Top Cycling Apps and Software Every Cyclist Should Use for Better Performance and Training
Whether you’re a casual rider or a competitive cyclist, the right apps and software can take your performance to the next level. From tracking your rides and planning training sessions to analyzing data and optimizing recovery, technology plays a vital role in cycling today. In this article, we’ll explore the top cycling apps and software that every cyclist should consider using to improve fitness, boost performance, and enhance their training experience. Whether you’re looking to monitor your progress or push your limits, these tools will help you ride smarter and achieve your goals faster.
First, some apps…
1. Strava
Purpose:
- Activity tracking and social networking for athletes.
Features:
- Tracks cycling routes, speed, distance, and elevation.
- Leaderboards for segments (sections of popular routes).
- Social features for sharing rides and competing with friends.
- Integrates with a wide variety of bike computers and fitness devices.
- Offers a premium version with advanced analytics and training tools.
Why cyclists love it:
- Strava has become a go-to app because it combines tracking with a strong community aspect. The “segments” feature allows cyclists to compete on specific parts of their route, adding a gamification element.
Find out more at https://www.strava.com/
2. Ride with GPS
Purpose:
Route planning, navigation, and tracking.
Features:
- Create, discover, and follow routes.
- Advanced ride statistics, including power, heart rate, and cadence (if connected to sensors).
- Sync with GPS devices and bike computers.
- Real-time tracking for safety (share your location with others during rides).
- Routes for road cycling, mountain biking, and gravel riding.
- Why cyclists love it: Ride with GPS is known for its accuracy and powerful route planning features, especially for cyclists who are serious about performance and want detailed stats.
Find out more at strava.com
3. TrainingPeaks
– Purpose: Training plan, performance analysis, and goal setting.
– Features:
– Tracks metrics like heart rate, power, and cadence.
– Detailed analysis of rides and training data.
– Customisable training plans (can be tailored to various cycling disciplines).
– Syncs with devices to capture real-time performance data.
– Provides workout suggestions and feedback for progress.
Why cyclists love it: Perfect for cyclists focused on improving performance. TrainingPeaks is used by competitive athletes for tracking long-term progress and analysing training efforts in-depth.
Find out more at app.trainingpeaks.com
4. Zwift
– Purpose: Virtual cycling platform for indoor training and group rides.
– Features:
– Virtual courses that simulate real-world cycling routes and training conditions.
– Structured workouts and group rides with real-time interaction (riders can compete or ride together in a virtual space).
– Customisable training plans that target specific cycling goals (e.g., FTP, endurance, sprints).
– Integration with power meters, smart trainers, and heart rate monitors.
– Features such as Zwift Academy for structured training programs aimed at improving cycling fitness.
– Why it’s used by pros and amateurs alike: Zwift is widely used by cyclists for off-season training, rehabilitation, and interval sessions. It allows riders to train indoors with high-level simulations of real-world environments, making it especially valuable during poor weather conditions or when time constraints prevent outdoor rides.
Find out more at zwift.com/uk
These apps cater to different aspects of cycling—whether you’re tracking your rides, planning routes, improving performance, or staying connected with fellow cyclists. Many of them offer free versions, but premium subscriptions unlock more advanced features for serious cyclists.
Professional cyclists use a variety of specialised software tools to help optimise their training, performance, and race strategies. These software platforms provide in-depth analytics, detailed metrics, and insights that allow cyclists to fine-tune their training plans, monitor recovery, and maximise performance.
And how about a new kid on the block you might like to try?
Introducing the Pillar Cycling Training App:
Purpose:
Pillar is a cycling training app designed to help cyclists optimise their fitness through structured, personalised training plans. It combines fitness tracking with advanced analytics to provide cyclists with a comprehensive tool for improving endurance, strength, and performance. If you think AI might be the future of training, try this out for its use of AI in calculating your fatigue and tweaking your training accordingly to see if it results in those desired performance gains for you
Features:
- Personalised Training Plans: Pillar generates customised training schedules based on your cycling goals, fitness level, and available time.
- Adaptive Workouts: The app adapts your training intensity and volume based on your progress, ensuring you are always working at the right level.
- Progress Tracking: It tracks key metrics like power, heart rate, and speed to monitor improvements over time.
- Cycling-Specific Workouts: The app offers interval training, endurance rides, strength exercises, and recovery sessions tailored to cycling.
- Integration with Devices: It syncs with GPS devices, heart rate monitors, and power meters to capture real-time performance data.
- Performance Insights: Provides data-driven insights into your fitness, recovery, and training load to prevent overtraining and optimise performance.
Why It’s Used:
Pillar is popular with cyclists looking for a structured, data-driven approach to training. Its focus on personalised plans and adaptive workouts makes it useful for cyclists at all levels—from recreational riders to competitive athletes. The app’s ability to adjust training based on performance data ensures cyclists stay on track toward achieving their goals, improving fitness, and preventing burnout.
Find out more at pillar-app.com
