3 Best FREE Cycling Apps in 2021

3 Best FREE Cycling Apps in 2021

With so many cycling apps on the market, it’s not easy sifting through them to find the creme de la creme. So, we did the digging for you and found the top three free cycling apps in 2021

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1. Strava

Strava is currently the king of cycling apps, and for a good reason. It’s available for almost everything - from Android and Apple phones to GPS watches and other gadgets. The app features accurate tracking, ride logging, data like speed and elevation, and supports both roadies and mountain bikers.

However, the feature that has thrust it to the top of almost any cycling app list is the social aspect. Strava is unique by allowing social competition between strangers and friends alike. Ride any road or trail and you’re sure to find segments throughout.

These segments are user-created, and each has its own leaderboard. Try to dethrone the current leader with an intense effort or see improvement over multiple rides. You can even see how your friends stack up on any segment and can comment on their rides.

If the social part isn’t your cup of tea, then no worries, it’s all completely optional. You can make use of everything Strava has to offer without having a public presence.

Did we mention everything above is all included in the free version? That’s all without ads, and you’ll only miss out on some extra training data offered in the paid version.

2. Map My Ride

Map My Ride is an app that’s for both hardcore cyclists and commuters alike. Initially, it was created to aid those on two wheels to navigate dizzying streets or save important training routes.

Since then, it has expanded into a robust app with heaps of data and a social element, much like Strava’s. It’s available for Apple and Android phones, as well as many other wearables, and can sync up to other apps like Garmin.

The free version includes most of the necessities any cyclist will need, and only a few features are locked for premium users. Paid features include live tracking and live performance feedback, which will update every mile.

3. Trailforks

Trailforks is a must-have app for anyone spending time tearing up trails on a mountain bike. Sometimes finding or navigating paths on a mountain bike can be a real headache since they’re not readily mapped out like city streets.

Trailforks makes it easy to find, save, and create trails on an easy to use interactive map. The app gives topographical information, trial popularity, heatmaps, trail conditions, and of course, GPS tracking.

Trailforks can also connect directly to Strava, which allows you to see Strava segments and sync your ride to the app. This means that you’ll have the full support of the Trailforks trail network while having access to the best features of Strava.

The app also boasts the largest database of mountain bike trails on the globe, and the best part is that the app is entirely free. There is no paid version, and instead, the creators encourage users to donate to the maintenance of local trails.