CycleMaps Reviews

by Gellolove

I downloaded the free version to try. I watched to tutorial. But the features the tutorial indicated were not easily found OR I never was able to use. For instance, it allowed me to put a pin a location but would not let me choose the route. It chose. And it wouldn’t let me factor in like a round trip. After 30+ min of messing with it I thought, meh I’ll just go. Since my phone was on my arm and there are no verbal directions I got off course. It said “off route”. Again I thought, meh, I have pedal tracking on, maybe it will just show me where I went so I can see how far I road. Nope. Once I got home I couldn’t even figure out how to get it to stop. Anyway even this review is taking to long to write all my frustrations. Won’t be purchasing.

by SeaSaint

Using for a few weeks though voice navigation keeps repeating I’ve off the path even when I’m on it. This morning CycleMaps stopped working: can’t create a route. Notified the site but they continue sending a canned response. Not a particularly useful or feature rich app. I’ve cancelled my subscription and will look for a better cycle map app.

by Walldiver4

Three stars because CycleMaps works better than the usual basic map functions found on the cycling training apps where mapping functions are a second tier after thought. I have several quibbles with the heavy traffic street and route selections in my urban area, but if one is careful with the route planning feature, which is nominally spot on, construction zones, mis-labeled streets and dangerous intersections can easily be avoided.
As a retired systems developer, my major beef with CycleMaps is the user interface in it’s entirety. I have attempted to use CycleMaps as would a normal, semi-technical recreational rider who wants only to set a route from origin to destination, ride the route with several detours and other departures, and then save it to a catalogue for future use and incorporation as part of a larger personal route map overlay. This completely normal expectation should be intuitive from on screen controls and proper on screen prompts and user documentation.
I will stick with CycleMaps because it is very useful. I am very impressed with the multiple map selection and basic simplicity.
Five stars when the onscreen controls, comprehensive user interface and full documentation are completed.

by Veltek-D

Unfortunately, there’s no Bluetooth connectivity so unless you have a phone mount on your bike you’re “sol” unless you print out the route on paper and tape it to your handlebar. Additionally, there are roads which are no longer thoroughfares and I’ve ended up having to back track and figure out a reroute I. Order to get to my end destination.

by Josh070701

Need to double check some routes for appropriateness. Map has taken me on busy streets with narrow emergency lanes and no sidewalk. If I have to go a mile out of the way so be it. I’m alive!
Second wish the map would adjust to best route if you go off course.
Otherwise, Great!

by Hulahoophugs

CycleMaps is perfect if you’re a cyclist with an Apple Watch. Look no further.

Searching for POIs is great — you either scribble or speak. It’s super fast and reliable.

The directions are also great. Big arrows for where to turn, and it’s just so nice to be able to glance at your wrist and see what the next step is.

The actual navigation also seems to be pretty spot on. A couple times it has taken me a weird way, but it’s mostly great.

One thing I’d love to see is increased street name font. The big turn arrows are great, but legibility of the actual street names is tough when you’re moving fast and want to catch it at a quick glance.

I’d also love to see ETA. They show you total miles but that’s it.

CycleMaps is definitely worth it! Excited to see more improvements!

by Gqrus

Has worked pretty well at finding directions. It needs voice navigation so you don’t have to constantly look at your wrist to get the next turn.

by PrinceUnicorn

Since CycleMaps costs money to download - I would say the only feature I wish it had was the ability to draw your path or route so we could see what we biked if we perhaps didn’t plan a route.

by Ltlgeorge

In the last update the freecycle button disappeared. Can’t find any way to contact the developers other than writing a review. The email address provided in CycleMaps is invalid.

