TRAINING APPS
We look at the 16 best smartphone and tablet apps to expand your digital horizon and boost your training
Smartphones, tablets and the apps and software that they run have revolutionised so many aspects of life in the past decade, and cycling is no exception. Cycling-specific software has actually been around for a while, though – mainly aimed at those interested in getting scientific with their training.
Manufacturers of heart rate monitors (HRMs) and GPS systems like Polar, Garmin, Cateye and Bryton have long offered software for computers (and more recently mobile devices) that displays the downloaded data from their devices, and in some cases helps interpret that data into projected training plans.
Similarly, most turbo trainer manufacturers, who used to supply CDs of training software or workout plans, now have their own websites or apps offering the same features in online or mobile form, enabling you to control your trainer and communicate workouts onto the screen, or let you ride real or imaginary courses – in the company of real or imaginary riders.
What’s really changed the bikes-meetbytes landscape, however – and massively improved the experience, if we’re honest – has been the rise of software from thirdparty developers. Rather than being an afterthought of hardware designers, these multi-platform-compatible set-ups are not just user-friendly and effective, they’re increasingly fun to use too.
The wonderfully apt term ‘enterpainment’ was first coined by Sufferfest to describe its instantly popular training videos, which overlay workout prompts onto pro race footage. Then there’s Kinomap, which encourages riders to upload their own videos to build a rich community of interactive online content. GPS-based apps like Endomondo, Mapmyride and Cyclemeter track and then broadcast your rides on screen or on social media, while the Strava phenomenon has turned every ride into a race – even when you’re on your own. Now Zwift has gone a step forward, combining training plans, virtual worlds, turbo trainer interfaces, Strava segment competitiveness and even elements of social media interaction into a potentially addictive world of avatar action.
While some riders are prepared to invest emotionally, financially and mechanically in the most immersive, interactive experience possible, others prefer a more simple ‘spit and sawdust’ presentation of exactly what they need to know, and can easily interpret. With that in mind, we’ve worked through all the most popular apps – from functional to fun – to help you choose the digital riding companion that’s right for you.