Mountain biking is an exciting and challenging sport that has seen a surge in popularity, and with advancements in mobile technology, there are now many mountain biking apps that are specifically designed to enhance the experience.
These apps can track your rides and are also incredibly helpful for riders who want to see how far they’ve traveled, what their average speed was, and how many calories they burned. These metrics can be great motivators for riders looking to set new personal records and track their progress.
With these apps, riders also get access to detailed maps of their rides. This can be especially useful for those who are exploring new trails and want to make sure they don’t get lost. In this article on Naijaknowhow, I’ve curated some of the best mountain biking apps for mobile. But first, let’s get an understanding of what these apps are about.
What are Mountain Biking Apps?
Mountain biking apps serve as essential companions for enthusiasts, offering features such as trail mapping, GPS tracking, route planning, elevation data, performance metrics, and social sharing capabilities. These apps cater to various skill levels and preferences, providing a comprehensive experience for riders to explore, document, and improve their biking adventures on rugged terrains and scenic trails.
How we Evaluate the Best Apps:
We prioritise the confidence our readers place in us by conducting evaluations of the top apps on both Android and iOS platforms through extensive testing and research. We deploy humans to test and compile articles to help those who are looking for the best of the best. Our team of tech writers and a small tech community invest significant time experimenting with and using these tech products or software. As a result, we reach well-informed conclusions based on the effectiveness, user experience, and customer support offered by the apps. It’s important to note that we never receive compensation for featuring apps in our articles or for linking to any websites. You can read more about how we review apps and software on Naijaknowhow.
After a series of examinations and tests of these apps, here are some of the features I think you should look out for in a mountain biking app:
- Detailed trail maps with elevation and difficulty
- Reliable GPS tracking and navigation assistance
- Performance metrics tracking for progress monitoring
- Social sharing for community engagement and challenges
List of the Best Mountain Biking Apps for Android and iOS
For those who enjoy competing against others, mountain biking applications can be a great way to find and join races and challenges. Below, we’ll explore the best options to go for. But before we get started, you may want to check our list of the best kayaking apps for mobile phones.
1. AllTrails
AllTrails is an app that can simplify your mountain biking experiences, making your trips easier and more enjoyable. The app features an interface that is both intuitive and user-friendly, ensuring that it is easy to use for people of all ages and backgrounds. With its variety of features, AllTrails is a great tool for anyone who loves to explore the great outdoors.
AllTrails can explore over 200,000 hiking trails from different places around the world. Whether you’re looking for a challenging trail that will push your limits or a more leisurely ride that will allow you to enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs with this app.
Pros:
- Access to 200,000+ global trails.
- Intuitive interface for all users.
- Features like difficulty ratings aid trail selection.
- Detailed trail info enhances outdoor experiences.
- Offers adventures for all skill levels.
Cons:
- Coverage limitations in remote areas.
- The app’s GPS accuracy can vary.
- Relies on user-generated content.
- Some advanced features require paid subscription.
- App may feel overwhelming due to vast options.
2. Bikemap
Are you seeking to elevate your cycling experience? Then your search is over. Bikemap is an exceptional cycling map and GPS navigation tool that will enhance your journey and make it even more enjoyable. With over 7 million routes across more than 100 countries, it is one of the best mountain biking apps available.
Bikemap comes with a voice navigation system, which operates both online and offline. The app provides detailed reports on slippery roads, construction sites, and potholes, ensuring that you have all the information you need to safely navigate your route. For those looking for even more features, upgrading to the Premium version of Bikemap is an option.
Pros:
- Extensive routes available in 100+ countries
- Convenient offline voice navigation
- Detailed reports on road conditions
- Option to upgrade to Premium for more features
- Designed for mountain biking enthusiasts
Cons:
- Subscription fee required for Premium access
- High battery usage associated with GPS navigation
- Variable accuracy in reported road conditions
- Complex user interface may pose challenges
- Limited availability of routes in certain regions
3. Google Maps
Although Google Maps was not specifically created for mountain biking, it can still serve as a great backup option for those who participate in this outdoor activity. The app is known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it an accessible tool for anyone, regardless of their technical expertise.
It provides access to Google Earth, which offers more advanced navigation options. With this app, you can easily download offline maps. This is very helpful when you’re out of range or in an area with limited internet connectivity. With offline maps, you can still access your desired locations and get directions without having to worry about losing connection.
Pros:
- Offers an easy-to-use interface.
