Quick Answer: Both Peloton models work with third-party apps via FitSwitch, but the Bike+ has a significant advantage: motorized resistance enabling ERG mode. If you plan to use Zwift, TrainerRoad, or other training apps, the Bike+ provides a dramatically better experience with automatic resistance control.
Table of Contents
- Key Hardware Differences
- Feature Comparison for Third-Party Apps
- What Works on Both Models
- What Only Works on Bike+
- Which Should You Choose?
- FAQ
Key Hardware Differences
Original Peloton Bike
- Resistance: Manual turn knob (0-100 scale)
- Screen: 22" HD touchscreen
- Screen Movement: Fixed position
- Storage: 16GB (all models)
- Power Meter: Yes, built-in
- Cadence Sensor: Yes, built-in
- Price: Lower (~$1,445)
Peloton Bike+
- Resistance: Motorized auto-resistance knob
- Screen: 24" HD touchscreen
- Screen Movement: Rotating, tilting
- Storage: 8GB or 16GB (varies by production run)
- Power Meter: Yes, built-in
- Cadence Sensor: Yes, built-in
- Price: Higher (~$2,495)
The Critical Difference: Motorized Resistance
The Bike+'s motorized resistance knob is what makes ERG mode possible. The motor can: - Increase resistance automatically - Decrease resistance automatically - Respond to commands from FitSwitch - Enable automatic power targeting
The original Bike's manual knob physically cannot be controlled by software.
Storage: A Potential Bike+ Limitation
Here's a surprise: some Bike+ models actually have less storage than the original Bike.
- All original Bikes: 16GB storage
- Some Bike+ models: Only 8GB storage (varies by production run)
This matters because large apps like Zwift require 5GB+ of space. On an 8GB Bike+ with system files taking up space, Zwift simply won't fit.
If you have an 8GB Bike+: - Smaller apps (Netflix, Spotify, YouTube) work fine - Zwift must run on an external device (phone, tablet, or computer) - FitSwitch still broadcasts your power/cadence to external Zwift - You still get ERG mode—Zwift on your phone controls Bike+ resistance via FitSwitch
To check your storage: Settings → Device Settings → Storage.
Feature Comparison for Third-Party Apps
| Feature | Original Bike | Bike+ |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | 16GB (all models) | 8GB or 16GB (varies) |
| App Installation | Yes (FitSwitch) | Yes (FitSwitch) |
| Metrics Overlay | Yes | Yes |
| Power Broadcast | Yes | Yes |
| Cadence Broadcast | Yes | Yes |
| ANT+ Broadcast | Yes | Yes |
| Smartwatch Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| ERG Mode | No | Yes |
| Simulation Mode | No | Yes |
| Auto-Resistance | No | Yes |
| Constant Power Mode | No | Yes |
| Gradient Feel | Manual only | Automatic |
What This Means in Practice
On Original Bike: - Zwift shows you're climbing → You manually increase resistance - TrainerRoad targets 200W → You adjust until hitting 200W - Recovery interval → You manually decrease resistance
On Bike+: - Zwift shows you're climbing → Resistance automatically increases - TrainerRoad targets 200W → Bike automatically adjusts to hit 200W - Recovery interval → Resistance automatically decreases
What Works on Both Models
FitSwitch provides these features on both Peloton Bike and Bike+:
One-Tap App Installation
Install Netflix, Zwift, Spotify, and other apps from the FitSwitch app store. No computer, no ADB commands.
Metrics Overlay
See your power, cadence, heart rate, and resistance displayed over any app. Watch Netflix while tracking your effort.
ANT+ Broadcast
Your power and cadence broadcast to: - Garmin watches - Garmin cycling computers - Other ANT+ devices
Bluetooth Connectivity
Connect to: - Heart rate monitors - Training apps (via Bridge app) - Smartwatches
Smartwatch Tracking
Record workouts on: - Apple Watch - Garmin watches - Other fitness trackers
Heart Rate Rebroadcast
FitSwitch receives your HR monitor data and rebroadcasts it to other devices.
What Only Works on Bike+
These features require the Bike+'s motorized resistance:
ERG Mode
Automatic resistance control to maintain target power: - Set 200W → Bike maintains 200W regardless of cadence - Workout intervals execute automatically - TrainerRoad, Zwift workouts work seamlessly
Without motorized resistance, ERG mode is physically impossible.
Simulation Mode
In Zwift and Rouvy: - Virtual hills → Automatic resistance increase - Descents → Automatic resistance decrease - Feel the terrain through resistance changes
This makes virtual cycling more immersive.
Constant Power Mode in Peloton App
Even in native Peloton content: - Set target power (e.g., 180W) - Bike maintains it automatically - Watch scenic rides at consistent effort
This is unique to FitSwitch on Bike+.
