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Cycling Software

What software can you use while on the bike? Can software help you train better to improve your cycling? How can I log my rides and compare myself over time or to other riders? All excellent questions, which I share. These questions inspired me to do some research, and the result is this list. Perhaps some of the software listed here can help you too!
Since cycling can be a very numbers-based sport, it’s no surprise that there is a proliferation of software packages available to the athlete. The intent of this page is to provide an ever-evolving list of these software packages that are related to cycling in some way. I don’t claim that this is a complete or fully accurate list, but if you have changes or additions, I’d love to hear them; feel free to contact me!
I’ve attempted to break the list up into useful categories, but of course much of this software crosses categories, so it’s debatable where best to put some items!  I’ve put an asterisk (*) beside what I feel are the best of the best, or that I personally use and enjoy.

Analysis

Web-based

  • *Strava – the most popular ‘social cycling’ website and app. Strava will read your GPS ride files, and rank your performance against all other users who have ridden the same ‘segments.’ This app has become wildly popular, and it is a good way to add a bit of competition to your rides.
  • TrainingPeaks – the ‘accepted standard’ in web-based power-based training (WKO+ is the desktop version). It really is great software, and widely used by coaches and professionals. I add it here with the caveat that if you don’t want to spend as much money, and want a product that’s equally as good (or better in some situations,) you should check out Golden Cheetah below. (See Keith Wakeham’s reviews here and here.)
  • *Cycling Analytics – a very slick new website that does power and heart rate analysis, including Critical Power curves. Very slick; this is the nicest looking of all apps listed here in my opinion. I’d excited to see where this will go!
  • Velo Hero – yet another new (as of January, 2014) player in the market. Nice looking app. Their description: “Velo Hero is a free and vendor independent training log and performance analysis software, that gives competitive cyclists the motivation and support to achieve their athletic goals.”
  • Athlete Forward – another new option. I haven’t tried it yet, so leave comments below if you have!
  • SelfLoops – zone analysis, critical power, team management, live telemetry, weight management
  • BikeJournal – a bit oldschool, but still has a tonne of features. I used to use and love this app until the free features diminished and all the good stuff was ‘pay only.’
  • SRM2Strava – If you have an SRM, but want to use your power data in Strava, you can use a separate GPS (your phone perhaps) to record the ride, and then use this cool app to join the GPS data file with the SRM file for use in Strava
  • *RaceShape – uses the Strava API to give a detailed analysis of segments. See detailed time breakdowns of you vs. others across the segment. Also has a very cool ‘heatmap‘ showing where rides occur – useful when looking for routes in a new area!
  • *VeloViewer – uses the Strava API to give extended stats and details. See more detailed leaderboards , change in rank across all your segments, and tonnes of other cool stuff!
  • Strava Enhancement Suite – A Google Chrome app to tweak your Strava experience. Very nice!
  • SportTracks 3 – cross platform (mobile, web, desktop) analysis offering. Looks quite nice! (See Keith Wakeham’s Review here.)
  • TrainStageBuch – German site that allows you to track rides and set goals in a diary format.
  • *CyclingPowerLab – a huge number of online calculators to determine power outputs, model different scenarios/courses, determine impact of elevation on power output, generate fatigue curves and a huge variety of other incredible interesting tools!
  • Analytic Cycling – similar to above – a whole host of calculators for power, speed, aerodynamics, pedaling motion, etc. Fascinating stuff!
  • Bike Calculator – yet another option similar to above with power, speed, etc. calculators
  • ZeroPace Training Log – Logging software that allows for import from Moxy muscle oxygen monitors. One of (only?) apps to support muscle oxygen monitors – Online version
  • Peaks Coaching Fatigue Profiler – calculate your fatigue profile
  • Magellan Cyclo – Magellan GPS’ entry into the market. I haven’t tried it, but can’t imagine there’s any need to given how many other great services there are.
  • Di2 Stats – view cool graphs and stats about your shifting behaviour (assuming you have Shimano Di2 and a way to record the data like a D-Fly attachment)
  • Sixcycle – a web-based coaching platform providing powerful, easy to use tools for setting goals, designing training plans, assigning workouts, evaluating workout data, tracking progress, managing correspondence and more.
  • Final Surge – more online  training and coaching software
  • Sisu – Turn your Strava or RunKeeper activities into awesome visuals to share or buy prints of! This is very cool!
  • StravaPlus – A Chrome extension to add more goodies to Strava
  • Strava Enhancement Suite – another options, same as above
  • Xert – This is cutting edge stuff, exploring the concept of “Maximal Power Available Analysis” or “MPA™ Analysis“, the fitness measures that define the ride/activity can be extracted from the data. Each ride’s signature can be determined and progress on training can be determined without the need for specific testing.
  • StriveMax – Yet another web application to analyze your power files.
  • *Stravastix – a Chrome or Opera plug in to enhance Strava with a whole bunch of cool add-ons. Super interesting stuff here!
  • Stages Link – Stages (The power meter folks’) entry into the game. Everyone’s gotta do it!
  • Lezyne GPS Root – Like I said…everyone has to do it. This is Lezyne’s attempt.
  • Intervals.icu – automatically detect and analyze power intervals from Strava data

