If you’re a cyclist looking to track your rides, improve your performance, and stay connected while on the road, then a smartwatch can be an invaluable tool.
With a variety of cycling apps available for popular smartwatch brands like Apple Watch and Garmin, you can access real-time data about your ride, get turn-by-turn directions, compete with other cyclists, and more.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 8 smartwatch-compatible apps for cycling. From tracking and analytics tools to navigation assistance and social features, these apps offer a range of benefits that can help you take your cycling game to the next level.
Whether you’re training for a race or simply trying to stay active and healthy, these apps can provide valuable insights into your rides while helping you stay connected with fellow cyclists. So let’s dive in and discover which apps are best suited for your needs!
Check out this post: Best 10 Sports Apps For Smartwatch To Get Live Games Score In 2024.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Strava and TrainingPeaks are popular cycling apps for tracking rides, analyzing data, and offering heart rate monitoring capabilities and interval training support.
- ViewRanger and Map My Ride offer GPS navigation and accurate tracking and mapping features for outdoor rides and indoor cycling workouts.
- Peloton stands out among other cycling apps for its compatibility with both Samsung and Apple watches, personalized coaching options for indoor cycling, and Strive Scores based on time spent in each heart rate zone.
- Smartwatch-compatible cycling apps offer features such as navigation assistance, social and competitive features, training plans based on users’ fitness levels and goals, fitness tracking, workout planning, exercise motivation, and health monitoring.
Top 8 Cycling Apps For Smartwatches
If you’re an avid cyclist looking to improve your training and track your progress, smartwatch-compatible apps are a game-changer.
1. Strava
Strava is the ultimate app for fitness fanatics who want to track and analyze their physical activity, build communities, and compete with other athletes on popular stretches of road or trail.
With Strava integration, you can easily connect your GPS watch or head unit to record your rides and get detailed performance analysis. The app also offers route planning tools that allow you to explore new paths and discover popular segments in your area.
One of the standout features of Strava is its heart rate monitoring capabilities. By connecting a compatible heart rate monitor, you can track your effort level throughout your ride and see how it affects your performance metrics like speed, distance, and elevation gain.
Whether you’re training for a race or just trying to improve your fitness, Strava provides all the tools you need to stay motivated and reach your goals.
Also read: Best 8 Garmin Watches To Use With Strava In 2024.
2. TrainingPeaks
TrainingPeaks is a comprehensive training platform for athletes of different sports, providing powerful data tools to track fitness progress and plan workouts. The platform offers a TrainingPeaks integration with various smartwatches, allowing you to monitor your heart rate and track your performance during workouts.
You can use the app to plan your workout schedule in advance and customize it according to your specific goals. One of the key features of TrainingPeaks is its interval training support, which allows you to create custom intervals for cycling workouts.
The app also offers a detailed analysis of each workout, providing insights into areas where you can improve. Additionally, the platform provides performance-tracking tools that help you monitor your progress over time, allowing you to adjust your training program as needed.
With TrainingPeaks, you have access to accredited coaches who can provide personalized coaching services based on your individual needs and goals.
3. ViewRanger
Get ready to explore the great outdoors with Outdooractive, formerly known as ViewRanger! This app is perfect for outdoor navigation, thanks to its GPS tracking and offline maps.
With Outdooractive, you can plan your routes in advance and analyze terrain data before heading out on your adventure. One of the standout features of Outdooractive is its route planning tool.
The app allows you to create custom routes based on your preferences and skill level. You can also analyze the terrain along each route and adjust accordingly.
Once you’re ready to hit the trails, GPS tracking will keep tabs on your progress even when you’re offline. With access to detailed offline maps, you’ll be able to navigate confidently without worrying about losing signal or data usage.
Whether you’re hiking, cycling, or exploring new territory, Outdooractive is a must-have app for any adventure enthusiast.
4. Cyclemeter Bike Computer
With Cyclemeter Bike Computer, you can easily track your cycling statistics and navigate with Apple or Google Maps on your iPhone or iPad.
The app is a top choice for cyclists who want to analyze their performance and progress over time. Here are some of the best features of Cyclemeter:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Voice-activated with Siri | Allows hands-free use during workouts |
| Configurable interval training | Guides you through different workout routines |
| Connects with sensors | Provides deeper analysis using heart rate monitors and other sensors |
To use Cyclemeter effectively, it’s important to have a good understanding of its various features and settings.
For example, you can customize the app’s voice announcements to hear updates about your speed, distance traveled, and calories burned at specific intervals during your ride. Additionally, you can share your workouts with friends and family in real time by enabling live tracking and messaging.
Compared to other bike computer apps on the market, Cyclemeter stands out for its extensive range of features and compatibility with different smartwatches. However, like any app, there may be some common issues that users experience from time to time.
