One expects great things from an app costing double its nearest competitor (which happens to be the excellent $5 Cyclemeter). And for the most part, BiCycle — a $10 cycling app that uses the iPhone’s GPS receiver to log data — delivers. But while the app is well-designed and contains features not found elsewhere, there’re a few gaping holes that should make potential purchasers pause before taking the plunge.
Let’s start with the good stuff. The app has three attractive main screens to choose from: A large map screen, a screen, an all-instrument screen that displays all (and only) statistics and a split-screen view that combines a map on the bottom with elapsed time, current speed and one user-selectable stat. That one stat can be selected from any of the recorded stats (max speed, altitude, calories, average speed, etc.) simply by tapping on the window, and also includes an auto-scan feature that can be activated to rotate through the stats automatically.
There’s also an auto-pause feature — painfully missing from many other bike apps — that auto-pauses the stopwatch when the GPS senses that the rider has stopped.
But the two coolest features are arguably the app’s use of OpenCycleMap and the ability to export saved tracks via email in either gpx or kml format.
CloudMade’s OpenCycleMap should be the map of choice for all cycling apps: cycling-specific details like bike routes and parking are rendered clearly and attractively, and the map includes all-important terrain contours, so cyclists can navigate around hills (or, for masochistic users, up them).
Once the ride is over, gpx files can then be exported to web-based services like MapMyRide, or imported into standalone GPS device. Even more awesomely, exported kml files will display the ride in Google Earth’s stunning 3D maps.
Now, the not-so-good stuff. Even with all these great features, BiCycle lacks features that, for ten bucks, it should have — like Cyclemeter’s calendar log, speed/elevation graphs, and Twitter integration. And the stats-only screen’s info can be a little challenging to take in when glancing down while riding, what with the deluge of info and all the fields being the same size — the ability to customize this screen would be a welcome addition.
BiCycle is a strong contender for best bike app at the Store; with a few improvements — or maybe a price dip — it can claim the Malliot Jaune. Until then though, it’ll be a sprint to the finish.
[xrr rating=70%]
