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The 10 Best iPhone and Android cycle apps

From off-road trails to step-by-step repair guides, we've got all the information you need to get back in the saddle this spring.

Will Coldwell
Wednesday 10 April 2013 19:30 BST
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1. Strava

One of the most popular cycle apps around. Strava records all your rides, allowing you to track and analyse your performance in addictive detail. There is also a fun, social element: you can compare your speed and time with friends or other local riders.

Free, iOS, Android; play.google.com

2. Bike Repair

One of the most empowering things about cycling is knowing how to repair and maintain your own bike. This app is like having a mechanic in your pocket – with 64 photo guides and 85 written guides, giving you step-by-step solutions to common problems.

£2.49, iOS, £1.93, Android; bikerepairapp.com

3. Garmin Fit

A very slick training app that can be used for running as well as cycling. It can link up with a whole range of wireless fitness sensors and uses your smartphone's GPS to track your performance. A nice addition is the built-in music features for those who like a soundtrack to their ride.

£0.69, iOS, Android; buy.garmin.com

4. Cyclemeter

Another fantastic ride-tracking app that can measure everything from your heartbeat to your elevation speed and then condenses it all into visually straightforward graphs, maps and tables. You can also set up a range of announcements for hands-free updates as you cycle.

£2.99, iOS; itunes.apple.com

5. Bike Doctor

A well-received bicycle repair app which has been downloaded by more than 15,000 cyclists so far. There are visual, step-by-step repair guides for common problems, which are constantly updated and expanded on by the developers.

£2.99, iOS, £1.79, Android; play.google.com

6. Cycle Hire

Make the most out of Barclay's Cycle Hire scheme with this fantastic free map app, which should spell an end to cycling round in circles as you try to locate your nearest docking station. The central London maps come pre-loaded so you can even plan your routes on the Tube.

Free, iOS; cyclehireapp.com

7. Coach My Ride

Built with the advice of elite cycle coach Lionel Reynaud, who wanted to: "create a training toolbox for time-crunched cyclists," this app provides clear, structured training and workouts for beginners as well as professionals.

£2.99, iOS; itunes.apple.com

8. Fill That Hole

It's difficult to establish who hates potholes more; cyclists or drivers, but this app brings the two together in perfect harmony. Use a simple form on the app to fill in details of the offending hole, take a photo, click submit and the information will be forwarded on to the appropriate authorities.

Free, iOS; itunes.apple.com

9. Size My Bike

Making sure your bike fits properly is crucial to a comfortable and safe ride. Save yourself the trouble of negotiating complicated biomechanical equations with this impeccable and simple-to-use app that does them for you.

£2.99, iOS, £3.77, Android; sizemybike.com

10. National Cycle Network

This free app, developed by the travel charity Sustrans, is truly a gift to cyclists. With more than 25,000 miles of British cycling and walking routes, it aims to help the cycling community to embark on longer rides and tours.

Free, iOS, Android; sustrans.org.uk

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