How to Download and Install GoldenCheetah on Your Computer

Updated

GoldenCheetah is a free, open-source desktop application for analyzing cycling and triathlon power data. To install it, go to the download section of goldencheetah.org and pick the file that matches your operating system: Windows 10/11 (x86-64/AMD64), Apple Silicon macOS 15+ (ARM64/Mx), Intel macOS 12.7+ (x86-64/AMD64), or Linux (AppImage, x86-64/AMD64). The current stable release is version 3.8. Installation is described by the project as simple — download the file for your OS and run it.

What you need before starting

  • A computer running one of the supported platforms listed above.
  • Enough familiarity with your OS to run an installer or an AppImage.
  • A backup of your existing data if you plan to try snapshot builds (see below).

Step-by-step: getting the stable release

  1. Open goldencheetah.org and go to the Download section.
  2. Confirm you are looking at the current stable release — the site lists Version 3.8 as the current stable release.
  3. Choose the download for your platform:
    • Microsoft Windows (10/11) — X86-64/AMD64
    • Apple Silicon macOS (15+) — ARM64/Mx
    • Intel macOS (12.7+) — X86-64/AMD64
    • Linux (AppImage) — X86-64/AMD64
  4. Download the file and install or launch it as you normally would for your OS.
  5. Expected result: GoldenCheetah opens and is ready to import ride data.

If you want to know what changed in this version, the site points to the release notes for 3.8.

Other download options on the same page

Option What it is When to use it
Source Code (zip) Zipped source If you want to build or inspect the code
Source Code (tarball) Source archive Same as above, tarball format
Older versions and resources Previous releases If you need an earlier version
Snapshot builds Automatically published builds with new enhancements or major bug fixes Only if you accept instability

The full source code is also freely available from GitHub, and the site links a User guide and a FAQ for help after installation.

A caution about snapshot builds

Snapshot builds are published automatically when significant enhancements land or a major bug is squashed. The project warns that these builds may contain regressions because they have only been tested by developers, and advises: always take a backup before running snapshot builds. If you are setting up GoldenCheetah for everyday training analysis, the stable 3.8 release is the safer choice.

What you can do once it is installed

GoldenCheetah imports ride data directly from many devices and from files downloaded with other programs, and provides a rich set of analysis tools. Supported import formats include TrainingPeaks (WKO, PWX), PowerTap (RAW, CSV), Garmin/ANT+ (FIT, FIT 2.0), SportTracks (FITLOG), Ambit (SML), Sigma (SLF, SMF), Ergomo (CSV), Google Earth (KML), Garmin (TCX, GPX), Polar (HRM), SRMWin (SRM), Computrainer (TXT), iBike (CSV), MotoACTV (CSV), Hrv4Training and EliteHRV (HRV), and Row Perfect (RP3). It also integrates with cloud services such as Google Drive and Calendar, Dropbox, Strava, Today's Plan, Xert, SixCycle, SportTracks.mobi, Withings Weight, Cycling Analytics, ErgDB, Ride With GPS, SportPlusHealth, Velo Hero, Selfloops, and Trainingstagebuch.org, and can download directly from devices including SRM PowerControl 5/6/7, PowerTap Cervo, CycleOps Joule, and the Moxy Muscle Oxygen Monitor.

Common sticking points

  • Wrong macOS build. Apple Silicon and Intel Macs use different downloads. Pick ARM64/Mx for Apple Silicon (macOS 15+) and X86-64/AMD64 for Intel (macOS 12.7+).
  • Linux packaging. The listed Linux download is an AppImage, which you run rather than install through a package manager.
  • Skipping the release notes. If something behaves differently than expected after upgrading, the 3.8 release notes are the first place to check.
  • No backup before snapshots. The project explicitly warns against running snapshot builds without a backup.