Desktop Open Source/Free

  • *Golden Cheetah – without a doubt, the coolest piece of cycling software currently available. The best part?  It’s 100% free! I recommend you check this out first for all of your analysis and power-based training needs. If it doesn’t work for you, only then would I suggest you check out a commercial option. However, with a bit of time invested (it does have a bit of a learning curve!) Golden Cheetah will likely negate the purchase of any other software packages. Check out the user group to see how responsive and knowledgeable the community is!
  • Cycleops Power Agent – the default software that comes with a PowerTap. Free to download and play with. Pretty basic, but does the job for some.
  • Garmin Training Center – Garmin’s entry into the field. I find it pretty limited, but perhaps worth a look.
  • *AeroLab – Part of Golden Cheetah, but deserves separate mention here. AeroLab lets you test how aerodynamic different bike/position setups are based on real-world power data, and get values for drag. This is great since most of us can’t afford a wind tunnel test!
  • Optimal Cycling Project – Optimal Power Pacing – I’m still trying to wrap my brain around this one, and intend to post some more info about it when I’ve used it a bit more. The idea is that the software will calculate the optimal power distribution over a course you give it to ensure you don’t waste effort in a TT-type event. Pretty cool, but a bit complex. Stay tuned for more as I play with the software some more.
  • Best Bike Split – Similar to the Optimal Cycling Project software (above) but appears to be a lot easier to use. I intend to check this out and post more (although I said that for OCP as well…) Looks great for TT or Triathlon situations!
  • Kubios HRV – Heart Rate Variability (HRV) analysis software
  • hrvtracker – a small app that receives HRV data from a USB ANT+ stick and saves to a file for analysis in other software (e.g. Kubios HRV, above) NOTE: According to a commenter, this software has a bug in it. I haven’t confirmed, but do not recommend you use this software as of 20130808.
  • Fit File Repair Tool – fix common problems with Garmin .fit files, convert formats, and fix corrupt Garmin .fit files
  • TCX VPower – calculate ‘virtual power’ (similar to how Strava calculates power without a power meter) based on only your Garmin .tcx file. Very cool!
  • The Hurt Box – a simple looking but nice piece of power analysis software from Down Under. Has some great potential!
  • Ye Olde Bicycle Log – log your outdoor and trainer rides, plus other ‘goodies’ – bicycle gearing, English/Metric conversions, target heart rates, calories burned, etc.
  • choochoo (ch2) – An open, hackable and free training diary.
  • Sur La Plaque– this one is a bit different, but very cool. Find roads where you put out your best power efforts so you can identify the best places to do intervals of certain durations. More info here.
  • *Sufferfest ERG Spreadsheet – Enter your FTP information, and this spreadsheet gives you .erg and .mrc files for use with your training software for all of the Sufferfest videos. Fantastic!
  • cycleRtools – A suite of functions for analysing cycling data using the open-source R statistics program/environment. Note: Golden Cheetah will now communicate with R directly, read more here.
  • Turtle Sport – free GPS file viewing/analysis software for sports

Desktop Commercial

  • WKO+
  • iSMARTtrain
  • SportTracks 3 – cross platform (mobile, web, desktop) analysis offering. Looks quite nice!
  • RaceDay Apollo
  • IQO2 – New, untested, unproven, but looks promising. Should be available soon (as of 20130131)
  • CycliStats – Oldschool database-style ride tracker. I’d suggest the free Golden Cheetah for a vastly better experience.
  • Polar ProTrainer 5 – Haven’t used this, but it’s Polar’s entry into the cycling software market. Watch how terribly excited I am!
  • Ascent – Mac based software to “Display, organize, and analyze your exercise activities. Track your progress toward personal fitness goals.”
  • Cyclo-Sphere – Pioneer’s software entry to go along with their power meter. Cool because it makes use of the fine-grained rotational data from their power meter that nothing else does as of yet.
  • ZeroPace Training Log – Logging software that allows for import from Moxy muscle oxygen monitors. One of (only?) apps to support muscle oxygen monitors – Windows version

Training Software

Web Based

  • *Zwift – The ‘killer app’ for online social training. An online racing app, like Tour de Giro above, but with absolutely killer graphics. Note: this appears to be the evolution of the jmX Cycling Trainer I had listed previously–good to see it out ‘in the wild!’
  • *Tour de Giro – fantastic real time racing product. The developer has been trying to open source this project, as it’s no longer a priority (he’s running STAC now!) There have been some discussions and work done to integrate this into GoldenCheetah, so if you’re an interested developer, that may be a great task for you!
  • Road Grand Tours – a Zwift competitor. Also looks pretty fantastic, but I’ve never used it. Currently in beta as of 2018-01-08.
  • Rouvy -video-based training with augmented reality. Ride routes and race against others. Also has workout functionality.
  • OneLap – a Chinese competitor to Zwift. I’ve never used it, but the graphics look decent.
  • VIRTUGO – currently (as of 2018-10-30) in closed beta…no details released yet but appears to be yet another Zwift competior.
  • rollerracing.ca – race others online with a minimal interface and no real courses. I much prefer Tour de Giro, above.
  • iMobileIntervals – a database of interval workouts
  • PowerCurve Sensor Software – the software that goes with the (very cool looking piece of kit!) PowerCurveSensor Software. Appears to offer very simple multi-player live stats, and allows you to calibrate the PowerCurve Sensor itself.
  • Elite Web Races – Axiom Trainer’s online racing. This doesn’t look to be very active or usable at the moment (20140306), but may be in the future so I’m including it here.
  • *ErgDB – a huge database of workouts. You can set your FTP, and then export the workouts in .erg format, amongst others. A bit hard to find what you want, but super useful nonetheless
  • TrainerDb – Like ErgDB, but a different interface. I think it has all of the same workouts imported as well. You can create workouts using the Golden Cheetah QuickCode. They also have a ‘Plans’ section I’m watching carefully to see if it becomes an repository of useful training plans.
  • Today’s Plan – online training plan creation and analysis. Option for a free trial, but it’s a paid service after two weeks.
  • INSCYD – claims that it’s “not a training software. It’s a performance analysis tool that will allow you to truly tailor your training sessions to your goals and needs.” Looks like a very comprehensive way to track performance metrics.
  • Stress + Rest – coaching software to manage your athletes and create training plans
  • Kickr Studio – Wahoo’s training software for studios. Not of much use to individuals, but if you own a shop, it may be worth checking out if you want to run group classes.
  • Tacit Training – Tacit Training is a training tool for cyclists that does three main things. Using the goals you set and ride data from Strava, it will: create a dynamic season training plan, enable you to run “what-if” scenarios to see how your training may be affected if you change your goals, and, provide daily training advice based on your current fitness and fatigue levels.
  • Bereda – the Peer-to-Peer Coaching platform where Endurance Athletes help each other Improve. Bereda combines modern, 1-to-1 messaging with access to training data and future plans, bringing context to conversations about training between, athletes, their peers, and coaches.
  • CVRcade – Cycling ‘e-sports’ platform. A Zwift competitor I guess. See DC Rainmaker’s review.

