Mountain bikers… the go-getters in sport. They never shy away from a new challenge – escaping reality and immersing themselves in everything the great outdoors has to offer.
From technical cross-country tests to downhill shreds, mountain biking is as demanding as it is rewarding. And those who survive the gruelling challenges they set themselves? Heroes.
But, every hero needs a sidekick. Right?
So we went on a hunt to find you yours. Here are six mobile apps every mountain biker needs by their side… or in their back pocket!
1. Strava
If you aren’t already using Strava, you’ve probably heard of it. And there’s a reason for that!
Built with a nifty selection of ride logging functions, it has quickly become one of the most popular apps for mountain bikers, road cyclists, runners, and even duathletes (who take advantage of the apps unique ability to transition between different activities)!
But what is it about Strava that has our hearts racing?
Using GPS, this app tracks the time, distance, elevation and speed of your trail – so you can track your performance ride after ride.
With access to leaderboards and Strava records, you can also compare your performance to others who have completed that trail! So, if you ride for fun and not competition, this might not be the app for you…
…But, if you’re focused on being the best and driving your performance to the next level – try Strava out for size!
Available for free on iOS and Android.
Rating: 4 ½ stars (App Store 2016)
2. Bike Doctor
You’re one of the lucky ones if you’ve never experienced a bike malfunction mid-trail. It happens to the best of us, and is pretty inevitable. It’s best to be prepared, so you can jump back in the saddle as soon as possible!
This is where Bike Doctor comes in… ‘your personal pocket bike mechanic.’
With manuals and picture instructions for every conceivable maintenance problem, this is the perfect pocket sidekick for any adventurous mountain biker.
And even better, the app is loaded with tips to help you prevent problems in the first place.
Available for £4.99 on iOS and Android.
Rating: 4 ½ stars (App Store 2016)
3. Altimeter+
When you head off the beaten track and power out into the unknown, you never know what challenge is around the bend. But quite often, it is going to be a pretty daunting climb.
Europe is scattered with outrageously challenging climbs – which is part of the charm of mountain biking. It’s often rewarding enough to reach the top of each impressive summit, capture the views on Instagram, and enjoy the explosive descent back to base.
But how about tracking just how high you got?
There are a handful of apps that track your altitude, but Altimeter+ is one of the best. It’s always an ego-boost to see just how high you made it, and (kind of) makes the pain in your legs worthwhile…
And the great thing about this little sidekick? It doubles up as a map – just in case you find yourself lost whilst out on the trail.
Available for £0.99 on iOS.
Rating: 4 stars (App Store 2016)
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4. Dirt School
This is an app for those looking to enhance their skills on the bike. Whether you want to improve your time on a trail or are ready to take on the next challenge, Dirt School will help you do it.
There are guides for everything – and everyone! Simply capture yourself riding and compare your videos to the built in examples showing you how it should look.
With the help of coaching tips and detailed instructions, you’ll soon be on your way to mastering that new skill! And you can even check how you’ve improved by uploading and comparing a video post-advice.
Available for £5.99 on iOS and Android.
Rating: 4 stars (App Store 2016)
5. MTB Project
Whether you’re bored of the same old routes, or want to explore a new corner of the world – sometimes you need a little inspiration or advice about the best trails to take.
Enter MTB Project. A handy guidebook to trails you’re craving to ride.
If you have a route in mind, or want some recommendations, the app will provide you with the best trails in your current or desired area.
Once you’ve chosen a trail, your phone will pull up a topographical map with all the information you could ever need. From elevation profiles and photos, to challenging features and tips for a great ride. You’ll never have to pedal ‘blind’ again.
And as long as you have downloaded the trail, it doesn’t matter how far off the grid you are – you can continue to track your progress on the map whilst offline.
Available for free on iOS and Android.
Rating: 4 ½ stars (App Store 2016)
6. Dark Sky
Weather plays a big part in dictating if your ride is terrible or terrific. Which is why every mountain biker should use a weather app!
And we’re not just talking your average weather app. We mean technology you can rely on for superior accuracy. After all, rain, snow, wind, sun – it all impacts your clothing and tyre choices, as well as the route you decide to take.
With forecasts that show weather activity down-to-the-minute, Dark Sky tells you exactly when it’s going to rain – or stop – right where you are.
So you can ensure you’re properly equipped each and every trail!
TOP TIP: every nugget of data available on the app can be accessed online for FREE!
Available for £3.99 on iOS and Android.
Rating: 4 stars (App Store 2016)
Step up your game
From mobile apps and equipment enhancements, to advanced clothing and wearable technology – mountain bikers have been harnessing the latest technologies for a while now. And for good reason.
These little additions to your training sessions can dramatically enhance your performance and give you the edge over the competition. So there’s no reason why riders – of all abilities – shouldn’t be using some level of technology in their training. And an easy to download app is a great place to start!