Sustrans launched its new iPhone app yesterday and it went straight to the top of the iTunes navigation chart for free apps.

The app is a mobile version of the National Cycle Network maps on the Sustrans website. Useful for planning journeys - especially on the larger screen of the iPad - the National Cycle Network app was created by Alan Paxton of Isomaly, who also produced the Cyclestreets app.

Cyclists now have a whole arsenal of journey planning apps so they can route away from busy roads.

The Bike Hub app - funded by the cycle industry's levy fund and available for iPhone and Android - is also a satnav, helping cyclists navigate as they ride. 

With the increasing number of bike-specific apps - for performance monitoring as well as navigation - smartphone savvy bike retailers are benefitting from the creation of a whole new product category: handlebar phone holders. There are now a number on the market such as those from NC-17, Biologic , Minoura, and iBike. See videos below...