Desktop Open Source/Free

  • *Golden Cheetah/OpenTrainer Golden Cheetah has a killer training mode, jam packed with features, including the best workout editor/creator available! It also supports RLVs, and just about anything else you can imagine it supporting. Highly recommended.  Note: developers were planning on splitting “Train View” out of Golden Cheetah to create “OpenTrainer.” However, they have refactored the code, and decided to keep “Train View” as part of the main software, so “OpenTrainer” does not and will not exist as a stand alone thing.
  • Wattbike Power Cycling – the software that works with a Wattbike. Appears to be free, but I’m unsure if it will work with other trainers, etc.
  • CTE (Cycle Trainer Engine) – Keith Wakeham’s (of “I’m going to build my own power meter” fame) trainer software. In the words of Keith: “I don’t distribute it unless my arm is really twisted, and if I do I have to remove the ANT+ network key, so unless you’re an ANT+ adopter, it’s kind of useless.”
  • BKOOL BSim – software to control your ANT+ trainer. I haven’t tried it, but it appears to have a 2D view, a 3D view using Google Earth in the free version.
  • Tacx Video Player – ride along with videos of real rides. Shows a graph and resistance level, but you must control the resistance manually. Free.
  • ErgoPlanet – appears to be only for Daum ergotrainers, but looks like it has Google Earth integration and some other cool features.
  • MaximumTrainer – nice looking Windows and Mac compatible training app.
  • WattZap – The WattzAp Player turns any turbo trainer or roller into a complete virtual reality training system. Windows, Linux, Mac compatible
  • Big Ring Indoor Video Cycling – an indoor cycling program that lets you watch videos of routes that change speed based on your power output, grade, etc. Has FE-C support to control your trainer.

Desktop Commercial

  • *TrainerRoad – probably the best training software and plans available. Also, they have a wicked podcast if you’re into that kind of thing!
  • 2peak – dynamic training plans that “recalculate your plan for every change you want or have to make. “
  • PeriPedal
  • *The Sufferfest – Simply the best/worst training videos available
  • VirtualTraining
  • ErgVideo – local Ottawa-based company that integrates with your Computrainer
  • ctANT+ – enable your CompuTrainer to speak to an ANT+ USB Key
  • PerfPRO
  • Spivi – similar to Tour de Giro, but designed for studio use. There’s also a free (currently) home edition.
  • Tour de Rue – XBOX Kinect/Google StreetView mashup. This project may never become a reality as the Kickstarter campaign didn’t get fully funded.
  • CadenceVR – videos of popular European cycling routes for your trainer. Talks to ANT+ devices for on-screen display and so video playback speed matches actual riding speed.
  • VeloReality – training with video footage to match. Apparently only works on a 64 bit machine.
  • Turbo Crank – pre-defined workouts, but no communication with sensors
  • BKOOL BSim – software to control your ANT+ trainer. In addition to the 2D and 3D views in the free version (above) the paid (monthly fee) version gets you streaming video of courses, and apparently even multiplayer racing
  • Tacx Trainer Software 4 Advanced –  Virtual training software for Tacx brand trainers (also a Basic version)
  • NetAthlon 2XF – appears to be mainly targeted at the gym ‘exercise bike’ market, but it appears you can download it and use it with a Suunto HRM.
  • RAD+ – training software that has some social aspects. Currently (as of 20140115 has a free trial available)
  • Performance IQ – Wirelessly display individual and group performance on to a single screen enabling indoor cycling studios to offer new class programming.
  • WattzAp – Plays both free and commercial Tacx real life videos, links to many different turbos (Kinetic, Tacx non-VR turbos, Cyclops, Elite etc) and has a range of training programmes. Has some limited analysis but can export in TCX format to other programs. Cross platform.

Route Planning

Web Based

Real Life Videos (RLV)

RLVs are videos that you can watch while riding, and the playback will sync to your speed/power output, allowing you to visualize the route as if you were actually riding it. Currently, Golden Cheetah or Big Ring Indoor Video Cycling are your best bet for software to run these videos.

Garmin Connect IQ Apps

Garmin Connect IQ Apps are apps that you can run on select Garmin devices, to complement the stock Garmin software. I won’t list them all (since you can see them all here) but I will list a few that I think are useful.

  • Dr Skiba W’ Bal – view your W’ Balance in real time as you’re riding! This is crazy, and I wish I had a Garmin that supported it! (For an explanation of what this means, watch this video.)

Android Apps

iOS Apps

  • Strava Cycling
  • MapMyRide GPS Cycling
  • Cyclemeter – highly recommended by Editor John Marsh of RoadBikeRider.com
  • Fitness Rewards by Plus 3 – donate to charity while you exercise
  • Bike Repair
  • B.iCycle
  • Wahoo Fitness
  • Garmin Fit
  • Garmin Connect
  • Smartbeat – monitor Heart Rate Variability (HRV) on your iOS device
  • ithlete – another HRV option
  • MyoCycle – an app to solve bike related body-pain problems. Select what hurts, and the app will give you possible solutions.
  • CoachMyRide
  • BullTrainer – a funny and interesting concept–pick a company, and ride their stock chart as a course profile.
  • BKOOL – track your ride, upload to BKOOL.com and use the recorded ride as a workout on your trainer
  • Kinomap Maker –  record video and sync it with a GPS track to replay online.
  • Kinomap Trainer – Sync your trainer with geolocated videos, and replay a ride any time. You can also race other users. Subscription required.
  • Tacx App – The iOS Tacx training app, with virtual world training
  • SportTracks 3 – cross platform (mobile, web, desktop) analysis offering. Looks quite nice!
  • Bikemap
  • BikeMeter – recommended by a reader, and quite slick looking
  • Endomondo
  • Bikesavr – Never forget that your bikes and cargo are on top of the car again!
  • RackReminder – Never worry about driving your roof rack into your garage again!
  • Bike Fast Fit – an iOS based bike fit system – measures dynamic angles from video
  • SizeMyBike – another option for bike fitting on iPhone – uses simple measurements
  • AltiFondo 2 – works with Garmin Connect to automatically detect summits you’ve climbed, download your activities and those of your friends, and check and compare your bike statistics.
  • Trainalyse – mobile training analysis for iOS
  • RaceMyGhoast – Cycle a virtual race against your previous best, worst and average rides
  • Hurts Ergo – Structured Interval Training app for iOS
  • JetBlack Training App
  • RaceSplitter – a timing and race results app for iOS

