Cycling is one of the best sports that can be done indoors or outdoors. When cycling indoors, each individual can tailor the resistance and cadence of their cycling workout based on their needs and preferences. Outdoors, cyclists can vary the distance and terrain based on their skill levels, personal preferences, and training goals. 

Often times, cyclists will want to track their distance, elevation, speed, and other factors when they are cycling outside but are unsure how to get the most accurate metrics; this is where cycling apps can come in handy. There are dozens of cycling apps available for cyclists on most everyone's phone platform so that their workout details can be recorded, tracked, and saved for analysis. 

Here are five of the best cycling apps available:

1) Strava

Strava is a well-known fitness application that is able to track and record running and cycling workouts. This app is available for iPhones and Androids through their respective app stores. Through easily logging a workout in the Strava app, users can measure and track their route through GPS and also track their distance, speed, power output, and heart rate. 

One differentiating feature of the Strava app is the social network that comes when creating a profile on the app. This allows cyclists to connect with their local community and cheer each other on during their fitness journeys.

2) MapMyRide

MapMyRide is a GPS cycling app through Under Armour that maps and connects cyclists with local cycling courses and trails near them. There are additional features, including a blog and challenge tab, to help motivate cyclists and create a well-rounded training regimen and routine. This app is easy to use and allows you to save your favorite trails, so you don’t have to remember the exact route you took in previous workouts.

3) Komoot

Komoot is an excellent application to download that can be used for both road and mountain biking. Komoot saves you the time and trouble by assisting you in planning out your cycling routes ahead of time-based on your preferences for that specific ride. This simple GPS tracker allows you to have as seamless of an outdoor ride as possible.

4) Garmin Connect

Garmin Connect is one of the most versatile apps out of the bunch that can not only track cycling workouts, but also running, skiing, and swimming to name a few others. The one caveat to this is that you must be wearing a Garmin device in order to access all of the available data, including heart rate, distance, workout intensity, and route map. If you already have a Garmin product, such as a smartwatch or fitness tracker, this is a great solution to not only track your cycling workouts but also get rich data to track and measure your training efforts as well. 

5) Cyclemeter

Cyclemeter is more like a virtual trainer than it is just a static tracking app. With a plethora of data and a variety of workouts that cyclists can choose from, Cyclemeter is the whole package when it comes to a cycling app. The app tracks your speed, time, distance, and other variables to give you a detailed performance review, and it also gives live, audible announcements on how you are doing during your workouts so you don’t have to take your eyes off of the trail or have to wonder how you are doing.

Bonus: Zwift

If you ever find yourself unable to cycle outside -- because maybe your bike is in the shop or the weather is not cooperating -- but you do have access to a stationary bike, Zwift is a great app to gamify your indoor cycling experience. 

Zwift has structured workouts that you can complete and compete against others around the world that are doing the same workout as you. This app is great for pushing you to your limits in the workout and adding some variety to your indoor cycling training.

Regardless of your training goals, these apps should help you track your progress and get the most out of every workout.