Gradient Control
Training apps can send gradient information: - 5% climb → Resistance increases appropriately - Descent → Resistance decreases - Real-world route simulation
Training App Experience Comparison
Zwift
On Bike+: - Full smart trainer experience - ERG mode for workouts - Simulation mode for free rides - Feels like a Wahoo or Tacx trainer - Note: Zwift requires 5GB+ storage—won't install on 8GB Bike+ models. Use external device instead (FitSwitch still provides ERG control).
On Original Bike: - Accurate power display - Manual resistance adjustment - You watch power number and adjust - More like "dumb trainer with screen" - 16GB storage fits Zwift on all models
TrainerRoad
On Bike+: - Full ERG mode - Intervals execute automatically - Adaptive Training works perfectly - Just pedal, bike handles resistance
On Original Bike: - See target power - Adjust resistance manually - More work, less precision - Still usable but different experience
Rouvy
On Bike+: - Resistance matches video terrain - Climbs feel hard, descents easy - Immersive route simulation
On Original Bike: - Watch beautiful videos - Manually adjust for gradients - Less connection between video and effort
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Original Bike If:
- Budget is priority — Significant price difference
- Mainly watching entertainment — Netflix doesn't need ERG
- Occasional Peloton classes — Standard use case
- Don't mind manual control — Some prefer it
- Already own original Bike — FitSwitch still adds value
Choose Bike+ If:
- Structured training is important — TrainerRoad, Zwift workouts
- You want ERG mode — Automatic resistance control
- Gradient simulation matters — Feel virtual terrain
- Constant power mode appeals — Set-and-forget effort
- Buying new — Investment in better training
Upgrade Path
If you have the original Bike and want ERG mode, you have two options: 1. Use FitSwitch on original Bike — Get many benefits, no ERG 2. Upgrade to Bike+ — FitSwitch enables full ERG mode
FitSwitch works with both, so you're not locked in.
Price vs Value Analysis
Original Bike + FitSwitch
- Bike: ~$1,445
- FitSwitch: ~$199
- Total: ~$1,644
- Gets you: Apps, overlay, broadcast, smartwatch—no ERG
Bike+ + FitSwitch
- Bike+: ~$2,495
- FitSwitch: ~$199
- Total: ~$2,694
- Gets you: Everything above plus full ERG mode
The ERG Mode Premium
The ~$1,000 premium for Bike+ gets you: - Motorized resistance - ERG mode capability - Simulation mode - Constant power mode
Is it worth it? If structured training matters to you, probably yes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ERG mode be added to the original Bike?
No. ERG mode requires motorized resistance, which is hardware. The original Bike's manual knob cannot be controlled by software.
Is the power meter the same on both models?
Yes. Both have built-in power meters with similar accuracy (~2-5%).
Does the original Bike still work well with FitSwitch?
Yes. You get app installation, metrics overlay, smartwatch connectivity, ANT+ broadcast. Just not ERG mode.
Should I upgrade my original Bike to Bike+?
Depends on your priorities. If ERG mode is essential, yes. If you mainly use entertainment apps, the original may be sufficient.
Is the Bike+ screen size difference noticeable?
The Bike+ has a 24" screen vs 22" on the original. Noticeable but not dramatic. The rotating/tilting is more impactful.
Can I use Zwift workouts on the original Bike?
Yes, but you'll adjust resistance manually. The workout targets display; you control the bike.
Does the original Bike work with TrainerRoad?
Yes, for data and display. But without ERG, you're manually hitting power targets.
What about Peloton's Auto-Follow feature?
Auto-Follow (matching instructor callouts) only exists on Bike+ because it requires motorized resistance. It's a Peloton feature, not FitSwitch.
Is the Bike+ motor noisy?
The motor is quiet during normal operation. You hear it during resistance changes but it's not disruptive.
Can both bikes connect to the same FitSwitch?
FitSwitch is installed per-bike. Each bike needs its own FitSwitch device.
Why does my Bike+ only have 8GB of storage?
Peloton used different storage configurations across production runs. Some Bike+ models shipped with 8GB while others have 16GB. This is a hardware limitation that can't be changed.
Can I install Zwift on an 8GB Bike+?
No. Zwift requires 5GB+ of storage, and with system files, an 8GB Bike+ doesn't have enough free space. However, you can run Zwift on an external device (phone, tablet, or computer) and FitSwitch will broadcast your power/cadence data to it while still providing ERG mode control.
How do I check my Peloton's storage?
Go to Settings → Device Settings → Storage. You'll see your total storage and available space.
The Bottom Line
Both Peloton models become more capable with FitSwitch. But for training app integration:
Original Bike = Good - Apps work, data flows, smartwatch connects - Manual resistance adjustment required
Bike+ = Great - All the above plus ERG mode - Full smart trainer experience - Automatic resistance control
If structured training is your goal, the Bike+ is worth the premium.
Get FitSwitch — Unlock your Peloton's potential.
Last updated: January 2025