As much as we would like it you cana��t be out downhilling 24 hours a day 7 days a week! With that in mind we thought we would share a few of the apps we have stumbled on that will help you get your fix when you are not on the bike or checking out downhil247.com and we are not just talking about mapping where you went for your ride! Some of these are free, others are not, if you know of any cool apps we have missed let us know as there are thousands available. Of course apps are different depending on what phone/software/etc you have so keep that in mind!
Maintenance;
ThereA�are a multitude of apps for getting your rig running before you hit the trails, apps such as Bike Repair HD or Bike Doctor allow you to get answers to commonly asked bike repair questions. However,A�dona��t expect specific technical questions related to your exact make and model of downhill bike to be answered though.
Air time;
This is pretty cool as it allows you to a�?see your hang-time and degrees spun, and hear out loud how high you go with every jumpa�?, it also allows you to see your acceleration. This app works best if a few mates have it so you can compare each othera��s jumps, either that or hand the phone around between runs. Having a leaders board is a nice way to finish it off.
Training;
The choice of apps that will map your ride is huge, a large multitude of these will now allow you to time sections, whilst the timing may not be super accurate like you would get at a race it will allow you to see decent improvements in time. Strava is popular for this, remember though that you maybe tagging a trail that is illegal/secret and if you choose to share this with the world people will know exactly where it is and where you were!
Specific areas;
If you are riding in an unfamiliar area, you may be able to get an app specifically for that area. For example, Whistler Bike Park has an app, they even do one for Crankworx! These may be produced by the bike park, local government authorities or even other riders and each vary in their complexity, features and cost!
Apps you hope you never have to usea��
Apps such as Yodel let you designate an area and approximate time of return that trusted people can see, if the ride doesna��t go as planned one button click allows the user to send all their information and location to these people. Hopefully this is one you never have to use!
Games;
Are these the next best thing to riding your bike?! Probably not but they can help fill in some time, Steve Peat has his own game, there is also a new for 2012 is a game called a�?LinesDHa�� and there are others out there but dona��t expect realistic graphics or amazing user inputa�� You have been warned!
Juice Defender;
You may consider some of the apps available, such as Juice Defender, which limits battery use when you are riding so you can ride the whole day without flattening your battery completely. If you have used tracking or high power requiring apps you quickly realise your batteries wona��t last that long!
Various apps;
Whilst not being downhill specific there are thousands of apps out there which are handy when riding, anything from weather apps that will let you know what conditions you will be riding in to apps such as Photoshop Express which allow you to edit images before you use a Facebook app to show the world. Sometimes you need to get away from the screen and pick up a magazine in your own hands, flick through and smell that new magazine smell! If you cana��t do that you need a an app, fortunately [R]evolution mountain bike magazine has an app in which you can get all their issues, when you are not checking out downhill247.com of course! Chances are if you have thought about it there is an app for it!
Dona��t forget if you are taking your phone out into the wilderness with you that you may need to get some extra protection for it, how many times have you crashed and forgot it was in your pocket or thrown it into the back of the shuttle vehicle and watched it roll around? Depending on what phone you use depends on what cases you can get but shockproof and waterproof are a minimum. Just like apps you can really go over the top with accessories for your phone such as covers, extended batteries, etc. no need to get too caught up just go ride!