Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create a route?

Press + to open the Route Edit Screen for a New Route
Long Press somewhere on the map to set the Start Location of the route
Long Press somewhere else to set the End Location of the route
Long Press again to extend the route, and set the current end to become a waypoint
Press Done to save the route.

How do I create a circular/round trip route?

Create a route as usual, and add waypoints until the furthest distance you want to travel from the start, then press the 'Return to Home' button (above the search button on the top toolbar in the edit screen). This will complete the route from the last waypoint back to the start.

Can I override or change the suggested route between two places?

If the routing service suggests an unsuitable route between two waypoints or you simply don't like the route, you can insert additional waypoints to ensure the route passes through particular locations. To insert a waypoint, first select an existing waypoint before the one you want to insert, by tapping that waypoint. The waypoint marker will expand in size. Next long press on the map as usual to create the additional waypoint. Another option, is to enable Alternative Routes, and select your preferred route out of three.

How do I export my route?

From the Route list screen press the Select button above the search bar to enter Selection mode, then tap the route that you want to export. A blue tick appears in the bottom right of the route thumbnail, and the usual Share button appears on the bottom toolbar. Press this to open to share menu.

How do I upload my route to a Garmin Edge?

First transfer the route to your Garmin Connect account (note that routes are called courses in Garmin Connect), by sharing it with the Garmin Connect app on your phone. Make sure you have set the Export File Type to GPX in More->Export Routes. Follow the Garmin documentation to sync your Courses onto the Garmin Edge head unit.

There is more information in the User Guide about uploading to Garmin Edge devices.

How do I upload my route to a Wahoo Elemnt?

Transfer the route by sharing it with the Wahoo Elemnt Companion app on your phone. Make sure you have set the Export File Type to FIT or TCX in More->Export Routes if you want to see turn instructions on the Wahoo head unit. Follow the Wahoo documentation to sync routes on the Companion app to your Wahoo Elemnt head unit.

There is more information in the User Guide about uploading to Wahoo Elemnt devices.

Can I follow/navigate a route using this app when riding?

No, Bike Routes is designed to be the best possible app from creating, editing and managing routes. If you prefer to navigate using your smartphone mounted on your bike, rather than using a dedicated cycle computer, there are many great apps out there, most of which you can upload your route to.

Yes, by using Bike Routes Premium and as long as the navigation app can accept and import third party routes in one of GPX, TCX or FIT format.

Can I ride my route on a smart indoor trainer?

Yes, if you have a suitable smart trainer and head unit or virtual training app (such as Rouvy, TACX Training App, RGT or BKool. The trainer must support a 'sim mode' where it dynamically changes its resistance according to the elevation profile of the route.

The route could also be loaded into a compatible cycle computer which would then the paired with the smart trainer. Set the cycle computer to indoor mode before starting. Both Garmin Edge (520/530/830/1030) and Wahoo Elemnt with the latest firmware support this feature.

Or with Rouvy, import the route as an 'activity' in the Rouvy dashboard. The route you import must be a TCX file. Create a Rouvy route from the activity, before deleting the uploaded activity.

Why does the total climbing figure seem a bit off on some routes?

The total climbing figure is calculated based on the elevation profile of the route. For routes calculated in Bike Routes, the elevations come from publicly available satellite data sets that are divided in tiles of 50m squared. This can lead to a stepping effect of the elevation profile, so we add a smoothing algorithm to mitigate this. We also only count climbing if there is a sustained elevation increase over a certain threshold to further remove the stepping effect and improve the accuracy of the final figure. However, even with smoothing there may be some routes, for example coastal routes, or very undulating routes, that do not allow accurate calculation of total climing due to their elevation profiles.

How do you calculate the estimated route duration?

We use a formula with inputs including the riders base watts on the flat, total weight of the rider and bike, rolling resistance, wind resistance (for a neutral wind). We calculate the proportions of the route that are totally flat, uphill and at what average gradient, downhill at what gradient, then we calculate the averge speeds on the flat portion, uphill portion and downhill portion and then ultimately the time to complete the route. Currently most of the inputs are pre-set, but we hope to add the option for users to enter their own inputs in future updates to provide more personalised durations.

Can I import a ride that I've recorded and convert it to a route?

Absolutely. If you've recorded a ride on a dedicated GPS cycle computer or on another app (e.g. Strava) and you can obtain the activity file in GPX, TCX or FIT format then you can import it into Bike Routes and it will be automatically converted into a route.

For more information on importing routes check the User Guide.

What countries have coverage?

Bike Routes works globally in every country in the world with the default configuration. The only restriction is if you select the optional routing service OSRM which we currently operate for the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand only.

Does the app work offline?

No. You will require an internet connection in order to view the maps and also to edit or update routes. However you do not need an internet connection to export or share a route that you have created earlier.

Is there a Mac version of Bike Routes?

Yes there is. And the good news is it free to download from the Mac App Store, also if you have already upgraded the iOS version to Bike Routes Premium you can upgrade the Mac version free of charge. Just make sure you are using the same Apple ID on your Mac and click the 'Already Purchased' button on the Mac Bike Routes Upgrade screen.

How is the Mac version different from the iOS version of Bike Routes?

The Mac and iOS versions are largely the same, with minor differences in the Mac version designed to accomodate the User Interface conventions of MacOS.

When editing a route, mouse and keyboard users click and hold with the mouse to add new waypoints
The Route List toolbar is positioned along the top of the window for the Mac version
Right click on a thumbnail to open a context menu, double click to open a route for editing
There is no selection mode on the Mac version, just single click a thumbnail to select, then click share
Export selected routes by dragging to another application, e.g. Finder
Routes saved on the iOS version will automatically be carried over, as long as both Mac & iOS devices use the same iCloud account
Searching for a route is not currently supported on the Mac version, we're woring on it.

Whats included in Bike Routes Premium?

With Bike Routes Premium you can export routes to your cycle computer, navigation app or share routes with friends.

Bike Routes Premium is available as a single one off In-App Purchase. No subscription is required.