There’s a lot of iPhone cycling apps to choose from, but some are definitely better than others. In this review, we break down the top choices available in IOS for a range of purposes, from cycle training to navigation and tracking. We also look at the best free bike app for iPhone and other more premium options.

1. JOIN Cycling

Best For: Adaptable training plans for indoor and outdoor cycling  

Price: Free trial or from around $10/month  

What is JOIN?  

JOIN is a cycling app created by professional coaches that offers adaptable training plans suitable for cyclists of all levels. It includes both indoor training and outdoor cycling sessions, providing a comprehensive training experience tailored to your fitness goals and schedule.

How Does JOIN Work?  

JOIN utilizes an intelligent algorithm to generate personalized training plans based on your fitness level, goals, and available time. The app can sync with devices such as heart rate monitors and power meters to track your progress. It dynamically adjusts to fit your schedule, making it an ideal choice for cyclists balancing training with a busy lifestyle.

Pros  

• Highly adaptable to your schedule and fitness level  

• Developed by professional cycling coaches  

• Supports both indoor and outdoor training  

• Seamless integration with fitness devices  

Cons   

• Focuses on structured training rather than exploration.

What People Are Saying  

Many users appreciate the app’s adaptability, noting that it adjusts training plans smoothly when their schedules change. Others highlight the outdoor training feature as a standout aspect, emphasizing its importance for real-world cycling. 

Pricing  

JOIN offers a free 14-day trial allowing you to create and try a personalized training plan before you buy. A subscription costs less than $11/month. 

2. Ride with GPS

Best for: Route planning and navigation for those who cycle a lot  

Price: Free; Premium features start at $6/month  

What is Ride with GPS?  

Ride with GPS is a navigation-focused app designed for cyclists who enjoy exploring new routes. It provides advanced mapping tools, turn-by-turn navigation, and ride-recording features, catering to both casual riders and dedicated adventurers.

How does Ride with GPS work?  

Users can create or import routes and utilize the app for real-time navigation. Ride with GPS offers detailed elevation profiles, surface type analysis, and route optimization for different cycling preferences. It's compatible with most GPS devices and smartphones.

Pros  

• Excellent route planning and customization tools 

• Turn-by-turn navigation and offline maps  

• Detailed ride analytics  

• Integration with fitness devices  

Cons  

• Some advanced features require a subscription 

• Limited training-specific features compared to other apps  

What people are saying  

Many users praise the app’s intuitive route-planning interface and detailed analytics. Cyclists appreciate the ability to share routes with friends and download maps for offline use. However, some reviewers mention that the free version lacks certain key features.

Pricing  

Ride with GPS offers a free version with basic features. Premium plans start at $6/month, with a 7-day free trial available for new users.

3. Relive

Best for: Visualizing and sharing cycling adventures  

Price: Free; premium features start at $6.99/month  

What is Relive?  

Relive transforms your cycling activities into shareable 3D videos, showcasing your routes and statistics in an engaging way. It’s an excellent app for cyclists who want to relive and visually share their adventures.

How does Relive work?  

Relive syncs with your GPS device or cycling app to record your ride. After your ride, it generates a 3D video map of your route, complete with statistics such as distance, speed, and elevation. You can customize the videos with your own photos and share them on social media.

Pros  

• Unique 3D video visualization  

• Easy integration with popular fitness apps  

• Customizable videos with personal photos  

Cons  

• Limited functionality beyond video creation  

• Some advanced features require a subscription  

What people are saying  

Many users appreciate the app’s creative approach to visualizing rides, describing it as a fun way to share their cycling experiences. However, some wish for more robust features, such as training tools or in-depth analytics.

Pricing  

Relive is free to use, but premium features start at $6.99/month. A free trial of premium features is available for 7 days.

4. Strava

Best for: Social networking and activity tracking  

Price: Free; Premium plans start at $11.99 per month  

What is Strava?  

Strava is a fitness app that is popular among cyclists and runners, combining activity tracking with a social networking platform. Users can record their rides, compete in segments, and connect with fellow athletes.

How does Strava work?  

Strava tracks your cycling activities using GPS, providing detailed metrics such as speed, distance, and elevation. The app also features segments, which are specific stretches of road or trail where you can compare your performance against others.

