Quick Answer: Your Peloton doesn't natively broadcast to Garmin devices, but FitSwitch adds ANT+ broadcast capability. This lets your Garmin Fenix, Forerunner, Edge, or other Garmin device receive your Peloton's power, cadence, and heart rate data—enabling full workout tracking and sync to Garmin Connect. On the Bike+, Garmin can also connect via FE-C to control resistance and run structured workouts with automatic power targeting.
Table of Contents
- The Peloton-Garmin Problem
- How FitSwitch Connects to Garmin
- Setting Up Garmin Watches
- Setting Up Garmin Cycling Computers
- Syncing to Garmin Connect
- FAQ
The Peloton-Garmin Problem
What Garmin Users Want
Garmin users invest in the ecosystem because it tracks everything: - Training load and recovery - VO2 max estimates - Performance metrics - Long-term fitness trends
To work properly, Garmin needs your workout data—especially power for cycling.
What Peloton Provides
Peloton collects excellent data: - Accurate power (watts) - Cadence (RPM) - Heart rate (via connected monitor)
But Peloton keeps it locked in their app. No broadcast to Garmin.
The Gap
Without FitSwitch: - Garmin watch can't see Peloton power/cadence - Indoor rides don't count toward Garmin training load - Incomplete fitness picture - Separate, disconnected ecosystems
How FitSwitch Connects to Garmin
FitSwitch broadcasts your Peloton data via ANT+—the protocol Garmin devices prefer.
ANT+ Profiles Broadcast
FitSwitch transmits: - Power Meter Profile — Your watts - Cadence Profile — Your RPM - Heart Rate Profile — From your connected HR monitor - FE-C (Fitness Equipment Control) — Bike trainer profile for data and control
These standard ANT+ profiles work with any Garmin device.
FE-C: The Smart Trainer Connection
FE-C (Fitness Equipment Control) is ANT+'s protocol for smart trainers. When your Garmin connects via FE-C:
On Both Bike and Bike+: - Garmin receives power and cadence as a single "trainer" device - Simpler pairing—one device instead of separate power/cadence sensors - Same data, different connection method
On Bike+ Only: - Garmin can send resistance commands to the bike - Garmin can set target power (ERG mode) - Structured Garmin workouts can automatically control your Bike+ - Your Garmin becomes a trainer controller
Compatible Garmin Devices
Watches: - Garmin Fenix series (5, 6, 7, 8) - Garmin Forerunner series (245, 945, 955, 965, etc.) - Garmin Enduro - Garmin Instinct series - Any ANT+ capable Garmin watch
Cycling Computers: - Garmin Edge series (530, 830, 1030, 1040, etc.) - Garmin Edge Explore
Other: - Garmin fitness trackers with ANT+ support
Setting Up Garmin Watches
Step 1: Install FitSwitch
Follow the FitSwitch installation instructions on your Peloton.
Step 2: Start Indoor Cycling Activity on Garmin
- On your Garmin watch, start an Indoor Cycling or Bike Indoor activity
- Wait on the sensor pairing screen
Step 3: Add Power Meter
- Go to Settings → Sensors & Accessories (or access during activity start)
- Select Add New → Power Meter
- Your watch searches for ANT+ power meters
- Select the FitSwitch broadcast (may show as generic power meter)
- Confirm pairing
Step 4: Add Cadence Sensor
- Add New → Cadence Sensor
- Search for ANT+ cadence
- Select FitSwitch cadence broadcast
- Confirm pairing
Step 5: Verify and Save
- Start pedaling on your Peloton
- Watch should display power and cadence
- Save these sensor pairings
- They'll auto-connect for future rides
Alternative: Connect via FE-C (Trainer)
Instead of pairing power and cadence separately, you can pair FitSwitch as a smart trainer:
- Add New → Indoor Trainer or Smart Trainer
- Search for FE-C devices
- Select FitSwitch trainer
- Power and cadence come through as one device
Bike+ Bonus: With FE-C, your Garmin can control resistance. Use Garmin's workout features and the Bike+ responds automatically.
Garmin Fenix/Forerunner Specific Tips
- Use Indoor Cycling activity type
- Enable "Always On" display if you want to see metrics while riding
- Configure data screens to show power, cadence, HR
- Heart rate from your chest strap can pair separately or via FitSwitch rebroadcast
- For Bike+ control, pair as trainer (FE-C) instead of separate sensors
Setting Up Garmin Cycling Computers
Garmin Edge Setup
Option 1: Separate Sensors 1. Install FitSwitch on your Peloton 2. Power on Edge and go to sensor setup 3. Add Sensors: - Power Meter → Search → Select FitSwitch - Cadence Sensor → Search → Select FitSwitch - Heart Rate (if using FitSwitch rebroadcast) 4. Configure display with your preferred data fields 5. Position Edge where you can see it while riding
Option 2: FE-C Trainer (Recommended for Bike+) 1. Install FitSwitch on your Peloton 2. Power on Edge and go to sensor setup 3. Add Indoor Trainer → Search → Select FitSwitch 4. Power and cadence pair as one device 5. Bike+ users: Edge can now control resistance and run structured workouts with auto-resistance
Why Use Edge with Peloton?