Thanks so much for reading the above review and for fixing the bug that caused the freecycle button to disappear. I updated CycleMaps and it’s all good now.

by Francesca24321

Loved CycleMaps from the moment I downloaded it! I hate riding with my phone attached to my bike, or having to stop to take my phone out of my bag, I only take my Apple Watch now when I ride with my husband, I can call, text, pay for things and get excellent directions with less of a distraction and am able to enjoy riding much more!

by BoulderRocks5

I've tried many cycling apps and this app is my favorite. The routes it generates are much better than the others, the phone navigation screen is uncluttered so easy to follow when mounted on a bike, and the map selection and search function are excellent. I live in the mountains so the Terrain map and the elevation charts are invaluable, and saving the maps for offline use means I can still navigate in remote areas. The Apple Watch app is where this app really stands out. There are two watch views: a large arrow showing your next turn and a map view that can be zoomed in or out. You can easily send a route from the phone to the watch and rely solely on the watch for navigation (with or without voice instructions) or you can use both the phone and watch apps in tandem.

It's worth viewing the tutorial (the Help option) and I would plan on spending a few minutes learning CycleMaps before starting your first ride. It's easy to use once you understand the interface.

by Jacob Barker

I used this three times today for the first time. I never once felt in danger, as CycleMaps directed me to roads that weren’t too busy. My only feedback: add pins/dots to the map to significantly bike share docking locations. That would be super helpful.

by Themang101

Google maps watch app is gone but through CycleMaps I can get the trails or maps from google or Apple maps or both. It is quite amazing for anyone who likes bicycle trails built in to their gps.

by Murlou

I love Cycle maps- from navigating on quiet streets around London to route planning and cycling in Spain, Australia,France or Switzerland. The only time it’s been a bit short is lacking some cycle paths in the New Forest. I use it constantly for route planning. Easy to use and great to see the route elevation profile ahead of time.

by Captain Matthew

Took my first tour ride 250 miles. Not a single problem with CycleMaps. It takes you on less traveled roads and I think it watches elevation changes too, not sure. Then it will put you on a bike trail if it works. Really easy to use as well. I’m 60 not a techy really intuitive.

by Jeffroloff

I have always liked his standalone app to give me good routing, including trails and other routes that cars can’t take. I just got an Apple Watch, and it worked perfectly with my ride. I tried to trick it by going off course, and every time I did it came up with a new route within 10 to 15 seconds.

by Zer0ite

I know CycleMaps has cyclists in mind but I actually was looking for an app that could allow me to create a route that avoided busy streets since I am using a 50cc scooter to transport around and where I live drivers aren’t aware of motorcyclists so this gives me the piece of mind I am looking for so I can ride my moped through the backroads without getting lost!

by Daschles

Sad that google maps isn’t on your Apple Watch? Scared when apple maps in walking mode sends you blithely up the wrong way of a one way street? Terrified when apple maps in driving mode sends you into a highway tunnel? Get this. Bicycle mapping. As it should be. On your wrist. On your phone. Very open so you can use the routes in other workout trackers. Super.

by FeralDandelion

I read reviews before installing most anything, but I also notice the dates of reviews… there was a lot of legit negative stuff for this app from years back, so I figured I’d give it a shot—I mean, I’ve already tried so many chiit bicycle navigation apps already, what would be one more? WELL!! Let’s just say I ended up so pleased I bought the lifetime family package. As someone who voluntarily lives without a car, this dedicated visually clean app is just what I need. Thank you devs!

by Dynobleo

Used this for all my commutes in nyc. From Astoria to south slope and Manhattan to Jamaica etc. CycleMaps will recommend you the best cycling routes in a snap. Not just that, turn by turn directions and map access on your Apple Watch so you don’t have to take your phone out of your pocket to check directions/map. Simply glance at your watch to know if you’re on the right track.

If you are looking for an app that provides turn by turn cycling directions on an Apple Watch look no further

by Jai Holla

I really dig CycleMaps. Tried it out after looking for a better route home than the death trap google maps wanted to send me through.

I loved how it kept me off the busy roads and took me a safer way. Only thing I wish it had was audio prompts. Hope that’s coming in later updates.

by Kmcq2

Was good for directions picked a decent route. I was hoping to have directions spoke to me through headphones is that an option? Also the tracker for time and miles was broken up into 3 workouts none of which look accurate