Windows Phone Apps

Other

  • *CrossMgr – a race (not just for ‘cross races) timing/results tracking system. This looks like an amazing way to run a race and have instant results with smart recording and checking. I would certainly try this solution first before anyone else; it’s free (donations are appreciated if you use it for a commercial event, or find it super helpful!)
  • Race Day – a race management software package to handle registration, start sheets and results.
  • Webscorer – handles registration, timing and results for your race.
  • *BikeCAD – Free online bicycle design software
  • rattleCAD – another free bike design app. rattleCAD is a free and a openSource software project that supports bespoked bicycle frame builders with a fully parametric bicycle model
  • *Kinovea – A very cool video analysis software package that includes a bike fit tool. If you’ve had a professional bike fit, they likely used something like DartFish. Kinovea is the open source equivalent. I’m in need of a better camera to test it out (my webcam doesn’t have nearly high enough frame rate to work!) but it looks very promising.
  • Dartfish – Like Kinovea, only not free. More features from what I can tell, but try the free option first!
  • Quintic – Yet another biomechanical video analysis package.
  • Bike Telemetry – generate ‘dashboard’ views of speed/gradient/map/etc. based on a your GPS file, and download as a video overlay. Cool way to spruce up your post-ride GoPro footage!
  • *Dashware – a slicker, more powerful (and now free!) application that does the same thing as BikeTelemetry
  • SUFFERvision – yet another telemetry option. Overlay Strava activity on a YouTube video all on a website.
  • Tapiriik – synchronizes your fitness activities between Garmin Connect, RunKeeper, Strava, Endomondo, SportTracks.mobi and Dropbox (See Keith Wakeham’s Review here.)
  • Syncmetrics – synchronize your data between FatSecret, Fitbit, Garmin, iHealth, RunKeeper, Withings, Nike+, Strava and MapMyFitness
  • CopyMySports (formerly GarminSync) – keep your Strava and RunKeeper accounts synced automatically with Garmin Connect
  • ErgoGraph – convert between different file formats. Includes some rare formats, like Polar HRM, so you can convert from Polar to .tcx as an example.
  • TcxCreator – merges hrm and gpx files into tcx files
  • Polar to TCX Convertor – online option that does the same as the above
  • TCX Converter – yet another file conversion package that also allows you to truncate, edit and merge files
  • GPSies Coverter – GPSies has a useful conversion utility that will allow you to convert file formats easily online
  • FitFileTools – a collectoin of useful tools for manipulating FIT files
  • Pro Cycling Manager – a cycling simulation video game centered around running a pro cycling team for a season–you’ll become the Director Sportif for a pro team, and manage it throughout the season.
  • Cycling Simulator – similar to Pro Cycling Manager, Cycling Simulator is a free online cycling manager game settled in a fictional cycling universe with managers, teams and riders from all over the world – all aiming to win the biggest tours and races of the season. Test your management abilities as a manager of your own cycling team and reach your dreams. Design tactics, train riders, buy and adjust the perfect equipment and make your way as the best cycling team in the world.
  • *Crazy Guy On A Bike – web hosting and community for touring cyclists
  • RestWise – Recovery tracking software. In their words: “Using evidence-based research, rigorously-tested variable weightings and a proprietary algorithm, Restwise has defined a patent-pending solution to the question that plagues every athlete: “am I training too hard… or not hard enough?””
  • Inside Tracker – perhaps a bit of a stretch for this list, but related to overall health and the ‘quantified self’ movement. InsideTracker will track blood test results and provide personalized feedback on the results.
  • Flow2Strava– automatically sync Polar Flow training files to Strava
  • Pedal Wrencher – tracks your riding on Strava, and sends you a text message when it’s time to replace consumables like chains, cables or brake pads
  • Stem Comparison Tool – compare the final positions of stems of different lengths/angles/with different stack heights. Very useful when changing your fit or looking at the potential fit impact of a new front-end.
  • RaceWorks – creates cool visualizations of your Strava routes
  • SegmentBuilder – convert Strava segments to Garmin .fit files
  • Strava Multiple Ride Mapper – display multiple Strava rides on one map
  • Segment Ninja – uses local weather to let you know which Strava segments you have the best chance on, based on their orientation to current winds (ie. those that are ‘wind assisted’)
  • FeedMyRide – turn your Strava feed (or your club or friends) into an RSS feed. Pretty boring by itself, but just think of the possibilities if you tie it to IFTTT or similar services!
  • Strava – GPX – a bookmarklet that allows you to download Strava data to .gpx format.
  • PaperDudeVR – Virtual Reality cycling game – uses Oculus and a KickR with a Kinect for a sensor. Play the classic game Paperboy while riding
  • Relive.cc – awesome tool that generates a cool stat-filled flyby video from a Strava activity. Very neat!
  • ErgDSL – A Domain Specific Language (DSL) for creating ERG and MRC files
  • WebTools – a bunch of different web-based tools – stem and rack calculators, cue sheet maker, etc.
  • FeeFi – a small app that filters the activities in your Strava feed by activity type, length, and how close the start or finish are to a place selected on a map (like your home).
  • MyWindsock – add weather data to Stava segments and see who had favourable conditions…or see which segments to snipe based on current weather. Not that I condone that! haha
  • MPowerTCX – Convert Schwinn, Stages and other stationary bike workout CSV files to TCX
  • trainerroad-to-trainingpeaks – this code allows you to copy trainer road training plan into your training peaks account.
  • Arcade Fitness – another game to play on your trainer. Works for cycling and running. Race your friends.

Comments

Pingback from DARREN COPE » Cycling Software
Time January 15, 2013 at 7:55 pm

[…] Cycling Software […]

Comment from Miquel Casas
Time May 13, 2013 at 4:18 pm

Hi Darren,

I tried to contact you over Linkedin, but just in case, I’ll leave a comment here. I love your blog post.

Do you happen to know of any software that allows you to compete againts other riders over the internet? I noticed that the home beta version of Spivi seems to allow that, but I was not sure if you knew of any others…

Cheers,

M.