- Integrates seamlessly with Google Earth.
- Convenient offline map download option.
- Offers dependable directions.
- Reliable backup navigation tool.
Cons:
- Missing specialized biking features.
- Limited trail information available.
- Internet connection necessary for updates.
- Offline maps require prior downloading.
- Few dedicated biking routes suggested.
4. Bergfex
Bergfex is designed to transform the way you experience outdoor activities. It is specifically created for biking enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive set of features to help plan and track your journey. The app is equipped with a complete suite of tools to help you get the most out of your adventure, including detailed topographical maps and a robust search feature.
With over 70,000 GPS tours available across Europe, bergfex provides a wealth of information and resources to help you plan your next mountain biking tour. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner, this app makes it easy to find the perfect route for your level of skill and experience. It is considered one of the best mountain biking apps for mobile.
Pros:
- Detailed topographical maps available.
- Access to over 70,000 GPS tours.
- Robust search feature simplifies route finding.
- Suitable for bikers of all skill levels.
- Highly regarded among mobile biking apps.
Cons:
- Limited solely to biking activities.
- Requires internet connectivity for full functionality.
- Steep learning curve for newcomers.
- Tour availability may fluctuate by location.
- Premium features may require payment.
5. Outdooractive
Outdooractive app is highly recommended for anyone who loves to spend time outdoors, whether it’s biking, hiking, or skiing. Designed specifically with adventure in mind, this tool provides you with a wealth of features that will take your outdoor activities to the next level. Outdooractive can easily help you navigate trails and track your progress.
With this app, you can view statistics about your tracks, such as the distance traveled, the amount of time it took, and more. Outdooractive is also compatible with OS Wear, which means that you can keep track of your trips right on your wrist. This makes it incredibly convenient and easy to use, even when you’re out on the go.
Pros:
- Tailored features for outdoor activities.
- Detailed trail navigation and progress tracking.
- Convenient wrist tracking with OS Wear.
- Comprehensive statistics for tracks.
- Enhances outdoor adventures effectively.
Cons:
- Learning curve for new users.
- Overwhelming for casual adventurers.
- Has dependency on GPS signal.
- Premium features require subscription.
- Limited compatibility with devices.
6. Naviki
Naviki is currently one of the best mountain biking apps available. This app stands out for its excellent route planning capabilities, which are ideal for all types of cycling activities, including mountain biking and racing. With Naviki, you can simply select your desired destination, and the app will display the most optimal routes for you immediately.
Naviki is packed with a variety of features that are sure to impress. One of its most notable features is its turn-by-turn voice navigation system, which helps you keep your eyes on the road as you cycle. Another useful feature is the “point of interest” option, which consists of a list of recommended destinations that you might want to visit during your cycling journey.
Pros:
- Excellent route planning for all cycling activities.
- Turn-by-turn voice navigation enhances safety.
- “Point of interest” suggests interesting stops.
- User-friendly interface for all cyclists.
- Immediate display of optimal routes.
Cons:
- Cluttered interface with many features.
- Requires stable internet connection.
- Advanced features need premium subscription.
- Limited route customization options.
- Occasional glitches disrupt experience.
7. Komoot
Komoot emerges as an exciting player in the realm of mountain biking apps, albeit my personal experience with it remains somewhat limited. From what I’ve gathered, Komoot distinguishes itself with a strong emphasis on user-generated loops and routes, fostering a community-driven approach to exploring the outdoors.
While its roots seem to be firmly planted in Europe, there’s a sense of expansion as it gains traction in the vast terrains of the US and Canada. What sets Komoot apart is its navigation prowess, offering users detailed turn-by-turn directions seamlessly integrated into their biking adventures. It also opens up a world of possibilities for users to customize their routes according to their preferences and specific trail desires.
Pros:
- User-generated loops & routes discovery
- Detailed turn-by-turn navigation assistance
- Strong community engagement and sharing
- Extensive route customization options
- Expansion into US & Canada gaining traction
Cons:
- Varying quality of user-generated content
- Complex interface initially for some users
- Premium features come at a cost
- Occasional navigation glitches may occur
- Limited trail data in new regions’ availability
Conclusion
Mountain biking apps provide riders with training tips and advice. Whether you’re looking to improve your speed, increase your endurance, or develop new skills, these apps can help you reach your goals. With GPS technology, these apps can help you find the best routes, avoid dangerous areas, and discover new trails that you may have never known existed. Cheers!
