iPhone and iPad Apps that Will Spin Your Bicycle Wheels
July 25, 2012
For some reason, something that seemed perfectly natural as a kid can seem extremely intimidating as an adult. But if you could ride a bike when you were 10, there’s no reason you can’t still do it when you’re 20, 30, 40 or up. While the weather is nice, it’s the perfect time to get back into the saddler-errr bicycle seat, and these great iPhone and iPad apps and accessories will help you do it with ease. And if you never stopped riding your bike, read on to see if you’re missing out on any great iPhone or iPad apps you should’ve already downloaded by now.
MapMyRIDE GPS Cycling (Free) – Take advantage of your iPhone’s GPS capabilities by turning on MapMyRIDE before setting out on your next ride. The app will run in the background and keep track of your route, as well as your speed, pace, and calories burned. Too busy sweating to look at the screen? Turn on voice prompts to get spoken updates on your progress. You can also link up with other riders and see your friends positions on your map if you’re out at the same time. And since this is a popular app that has been around for some time now, their database of collected bike routes has grown to over 26 million in number, so they’ve got more than a couple ideas on where to pedal next.
Cyclemeter GPS Cycling Computer ($4.99) – An even more robust set of GPS-enabled features and a large set of configurable training routines makes the Cyclemeter app a worthy download for the serious rider. Routes and workout info can be imported and exported using a variety of file formats, and your data can be integrated into iCal via iCloud, and also shared via e-mail, Facebook, and Twitter…if you’re a showoff.
Strava (Free, $5.99/month for Premium) – For those of you who can’t be motivated to do anything you can’t win at, Strava brings some cycling competition to your iPhone. Not only does the app track and chart your personal stats, but it also stacks them up against friends (and soon-to-be enemies) who you share the road with. Compete for the best times on your favorite routes and trails, and see your hard work reflected in your increasing rank on the Strava leaderboards. With the paid premium membership, you can even search through their database for riders whose shape and skills resemble your own; it’s time you got that road-rivalry you always wanted.
Bike Repair ($3.99) – Save yourself a trip to the bicycle shop by becoming an instant expert with the Bike Repair app. Practicing the included maintenance routines will help keep your bike healthy, and the common sense troubleshooting system will get you back on track should something go wrong. Dozens of detailed, step-by-step photo repair guides help you fix common problems that cyclists are known to encounter. And if your bike turns out to be stronger than its owner, the app even has some human repair advice to help with common aches and pains associated with riding.
Bicycle Gear Calculator ($4.99) – Bike builders, take note of this app. The Bicycle Gear Calculator manages all of the gear ratios and measurements you’ll want handy when adjusting your ride’s drivetrain. Just input and adjust your bike’s mechanical breakdown and find info on your gear and gain ratios, development, and even an analysis of your skid patch count. With a screen for speed and distance info, and room for comparing an alternate setup with your own, this app becomes a must have for the obsessive, wrench-wielding bike tinkerer.
Lifeproof Bike Mount ($39.99, Works with $79.99 Lifeproof Case) – This iPhone bike mount is another entry in the well-received Lifeproof line of iPhone accessories, this time for securing your phone to your handlebars. Because these cases are waterproof up to 2 meters underwater, you won’t have to worry about weather conditions if you want to ride with your phone exposed to the elements. Rain, snow, and even the occasional wipeout won’t deter you from keeping music, maps, or other apps available on screen while you cycle. And for the filmmaker in you, let the camera roll to capture the next road or trail you explore so that you can share it with your lazy friends when you get home.
