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 - Bike+ only: Accepts simulation parameters for SIM mode — terrain simulation with 24 virtual gears
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) - Garmin can send simulation parameters (SIM mode — terrain simulation with 24 virtual gears) - 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. For route-based workouts, Garmin sends simulation data and SIM mode engages with terrain-appropriate resistance and 24 virtual gears.
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, set target power for ERG mode during structured workouts, and send simulation parameters for SIM mode with 24 virtual gears during route-based rides. 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+ ERG Mode — Garmin workouts control resistance via FE-C
- Bike+ SIM Mode — Terrain simulation with 24 virtual gears 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: February 2026