Whether you’re a lycra-clad cycle addict, or a scarf wearing fixie rider, these apps are for you.
MapMyRide #
The name sort of explains just what this app aims to do, but, for your sake, I’ll fill you in on the finer details. Yes, the app will use your GPS to map just where you’ve ridden, allowing you to view your distance, time, speed, pace, and calories burnt, too.
You can also find nearby places to ride, as it supports known bike tracks across the world, including in parts of Australia. You can filter routes by type or length, examine elevation graphs, and leaderboards. Unfortunately, a mandatory sign up is required to use the app/service.
Info// For: Android + iOS + BlackBerry
Price: Free
Strava #
Strava is an online service that allows you to upload your data from your iPhone, Android, or Garmin unit, and gain insight from the info, including comparisons to previous runs, and – more interestingly – to other users that have done the same route. Leaderbaords mean that you can compete with people you never even have to talk to.
You can also use the app to find the best routes in your area (especially handy when travelling). The app is free, but a premium subscription to the service will give you access to detailed pace, power and heart rate analysis (with compatible device).
Info// For: Android + iOS
Price: Free
Cyclemeter GPS Cycling Computer #
Cyclemeter offers most of the features of the previous two apps, but it doesn’t require you to sign up for an account, nor upload your data to the cloud for analysis – it’s entirely contained on your iPhone.
One handy feature is the ability to start/stop tracking using your iPhone microphone button or, automatically, using stop detection (as well as on-screen). You can, additionally, hear your progress as you ride using the configurable voice prompts.
Any why not consider designing a training plan, which will integrate into your iPhone/online calendars, including configurable training, zones, and targets.
Info// For: iOS
Price: $5.49 + some IAPs
Spotcycle #
Spotcycle allows Melbournians to find the nearest bike-sharing stations, including the number of cycles available at each. Stations can be viewed on a map, or listed by distance. Favourite stations can also be saved, to quickly check if they have any available bikes.
The map also shows bike paths around Melbourne, so you can more easily plan your upcoming journey. After a hiring a bike, you can then set an alarm to remind you when your time is up.
The app actually works in other countries (Canada, Spain, UK, USA), too, but Melbourne is, sadly, the only Australian city. However, Brisbanites can visit brisbanecity.mobi [Ed: dead link] for a similar service.
Info// For: Android + iOS + BlackBerry
Price: Free
Google Maps #
Google Maps supports cycle directions, as well as turn-by-turn navigation, across many Australian cities and towns. Not only will it direct you down ‘bike friendly’ roads, it will also pick out a route that avoids the big hills.
With the turn-by-turn navigation, you can either mount your handset to your handlebars, or just plug in your headset to be gently guided by that familiar, sonorous voice that in no way makes me think of my potential death at the hands of future digital overloads during the impending robot apocalypse.
Condolences to iOS users for having lost this functionality.
Info// For: Android
Price: Free
Bike Gear Calculator #
Determine the gear ratio, gain ratio, speed, cadence (pedal rotations per minute), and more of your bike, by entering tire size, crank length etc.
Calculating this information will help you gain the best performance possible from your bike, as you can change the ratios to best suit your strength, level of fitness, and expected usage.
You can also use it to determine the distance you will cover in a particular time at a particular ratio and cadence, or see how long and how far you will travel at a particular gear ratio per a set number of pedal rotations.
Info// For: iOS
Price: $1.99
BikeTools #
BikeTools, like Bike Gear Calculator for iOS, allows you to calculate your gear ratios, but it also has the added advantage of calculating spoke lengths, so if you’re into making your own wheels, you’re in luck. In fact, the app can calculate: spoke length, gear ratio, gain ratio, skid patches, gear inches, development, and speed.
It also contains the measurements for major hub and rim manufacturers, and the developer asks that he be alerted of any missing brands/models so that he can include them.
And it’s half the price of Bike Gear Calculator, at the cost of a less attractive interface – pretty much the standard for Android equivalents, no?
Info// For: Android
Price: $1.07
Bike Doctor #
Bike Doctor aims to help novice cyclists repair their bikes by providing instructions on some of the most common maintenance and repair tasks. To get started, select the part of the bike with the problem and you’ll be faced with common malfunctions. Select what is wrong, and you’ll be given a list of required tools and parts, and step-by-step instructions with photos, on how to fix the problem.
Created by Andreas Kambanis of the London cycling blog, londoncyclist.co.uk, the app has a respected pedigree, and the list of repairs continues to grow.
Info// For: Android + iOS
Price: $2.77 / $5.49
Instant Heart Rate #
If you’re riding as a means to get fit, then it’s very handy to know your heart rate, so that you can know that you’re exercising at the optimal rate, and so that you can gauge your improvements over time. While a dedicated heart rate monitor will be more convenient (as you don’t have to stop exercising to take a measurement), Instant Heart Rate will give you an accurate reading of your heart rate by simply placing your finger over your handset’s camera – at a fraction of the cost of a dedicated device.
Info// For: Android + iOS
Price: $1.93 (free version available) / $0.99
Wahoo Fitness + Bike Pack #
If you want to turn your bike into a full-blown data machine, the Wahoo Bike Pack includes an ANT+ sensor receiver – meaning that you can connect to any ANT+ compatible sensors from a host of manufacturers, including ones to monitor heart rate, power, as well as the included speed/cadence sensor. It also includes a waterproof case with strap for your iPhone (an iPhone 5 case is presumably coming soon).
The free Wahoo Fitness allows you to monitor the data from the supplied, as well as other, sensors, then share out that info to your app or website of choice.
Info// For: iOS
Price: $199 RRP, Free app