Comment from darrencope
Time May 14, 2013 at 6:14 am

Miquel; Tour de Giro is your best bet, with rollerracing.ca being another option. Read above for details…

Comment from Miquel Casas
Time May 14, 2013 at 12:46 pm

Thanks a lot Darren! I noticed Linkedin won’t let us connect because we don’t have any connections in common, oh well! :)

Comment from Miquel Casas
Time May 18, 2013 at 10:53 pm

Hi Darren,

I had a chance to try Tour de Giro. Very cool. I contacted Art to get pass some technical issues, but the app is really good.

I wanted to ask you if you know of any apps that can simulate longer rides like a century and spend 5 hours on the bike. Do you know of any software that can do that? Also, somebody told me about a solution that controlled the resistance of your tire going up hill and things like that, but probably is very expensive. The guy said it could simulate long rides like a Tour de France or an Ironman.

Thanks for your help,

M.

Comment from Damian
Time May 19, 2013 at 8:22 am

Hi Darren,

This is a comprehensive list. Thanks for putting it together. I’ve found a couple of new programs I was unaware of.

Cheers!

Damian

Comment from darrencope
Time May 21, 2013 at 7:20 am

Miquel; TdG will let you do long rides as well–I’m not sure what is ‘live’ on the server at the moment, but Art switches up routes fairly often. There’s usually a long ride on there. If not, perhaps you could request one? The other really good option for solo training (you can’t race in it like TdG) is the “Train” tab in Golden Cheetah. You can upload any route to it, and it will let you ride along with it. If you have a computer-connected trainer, it will work with that as well. Throw it a file from an IronMan course, or a TdF stage, and you can ride it!

To have the resistance set for you on hills, etc., you need a computer-controlled trainer. Your options right now are the old-standby the CompuTrainer (http://www.racermateinc.com/computrainer.asp), the new Wahoo Kickr (http://www.wahoofitness.com/KICKRPowerTrainer/), and some of the more recent Tacx models (http://www.tacx.com/en/products/trainers). You’re right though, they are expensive compared to a regular trainer! I think the Kickr would be how I would go if I were to buy one of these at this point. Wahoo is very good about being ‘open’ and supporting lots of cool apps, etc.

Comment from darrencope
Time May 21, 2013 at 7:21 am

Damian; glad you like it! Do you have any others I may have missed I could add to the list?

Comment from Miquel
Time May 21, 2013 at 9:00 am

Very cool! This is great information.

Comment from Shay
Time August 7, 2013 at 4:09 am

Hi Darren,
Thanks for the great list.
Spivi has a Home version, it supports power and it’s currently available for free.

Comment from Kostya
Time September 2, 2013 at 2:09 am

We will have some cool software available in a week or two for free download. Runs from its own exe & you can pull all the Ant+ data from the various speed cadence HR & power meters out there, pumps out tcx data files. https://www.facebook.com/Veloreality

Comment from Damian
Time September 19, 2013 at 6:00 am

Hi Darren,

A couple of new ones I’ve found in the last few months.

http://virtualtraining.eu/

http://imobileintervals.com/

Comment from Aaron
Time January 14, 2014 at 9:13 am

SportTracks.mobi should be added to the Web-based Analysis list:

http://www.sporttracks.mobi

Along with the desktop PC app and sync component it’s really the only product out there that seamlessly spans web + desktop worlds. It provides power analysis tools and lots of customization for multi-sport athletes / triathletes (different heart-rate zones for cycling and running, for example).

Also I think bikeroutetoaster is toast. Site has been down for quite a few months.

Comment from darrencope
Time January 14, 2014 at 4:50 pm

Thanks for the information Aaron. I have updated the list!

Comment from Rubin Johnson
Time January 15, 2014 at 2:40 am

Hi Darren,
Perhaps, RAD+ might be worthy of a mention on your list. It is trainer software that displays ANT+ data against an interval workout. It also has a social component that lets athletes train (not race) together on the internet. We plan on hosting sessions on the upcoming Tour of Sufferlandria. There is a free trial.

Comment from Rubin Johnson
Time January 15, 2014 at 2:41 am

Oh – the url for the free trial

http://www.radplussports.com/the-sufferfest

Thanks!

Comment from Chris VB
Time January 30, 2014 at 9:27 am

One to add to your list. Ascent. This is a mac-based program that lets you display gps data anyway you want.

Comment from Jeff Kadet
Time February 2, 2014 at 5:40 pm

Darren, you’ve listed Bikemap for Android, but not for either the web or for ios. I’ve used it for several years. It’s excellent.

Jeff

Comment from darrencope
Time February 3, 2014 at 9:23 am

Thanks Jeff; I have added Bikemap to Android, iOS and Desktop sections.

Comment from Damian
Time February 22, 2014 at 12:35 pm

Me again Darren,

I came across this app: http://www.bikemeterapp.com/

Super sexy, even though it lacks power numbers.

Comment from David George
Time March 19, 2014 at 5:30 pm

Hi Darren,

another training option

http://www.wattzap.com/

Plays both free and commercial Tacx real life videos, links to many different turbos (Kinetic, Tacx non-VR turbos, Cyclops, Elite etc) and has a range of training programmes. Has some limited analysis but can export in TCX format to other programs. Cross platform. It is a commercial package.

Comment from darrencope
Time March 20, 2014 at 9:11 am

Thanks David; added to the list!

Comment from Thomas M
Time July 27, 2014 at 3:39 pm

Hi Darren,

there is a new activity analysis app for iPhone and iPad. It’ called Trainalyse: http://www.trainalyse.com

It supports the import of TCX/GPX/FIT files via dropbox. There is a segments, zones, map and plotter view for single tracks and the app provides weekly/monthly/yearly statistics. You can also configure the zones for each activity and so on. There is also a free lite version. It might be worth a look for someone searching for a mobile analysis solution.
Regards,
Thomas

Comment from mark
Time August 22, 2014 at 1:19 pm

Can you recommend a software that will allow me to race 16 stationary bikes over the internet?

Comment from darrencope
Time August 26, 2014 at 8:45 am

Absolutely; I think TourDeGiro is the best bet for this by far! Give it a shot!

