Quick Answer: FTMS (Fitness Machine Service) is a Bluetooth standard that allows fitness equipment to communicate with apps and devices. It's how smart trainers like Wahoo and Tacx connect to Zwift. Your Peloton doesn't support FTMS natively, but FitSwitch broadcasts FTMS directly—enabling your Peloton to work with any FTMS-compatible app or device. For apps running on the Peloton screen itself, the Bridge companion app reflects the signal back since the tablet can't receive its own broadcast.
Table of Contents
- Understanding FTMS
- Why FTMS Matters for Indoor Cycling
- Peloton and FTMS
- How FitSwitch Enables FTMS
- FAQ
Understanding FTMS
What is FTMS?
FTMS stands for Fitness Machine Service—a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol defined by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). It standardizes how fitness equipment communicates wirelessly.
Think of FTMS as a common language that fitness devices speak. When a treadmill, bike trainer, or rowing machine supports FTMS, any app supporting FTMS can connect to it.
FTMS Technical Overview
FTMS uses Bluetooth GATT (Generic Attribute Profile) with specific characteristics for fitness equipment:
Data Characteristics (Equipment → App): - Indoor Bike Data — Power, cadence, speed, distance - Treadmill Data — Speed, incline, distance - Rower Data — Stroke rate, power, distance - Heart Rate — BPM from connected monitors
Control Characteristics (App → Equipment): - Target Power — Set wattage for ERG mode - Target Resistance — Set resistance level - Target Incline — Set grade for simulation
FTMS vs ANT+ FE-C
Both protocols serve similar purposes but use different wireless technologies:
| Aspect | FTMS | ANT+ FE-C |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Tech | Bluetooth Low Energy | ANT+ |
| Phone Support | All smartphones | Android only (limited) |
| Device Support | Modern trainers | Established trainers |
| Power Usage | Very low | Very low |
| Range | ~10 meters | ~3-5 meters |
FTMS is becoming the dominant standard because Bluetooth is universal on smartphones and tablets.
Why FTMS Matters for Indoor Cycling
Universal App Compatibility
When your trainer supports FTMS, it works with: - Zwift — Virtual cycling worlds - TrainerRoad — Structured training - Rouvy — Real video routes - Sufferfest/SYSTM — Training programs - Most modern training apps — Growing FTMS adoption
You're not locked into one ecosystem.
Two-Way Communication
FTMS enables both: 1. Data broadcast — Send power, cadence to apps 2. Control reception — Receive resistance commands from apps
This two-way communication enables ERG mode—the app tells the trainer what power to target, and the trainer adjusts resistance automatically.
Standardization Benefits
Before FTMS, every manufacturer used proprietary protocols: - Wahoo had their own - Tacx had their own - Apps needed specific support for each
FTMS creates one standard. Support FTMS, work with everything.
Peloton and FTMS
The Problem
Peloton doesn't support FTMS. Their bike uses proprietary communication: - Data stays within the Peloton app - No FTMS broadcast of power/cadence - No FTMS control input for resistance
This means: - Zwift can't connect directly - TrainerRoad can't control your bike - Training apps don't see your Peloton
Why Peloton Skipped FTMS
Peloton built a closed ecosystem: 1. They want you using Peloton content 2. FTMS would enable competitors 3. No business incentive to add it
The hardware is capable—the software doesn't expose FTMS.
How FitSwitch Enables FTMS
FitSwitch adds FTMS capability to your Peloton through the FitSwitch Bridge companion app.
FitSwitch FTMS Broadcast
FitSwitch broadcasts FTMS directly via Bluetooth. External devices and apps can connect to your Peloton as if it were a standard smart trainer: - Training apps on phones and tablets see FitSwitch as an FTMS trainer - Computers running Zwift, TrainerRoad, etc. can connect directly - Any FTMS-compatible app or device works
The Bridge App: For Apps on the Peloton Tablet
There's a catch with apps running directly on the Peloton screen: the tablet can't receive its own Bluetooth broadcast. That's where the Bridge app comes in.
The Bridge app runs on your iPhone or Mac: - iOS 15.1+ (iPhone/iPad) - macOS 12.0+ (Apple M1 or later Mac) - Download from the App Store
How Bridge Works
- FitSwitch broadcasts FTMS with power, cadence, resistance data
- Bridge app on your phone receives the FTMS broadcast
- Bridge app reflects the data back as a new FTMS source
- Apps on the Peloton tablet (Zwift, TrainerRoad, etc.) connect to the Bridge's reflected signal
- Result: Apps running on your Peloton screen see it as a smart trainer
For control (ERG mode on Bike+): 1. Training app on Peloton sends target power via FTMS to Bridge 2. Bridge app relays the command to FitSwitch 3. FitSwitch adjusts Bike+ resistance 4. Loop continues for real-time control
Note: If you're running training apps on a separate device (phone, tablet, computer), you don't need Bridge—connect directly to FitSwitch's FTMS broadcast.
