Enjoy your bike trips with your smartphone

Counter, cardio-frequency, GPS, so many indispensable functions to make the most of your outings, which can now be brought together in a single tool, the smartphone.

Whether it is a sports bike ride or a tripcycling several weeks, any output requires a minimum of preparation.

First, if you are short of ideas or just want to discover new routes, application ViewRanger (IOS and Android) offers routes programmed by professionals or by other enthusiasts, with different levels of difficulty.

A glance at the weather forecast just before leaving can also be helpful to avoid getting stuck in the middle of a thunderstorm. Applications giving you per hour information is available on the AppStore.

In addition, an iPhone can act as a real coach helping you to better understand your abilities and progress, notably by setting performance objectives to be reached and creating personalized training plans to be respected.

Fixed to the frame of your bike using a suitable mount, an iPhone - or even a mini iPad - is a perfect replacement for a dedicated computer. Applications allow you to find out your speed, average speed, the distance you've travelled and the number of calories you've burned. What's more, with an additional accessory, you can access your heart rate directly on your iPhone. You can also calculate the difference in altitude travelled, positive and negative.

  
If you want to evaluate your performance in a specific area and track your progress, a stopwatch function is also available. Using the Sports Tracker application (iOS and Android), you can compare your time with that of other users (see application selection) and challenge them on your favourite routes!

A smartphone can also be a very powerful navigation tool. First of all, it is possible and advisable to download all the maps you need beforehand, whether road maps or IGN: they will be available for consultation even if there is no network coverage. Thanks to the integrated GPS, you will be able to plan a route and follow it using active navigation. You can also use voice commands to show you the way, so you can stay fully focused on the road.

A reasonably sized tablet such as the iPad mini may be the right compromise for a more comfortable reading experience. Lightweight and easy to handle, it can also be attached to the frame of your bike.

Taking your phone with you is also a safety precaution in case of physical or material problems.

And if you like to drive while listening to your favourite music, you can program a playlist using the music function (iPod or other).

If you're going on a multi-day expedition with your bike, the iPhone will serve you for many other purposes. To find campsites nearby, villages to stock up on supplies, shops to replace faulty equipment or simply tourist spots to visit, your smartphone will once again be the indispensable tool.

Useful links:

- Our recommended applications