Comparing two variants of the same route

The problem: two options, one choice

Facing two variants of the same route — going over the main pass or round via the valley, taking the direct road or an alternative with less ascent — the figures on their own aren't always enough to decide. Seeing them side by side helps more.

An example to set the scene

The main pass comes out at 18 km with 850 m of ascent; the valley variant, 24 km for just 320 m. On paper, the second has less ascent but 6 km more — impossible to say which one takes less effort without actually comparing them. Adding surface to the equation sometimes changes the answer: if the valley variant is almost entirely tarmac while the pass alternates between technical trail and scrambling, the real gap widens further than the distance and ascent figures alone would suggest.

Importing both tracks and opening the comparison

Both files import at the same time, then a dedicated panel shows the two tracks side by side rather than one after the other.

Reading the figures side by side

Total distance, ascent, descent and maximum altitude show in parallel for both variants, each track in a distinct colour on the map — useful for spotting at a glance where the two routes genuinely diverge, and where they actually share the same path.

Overlaying profiles and comparing surfaces

The elevation profiles of both tracks overlay on a single chart, making it visible where one climbs while the other stays flat. Surface detection, switched on for each, also lets you compare the proportion of tarmac and trail — useful before a gravel or MTB route where surface matters as much as ascent. See the guide on analysing surfaces for more on this reading.

Making the call

Once the figures and profiles are compared, the decision rarely comes down to a single factor: the group you're riding with, the time you have, or simply the mood of the day can tip the balance differently from one outing to the next. The point of the comparison isn't to crown an absolute winner, but to know precisely what each option costs in effort before choosing with your eyes open.