Quick Answer: Yes, you can use TrainerRoad on your Peloton Bike or Bike+ for structured, science-based training. FitSwitch enables full ERG mode on Bike+ with automatic resistance control through the FitSwitch Bridge companion app. This turns your Peloton into a proper smart trainer for TrainerRoad's adaptive training plans.
Table of Contents
- Why Use TrainerRoad on Peloton?
- Method 1: Manual Sideloading (Limited)
- Method 2: Full Integration with FitSwitch
- Setting Up TrainerRoad with FitSwitch Bridge
- ERG Mode and Structured Workouts
- FAQ
Why Use TrainerRoad on Peloton?
TrainerRoad is one of the most effective training platforms for cyclists. It offers:
- Adaptive Training — AI adjusts workouts based on your performance
- Structured plans — Training programs for every goal
- ERG mode workouts — Automatic resistance for perfect intervals
- FTP testing — Accurate fitness assessments
- TrainNow — AI-recommended workouts when you have limited time
- Outside workouts — Plans sync to your devices
Your Peloton Bike+ has hardware capable of ERG mode—a motorized resistance system that can execute TrainerRoad workouts perfectly. FitSwitch bridges the gap between TrainerRoad and your Peloton.
Method 1: Manual Sideloading (Limited)
You can install TrainerRoad via ADB, but without FitSwitch, you lose the key feature: ERG mode.
What You Get with Manual Sideloading
- TrainerRoad running on the Peloton screen
- Manual resistance control only
- No sensor data from the Peloton
- No automatic resistance adjustment
The Problem
TrainerRoad's power comes from ERG mode—the bike automatically adjusts resistance to hit target watts. Without ERG, you're: - Manually adjusting resistance every interval - Guessing at power targets - Unable to execute workouts accurately - Missing the point of structured training
If you want to use TrainerRoad effectively, you need the sensor bridge and ERG control that FitSwitch provides.
Method 2: Full Integration with FitSwitch
FitSwitch transforms your Peloton into a TrainerRoad-compatible smart trainer with full ERG mode support.
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+ (iPhone/iPad) or macOS 12.0+ (Apple M1 Mac or later)
- Download from the App Store
What FitSwitch Enables
Full ERG Mode (Bike+): FitSwitch's PID control system adjusts resistance in real-time: 1. TrainerRoad sends target power via the Bridge app 2. FitSwitch reads your current power output 3. Resistance adjusts automatically to hit the target 4. The loop repeats multiple times per second
Result: Buttery-smooth ERG mode that executes TrainerRoad workouts perfectly.
Sensor Broadcast: Your Peloton data flows to TrainerRoad: - Power — Accurate wattage from the Peloton power meter - Cadence — RPM data for workout analysis - Heart rate — Via connected HR monitor
Smartwatch Connectivity: Track your TrainerRoad workouts on: - Apple Watch — Full workout tracking - Garmin watches — Sync your training data - ANT+ devices — Wahoo, cycling computers
Metrics Overlay: See your Peloton metrics over TrainerRoad—familiar data display during workouts.
Constant Power Mode in Peloton App: Even outside TrainerRoad, use ERG mode during Peloton scenic rides.
Setting Up TrainerRoad with FitSwitch Bridge
Step 1: Install FitSwitch on Your Peloton
- Connect FitSwitch to your Peloton's USB-C port
- Follow the installation instructions
- Install TrainerRoad from the FitSwitch app store
Step 2: Set Up FitSwitch Bridge on Your Phone
- Download FitSwitch Bridge from the App Store
- Open the app on your iPhone or Mac
- The app will discover your FitSwitch-equipped Peloton
- Keep the app running during workouts
Step 3: Connect TrainerRoad
- Open TrainerRoad on your Peloton
- Go to the Devices pairing screen
- TrainerRoad will see your Peloton as an FTMS smart trainer (via Bridge)
- Select it for:
- Power Meter — Your power source
- Cadence — RPM tracking
- Controllable — ERG mode control
Step 4: Start Training
- Select a workout or use TrainNow
- ERG mode engages automatically
- Just pedal—the bike handles resistance
- Focus on cadence while TrainerRoad controls power
ERG Mode and Structured Workouts
How ERG Mode Works with TrainerRoad
During a TrainerRoad workout: 1. You see the target power (e.g., 200W for 3 minutes) 2. TrainerRoad sends this target via FitSwitch Bridge 3. FitSwitch adjusts your Bike+ resistance 4. You maintain steady cadence 5. The bike adjusts to keep you at 200W regardless of cadence
If you slow your cadence, resistance increases. Speed up, it decreases. The power stays constant.