If you’re having trouble syncing data or experiencing glitches while recording a workout session, try restarting the app or updating to the latest version available. With these tips in mind, you should be able to get the most out of Cyclemeter Bike Computer as an essential tool for tracking and improving your cycling performance.
5. Bike Ride Tracker – Best For Apple watch
Now that you’re familiar with the Cyclemeter Bike Computer, let’s talk about another great option for your Apple Watch bike rides: the Bike Ride Tracker.
This app from Oxagile LLC offers GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring, giving you a complete picture of your cycling workouts. Not only can you track your distance, time, speed, elevation, and calories burned like with most cycling apps, but the Bike Ride Tracker also includes workout analysis tools to help you reach your fitness goals.
With a personal profile for accurate stats and the ability to export ride summaries in various formats, this app is a precise and powerful cycle computer for iPhone users who want to take their training to the next level.
6. Map My Ride
As you explore the world on your two wheels, let Map My Ride guide you with its accurate tracking and mapping features.
This app is compatible with smartwatches and provides an excellent experience for tracking outdoor rides and indoor cycling workouts. It analyzes your cycling data to give you insights into your performance, making it one of the best apps for cycling.
For example, Strava has a social aspect where you can connect with other cyclists and compete against them on leaderboards.
Komoot which I haven’t added here offers more detailed maps that show bike-friendly paths and trails. Ultimately, it’s up to personal preference to find the best smartwatch for cycling and tracking your rides accurately.
7. iBiker Cycling & Heart Trainer – Best For Apple Watch Indoor Cycling
If you’re looking for an app that’s perfect for tracking your indoor cycling workouts with the Apple Watch, then iBiker Cycling & Heart Trainer is the one for you. This app offers free mapping, coaching, and heart rate training to help you achieve your fitness goals.
Here are three reasons why iBiker Cycling & Heart Trainer is a great choice for anyone who wants to track their indoor cycling workouts:
- Apple Watch Compatibility: With iBiker Cycling & Heart Trainer, you can easily connect your Apple Watch to monitor your heart rate and track your workout progress in real-time.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: The app allows you to use any compatible Bluetooth low-energy heart rate monitor to track your heart rate during workouts and personalize your coaching based on this data.
- Personalized Coaching: With iBiker Cycling & Heart Trainer’s subscription package, you get access to custom structured workout routines, HIIT training sessions, advanced heart rate tracking and zone support, fitness assessments, and LiveTracking feature which lets friends and family cheer you on during workouts, and more personalized coaching options to help elevate your indoor cycling experience.
8. Peloton – Best for Android Users and Samsung watch
Get ready to enhance the accuracy of your heart rate monitoring during workouts with Peloton Watch App, now available on Android WearOS devices.
If you’re a cyclist looking for a smartwatch-compatible app that offers reliable heart rate monitoring and fitness tracking, Peloton is the way to go.
With its seamless integration with Android and Samsung watches, this app allows you to track your performance metrics in real time while cycling both indoors and outdoors.
What sets Peloton apart from other cycling apps is its ability to provide personalized Strive Scores based on time spent in each heart rate zone. This feature enables cyclists to measure their progress across different types of workouts accurately.
Additionally, Peloton offers a weekly dose of fitness promotions, launches, and events that keep you motivated toward achieving your fitness goals. For an in-depth comparison of Peloton with other cycling apps, check out the table below:
As you can see from the table above, Peloton stands out as it offers compatibility with both Samsung and Apple watches and supports both indoor and outdoor cycling activities.
Moreover, its unique Strive Score feature provides personalized metrics that make it easier for cyclists to track their progress across different types of workouts.
Tracking and Analytics
When it comes to tracking and analyzing your performance, these are some of the top smartwatch-compatible apps that can keep you on top of your game.
With these apps at your disposal, you’ll be able to collect all the necessary data from each ride to make informed decisions about how best to improve and optimize your cycling performance.
Check out this related post: Best Smartwatches With Calculator + Best Calculator Apps For Smartwatch.
Navigation Assistance
As you hit the road on your two-wheeled companion, imagine having a trusty guide that will lead you to your destination hassle-free. This is where navigation assistance comes in handy for cyclists. With turn-by-turn directions, offline maps, and voice prompts, you can focus on the ride while your smartwatch guides you through unfamiliar routes.
To ensure GPS accuracy and elevation tracking, it’s important to choose apps that are specifically designed for cycling.
These apps offer features such as route planning, live tracking, and even social sharing options. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cyclist, these navigation-assisted apps will make your rides more enjoyable and stress-free.
Social and Competitive Features
The social and competitive features of navigation-assisted cycling apps provide an enhanced experience for riders. These features allow cyclists to connect with other riders, compete against them, and share their accomplishments.
