Cycling Apps

The cycling app world is always changing. This info is as of November 2024.

Here are some apps to consider if you want to add some tech fueled motivation to your indoor riding. 

Trainers

To get the most of these apps you'll need a smart trainer, one that connects to your computer and is controlled by the app (ie when you are going up a hill on the screen, your trainer automatically increases resistance). If you don't have a smart trainer but have a basic (dumb) trainer, some apps will allow you to ride if you have a speed sensor on your rear wheel hub. Here's an example of the speed sensor and a video guide to using one. In using this tool your avatar will cycle the course, the trainer resistance will remain steady, but will speed up when you increase speed on your trainer. 

• Zwift: Most popular. Virtual world where avatars race and ride on video game-like courses. Always lots of company, excellent interface, many camera angles, and range of courses. You have to like this type of imagery.

• MyWhoosh: FREE while in beta. A real Zwift rival with excellent graphics and interface, and a decent population of riders. Look for the download version for medium-powered computers. The full power option may crash your system.

• Training Peaks Virtual: FREE while in beta. Virtual world with avatars. New so limited courses and other riders.  

• Rolla: FREE while in beta. Virtual worlds with avatars. New so limited course selection for now but excellent graphics. Can run from the cloud so graphics not dependent on power of your graphics card. Doesn't work with Ant+ trainers. 

• OneLap: Free while in beta. Virtual world with avatars. Like most new ones there are few people and a short list of routes. Needs more polish as a product. Maybe check back on this one in a year.

• Rouvy: Avatars ride and race but on real life course images with a few different camera angles. Personally, I love the real imagery but it needs more riders and the ability to hide the heads up display. 30 day free trial. Tip: You can click and drag your marker on the bottom of the screen to fast forward past boring sections of the course.

• BKool: Avatars on real life course videos. Videos are well shot plus option to upload your own. 30 day free trial.

• Fulgaz: Immersive real videos of actual courses including Ironman, Tour de France etc. No avatars or other riders. Single camera angle. 

• Kinomap: Real-life course videos, single angle, most uploaded by users. No Avatars. 

• Trainer Road: Workouts, training plans, no simulation imagery/avatar experience.

• Wahoo: Similar to Trainer Road

• Trainer Day: same

• Garmin Connect: same