Quick Answer: Yes, you can use Zwift on the original Peloton Bike (not the Bike+). However, because the original Bike has a manual resistance knob, you won't get automatic ERG mode. FitSwitch broadcasts your power and cadence to Zwift, but you'll need to adjust resistance yourself. For full ERG mode, you need the Bike+.
Table of Contents
- Zwift on Original Bike vs Bike+
- What Works on the Original Bike
- Setting Up Zwift with FitSwitch
- Working Without ERG Mode
- FAQ
Zwift on Original Bike vs Bike+
The key difference between Peloton models for Zwift:
| Feature | Original Bike | Bike+ |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance Control | Manual knob | Motorized (auto) |
| ERG Mode | Not possible | Full ERG via FitSwitch |
| Simulation Mode | No auto-gradient | Feel the hills automatically |
| Power Broadcast | Yes, via FitSwitch | Yes, via FitSwitch |
| Cadence Broadcast | Yes, via FitSwitch | Yes, via FitSwitch |
| Zwift Workouts | Manual adjustment | Automatic resistance |
The original Peloton Bike lacks a motorized resistance system—the knob is purely manual. This means Zwift can't control your resistance automatically.
However: FitSwitch still provides significant value on the original Bike by broadcasting your power and cadence to Zwift. You get accurate data and full Zwift functionality—just without automatic resistance.
What Works on the Original Bike
With FitSwitch, You Get:
Accurate Power Data: Your Peloton's built-in power meter broadcasts to Zwift. Your watts are real, not estimated "zPower." This means: - Accurate FTP tests - Legitimate race results - Proper training load tracking - Real performance comparisons
Cadence Data: Zwift sees your actual RPM for: - Cadence-based workout targets - Accurate calorie calculations - Proper metrics display
Heart Rate: FitSwitch rebroadcasts heart rate from your connected monitor.
Full Zwift Experience: - All virtual worlds accessible - Group rides and races - Workouts (with manual resistance) - Events and challenges - Social features - Level progression
Metrics Overlay: FitSwitch displays your Peloton metrics over Zwift—familiar data on top of the virtual world.
Smartwatch Connectivity: Track your Zwift rides on: - Apple Watch - Garmin watches - ANT+ devices
What You Don't Get (Without Bike+):
No ERG Mode: - Workouts require manual resistance adjustment - No automatic power targeting - You watch the power number and adjust
No Simulation Mode: - Hills in Zwift don't affect your resistance - You can see the gradient but won't feel it automatically
Setting Up Zwift 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
Step 1: Install FitSwitch on Your Peloton
- Connect FitSwitch to your Bike's USB-C port
- Follow the installation instructions
- Install Zwift 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 Zwift sessions
Step 3: Pair in Zwift
- Open Zwift on your Peloton
- On the pairing screen, select your Peloton via the Bridge app for:
- Power Source — Your accurate power data
- Cadence — Your RPM
- Heart Rate — If using a connected monitor
- Note: Don't select "Controllable Trainer" (not applicable without motorized resistance)
Step 4: Ride
- Select a route or workout
- Start riding
- Adjust resistance manually as needed
- Enjoy accurate power data in Zwift
Working Without ERG Mode
Free Riding in Watopia
For casual riding through Zwift's worlds, the lack of ERG mode is less noticeable: - Pick a resistance level that feels comfortable - Adjust when you hit hills if you want to simulate gradient - Your power fluctuates naturally, just like outdoor riding
Many riders prefer this—it's more like real cycling where power varies with terrain and effort.
Zwift Workouts (Manual Mode)
Zwift workouts display target power ranges. Without ERG:
- Workout shows: "Next interval: 200W for 3 minutes"
- You adjust resistance to hit ~200W
- Watch the power number and fine-tune
- Move to next interval, adjust again
Tips for manual workouts: - Learn what resistance levels produce what power at your typical cadence - Note your settings (e.g., "Level 45 at 90 RPM ≈ 200W") - Anticipate intervals and adjust early - Focus on cadence consistency
It's more work than ERG, but many cyclists trained this way for years before ERG existed.
