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Why BikeCompanion offers a paid version

2 min read

BikeCompanion is, above all, an independent project, developed with passion during my free time, in the evenings and on weekends.
I design, code, and maintain the app entirely on my own, with one simple goal: to offer a complete alternative to GPS bike computers and traditional cycling apps.


🚴‍♂️ A free base for everyone #

The essential features of BikeCompanion are completely free:

  • recording your rides
  • real-time GPS tracking
  • key stats (distance, speed, elevation gain)
  • viewing your past activities
  • Strava integration, and more

The idea is that everyone should be able to use BikeCompanion freely, without needing a subscription.


🌟 Advanced features for PRO members #

See the full list.

These advanced features rely on professional services and tools that cost several hundred euros each month to operate.


🧩 Why a paid version? #

As the number of users grows, I need to find a balance between passion and financial sustainability.
Subscriptions help cover the following:

  • OVH servers to store your data, map layers (including IGN elevation data), and a powerful server that generates videos of your rides,
  • Paid APIs like Mapbox (maps) and GraphHopper (route engine),
  • Email platform (Brevo) for support and notifications,
  • Development tools such as a Mac for iOS builds, Apple & Google developer licenses, and test devices,
  • and a share of advertising campaigns, which are essential to make BikeCompanion known.
    Without ads, the app would have no visibility — and no new users.

Without this financial support, it simply wouldn’t be possible to keep the app running and improving over time.


❤️ Your support makes the difference #

Subscribing to the PRO version means supporting an independent project, free of intrusive ads, built by a passionate cyclist who spends his free time improving it day after day.

Each subscription directly helps to:

  • fund servers and core technical services,
  • fix bugs and develop new features,
  • ensure the stability and security of your data.

BikeCompanion will always remain free for the basics, but your support through the PRO version allows it to grow sustainably 🚴‍♂️💙

Clément