Comment from Doug L
Time October 4, 2014 at 8:53 pm

Re Kostya’s post, 2 September last year. Veloreality is fantastic software, as are the videos available for purchase. Works on any computer/ PC just requires an ANT+ cadence speed sensor as a minimum. KIKR will give full support complete with grade changes following the GPS trace. I have been using it with a TACX Bushido which does not give all the facilities that the KIKR will provide; however, you can still get a very effective training session and FANTASTIC HD scenery. The software is incredible easy to use and there are several free demo rides for you to try. I have no financial interest in this company, I am just a very satisfied user.

Comment from David
Time October 20, 2014 at 8:16 pm

Hi Daren,
jmX Cycling Trainer listed under the ‘Desktop Open Source/Free’ section is the Alpha version of Zwift.

Comment from Thomas E.
Time November 26, 2014 at 4:09 pm

Hi Daren,

Great list, very informative. I’d suggest OruxMaps to the Android Apps. It’s not originally and exclusively bike software, but does the job better than many of the other apps mentioned.

Comment from Bill G
Time December 10, 2014 at 11:39 am

Great information! Thanks for the list of software. The Cyclistats software that you mentioned is now free. The username and registration key to unlock the software is posted on the website. You’ll see this info when you click the “Download Free Trial version.”

Comment from nick
Time January 29, 2015 at 6:22 pm

Hello,

I am very new to software based cycling. I have a stationary bicycle at home on my desktop pc. What is the least expensive type of hardware that I will need to get started on software like compuracer and tour de giro? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Comment from darrencope
Time January 30, 2015 at 8:05 am

Nick; it depends what kind of stationary bicycle you have… is it actually a stationary bike, or a bike on a trainer? If it’s a stationary bike, you have few options unless it’s a very high end one with a power meter.

Comment from Tom Horvath
Time February 5, 2015 at 9:16 am

Looking to overlay speed cadence and heart rate on Go Pro video. Do u have any idea of a a product that works?

Comment from darrencope
Time February 5, 2015 at 10:07 am

Tom: check out “Bike Telemetry,” “Dashware,” and “Suffervision,” which are all listed above. That’s what they do.

Comment from Lachlan Hurst
Time February 19, 2015 at 12:16 am

Just noticed you’ve updated the list to include Hurts Ergo. The number of users has been slowly creeping upwards and I always wonder how they find the app. Marketing is not my strong point.

Thanks!

Comment from darrencope
Time February 19, 2015 at 7:52 am

No problem Lachlan; glad to help! I try to keep the list as current as possible, so I’m always adding stuff to it!

Comment from Juan Alvarez
Time March 13, 2015 at 9:27 am

Great article! It was exactly the info I was looking for. I suggest you take a look at JetBlack Training App for iOS and Android. It covers many angles, gives you great HIIT type workouts and can share your data with many apps as Strava or TrainingPeaks.

Comment from Anonymous
Time April 9, 2015 at 12:51 pm

This is a great resource for anyone into cycling

Comment from Kevin Joubert
Time April 24, 2015 at 6:22 pm

Just ran across this, netahlon 2xf was Zwift LONG before Zwift was even conceived of.

They appear to be simply playing out the string until they no longer have subscribers.

But Netathlon had internet racing in virtual worlds with tacx and computrainers right around the late 90s. Try and remember what the internet was like in 2001!

It actually still works just fine, runs on old hardware and it has the smoothest drafting implementation I have ridden in a virtual world.

It looks to me from the outside they don’t have the talent or money to upgrade the product, so the worlds that exist are the only ones there are, and they haven’t added support for any new bike trainers in at least 6 years, but as I said tacx and computrainer still work fine.

It’s a shame really, the product was light years ahead of everyone else, but now that ergotrainers are all over, the product is dead.

Comment from Cameron Singe
Time July 8, 2015 at 5:41 am

Holy crap what a list, Thanks for putting this together.

Can you add another to the list. http://www.stressplusrest.com – Its more focused a platform coaches to many athletes

Comment from J.Fermin
Time August 28, 2015 at 10:33 pm

is there a software that you can upload any fit, gpx files, then ride on that file virtually? BUT it should give you a green light notification if you are hitting the right targets and red light notification if you are too slow and not hitting the required metrics, plus after complete the whole ride on the file, you can save it and upload it on strava, so basically what I’m looking for is a software that you upload for example a gpx file ride of tour de france, so you need to ride on that file or map, then save the results and upload it to strava

Comment from darrencope
Time September 5, 2015 at 6:54 am

There are several on the list above that do what you describe–but the most full featured and comprehensive is Golden Cheetah “Train” view. Worth the learning curve to get it set up!

Comment from J.Fermin
Time August 28, 2015 at 10:34 pm

so it is like riding on the tour de france, with your own results and uploading it on strava, is there any software like this?

Comment from Al
Time September 16, 2015 at 11:17 pm

Hey Darren,
Just an update Today’s Plan now has a full suite of coaching tools with enhanced connectivity (imagine a coach written training plan with workouts that are synced to Garmin devices for on screen workout/interval prompts!). We also released 3D analytics that allow a multi dimensional view to unpick power files.

Comment from Nick Ryan
Time September 27, 2015 at 2:29 am

Hi darren, We have just been given soem awesome little units Lezyne mini GPS for testing – we are a downhill MTb team and wanted to see if we could use the FIt files captured to analysie the route taken and the speed etc of different riders over different runs. Challenegs seem to be not all starting from exactly the same point so how to align the leveation / start gps cooordinate post recording – also map definition is not high enough to show different routes for downhill racing, also during training riders do not always get a clear run so how best to close out stopage times to enable like for like comparisons – any idea on software which might help – i have downloaded Golden Cheetah as you have flagged but it is quite complex for what i beleive is a fairly simple and quick between run analysis.

Comment from darrencope
Time September 28, 2015 at 4:04 pm

Interesting questions Nick. I think Golden Cheetah can work… take a look at the new “User Segments” capabilities. You can create your own Segments, and it will auto-match them in any activity they show up in. The issue with taking out stoppage times is a tough one, because then you’re really not comparing apples to apples…

Comment from ian
Time October 29, 2015 at 11:41 am

Hi Darren, just got wind of your brilliant list of training apps. Very comprehensive indeed! I am looking fwd to testing Golden Cheetah and I think the open source community is the way to go as I, m already a fan with open GIS software. With Ant+ etc these are exiting times for the diy trainer to capitalize on. I will also check out Tour design Giro also as you recommend. Keep up the great work from a like minded person.

