The best apps for cycling routes: these are the smartest choices
If you’re often out on the road, you know how important reliable navigation is. Whether you take your bike into the countryside or cut across town by car, a good cycling GPS or navigation app is essential these days.
But which cycling route app is best suited to your ride? And how do you follow a route without any hassle? We’ve lined up the top apps for cycling navigation for you.
What do you need for cycling navigation?
A smartphone with GPS will get you a long way. It’s also worth having a bike mount so you can attach your phone securely to the handlebars and keep it clearly in view while riding.
Want to take it up a notch? Then consider a dedicated cycling navigation device. These are ideal for keen cyclists – they’re robust, can withstand rough conditions, and usually have a much longer battery life. Garmin and Wahoo are two of the leading names in cycling navigation.
Both offer devices in a range of prices – from entry-level models to high-end units – with advanced features such as route planning, live tracking, performance analysis, and navigation via node points. You can also plan routes using GPX files, which makes it easy to import and follow your own tracks. These devices work for both beginners and experienced riders, and integrate smoothly with apps like Strava and Komoot – perfect for cyclists who want to analyse and improve their rides.
Get started with GPX cycling routes today.
Comparison of the best cycling apps
1. NodeMapp app
The NodeMapp app is ideal for leisure cyclists who want to explore the most scenic routes across Belgium and the Netherlands. With this app, you can plan your journey simply by entering the node numbers. No fuss with complicated maps – just ride from one node to the next. Perfect for a relaxed day out.
Read more about Cycling nodes and how it works.
2. Komoot
Komoot is the go-to app for adventurous cyclists who enjoy going off-road. It provides detailed routes as well as offline maps – so you’ll never lose your navigation, even in areas without mobile data. Perfect for long-distance rides or exploring unfamiliar terrain.
3. Strava
For performance-focused cyclists, Strava is a must-have. It not only tracks your routes but also logs speed, distance, and other performance stats. Whether you’re riding for fun or training seriously, Strava adds extra motivation – because who wouldn’t want to be crowned the next King of the Mountain (KOM)? You can also compare your rides with others for an added competitive edge.
4. Google Maps (cycling mode)
Prefer to keep things simple? Google Maps on your smartphone is the perfect choice for you. Google Maps’ cycling mode will guide you along the quickest bike-friendly paths and routes. It’s straightforward, reliable, and ideal for getting from A to B without extra features you don’t need.
Complete your ride with Cyclobility
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