Pros  

• Engaging social features  

• Segment tracking and leaderboards  

• Comprehensive activity analytics  

• Integration with various devices  

Cons  

• Premium features can be expensive  

• Limited route planning tools  

What are people saying?  

Many cyclists appreciate Strava for its competitive segments and vibrant community. Users often highlight the app’s motivational impact, although some feel the premium features are overpriced.

Pricing  

Strava offers a free version with basic features. Premium plans start at $11.99 per month, and a 30-day free trial is available.

5. Komoot

Best for: Adventure cyclists seeking curated routes  

Price: Free; Premium plans start at $4.99/month  

What is Komoot?  

Komoot is a route-planning app designed for outdoor adventures, including cycling, hiking, and mountain biking. It provides detailed route recommendations tailored to your preferences.

How does Komoot work?  

Users can plan routes based on activity type, fitness level, and terrain. Komoot offers offline navigation, insights on surface types, and community-sourced highlights, making it a popular choice for explorers.

Pros  

• Exceptional route-planning tools  

• Offline navigation  

• Tailored recommendations for various cycling styles  

Cons  

• Some features require a subscription  

• The app focuses more on exploration than structured training  

What people are saying  

Cyclists appreciate Komoot’s curated routes and offline navigation features. Many users highlight its suitability for adventurous rides, but some desire more advanced training tools.

Pricing  

Komoot is free to download, with optional premium plans starting at $4.99 per month. A free trial of premium features is also available.

6. Trailforks

Best for: Mountain bikers seeking trail maps  

Price: Free; Premium features start at $2.99/month  

What is Trailforks?  

Trailforks is an app designed for mountain bikers that functions as a comprehensive trail database. It provides detailed maps, user reviews, and trail conditions, helping riders discover and navigate off-road paths.

How does Trailforks work?  

The app features an extensive map of mountain bike trails from around the world. Users can view trail conditions, add reviews, and track their rides. It serves as a valuable tool for planning and navigating off-road adventures.

Pros  

• Extensive trail database  

• User-generated reviews and updates  

• Offline map functionality  

Cons  

• Some trails require a subscription for access  

• Limited features for road cyclists  

What people are saying  

Mountain bikers praise Trailforks for its detailed trail maps and community-driven updates. Many users highlight the app's reliability in remote areas; that said, road cyclists often find it less beneficial.

Pricing  

Trailforks is free to use, with premium features starting at $2.99 per month. A free trial is available for 7 days.

7. Cyclemeter

Best for: Comprehensive cycling activity tracking  

Price: $9.99 per year  

What is Cyclemeter?  

Cyclemeter is a specialized app designed for tracking cycling activities. It offers detailed analytics, customizable training plans, and integration with various fitness devices.

How does Cyclemeter work?  

Cyclemeter utilizes GPS and connected devices to record your cycling data. It provides a wide range of metrics, including speed, distance, and heart rate, and supports customizable training plans.

Pros  

• Affordable pricing 

• In-depth analytics and customizable plans 

• Functions without a subscription  

Cons  

• Limited social features  

• Lacks route-planning functionality  

What People Are Saying  

Users value Cyclemeter for its affordability and detailed analytics, often describing it as an excellent choice for committed cyclists. However, some express a desire for the social and route-planning features that other apps provide.

Pricing  

Cyclemeter costs $9.99 per year, with no recurring subscription required. Please note that a free trial is not available.

Best Free App for iPhone

Strava and Ride With GPS are two of the best free iPhone apps for tracking fitness and outdoor activities. Strava excels in activity tracking, social features, and challenges, making it a great choice for those looking to stay connected and motivated. On the other hand, Ride With GPS offers detailed route planning and navigation specifically designed for cyclists and runners. 

Choosing the Right One for You

Start by identifying your needs, whether it’s training, navigation, tracking, or social connectivity. Consider trying out free versions to test features and see what fits your preferences.

• JOIN: Ideal for adaptive, structured training to get fitter and improve performance.  

• Ride With GPS: Best for route planning and navigation.  

• Relive: Perfect for visualizing and sharing your adventures.

• Strava: Great for tracking activities and engaging in social challenges.  

• Komoot: Focused on navigation and route discovery.  

• Trailforks: Tailored specifically for mountain biking trails.

• Cyclemeter: Provides advanced training and performance tracking.