Racing in Zwift
For Zwift races, no ERG mode isn't a disadvantage—races don't use ERG anyway: - You control your effort - Power varies based on race dynamics - Adjust resistance to hit your desired output - Draft, attack, recover as you would outdoors
Your accurate power data means your race results are legitimate.
Simulating Gradient Manually
When Zwift shows you're climbing: 1. Watch the gradient indicator 2. Increase resistance to simulate the climb 3. Decrease for descents 4. Match the "feel" to the virtual terrain
Some riders enjoy this engagement—it keeps you actively involved rather than passive.
Is the Original Bike Good Enough for Zwift?
It's Great If You:
- Want accurate power data in Zwift
- Don't mind manual resistance adjustment
- Primarily do free rides or races
- Already own the original Bike
- Like the engagement of manual control
- Want to try Zwift before committing to Bike+ upgrade
Consider Upgrading to Bike+ If You:
- Do lots of structured workouts with ERG
- Want automatic gradient simulation
- Find manual adjustment tedious
- Use TrainerRoad or similar ERG-based apps
- Value the "set it and forget it" experience
The FitSwitch Value Proposition
Even on the original Bike, FitSwitch provides: - Power broadcast — Real watts, not estimates - Cadence broadcast — Accurate RPM - One-tap app installation — No ADB required - Metrics overlay — See Peloton data in Zwift - Smartwatch tracking — Apple Watch, Garmin - Update resilience — Apps survive Peloton updates
The missing piece is motorized resistance—that's hardware, not software.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade from original Bike to Bike+ later?
Yes. FitSwitch works with both models. If you upgrade to Bike+, you'll gain ERG mode with the same FitSwitch device.
Is the power data accurate without ERG?
Yes. Power accuracy isn't related to ERG mode. FitSwitch reads directly from Peloton's power meter, which is the same on both Bike models.
Can I do FTP tests on the original Bike?
Yes. For ramp tests, manually increase resistance each step. For 20-minute tests, set your target resistance and hold it. Your power data is accurate—the test works.
Will Zwift races work?
Yes, and arguably better. Races don't use ERG mode anyway—you control your effort manually. The original Bike is perfectly suited for Zwift racing.
What about group rides?
Group rides work great. Adjust your power to match the group's pace. Your accurate power data means you're contributing legitimately.
Can I feel the hills in Zwift?
Not automatically. You can manually increase resistance when you see a climb, but the bike won't adjust itself. The Bike+ motorized system is required for automatic gradient simulation.
Is it worth getting FitSwitch for the original Bike?
If you want to use Zwift with accurate power data: yes. If ERG mode is essential to your training: consider upgrading to Bike+ as well.
Do I still need the FitSwitch Bridge app?
Yes. The Bridge app handles communication between your Peloton and Zwift on both Bike models.
Can I track workouts on my Apple Watch?
Yes. FitSwitch broadcasts your power, cadence, and heart rate to your Apple Watch or Garmin.
Should I buy a Bike+ instead?
If you're deciding between models for Zwift/TrainerRoad use: - Bike+ — Full ERG mode, automatic resistance, complete smart trainer experience - Original Bike — Manual resistance, accurate data, lower cost
The Bike+ is significantly better for structured training. The original Bike works but requires more attention.
Accurate Data, Manual Control
The original Peloton Bike with FitSwitch gives you legitimate power data in Zwift—something many Zwift users would love. You just trade automatic resistance for manual control.
FitSwitch provides: - Real power and cadence broadcast - One-tap Zwift installation - FitSwitch Bridge app connectivity - Metrics overlay - Smartwatch tracking (Apple Watch, Garmin) - Works with your existing original Bike
For full ERG mode, upgrade to Bike+. For accurate data with manual control, the original Bike works well.
Get FitSwitch — Zwift with real power data on your Peloton Bike.
Last updated: January 2025