Cart is empty 
If you train indoor cycling regularly, you’re probably already using training apps, smart trainers, or connected stationary bikes. Even so, you may not be entirely clear on why some devices connect better than others, or why certain workouts feel more accurate and realistic than others. This is where Bluetooth FTMS technology comes into play—a standard that is transforming the way we train indoors. Understanding what it is and how it works can help you improve the quality of your sessions, make better use of your equipment, and make smarter decisions when choosing compatible devices to train more efficiently and with greater motivation. Let’s take a look!
What Is Bluetooth FTMS and Where Does It Come From
Bluetooth FTMS stands for Fitness Machine Service, an official Bluetooth standard profile designed specifically for fitness machines. Its goal is to unify the way training devices transmit and receive data such as power, cadence, speed, or resistance. Before its introduction, each manufacturer used proprietary protocols, which often led to compatibility issues between indoor bikes, trainers, and apps.
The emergence of Bluetooth FTMS has helped establish a common language that allows different brands to communicate with each other. This means that a compatible indoor bike can connect with multiple training platforms without the need for adapters or complex configurations. For users, this is a major advantage, as it reduces friction and provides a much smoother training experience.
Why Bluetooth FTMS Is Key in Modern Indoor Cycling
Indoor cycling has evolved toward increasingly structured, data-driven training. In this context, Bluetooth FTMS matters because it guarantees accuracy, stability, and bidirectional control. It doesn’t just send information from the bike or trainer to the app—it also allows the app to control the device, enhancing the rider’s experience while pedaling.
Thanks to Bluetooth FTMS, a training platform can automatically adjust resistance based on a virtual route profile or a programmed interval. This turns every session into a more immersive experience that closely mirrors outdoor training—something that is becoming increasingly important for athletes who want realistic workouts without leaving home. Without the FTMS standard, many of these advanced features would not be possible or would be limited to closed ecosystems.
What Data Does Bluetooth FTMS Transmit During Training
One of the greatest strengths of Bluetooth FTMS is the richness and consistency of the data it transmits. During an indoor cycling session, the standard allows key information such as power (in watts), pedaling cadence, speed, distance, and resistance level to be sent. All of this happens in real time and at a stable frequency.
In addition, Bluetooth FTMS defines how this data is structured, preventing misinterpretation by training apps. This results in more reliable metrics, which are essential for athletes who train by power zones or follow structured plans. Data consistency is especially important if you compare sessions over time or use multiple platforms.
Automatic Resistance Control and More Realistic Training
One of the most valued features of Bluetooth FTMS in the indoor cycling world is automatic resistance control. Thanks to bidirectional communication, the app can modify the device’s load without the user needing to intervene manually.
This is essential in modes such as ERG, where the bike adjusts resistance to maintain a target power output, or in virtual routes with changing gradients. The result is a more realistic, more demanding workout that is better aligned with your goals. Without Bluetooth FTMS, this level of automation would be far more limited or would rely on proprietary solutions.
Differences Between Bluetooth FTMS and Other Protocols
It’s important not to confuse Bluetooth FTMS with other systems such as ANT+, which is also common in indoor cycling.
While ANT+ has long been an excellent standard for connecting sensors and even controlling trainers (via the FE-C profile), the main advantage of Bluetooth FTMS lies in its direct connectivity with modern devices. Unlike ANT+, which often requires a USB adapter (dongle), Bluetooth FTMS communicates natively with smartphones, tablets, and computers, as these typically come with Bluetooth built in. This removes technical barriers and makes it easier for apps to control your bike’s resistance instantly and without extra accessories.
In many cases, modern devices include both protocols—as is the case with the stationary bikes you can find at ZYCLE—but Bluetooth FTMS is what enables deep integration with interactive applications.
At ZYCLE, we are always looking to innovate in order to transform your at-home training experience by providing total immersion. That’s why our smart indoor bikes feature ultra-stable and precise connectivity through both Bluetooth FTMS and ANT+. Our goal is clear: to give you everything you need to take your sessions to the next level.
How to Know If Your Bike or Trainer Is Compatible with Bluetooth FTMS
To take full advantage of Bluetooth FTMS, it’s essential that your equipment is compatible. This information is usually listed in the manufacturer’s technical specifications. If Bluetooth FTMS is explicitly mentioned, you can assume the device will communicate correctly with most current indoor cycling apps—just like the smart indoor bikes in our catalog.
In practice, you’ll notice the difference in ease of connection, signal stability, and access to advanced features. Choosing equipment with Bluetooth FTMS is a long-term investment, especially if your training depends on digital platforms.
The Future of Indoor Cycling Relies on Bluetooth FTMS
The growth of indoor cycling goes hand in hand with technology, and Bluetooth FTMS has become a fundamental pillar of this evolution. More and more manufacturers are adopting it as a base standard, driving innovation and improving the end-user experience.
As apps incorporate increasingly complex and realistic workouts, the need for a reliable and universal protocol becomes even greater. Bluetooth FTMS not only meets today’s demands but also lays the foundation for the future of connected indoor training. At ZYCLE, we like to stay ahead of the curve to offer you the best on the market and the most relevant innovations—helping you achieve the most realistic training experience possible.
