Quick Answer: Your Peloton doesn't natively broadcast ANT+ signals, which limits connectivity with Garmin devices, cycling computers, and other ANT+ equipment. FitSwitch adds full ANT+ capability—broadcasting power, cadence, and heart rate to any ANT+ device, plus FE-C (Fitness Equipment Control) for smart trainer functionality. On the Bike+, Garmin and other ANT+ devices can even control resistance and set target power via FE-C.
Table of Contents
- What is ANT+?
- Peloton's ANT+ Limitation
- How FitSwitch Adds ANT+ Broadcast
- What You Can Connect via ANT+
- FAQ
What is ANT+?
ANT+ is a wireless protocol designed specifically for fitness and health devices. Unlike general-purpose Bluetooth, ANT+ is optimized for:
- Low power consumption — Sensors last years on a single battery
- Multiple simultaneous connections — Many devices can receive the same broadcast
- Interoperability — Standardized device profiles ensure compatibility
- Sports-specific profiles — Power meters, heart rate monitors, cadence sensors
ANT+ in Cycling
The cycling world relies heavily on ANT+: - Power meters — Broadcast wattage - Cadence sensors — Broadcast RPM - Heart rate monitors — Broadcast BPM - Speed sensors — Broadcast wheel speed - Smart trainers — Receive control commands (ANT+ FE-C)
Most cycling computers (Garmin, Wahoo, etc.) and fitness watches use ANT+ as their primary connection protocol.
ANT+ Device Profiles
ANT+ uses standardized "device profiles" that ensure interoperability:
| Profile | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Power Meter | Broadcasts power in watts |
| Cadence | Broadcasts pedaling RPM |
| Heart Rate | Broadcasts BPM |
| FE-C (Fitness Equipment Control) | Smart trainer control protocol |
A device broadcasting the "Power Meter" profile works with any receiver expecting that profile—regardless of manufacturer.
Peloton's ANT+ Limitation
What Peloton Does
Your Peloton has excellent sensors: - Built-in power meter (accurate to ~2-5%) - Cadence sensor - Heart rate reception (from external monitors)
But Peloton keeps this data inside their ecosystem: - No ANT+ broadcast — Data doesn't transmit to other devices - Limited Bluetooth broadcast — Some data available but inconsistent - Proprietary protocols — Designed for Peloton app only
The Problem
Without ANT+ broadcast: - Garmin watches can't see your Peloton power/cadence - Cycling computers can't display your metrics - Third-party apps can't receive your data - Training platforms need alternative connections
You have accurate data that can't reach devices expecting ANT+.
How FitSwitch Adds ANT+ Broadcast
FitSwitch bridges your Peloton's sensor data to ANT+ devices.
ANT+ Profiles Broadcast
FitSwitch transmits your Peloton data using standard ANT+ profiles:
Power Meter Profile: - Broadcasts your watts in real-time - Compatible with all ANT+ power-receiving devices - Standard power meter data format
Cadence Profile: - Broadcasts your RPM - Works with any cadence-receiving device - Standard cadence data format
Heart Rate Profile: - Rebroadcasts heart rate from your connected monitor - Allows devices to receive HR via ANT+ - Useful for devices that only support ANT+ HR
FE-C (Fitness Equipment Control) Profile: - Broadcasts your Peloton as a smart trainer - Garmin and other ANT+ devices connect as a single "trainer" device - Receives power and cadence together (simpler than separate sensors) - Bike+ only: Accepts resistance and power target commands for ERG mode
How It Works
- FitSwitch reads Peloton's sensor data internally
- Processes into ANT+ standard formats
- Broadcasts via ANT+ radio
- Devices receive the data like any other ANT+ sensor
Your Garmin, Wahoo, or other ANT+ device sees your Peloton as if it were a standard ANT+ power meter and cadence sensor.
What You Can Connect via ANT+
Garmin Watches
FitSwitch broadcasts enable: - Garmin Fenix series — Full workout tracking - Garmin Forerunner series — Cycling activity mode - Garmin Enduro, Instinct, etc. — Any ANT+ capable Garmin
Your watch receives power, cadence, and heart rate for complete workout recording.
Garmin Cycling Computers
- Garmin Edge series — Display Peloton metrics
- Real-time power display — See watts on the Edge
- Workout recording — Full activity file
Wahoo Devices
- Wahoo ELEMNT computers — ANT+ compatible
- Wahoo watches — If ANT+ enabled
Other ANT+ Receivers
- Zwift (via ANT+ dongle) — If running on computer
- TrainerRoad (via ANT+) — Computer-based setups
- Generic cycling computers — Any ANT+ device
- Fitness apps with ANT+ support — Various platforms
FE-C: Smart Trainer Control via ANT+
FE-C (Fitness Equipment Control) is ANT+'s protocol for smart trainers. FitSwitch supports FE-C, making your Peloton appear as a controllable smart trainer to ANT+ devices.
