Best songs to cycle

There’s nothing quite like an upbeat tune to raise spirits and keep the wheels spinning when your legs ache and your speed begins to drop.

But if you happen to hit a roadblock when it comes to picking the next song, you can always turn to the cyclist community to point you in the right direction.

Whizz has analyzed 4,958 tracks from thirty popular Spotify playlists for cyclists to determine the most roadworthy rhythms.

From The Weeknd to Daddy Yankee, this playlist is bound to take you on a memorable ride!

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Selecting the best songs for cycling depends greatly on the type of ride you're planning and your personal music preferences. Here are suggestions for various cycling scenarios:

For High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) or Sprints

• Electronic/Dance: High BPM (Beats Per Minute) tracks from artists like Calvin Harris or David Guetta can boost your energy during intense sprints.
• Rock: Fast-paced rock music with a strong beat, such as AC/DC or Foo Fighters, can help you push through challenging intervals.

For Long Distance Rides

• Indie/Alternative: Bands like Imagine Dragons or The Killers offer a steady rhythm that can help maintain a consistent pace.
• Classic Rock: Timeless tracks from artists like Bruce Springsteen or Fleetwood Mac can make long distances feel shorter.

For Uphill Climbs

• Epic Soundtracks: Movie scores from films like "Rocky" or "Gladiator" can provide motivational boosts.
• Heavy Metal: Bands like Metallica or Iron Maiden can give you the aggressive energy needed for climbing.

For Recovery Rides

• Chillout/Electronic: Artists like Bonobo or Tycho offer a relaxed tempo, perfect for recovery days.
• Acoustic/Folk: Listening to soothing voices and guitars from artists like Ben Howard or Fleet Foxes can help you wind down.

Playlist Tips

• Customize Your Playlist: Tailor your playlist to match the length of your ride and include songs that progressively increase in intensity for interval training.
• Explore New Genres: Sometimes, exploring genres you wouldn't normally listen to can bring a refreshing change and potentially enhance your riding experience.
• Use Music Streaming Services: Platforms like Spotify or Apple Music have pre-made cycling playlists curated by tempo, genre, and activity type.

The top three songs on every rider’s cycling soundtrack

1. The Weeknd “Blinding Lights”: >3.7bn plays

When it comes to popularity among cyclists, The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” is off the front, leading its closest competitors by 1.75 billion Spotify plays.

It’s been almost four years since its release, yet it maintains its pole position with an energetic beat that matches the tempo of cycling, keeping riders motivated and helping them to maintain a steady pace.

With a catchy and memorable chorus that you can’t help but sing along to, it’s the perfect track to distract from the aches and pains when you’re nearing the end of a long ride.

2. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis “Can't Hold Us” (feat. Ray Dalton): >1.9bn plays

A classic in the cycling community, it’s been 12 long years since Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ “Can’t Hold Us” climbed the charts and its success still shows no signs of slowing down.

It offers a busy beat that’s full of energy from start to finish — Perfect for keeping those legs pumping and wheels spinning.

With lyrics that focus on breaking through barriers and not letting anything hold you back, it offers all the motivation cyclists need, providing them with a surge of energy to push them on, mile after mile.

3. Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa “One Kiss”: >1.9bn plays

Few artists do upbeat, high energy music better than Calvin Harris, so there’s no surprise he’s a favorite among cyclists looking to ride to the rhythm.

Having racked up over 1.9 billion plays on Spotify, his 2018 anthem “One Kiss”, a collaboration with pop sensation Dua Lipa, will soon overtake Macklemore & Ryan Lewis in second place if it continues at its current pace.

Whether you cycle for fun or work, its feel-good beat and positive lyrics serve as fuel to keep you going during particularly grueling rides and endless workdays.

The 15 songs delivery riders love

Cyclists seemingly aren’t very choosy when it comes to genres.

The top 15 most-listened to song feature everything from Eminem’s hard-hitting rap track “Till I Collapse” to Lil Nas X’s country-inspired “Old Town Road”.

But they all share one thing in common — A high energy beat and a BPM that matches riders’ high heart rate during an intense ride.

Throwbacks such as The Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling” and Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” may have racked up plenty of listens over the years, but these cycling classics have fallen off the pace when it comes to playlist features. Rather, it seems cyclists are keen to keep moving with the times.

Today’s playlists are dominated by David Guetta & Bebe Rexha’s “I’m Good” (2023), A7S & Topic’s “Breaking Me” (2020), and Nightcrawlers & Riton’s “Friday” (2021) all of which feature on seven playlists.

However, it’s Ed Sheeran’s “Bad Habits” (2021) that’s setting the pace, featuring on a total of nine playlists — and with 1.5bn plays already, it could soon ride ahead of The Weeknd, Macklemore and Calvin Harris to become cyclists’ go-to track.

Methodology: To create the study, we examined 4,958 tracks from thirty popular cycling playlists on Spotify and ranked each song by number of streams.

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Why is music important for cycling?

Music can significantly enhance the cycling experience by providing motivation, improving mood, and helping maintain a steady pace.

The right playlist can turn a routine ride into an exhilarating adventure. However, you should be careful while riding and signalizing in urban traffic.

What genres of music are best for cycling?

The best genre for cycling depends on personal preference and the nature of the ride.

Upbeat genres like pop, rock, and electronic are popular choices for their energizing rhythms that can help keep cyclists motivated and pedaling at a consistent speed.

How do I choose songs for my cycling playlist?

When selecting songs for a cycling playlist, consider the tempo, rhythm, and how well they match your cycling pace.

Look for tracks that motivate you and align with the intensity of your ride, whether it's a leisurely journey or an intense workout.

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Can music impact my cycling performance?

Yes, music can positively affect your cycling performance by boosting your mood, reducing the perception of effort, and increasing endurance.

Studies have shown that cyclists often perform better when listening to music that motivates them.

Are there any safety considerations when listening to music while cycling?

Safety should always be a priority. It's important to keep the volume at a level where you can still hear ambient sounds, like traffic and pedestrians.

Consider using bone conduction headphones, which allow you to listen to music while keeping your ears open to your surroundings.

Related: How to ride an electric bike

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