Some riders prefer Garmin's display: - Familiar interface - Custom data screens - Better power analytics - Interval timer features
The Edge receives data from FitSwitch while you watch content on the Peloton screen.
Syncing to Garmin Connect
Automatic Sync
After your Peloton ride: 1. Stop the activity on your Garmin watch/Edge 2. Save the activity 3. Garmin syncs to Garmin Connect (via phone or WiFi) 4. Activity appears in your Garmin Connect timeline
What Syncs
Your ride data includes: - Duration — Total time - Power — Average, max, normalized power - Cadence — Average and max RPM - Heart Rate — If connected - Calories — Calculated from power - Training Load — Factors into recovery
Training Status Integration
With accurate power data, Garmin can calculate: - Training Effect — Aerobic and anaerobic benefit - Training Load — 7-day intensity - Recovery Time — Suggested rest - VO2 Max — Estimated from power data (outdoor rides needed for accurate baseline) - Performance Condition — Real-time fitness indicator
Your Peloton rides finally count toward your Garmin fitness picture.
Third-Party Sync
From Garmin Connect, data can sync to: - Strava — Auto-upload enabled - TrainingPeaks — For coached athletes - Today's Plan — Training software - Other platforms — Via Garmin Connect integrations
Peloton Workouts in Garmin Connect
What Your Ride Looks Like
In Garmin Connect, your Peloton ride shows: - Power chart over time - Cadence chart - Heart rate zones (if HR connected) - Training effect analysis - Lap/interval data (if you used lap button)
Tips for Better Data
- Start Garmin before riding — Capture the full workout
- Use lap button for intervals — Creates markers in data
- Wear HR monitor — More complete physiological data
- Stop Garmin when done — Clean end to activity
- Add workout notes — In Garmin Connect after sync
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this work with all Garmin watches?
Any ANT+ capable Garmin watch works. Most modern Garmin fitness watches include ANT+.
Can I use my Peloton HR monitor with Garmin?
If your HR monitor is ANT+ (most are), you can pair it directly to your Garmin. FitSwitch also rebroadcasts HR for devices that need it.
Will my Peloton rides affect Garmin's training recommendations?
Yes. With accurate power data, Garmin factors your Peloton rides into training load, recovery advice, and fitness estimates.
Do I need to pair sensors every time?
No. After initial pairing, Garmin remembers the sensors and connects automatically when in range.
What about Garmin's cycling dynamics?
Cycling dynamics require Garmin's own power pedals. FitSwitch broadcasts power but not advanced pedaling metrics.
Can I see metrics on both Garmin and Peloton?
Yes. ANT+ broadcasts to multiple receivers. Your Garmin watch and Peloton screen can both display metrics simultaneously.
Does this work on both Peloton Bike and Bike+?
Yes. ANT+ broadcast works on both models. The Bike+ has an additional advantage: Garmin can control resistance via FE-C, enabling automatic ERG mode during Garmin workouts.
What's the range of the ANT+ signal?
Typically 3-5 meters (10-15 feet), which is plenty for a nearby watch or computer.
Will this work with GCM (Garmin Connect Mobile)?
Yes. After your ride, the activity syncs from your watch to the Garmin Connect app on your phone, then to Garmin's servers.
Can I use Garmin's structured workouts?
On Bike+: Yes! Connect your Garmin via FE-C (as a trainer), and Garmin can control your resistance automatically. Structured workouts execute just like on a smart trainer—Garmin sends target power, Bike+ adjusts resistance.
On Original Bike: You'd need to follow manually since the original Bike has no motorized resistance. View target power on Garmin while adjusting resistance yourself.
Unify Your Training Data
Your Garmin tracks your running, outdoor cycling, and other activities. Now your Peloton rides can join them.
FitSwitch provides: - ANT+ power broadcast — Accurate watts to Garmin - ANT+ cadence broadcast — RPM data - FE-C trainer profile — Connect as a smart trainer - Heart rate rebroadcast — If needed - Automatic connection — Sensors pair and stay paired - Bike+ resistance control — Garmin workouts control your bike via FE-C
Your complete fitness picture, including indoor rides.
Get FitSwitch — Connect your Peloton to Garmin.
Last updated: January 2025