Quick Answer: Yes, you can use Rouvy on your Peloton Bike or Bike+. Rouvy offers real-world video routes and structured training, and FitSwitch enables full integration including ERG mode on the Bike+. The FitSwitch Bridge companion app connects your Peloton to Rouvy via Bluetooth FTMS.
Table of Contents
- What is Rouvy?
- Rouvy vs Zwift on Peloton
- Setting Up Rouvy with FitSwitch
- Using Rouvy Features on Peloton
- FAQ
What is Rouvy?
Rouvy is an indoor cycling platform that uses real video footage of cycling routes worldwide. Instead of Zwift's animated virtual worlds, Rouvy shows you actual footage filmed on real roads.
Key Rouvy Features
- Augmented Reality routes — Real video with virtual riders overlaid
- 1,800+ routes — Famous climbs, scenic roads, race courses
- Structured workouts — Training plans with ERG mode
- Virtual races — Compete on real-world courses
- Training plans — Periodized programs for various goals
- Career mode — Progress through challenges and achievements
Why Choose Rouvy?
If you prefer seeing real roads over cartoon graphics: - Realism — Actual video footage, not animation - Famous routes — Ride Alpe d'Huez, Stelvio, Mont Ventoux - Race preparation — Preview real race courses - Scenic variety — Beautiful locations worldwide
Rouvy vs Zwift on Peloton
Both platforms work with FitSwitch. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Rouvy | Zwift |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Style | Real video footage | Animated virtual world |
| Route Selection | Real-world locations | Fantasy worlds + real-ish |
| Social Features | Growing community | Large, established community |
| Racing | Real course racing | Zwift-specific racing |
| Workouts | Structured plans | Structured workouts |
| ERG Mode (Bike+) | Yes, via FitSwitch | Yes, via FitSwitch |
| Price | ~$12-15/month | ~$15/month |
| Offline Routes | Yes (downloaded) | No |
Many cyclists use both—Zwift for social riding, Rouvy for realistic route simulation.
Setting Up Rouvy with FitSwitch
What You Need
- FitSwitch device — Plugs into your Peloton's USB-C port
- FitSwitch Bridge app — Free companion app for iPhone or Mac
- iOS 15.1+ or macOS 12.0+ (Apple M1 or later)
- Download from the App Store
- Rouvy subscription — Required for full access
Step 1: Install FitSwitch on Your Peloton
- Connect FitSwitch to your Peloton's USB-C port
- Follow the installation instructions
- Install Rouvy from the FitSwitch app store
Step 2: Set Up FitSwitch Bridge
- Download FitSwitch Bridge on your iPhone or Mac
- Open the app—it discovers your FitSwitch-equipped Peloton
- Keep the app running during Rouvy sessions
Step 3: Connect Rouvy
- Open Rouvy on your Peloton
- Go to Settings → Sensors
- Rouvy will see your Peloton as an FTMS device (via Bridge)
- Select it for:
- Power — Your watts from the Peloton power meter
- Cadence — Your RPM
- Smart Trainer — For ERG mode control (Bike+ only)
Step 4: Start Riding
- Choose a route or workout
- Rouvy syncs with your Peloton via the Bridge app
- On Bike+, ERG mode and gradient simulation work automatically
- On original Bike, adjust resistance manually
Using Rouvy Features on Peloton
Augmented Reality Routes
Rouvy's signature feature overlays virtual elements on real footage: - See other riders on the video - Your avatar appears in the real environment - Distance markers and route info overlay
On the Peloton's large screen, this looks impressive—real roads with enhanced information.
Famous Climbs
Rouvy includes legendary cycling routes: - Alpe d'Huez — 21 hairpins, famous Tour de France climb - Mont Ventoux — The "Beast of Provence" - Stelvio Pass — 48 hairpin turns in the Italian Alps - Sa Calobra — Majorca's stunning coastal climb
With FitSwitch and Bike+, you feel the gradients automatically. The video shows the road, and your resistance matches the terrain.
