Best indoor cycling apps: Which is right for you?

While there was once a time when indoor training was drudgery only for the most committed racers, that time is long past. There are options out there that will help you get stronger through training, take part in competition at whatever level works for you, or even just ride. Many of the apps available will even combine different options depending on what you want on any particular day. You also have the option of riding alone or joining vast communities. Bottom line, whatever you need to help keep riding fun, there’s an option.

Before you get too far though, you’ll need to consider hardware. If you are looking to keep costs low, most indoor cycling apps will allow you to ride with a basic trainer plus a speed and cadence sensor. If you’ve got a bit more cash to spend, the sweet spot today is something from our list of the best smart trainers. These are options that will allow you to connect to a computer, tablet, phone or even a TV and have the resistance change right along with what’s happening on the screen. Alternatively, if you know you want the best, a smart bike will free you from the constraints of a bike designed to ride outdoors.