I recently got the new iPhone 4 (if you knew how long I had to wait to get my iPhone you wouldn’t be hating on me for having it). One of my best-kept secrets over the last 2 years is that I was, in fact, one of the few blogger/social-media-enthusiasts in the world without an iPhone. So many people naturally assumed I owned one so I just let the rumors go. Last month I finally pre-ordered my new iPhone and now have joined the app-loving, Twitpickings, hold-it-right-so-you-don’t-drop-a-call masses.

Reception and death-grip aside, there are some pretty amazing things you can do with this phone. I’m going to share some of my favorite apps and accessories in a series of “iPhone Essentials” posts. Today’s list features some great apps for cycling.

DailyMile (Free)

Although technically not an iPhone app, I use this site all the time to track my cycling workouts and connect with other cyclists (you can find and follow me at www.dailymile.com/people/bradruggles).

DailyMile is a social media tool for runners, cyclists and swimmers. It’s been a great way for me to track and view my rides over time. They have pretty good mobile version of their site that you can pull up on your iPhone but some of the key functionality is missing. There is hopefully an iPhone app in the works (fingers crossed).

Even though this isn’t an app I just had to mention it since it has become the main tool I’ve used to track my cycling workouts and routes. Even if you don’t have an iPhone you can still take advantage of this great site.

Cyclemeter ($4.99)

I’ve tried several apps for tracking my cycling while I’m on the bike and this one has been the best I’ve used so far. Cyclemeter (www.cyclemeter.com) gives you the ability to track your workouts using GPS, visualize your routes and stats with helpful graphs, and share your workouts using popular social media sites. I’ve used Cyclemeter alongside my trip computer on my bike and have found it to be only marginally accurate. If you’re going for complete to-the-minute and to-the-mile precision you’ll want to invest in an actual trip computer. For the average user though this app isn’t bad. I really like the ability to see my routes as well as view my elevation and speed graphs.

view this app in iTunes

RunKeeper (free or $9.99)

I’ve tried RunKeeper a couple of times but the jury is still out. Despite the name, this app can be used to track both runs and bike rides. It has the standard GPS map tools along with a few extras like the ability to link specific iPod playlists with your workout and handy graphs while your activity is in progress. You can also take geo-tagged photos along your route if you want to remember a specific landmark. There is a very functional free version of the app and a fairly high-priced Pro version for $9.99 (I’ve only tried the free version so far). Like I said, I haven’t used this app enough to be hooked but I have heard pretty good things from people who use it all the time. It was also ranked #8 in TIME Magazine’s Top Ten iPhone Apps of 2009.

view this app in iTunes

iMapMyRide (free or $4.99)

I’m least familiar with this app out of the three I have listed but I know it’s been around for a while which means they have had plenty of time to improve each version. I also know that there is a pretty active membership-based online community at mapmyride.com. This app has most of the same standard features as the two above with the added ability to post and share specific routes via the MapMyRide web site. You can download the free ad-supported app or purchase iMapMyRIDE + for $4.99.

view this app in iTunes

Tigra iPhone Bike Mount ($44.95)

If you’re going to be using your iPhone to track your bike rides you’re going to need a decent case. I researched bike-mounted cases online and discovered the Tigra iPhone Weather Resistant Bike Mount for $45. The BikeConsole features a weather resistant housing that allows for touch screen operation. It fits any size handle bar and allows for a rotation of 360 degrees. It also features a shock resistant silicon lining that allows for rugged usage on mountain bikes, motorcycles and golf carts. As an added bonus, even though it is advertised as an iPhone 3G/3GS case it fits the iPhone 4 as well! I’ve used this particular case for about a week now and have been very happy with it.

Have you tried any of these apps? Which do you like best? Got any others cycling apps or tools you recommend?