Ian
Brough
UK

Comment from Ilja Booij
Time December 29, 2015 at 5:11 am

Hi Darren,

I’ve created a(nother) free program to run Real Life Videos: https://ibooij.github.io/big-ring/ . Works on Windows and Linux currently.
It works with ANT+ sensors (HR, power, speed, cadence) and ANT+ FE-C smart trainers. You can use older Tacx RLVs and newer ones from reallifevideo.de, bikelabvideo.it, route4u.dk, cyclingrlv.com and other free and non-free suppliers.

cheers,
Ilja

Comment from darrencope
Time December 30, 2015 at 11:07 am

Awesome work Ilja! I’ve added it to the list!

Comment from Ilja Booij
Time December 30, 2015 at 3:08 pm

Hi Darren,

thanks for adding it to the list. I’ve been using and improving Big Ring for quite some time (a few years actually) and having lots of fun using and developing it. Hopefully other people can enjoy it as well.

cheers,
Ilja

Comment from Iromar26
Time January 21, 2016 at 1:24 am

Hi Darren,

what commercial software for cycling i can use to open the cycling gym, but have my client use their own bike , will provide the trainier ( cycle op , kurt kinetic ) and get the Power , HR , speed , data , thanks in advance

Comment from darrencope
Time January 23, 2016 at 7:12 am

I’m not sure I totally understand what you’re asking..but take a look through some of the things I’ve listed above and see if they meet your needs. Are you saying that you (the gym) will provide the trainer, or that the clients will? Do the client have power meters? What kinds? There are a lot of unknowns here…

Comment from Cycling Software
Time February 13, 2016 at 7:01 pm

Hi Darren,

another training option

http://stationarybikestand.net/bike-trainer-software

Plays both free and commercial Tacx real life videos, links to many different turbos (Kinetic, Tacx non-VR turbos, Cyclops, Elite etc) and has a range of training programmes. Has some limited analysis but can export in TCX format to other programs.

Comment from Ben
Time March 3, 2016 at 7:30 am

I’m trying to figure out a way to use the Sufferfest ERG spreadsheets (I saved them before they were removed) to give an average power if you hit all RPE zones correctly. Does anyone know a formula to do this?

I’m not the best at excel, but I know I need to remove every other row and do a formula to work out the time spent in each RPE, then another formula to work out an average.

All this is way beyond my ability. Is anyone able to help?

I’m using Wattbikes and Sufferfest, but I need to check how close or far away a session was to my FTP.

This isn’t the same as TSS or IF sadly, otherwise I could just use that. I’m looking to be 100% accurate with a number of Watts I need to average over the session.

Once I have the formula I’m planning on doing this for the latest videos too. I run a studio so want to monitor who’s trying and who needs to push harder (myself included)

Comment from darrencope
Time March 3, 2016 at 4:48 pm

Hi Ben, I’m really not clear on what you’re trying to do. Why not just take a look at the ride file post-ride and see what your average power is? I suggest Golden Cheetah for this, naturally :)

Comment from Ben
Time March 4, 2016 at 7:27 am

Hi Darren

I’m trying to look at what you should achieve hitting all RPE targets Vs. what people actually achieve.

So using FTP in Watts and the equivalent RPE in Watts.

With Sufferfest people do try hard, but sometimes they may drop slightly at the top end, so their average power may be down. I’ll also use it to monitor when people need to re-do an FTP test.

I did try to upload the ERG file into golden cheetah, but the guide said to paste it into a Text document and save as .erg but from word I had no such option. I was hoping golden cheetah may have something similar in it, checked trainerroad and it doesn’t.

Yes I could ride each video and write down the average watts vs my own FTP, but the wattbike power jumps around by +/- 40 watts depending on how smooth you pedal, so again this would be different for everyone.

Comment from darrencope
Time March 5, 2016 at 5:50 am

Hi Ben,

I think I understand what you’re trying to do. You should be able to set the workout as a ‘planned’ workout in Golden Cheetah, and then see the total numbers on it, as if you had actually ridden it (including it’s impact on training stress, etc.) I’m not 100% sure how to do this at the moment, as it’s a new feature that’s under development. You may want to take your query to the Golden Cheetah Users List and I’m sure they will be able to help you out there! I had originally thought that the new workout editor would show running totals, but it doesn’t seem to…

Comment from Ben
Time March 8, 2016 at 6:57 am

Hi Darren

Thanks for coming back to me.

I’ve been reading about Normalised Power Vs Average Power. Am I right in thinking, in terms of monitoring someones effort, that average power in this instance would be better? Normalised Power from my understanding, would allow me to check a session against another session, but not really that session vs a target of FTP.

I’ve got golden cheetah so will have a play around.

I need something easy to do for everyone and NP isn’t shown on a Wattbike, so I think I’ll create a list of average powers and check how close people are.

Thanks for your help.

Comment from Tony Chen
Time March 10, 2016 at 8:53 am

MaximumTrainer is only free to use workout less than 15 minutes and FTP test. If you want to pay, $5 a month. Does anyone suggest traning software like MaximumTrainer and it is totally free?

Comment from darrencope
Time March 19, 2016 at 5:00 am

Hi Tony: I haven’t installed MaximumTrainer, but am surprised to see this, since it states “MaximumTrainer can be used free of charge.
We believe training should be accessible to everyone.” Can you confirm? As for an alternative, I suggest Golden Cheetah, which is for sure free!

Comment from Armando Mastracci
Time April 5, 2016 at 4:26 pm

Hi Darren. Baron also has an Android app: Xert Mobile that records activities (GPS, power, cadence ,etc.) and plays workouts both Xert-based that have dynamic interval durations that target fatigue and also supports ANT FE-C trainers. We’ve also launched Garmin ConnectIQ apps.

Comment from Matt
Time May 20, 2016 at 3:31 pm

Hi
Do you know if there is a pc software that would simulate my indoor traning, with some sensor connecting my spinning bike with program so I could see actual stats of my training ?

