudo Coach popular is that it is flexible and practical. This is a training app for real people with busy lives. The app asks you a few simple questions to get your training program up and running and then helps you stay on course.
A convenient feature for cyclists is that you can easily sync rides that were recorded using apps such as Strava, Wahoo, Garmin Connect and Polar.

6. Google Maps 

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Apple has done some amazing things in the world of tech, but it can’t beat Google at mapping.

Just like you use your phone on the fly to find places, read a few reviews and then go to the one you select, you can use Google Maps to do this too – and get there on bike paths and bike-friendly routes.

Like any app, it’s not foolproof, but in its category it’s among the best there is. The audio turn-by-turn instructions are nice when riding, too; for riders who choose to ride with headphones, you can have your phone in your pocket and easily get where you need to be. You can download: Google Maps for iOS or Google Maps for Android

7. Ride with GPS

Ride with GPS can plan routes in great detail, navigate and record your ride.

It’s got a user-friendly interface that allows you to start recording with a single tap, and can even be used to navigate offline, which makes it extremely useful out in the sticks or on long rides, where preserving battery power is important.

The route data provided is particularly helpful, with detailed elevation profiles that you can zoom in and out of, and see exactly where on the route the biggest climbs will be.

Want to share your rides in real time? The app lets you do just that, and it will even read comments aloud as you pedal. Not a bad thing to have when you need that last motivational push.

The free version allows you to create routes and record your rides, as well as set yourself goals. There’s a Basic subscription that gives you access to mobile app features such as turn-by-turn navigation, live logging and offline mapping. You can also publish ride reports.

8. iOverlander

If you are a bikepacker, enjoy bike touring in new places, or just plain exploration, iOverlander is an essential app to add to your collection. As the name suggests, iOverlander is an app for and by the adventure traveler who is looking for a tool to help explore wherever the road takes you. Sort of like the Yelp for explorers. Some of the more popular ways to use the app are to see what is nearby and then view details about what you are interested in. Find out what amenities are included and what other overlanders thought about the place. You can participate by adding new places or providing comments, reviews, and updates on those that already exist.

iOverlander works mostly offline which is a good feature since many explorations take you off the grid. The adventuresome cyclist can use this app to find suitable places to rest and refresh after each day’s ride.

iOverlander is run as a non-profit so the app is free but donations are accepted.

If the overlander style of travel appeals to you, consider a bike camping trip for your next adventure.

9. Busby

Last on our list, but certainly not least, is Busby, an app for safety. The sport of cycling is fun and good for our health, but it can also be risky, and accidents can happen. This app helps keep users safe by offering various features. A feature that detects falls and crashes automatically helps keep cyclists safe. Riders are prompted to indicate how they are doing. The response time is 30 seconds. If there is no response, the app sends a message to your emergency contacts, including your exact location.

Other sports can be risky too. If you are a multisport athlete, Busby can keep you safe while running, walking, while on a scooter, or while doing any other activity where falling or crashing are possible.

Enjoy Your Rides More With These Cycling Apps