What FE-C Enables
On Both Bike and Bike+: - Connect to Garmin as a single "trainer" device - Receive power and cadence without pairing separate sensors - Simpler setup—one device instead of two
On Bike+ Only: - Garmin can send resistance commands - Garmin can set target power (ERG mode) - Structured Garmin workouts auto-control resistance - Your Garmin watch or Edge becomes a trainer controller
Using FE-C with Garmin
Instead of pairing power and cadence as separate sensors:
- On your Garmin, go to sensor settings
- Select Add Indoor Trainer or Smart Trainer
- Search for FE-C devices
- Select FitSwitch
- Power and cadence come through as one connection
Bike+ users: Start a Garmin workout and the Bike+ adjusts resistance automatically based on Garmin's target power commands.
FE-C vs Separate ANT+ Sensors
| Connection Method | Devices to Pair | Trainer Control (Bike+) |
|---|---|---|
| Separate sensors | Power + Cadence | No |
| FE-C trainer | One device | Yes |
Choose FE-C if you want simpler pairing or need trainer control on Bike+.
ANT+ vs Bluetooth: Which to Use?
FitSwitch supports both ANT+ and Bluetooth. Here's when to use each:
Use ANT+ When:
- Connecting to Garmin devices (preferred protocol)
- Need multiple devices receiving same broadcast
- Using cycling computers (most prefer ANT+)
- Connecting to older fitness equipment
- Want Garmin to control Bike+ resistance (via FE-C)
Use Bluetooth When:
- Connecting to iPhone/iPad (no ANT+ support)
- Using apps that prefer Bluetooth
- Connecting to devices without ANT+
- Using the FitSwitch Bridge app (Bluetooth FTMS)
Both Together
FitSwitch broadcasts both simultaneously: - ANT+ for Garmin, cycling computers - Bluetooth for phones, tablets - No need to choose—use what each device prefers
Setting Up ANT+ Broadcast
Step 1: Install FitSwitch
Follow the FitSwitch installation instructions on your Peloton.
Step 2: Enable ANT+ Broadcast
FitSwitch automatically broadcasts ANT+ once installed. The signals transmit whenever you're using the bike.
Step 3: Pair Your ANT+ Device
For Garmin Watches: 1. Start an Indoor Cycling activity 2. Go to sensors/settings 3. Search for power meter 4. Select the FitSwitch broadcast 5. Search for cadence sensor 6. Select the FitSwitch broadcast 7. Save pairings
For Cycling Computers: 1. Go to sensor settings 2. Add power meter 3. Search and select FitSwitch 4. Add cadence sensor 5. Search and select FitSwitch 6. Save
Step 4: Verify Connection
Start riding and verify: - Power appears on your device - Cadence appears on your device - Heart rate (if connected) appears
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the original Peloton Bike support this?
Yes. FitSwitch ANT+ broadcast works on both the original Bike and Bike+.
What's the ANT+ broadcast range?
Typically 3-5 meters (10-15 feet), which is plenty for nearby devices.
Can multiple devices receive the same broadcast?
Yes. ANT+ supports multiple receivers. Your Garmin watch and cycling computer can both receive simultaneously.
Do I need an ANT+ USB dongle?
Not for the Peloton—FitSwitch handles the broadcast. You'd only need a dongle if you're receiving ANT+ on a computer.
How accurate is the broadcast power?
It's the same data from Peloton's power meter—no degradation. The accuracy is whatever Peloton's sensor provides (typically ±2-5%).
Does ANT+ drain the Peloton battery?
Your Peloton is always plugged in, so battery isn't a concern.
Can I use ANT+ heart rate monitors with FitSwitch?
Yes. FitSwitch can receive your ANT+ heart rate monitor and rebroadcast that data.
What about ANT+ FE-C for trainer control?
FitSwitch fully supports ANT+ FE-C! Your Garmin watch or Edge can connect to FitSwitch as a smart trainer via FE-C. On the Bike+, this enables Garmin to control resistance and set target power for ERG mode during structured workouts. FitSwitch also supports Bluetooth FTMS for devices that prefer Bluetooth.
Will this work with Strava?
Strava itself doesn't receive ANT+ directly, but: - Your Garmin watch records via ANT+ - Garmin syncs to Strava - Your workout appears in Strava
Can I broadcast to Apple Watch via ANT+?
No. Apple Watch doesn't support ANT+—use Bluetooth instead. FitSwitch broadcasts both.
Connect Your Peloton to Everything
Your Peloton has great sensors locked inside Peloton's ecosystem. FitSwitch broadcasts that data via ANT+:
- Power — To Garmin watches, cycling computers
- Cadence — To any ANT+ device
- Heart Rate — Rebroadcast to ANT+ receivers
- FE-C Smart Trainer — Connect as a controllable trainer
- Bike+ Resistance Control — Garmin workouts control your bike via FE-C
- Simultaneous Bluetooth — For devices that prefer BLE
Join the ANT+ ecosystem with your Peloton.
Get FitSwitch — ANT+ broadcast for your Peloton.
Last updated: January 2025