Comment from darrencope
Time May 24, 2016 at 11:55 am

What kind of spinning bike do you have? If it’s an actual ‘spinning bike’ (not a normal bicycle on a trainer) your options are pretty much limited unless the bike has something built in.

Comment from the5krunner
Time May 26, 2016 at 11:26 am

you missed a few…just joking! Real nice effort. I think you may have missed the syncmytracks android app – it’s like tapiriik but does other sources than tapiriik. Have you come across a post similar to yours but instead for RUNNING equivalents (I appreciate many of those above can be used for running purposes)
many thanks for all the hard work to compile the list.

Comment from darrencope
Time May 28, 2016 at 6:33 am

Thanks the5krunner! I’ll add syncmytracks soon! I don’t actually know of a running software list, but you’re right that a lot of cycling software also can be used for running — including Golden Cheetah if you haven’t tried that!

Comment from Dawid
Time June 30, 2016 at 4:26 am

Hi Darren
I am looking for actual GPS file created on a Garmin device of the major cycling events to be able to import it on to my Tacx trainer. You can use Google and many other software’s to plan a route but the profile follows the natural contours of the area and not the true elevation of the road.

Comment from darrencope
Time July 2, 2016 at 8:27 am

What events are you looking for?

Comment from Marcos
Time July 17, 2016 at 4:53 am

Hi Darren,
Great job!!! congrats!!

i am looking for is a software to do just a very simple thing…
i am a fencing trainer and i would like get the heart rate of all my students -now i am using garmin connect just for myself- and compare sessions between themselfs an between them in same sofware. Probably i will use same HR device for everyone.

Do you know if possible?

Thanks!!!

Comment from Banu
Time July 29, 2016 at 1:43 pm

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/cyclers/9wzdncrdmcxd

Cyclers also an unofficial third party app that uses the Strava services API
FREE

Comment from Erdal Yazicioglu
Time September 10, 2016 at 11:02 pm

HO Darren,

Nice list. One to add is relive.cc

Do you know any software does the same thing as relive?

Thanks

Comment from Freya Osborne
Time November 14, 2016 at 1:18 am

Great collection of cycling apps.But, I like the Cyclemeter app much more.
I think you can add these apps also:

CycleDroid

Bikemap

Google Fit

Urban Biker

Openrider

Comment from Hugh
Time November 29, 2016 at 9:05 am

Darren – just wanted to tell you this is a great resource. Thank you for making it available. At some point would love to contribute to it.

Kudos!

Comment from Hugh
Time November 29, 2016 at 6:30 pm

Darren – do you know anyone who has put together a RLV for the Gatineau Loop in Ottawa (since you are from the NCR!). I know that something is available via Kinomap – but haven’t seen anything I can use with my Tacx setup.

Comment from darrencope
Time December 7, 2016 at 8:35 pm

Hi Hugh,

NO, I don’t know off the top of my head. Kinomap definitely has one, but I don’t know if you can convert or export from there to RLV… Sorry!

Comment from Hugh
Time January 17, 2017 at 9:25 am

Thanks Darren – perhaps this will just inspire me to put one together. I’ll have to borrow a Go pro!

Comment from Gav
Time March 7, 2017 at 8:25 am

Excellent list Darren. Thanks. Just wondering what your thoughts are on Strivemax please???
Cheers

Comment from darrencope
Time April 2, 2017 at 8:52 am

Hi Gav,
Unfortunately I haven’t had time to check out StriveMax. I’d be interested in hearing from others who have though!

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Time June 11, 2017 at 4:59 am

[…] Meer informatie over software voor vermogensmeters:http://darrencope.com/cycling-software/ […]

Comment from Adam Rice
Time October 2, 2017 at 10:34 am

Rubitrack is a MacOS/iOS pair of apps for logging rides. I use the MacOS app together with Cyclemeter (which I had been using already). Not quite as streamlined, perhaps, but it works with standard file types, so there’s no lock-in. http://rubitrack.com

Comment from James
Time October 24, 2017 at 4:40 pm

Convert Schwinn, Stages and other stationary bike workout CSV files to TCX

https://github.com/j33433/MPowerTCX

Comment from Paul
Time December 8, 2017 at 9:09 am

Really glad that strivemax got a mention, its working well for me. I lost my wko3 computer the other day, and given that wko4 puts out and is based on, bullcrap, I’m not buying that. So strivemax fills the hole nicely. Its felt a little slow at times recently but that may be because its becoming used more – hope they can keep it going. The only worry is they have no visible income stream so it might disappear someday when the realise that throwing dollars at free services isn’t conducive to an early retirement :)

Comment from Armando Mastracci
Time January 2, 2018 at 12:26 am

Hey Darren. Xert is both analysis and training software with Android, Garmin and now an iOS app available for performing workouts. We also have other Garmin apps that might also be good to mention. Looks like your page is the one comprehensive page where folks can see a list of what cycling software is available. Appreciate you hosting it.

Pingback from Indoor paincave – Iron Mike Musing
Time April 15, 2018 at 12:43 pm

[…] For a good list of software both online and for download checkout http://darren cope.com/cycling-software/ A great resource for all things cycling/software you can checkout […]

Comment from Damian
Time May 24, 2018 at 7:26 am

Hi Darren,

This list has grown a lot since 2013! I have another one for you – virtugo.com

:)

Comment from Oscar
Time May 30, 2018 at 7:43 pm

Hi Darren,

Thanks for all the information. I have a Livestrong Matrix Series E spin bike. I would like to track cadence and speed or at least cadence. Any suggestions on a sensor or computer for spin bikes. My concern is that the crankshaft gear ratio is not adjustable on the sensor. If there is an app that connects to a sensor I would look at that as well. There is simply too much information on the web that is unclear. Thanks in advance for your time.

Comment from darrencope
Time June 2, 2018 at 6:34 pm

Hi Oscar,
Any cycling computer with Cadence would work I suspect. You would just have to mount a magnet on the crank and a sensor somewhere on the bike itself beside it, so you may want to find something relatively compact, in case you are dealing with limited clearance around the crank. As for speed, that’s a whole other story, as you say. Luckily (?) the easy answer is that speed on those types of bikes is meaningless, so you can safely not worry about it!

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