The Chainlink

Are there any free cycling smartphone apps?

Until a few days ago, I'd refused to join the ranks of smartphone users. I had no need for a smartphone before, and it will likely see limited use still, mainly because I can't afford high gb data plans. I have a Sigma BC1609 cycle computer that I switch back and forth between my bikes right now. It has a computer dock that I can use to download info from my rides but I almost never use it. Since over 90 percent of my riding is commuting to work, I'd be downloading the same data every day. I don't "train" or ride a road bike or do intervals or any other type of "hardcore" riding.

What I AM interested in would be an app that would record a route that I ride for leisure that I could then overlay onto Google maps and have that route maybe be interactive with photos shot along the way at points of interest. I'm mainly concerned with seeing if there is a way that my newly-acquired smartphone can add another dimension to my blog posts. Extra data like top speed, average, time, etc. would be fine as well. I'm not looking to race against anyone in Strava or something like that either, unless there's a toned down version for folks riding fully-rigged commuter bikes that weigh 40+ pounds.

Finally, a friend who is a heavy smartphone user told me he's almost never paid for an app because there are so many free ones out there you should be able to find what you want without paying a dime. So, something free would be nice as well. If there's a one-time download charge that's probably okay, provided it's cheap (as in a few dollars), but subscription fees are out of the question. Minimal data use is a plus as well. Suggestions?

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Permalink Reply by Tim S on April 26, 2013 at 11:02am
The boating app is cool, i have used it to track my day the water.
Permalink Reply by WillG on April 26, 2013 at 11:19am

HRMs do not calculate any sort of calorie burn. All those calculations are specific to whatever application you are using to track your rides (yes, most "calories burnt" calculations utilize heart rate data if available).

HRMs do one thing, they track your heart rate and report it to whatever piece of software they are communicating with.

kiltedcelt said:

Apparently enough people have this issue that it continues to be a source of 1 star reviews for the app. Also, it apparently continues to happen to users judging by the dates of some very recent 1 star reviews citing the porn issue. I went ahead and loaded Strava for the time being. I might try Endomondo later on simply because I do some boating as well and it might be interesting to see if it will track where I go when I'm out in my boat on local lakes and rivers.

As for these add-on heart rate monitors, how do they do with delivering accurate calories burned measurements? I've got a simple Timex HRM that is okay for telling me when I'm within my zone or out of it, but apparently delivers woefully inaccurate data on calories burned. However, I believe from what I've read, that most HRMs are delivering calories burned data that is largely based on conjecture, unless your bike has a power meter and the HRM is tapped into that.

Tricolor said:

I've been using it since August last year and that's never happened.  The free version's fine for tracking biking, walking and just about anything else.

kiltedcelt said:

Well, Endomondo would appear to be a good choice except for its apparent propensity for opening porn websites the phones browser. Endomondo porn. I think I'll keep looking until this is sorted out.

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on April 26, 2013 at 11:35am

Not exactly on topic since I do not know if they have a free app for phones, but does anyone know anything about "Ride With GPS" http://ridewithgps.com/  Lovely Bicycle said it is free.

Permalink Reply by Tom Z on April 26, 2013 at 3:59pm

Google Navigation is great if you want the phone to guide you along to a destination via a bicycle friendly route. It works just like the navigation for your car, by speaking the turns to you.

I use My Tracks and also RunKeeper, but RunKeeper has a flaw when it comes to putting the correct time code into the GPX file. So for free My Tracks.

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