Benefits for TrainerRoad Workouts
Interval Precision: - Sweet spot intervals at exactly 88% FTP - VO2max efforts at exactly 120% FTP - No guessing, no watching the power number
FTP Tests: - Ramp tests execute perfectly - No pacing strategy needed - Just pedal until you can't
Recovery Intervals: - Actually recover at prescribed power - No accidentally going too hard - Better training adaptation
TrainNow with Peloton
TrainerRoad's TrainNow feature recommends workouts based on: - Your recent training load - Time available - Recovery status
With FitSwitch, you can use TrainNow on your Peloton: 1. Open TrainerRoad 2. Select TrainNow recommendation 3. Execute with full ERG mode 4. Train optimally even on busy days
Peloton Bike vs Bike+ for TrainerRoad
Bike+ (Full ERG Mode)
The Bike+ has a motorized resistance knob, enabling: - Full ERG mode — Automatic resistance control - Perfect interval execution — Bike hits targets automatically - Smooth transitions — PID control for gradual changes
This is the ideal setup for TrainerRoad.
Original Peloton Bike (Manual Resistance)
The original Bike lacks motorized resistance: - No ERG mode — Must adjust resistance manually - Power/cadence broadcast — FitSwitch still sends data to TrainerRoad - Usable but limited — You see targets, but adjust resistance yourself
TrainerRoad can still guide your workout, but you lose the automatic adjustment that makes structured training seamless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the FitSwitch Bridge app?
Yes, for TrainerRoad. The Bridge app runs on your iPhone or Mac and handles the Bluetooth FTMS communication between your Peloton and TrainerRoad.
Is the Bridge app free?
Yes. FitSwitch Bridge is free on the App Store. The FitSwitch device itself is a one-time purchase.
Does TrainerRoad require a subscription?
Yes. TrainerRoad costs $19.95/month (or less annually). FitSwitch enables the connection but doesn't include TrainerRoad access.
Can I use Adaptive Training?
Yes. TrainerRoad's Adaptive Training analyzes your workout performance and adjusts future workouts. This works fully with your Peloton via FitSwitch.
What about TrainerRoad's outside workouts?
TrainerRoad syncs outdoor workout plans to devices like Garmin and Wahoo. Your Peloton is for indoor sessions—use outdoor workouts when you ride outside.
Can I see my Peloton metrics during TrainerRoad?
Yes. FitSwitch's overlay displays your cadence, power, heart rate, and resistance over TrainerRoad.
How accurate is the power data?
FitSwitch reads directly from Peloton's power meter, which is reasonably accurate (within 2-5% of dedicated power meters). Consistent enough for training purposes.
Can I track these workouts on my Apple Watch?
Yes. FitSwitch broadcasts your data to Apple Watch and Garmin watches, so your TrainerRoad workouts count toward your fitness tracking.
Does this work with TrainerRoad plans?
Yes. All TrainerRoad training plans—base, build, specialty, century, triathlon, etc.—work with your Peloton via FitSwitch.
Can I still use Peloton classes?
Absolutely. Switch between TrainerRoad and Peloton freely. Use TrainerRoad for structured training blocks, Peloton for variety.
What's the difference between TrainerRoad and Zwift?
- TrainerRoad — Focused on structured training, minimal graphics, maximum efficiency
- Zwift — Virtual worlds, social features, gamification
Both work with FitSwitch and the Bridge app. Many cyclists use both.
Serious Training on Your Peloton
TrainerRoad's science-based approach plus your Peloton's hardware equals effective training. FitSwitch bridges the gap with:
- Full ERG mode on Bike+
- FitSwitch Bridge app for FTMS connectivity
- Accurate power and cadence data
- Smartwatch tracking (Apple Watch, Garmin)
- Metrics overlay
Stop using your premium bike as a dumb trainer. Make every interval count.
Get FitSwitch — TrainerRoad with full ERG mode on your Peloton.
Last updated: January 2025