Cycling app of the week: Komoot

What is it?

Brashly proclaimed as "the world's best route planner", Komoot turns your phone into a proper sat nav with voice commands. You can key in your location and where you want to get to before your ride, which Komoot saves as a planned journey, and then it records your activities as 'completed tours'. Where it differs from other navigation apps is the routes, as Komoot will often give you numerous options for reaching your destination, that aren't always the quickest. It's a good app choice for the more adventurous bike tourer, off-roader or just a long commuter who wants to explore a new route home.  

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There is also a social element, and you can take photos on route plus share information about your route with other Komoot users. Data isn't shareable via Strava, but Komoot does support Android Wear devices, the Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt and the COBI navigation system, automatically syncing with compatible devices. Komoot itself uses OpenStreetMap to generate its mapping, and it also works offline. It's got all the finer details that you'd find in a high-end GPS bike computer, including distance, time, elevation profile and even extra bits like the perceived difficulty and surface of your route. 
 

My ride home using Komoot, which gives you all the vital info as well as voice and turn-by-turn navigation

What makes it unique?

The navigation app market is extremely crowded, as is the market for performance apps, and Komoot does a good job of providing an in between. The voice commands are clear and the navigation is accurate, and it's one of the best I've come across for keeping on track while you're offline. As we previously mentioned, Komoot's emphasis is on adventure and won't necessarily give you the quickest route, also suggesting interesting numerous alternative ways to reach your destination. 

How can it help me?

It can probably get you to where you want to go far quicker, and with all the convenience of voice commands and turn navigation together. And if you don't want the fastest route, Komoot provides plenty of others for a less conventonal route should you so wish.

Where can I get it?

Komoot is available to download free initially for Android and iPhone, however the free version only allows you to plan routes for one region (i.e. mine is North Somerset) - but you can add regions for £3.99 each as in-app purchases. A more cost-effective way is to just buy the 'Complete Package' deal for £29.99, which gives access to navigation in over 50 countries worldwide.