The Ultimate Guide to Cycling Apps

The Ultimate Guide to Cycling Apps

Covering everything from daily commuting, recreational rides, and race training to community interaction and device management, this guide will help you find the perfect cycling companion app.

1. Ride Tracking & Social Apps

Software Key Features Best For
Xingzhe China’s most established cycling app, accurate data, compatible with major bike computers, supports route planning, track sharing, and social clubs. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced cyclists
Strava The global benchmark for cycling social networking, famous for its “King/Queen of the Mountain” (KOM/QOM) segment competitions, with powerful data analysis and global heatmaps. Riders who want to compete globally, data enthusiasts
Black Bird Bicycle Clean interface, precise ride tracking, features a “Bird Friends” social circle and team challenges. Riders who enjoy data analysis and social features
Wildto Integrates cycling event news, activity organization, and training records, with a focus on competitive/racing style. Riders keen on racing and professional training
Codoon A multi-sport app, cycling features are basic but has an active community, suitable for beginners. Beginners and fitness-oriented users
Keep Cycling is not its main feature, but it supports route, calorie, and heart rate monitoring, suitable for combining with other fitness activities. People who cycle as part of a general fitness routine
RideLog Beautiful UI, features 3D animated track playback, cloud sync for routes, etc. Touring cyclists who value visual sharing
Ride with GPS Powerful route planning and navigation, offering detailed editing tools and offline maps, ideal for long-distance cyclists. Long-distance cyclists, route planning perfectionists

2. Navigation & Route Planning Apps

Software Local Features Use Case
Amap (Cycling Mode) Intelligently avoids restricted roads/major traffic lanes, clear voice prompts, works well with Bluetooth headsets. Urban commuting, leisure rides
Baidu Maps (Cycling Route) Supports navigation for e-bikes, offers indoor positioning in some cities, well-adapted for northern Chinese cities. Urban commuting, short-distance exploration
Xingzhe (Navigation) Supports navigation sync with various bike computers (like Bryton), provides professional alerts like elevation profiles, wind speed, and weather. Long-distance route planning, climb warnings
Komoot Offers a Chinese interface and curated route guides for Asia, high-quality community routes. Exploratory cycling, long-distance touring
Ride with GPS Top-tier route planning tool, supports fine-grained editing (like custom cue points), stable and reliable navigation. Serious long-distance cycling, international bike tours
Google Maps The most extensive global coverage, provides reliable cycling route planning in most regions outside of China. International urban commuting, basic route navigation

3. Smart Device & Data Sync Apps

Software Supported Brands Description
Bryton Active Bryton Supports uploading data from Bryton bike computers to platforms like Strava, Xingzhe, Black Bird, etc.
iGPSPORT iGPSPORT Official companion app for the iGS brand of bike computers, used for training, syncing, and firmware updates.
Magene Utility Magene Supports Magene smart trainers, power meters, and heart rate monitors, can be used for training plans and connecting to Zwift.
XOSS XOSS Compatible with its own bike computers, heart rate monitors, and other accessories, friendly for beginner cyclists.

4. Indoor & Virtual Training Apps

Software Features Language Support
Zwift The most popular virtual cycling platform, combining social, gaming, and training elements, compatible with all types of smart trainers. ✅ Full English Interface
Rouvy Features real-world video routes, allowing you to virtually climb famous ascents in Asia and around the world. ✅ English Interface
Onelap Fit A Chinese virtual cycling platform with a UI similar to Zwift, offering more stable server connections within China. ✅ Suitable for Chinese domestic devices like Magene, iGPSPORT
Wahoo SYSTM / TrainerRoad Professionally oriented training, high-precision power control, offers a vast library of structured workout plans. ❌ English only, may require a VPN

5. Safety & Location Sharing Apps

Software/Feature Function Description Platform
LiveTrack / Location Sharing Share your real-time ride track with designated friends and family for safety. Available on Xingzhe, Garmin, Amap/Baidu Maps
Incident Detection A built-in feature on some bike computers (like Garmin/Wahoo) that automatically sends an alert to emergency contacts upon detecting a severe impact. Requires specific hardware
Garmin inReach A satellite-based two-way communication device that can send SOS alerts and text messages even in areas without cell service. Professional expeditions, remote area traversing

6. Other Useful Tools

Software/Resource Function/Description Rating
MyBikeSetup (Web App) Record setup parameters, component information, and upgrade history for different bikes. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shimano E-Tube Project Professional setup and adjustment tool for Shimano Di2 electronic shifting systems. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
YouTube Cycling Channels Such as GCN, Cam Nicholls, Vegan Cyclist, etc., offering reviews, training, and cycling stories from an international perspective. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

7. Recommended Combos (For Different Riders)

🧑‍💼 Urban Commuters

Recommended Combo: Amap + Black Bird Bicycle / Keep

🧗‍♂️ Climbers / Long-Distance Riders

Recommended Combo: Xingzhe + Komoot + MyBikeSetup (Web) + Professional Weather App

🧪 Advanced Training Users

Recommended Combo: Garmin Connect / Bryton Active + TrainingPeaks + Zwift / Onelap

🎉 Social Riders & Content Sharers

Recommended Combo: Strava + Instagram + TikTok / YouTube

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