Structured Workouts
Rouvy offers ERG-based training: 1. Select a workout plan 2. Rouvy sends target power to FitSwitch Bridge 3. Your Bike+ adjusts resistance automatically 4. Just pedal at steady cadence
Workouts overlay on video routes, so you're training on beautiful roads.
Racing
Rouvy races take place on real-world courses: - Compete against others in real-time - Accurate power data from your Peloton - Results based on legitimate watts - Preview courses before real events
Career Mode
Progress through Rouvy's career challenges: - Unlock achievements - Complete route collections - Earn virtual rewards - Track your improvement over time
Peloton Bike vs Bike+ for Rouvy
Bike+ (Full Experience)
With the motorized resistance: - Automatic gradient — Feel the climbs in the video - ERG mode — Workouts adjust resistance automatically - Simulation — Downhills feel easier, uphills harder - Immersive — Video + physical feedback creates presence
This is the ideal Rouvy experience.
Original Bike (Manual Control)
Without motorized resistance: - Power broadcast — Accurate watts to Rouvy - Cadence broadcast — RPM data - Manual gradient — Adjust resistance yourself for climbs - Workouts — Hit targets manually
It works, but you lose the automatic feedback that makes video routes feel real.
Comparing Rouvy and Peloton Content
Why Use Rouvy Instead of Peloton Scenic Rides?
Peloton scenic rides are passive video—no interaction, no progression, limited selection.
Rouvy offers: - Active simulation — Resistance matches terrain (Bike+) - Multiplayer — Ride with others on the same route - Thousands of routes — Far more variety - Racing — Compete on real courses - Progression — Career mode and achievements
Using Both
With FitSwitch, you can use both: - Peloton classes for instructor-led workouts - Rouvy for realistic route simulation - Switch between apps freely
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Rouvy require Google Play Services?
No. Rouvy works without GMS, making it compatible with Peloton.
Do I need the FitSwitch Bridge app?
Yes. The Bridge app runs on your iPhone or Mac and handles Bluetooth FTMS communication between Rouvy and your Peloton.
How much does Rouvy cost?
Rouvy subscriptions are approximately $12-15/month depending on plan. FitSwitch enables the connection but doesn't include Rouvy access.
Can I download routes for offline use?
Yes. Rouvy supports downloading routes, which is helpful for consistent playback quality.
Does ERG mode work in Rouvy?
Yes, on Bike+. FitSwitch provides full ERG mode control during Rouvy workouts via the Bridge app.
How's the video quality?
Rouvy routes vary in quality based on when they were filmed. Most popular routes are high quality and look great on Peloton's screen.
Can I ride with friends?
Yes. Rouvy supports multiplayer—you can see friends' avatars on the video.
How does the gradient simulation work?
On Bike+, when the video shows a climb, FitSwitch increases resistance. Steeper gradients mean higher resistance. Descents reduce resistance. The Bridge app communicates these targets from Rouvy.
Can I track rides on my Apple Watch?
Yes. FitSwitch broadcasts your power, cadence, and heart rate to Apple Watch and Garmin devices.
Is the power data accurate?
Yes. FitSwitch reads directly from the Peloton power meter, providing accurate watts to Rouvy.
What routes are included?
Rouvy has 1,800+ routes including: - Famous European climbs - Race courses (triathlon, cycling) - Scenic locations worldwide - User-created routes
Can I use Rouvy for triathlon training?
Yes. Many triathlon race courses are available in Rouvy. You can preview and train on actual race routes.
Real Roads on Your Peloton Screen
Rouvy's real video footage transforms your Peloton into a window to the world's best cycling routes. With FitSwitch:
- Full Rouvy integration via Bridge app
- ERG mode for workouts (Bike+)
- Gradient simulation matching video (Bike+)
- Accurate power and cadence data
- Smartwatch connectivity (Apple Watch, Garmin)
- One-tap installation
Ride Alpe d'Huez without the plane ticket.
Get FitSwitch — Rouvy with full smart trainer control on your Peloton.
Last updated: January 2025