FTMS Capabilities via FitSwitch
Data Broadcast: - Power (watts) - Cadence (RPM) - Heart rate (from connected monitor)
Control Reception (Bike+ only): - Target power (ERG mode) - Resistance simulation (gradient feel)
Using FTMS with Training Apps
On the Peloton Screen (Bridge Required)
When running apps directly on your Peloton tablet:
Zwift: 1. Install Zwift from FitSwitch app store 2. Open FitSwitch Bridge on your phone 3. Launch Zwift on Peloton 4. Pair screen shows FTMS device (from Bridge) 5. Select for Power, Cadence, Controllable (Bike+) 6. Ride with full integration
TrainerRoad: 1. Install TrainerRoad from FitSwitch app store 2. Open FitSwitch Bridge 3. Launch TrainerRoad on Peloton 4. Devices screen shows FTMS trainer 5. Select for power source and control 6. ERG mode works automatically (Bike+)
Rouvy: 1. Install Rouvy from FitSwitch 2. Open FitSwitch Bridge 3. Launch Rouvy on Peloton 4. Sensors settings show FTMS 5. Connect for power and smart trainer 6. Feel the gradients on video routes (Bike+)
On External Devices (No Bridge Needed)
When running apps on a phone, tablet, or computer—connect directly to FitSwitch:
- Open your training app (Zwift, TrainerRoad, etc.)
- Go to device/sensor pairing
- Search for FTMS trainers
- Select FitSwitch
- Connect for power, cadence, and control (Bike+)
No Bridge app required—FitSwitch broadcasts FTMS directly to external devices.
FTMS Data Deep Dive
Indoor Bike Data Characteristic
FTMS Indoor Bike Data includes: - Instantaneous Power — Current watts - Instantaneous Cadence — Current RPM - Total Distance — Cumulative meters - Instantaneous Speed — If calculated - Heart Rate — If available
This data broadcasts continuously while riding.
Fitness Machine Control Point
For trainer control, FTMS uses the Control Point characteristic: - Set Target Power — ERG mode wattage - Set Target Resistance Level — Percentage 0-100% - Set Target Inclination — Gradient percentage - Start/Stop — Begin or end controlled session
FitSwitch receives these commands via Bridge and executes them on your Bike+.
FTMS Status Characteristic
Reports current state: - Fitness Machine Status — Running, paused, etc. - Training Status — In workout, idle - Supported Resistance Range — Min/max values
Frequently Asked Questions
Does FTMS work without the Bridge app?
It depends on where the app is running: - Apps on external devices (phone, tablet, computer): Yes! Connect directly to FitSwitch's FTMS broadcast—no Bridge needed. - Apps on the Peloton tablet itself: No. The Peloton can't receive its own Bluetooth broadcast, so Bridge reflects the signal back for apps like Zwift or TrainerRoad running on the Peloton screen.
Why use FTMS instead of ANT+?
Different use cases: - FTMS (Bluetooth): Works with phones, tablets, and apps on the Peloton screen. Universal compatibility. - ANT+ (including FE-C): Works with Garmin watches, Edge computers, and other ANT+ devices.
FitSwitch broadcasts both, so you choose based on your device. Training apps on the Peloton tablet use FTMS via Bridge. Garmin users can connect via ANT+ FE-C directly.
Do I need the Bridge app for the metrics overlay?
No. The metrics overlay and ANT+ broadcast work directly from FitSwitch. The Bridge app is specifically for FTMS communication with training apps.
Is FTMS the same as regular Bluetooth?
FTMS is a specific protocol that runs over Bluetooth Low Energy. Not all Bluetooth devices support FTMS—it's designed for fitness equipment.
What about ANT+ FE-C?
FitSwitch supports ANT+ FE-C as well! FE-C (Fitness Equipment Control) is the ANT+ equivalent of FTMS. Your Garmin watch or Edge computer can connect to FitSwitch via FE-C to receive power/cadence data. On the Bike+, Garmin devices can even control resistance through FE-C—enabling Garmin structured workouts with automatic resistance adjustment. See our Garmin connectivity guide for details.
Does FTMS work on the original Peloton Bike?
Data broadcast (power, cadence) works on both models. Control (ERG mode) requires the Bike+ with its motorized resistance.
How accurate is FTMS data?
It's the same data from Peloton's sensors—no degradation. The accuracy depends on Peloton's power meter (typically ±2-5%).
Can I use FTMS and ANT+ simultaneously?
Yes. FitSwitch broadcasts ANT+ continuously. The Bridge app adds FTMS for training apps. Both work together.
Does FTMS drain my phone battery?
Bluetooth Low Energy is designed for low power consumption. The Bridge app running during a workout has minimal battery impact.
What if the Bridge app disconnects?
The app is designed for stability. If it disconnects, simply reopen it and reconnect. Your Peloton continues working normally.
Standard Protocol, Universal Compatibility
FTMS is the modern standard for fitness equipment connectivity. Your Peloton doesn't support it natively, but FitSwitch changes that.
With FitSwitch: - Direct FTMS broadcast — Connect external devices and apps without Bridge - Bridge app for Peloton apps — Reflects signal for Zwift, TrainerRoad, etc. on the Peloton screen - FTMS control — ERG mode via training apps (Bike+) - ANT+ FE-C support — Garmin watches and computers can connect and control (Bike+) - Universal compatibility — Zwift, TrainerRoad, Rouvy, Garmin, and more
Join the FTMS ecosystem.
Get FitSwitch — FTMS connectivity for your Peloton.
Last updated: January 2025