Here are some popular social and competitive features that you can find in smartwatch-compatible cycling apps:
- Leaderboards: You can compare your performance with other users and see how you rank among them. This feature not only enhances the competitive aspect of cycling but also motivates you to improve your performance.
- Group Rides: Many apps offer group ride functionality that allows you to join other riders in real-time. You can chat with them, share routes, and track each other’s progress. This feature is perfect for those who want to meet new people while enjoying their favorite activity.
- Personal Records: Personal records or ‘PRs’ are a way of tracking your best times on specific routes or segments. Apps like Strava allow you to set goals based on these PRs and motivate yourself to beat them.
Additionally, some apps offer training plans that cater specifically to your fitness level and goals. These plans help keep riders accountable while providing structure for their workouts.
Overall, the social and competitive features of smartwatch-compatible cycling apps make this activity more engaging and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Also Read: Best Smartwatches & Apps For Time Management | Improve Your Productivity.
Fitness and Training Tools
Now that you’ve explored the social and competitive features of smartwatch apps for cycling, it’s time to take a closer look at the fitness and training tools available.
These apps are designed to help you track your progress, plan workouts, stay motivated to exercise, monitor your health, and receive personalized coaching.
Fitness tracking is an essential feature of any cycling app since it allows you to keep track of your performance over time.
By monitoring metrics such as distance traveled, speed, heart rate, calories burned, and more, you can get a better understanding of how your body responds to different types of workouts.
Workout planning is another crucial tool that can help you achieve your fitness goals by creating customized workout plans based on your current level of fitness and desired outcomes.
Whether you’re looking to build endurance or increase strength, these apps can recommend the best exercises for achieving those goals.
Exercise motivation is also critical since it helps keep you engaged in physical activity by providing feedback on your progress and encouraging healthy habits.
Finally, health monitoring features enable users to track their sleep patterns, stress levels, hydration status, and other vital signs that impact overall wellness.
With all these tools at your disposal through smartwatch-compatible cycling apps – there’s no excuse not to have fun while getting fit!
Here’s another post that you need to check out: Top 10 Walking Tracker Apps For Apple Watch In 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Are Smartwatches Waterproof And Suitable For Use During Cycling In The Rain?
Rainproof smartwatches with water resistance are suitable for use during cycling in the rain. Waterproof smartwatches can withstand immersion in water. Smartwatch durability is crucial for outdoor activities, including cycling, and should be considered when making a purchase.
Can These Cycling Apps Be Used Offline Or Do They Require An Internet Connection?
You can use some cycling apps offline, but it may affect GPS accuracy and data syncing. Battery life is also a concern. Mobile app integration is important for post-ride analysis. Consider connectivity options before heading out.
What Kind Of Smartwatch Is Best Suited For These Cycling Apps?
When choosing a smartwatch for cycling, look for features like GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and compatibility with cycling apps. Top brands include Garmin, Apple, and Samsung. Smartwatches can improve performance by providing real-time data and tracking progress.
Do These Apps Integrate With Other Fitness Tracking Apps Such As Strava or MyFitnessPal?
Yes, these cycling apps can sync data with other fitness-tracking apps like Strava and MyFitnessPal. GPS accuracy depends on the smartwatch used and battery life varies. The user interface varies by app compatibility.
Are There Any Subscription Fees Or In-app Purchases Required To Use These Cycling Apps On A Smartwatch?
Prepare to be pleasantly surprised! Most smartwatch-compatible cycling apps offer free versions with basic features. However, some premium features may require in-app purchases or subscriptions. Compatibility options and device restrictions vary, so check user accessibility and feature comparisons before committing to a particular app.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’re now equipped with the top 8 smartwatch-compatible apps for cycling. These apps offer a wide range of features that can help you improve your cycling performance, navigate through new routes, and compete with other cyclists online.
By tracking and analyzing your rides, providing navigation assistance, offering social and competitive features, as well as fitness and training tools, these apps will definitely enhance your cycling experience.
According to a recent survey conducted by Statista, the global market size of wearable technology is expected to reach $54 billion by 2023.
This growth is largely driven by increasing demand for smartwatches that offer a wide range of health and fitness features like GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and workout analytics.
As such, it’s no surprise that cycling app developers have been quick to embrace this emerging trend by creating smartwatch-compatible versions of their popular cycling apps.
Also Read: 9 Best Free Golf Apps For Wear OS In 2024.
As a professional trainer and a gadget lover, I’ve spent a lot of money and time buying wearable activity trackers, smartwatches, and gadgets, and checking them out. My site is focused on helping you with your activity tracking and smart technology journey. I try to provide the most helpful updated content on this subject. Hopefully, you will love my blogs and be a regular around here.
