Why some bikes connect and others don’t
RitmoSync only speaks standard Bluetooth FTMS. It does not implement the dozens of vendor-specific protocols that bridge apps like QZ reverse-engineer. A bike that “works with Zwift” may still fail here — here’s why, and what to try.
Quick decision table
| If your bike… | RitmoSync |
|---|---|
| Advertises BLE service 0x1826 (FTMS) and sends power | Usually works (beta — verify watts + cadence) |
| Uses proprietary BLE only (Peloton, many Echelon/NordicTrack) | Will not appear in the device picker |
| “Works with Zwift” via a QZ bridge | May not work without QZ running |
| Sends cadence only over FTMS (e.g. Schwinn IC4) | May connect but power zones stay empty |
| Needs ERG / auto resistance from the app | RitmoSync does not control resistance yet — adjust manually |
How RitmoSync connects
RitmoSync is intentionally narrow — closer to a power display + workout timer than a full simulation platform:
- Web Bluetooth requires the device to advertise the FTMS service (0x1826)
- Primary data comes from Indoor Bike Data notifications
- Optional fallbacks: CSC (cadence) and Cycling Power Service (watts) on the same connection
- No resistance control — structured workouts show zone targets; you change resistance on the bike
Partial FTMS spin bikes
Budget spin bikes often implement a minimal FTMS profile: cadence (and sometimes speed) for app-store listings, but no instantaneous power. Schwinn IC4 is a common US example — cadence works, watts may not.
Symptom: Connected, cadence moves, power stays blank → not a RitmoSync bug; the device doesn’t send watts on supported characteristics.
Troubleshooting checklist
Device never appears
- Use Chrome or Edge on desktop, or the Mac app — not Safari or iPhone
- Power on the trainer; pedal to wake it
- Quit Zwift, Wahoo, Garmin, and other apps using the trainer
- Remove OS-level Bluetooth pairing; connect only from RitmoSync
- Proprietary-only bikes (Peloton, most Echelon) won’t show — not supported natively
Connected but no power
- Check spec sheet for instantaneous power over FTMS, not just “app compatible”
- Update Tacx/Wahoo/Elite firmware — older units may lack FTMS
- Partial FTMS bikes need a true smart trainer or power meter pedals
Works in Zwift but not RitmoSync
- Confirm Zwift connects directly over Bluetooth FTMS, not through a bridge
- Quit Zwift completely before opening RitmoSync
- Pair only from inside RitmoSync, not macOS Bluetooth settings
Workout doesn’t change resistance
By design today — RitmoSync shows targets and timers but doesn’t write to the trainer control point. Adjust resistance manually to match your zone.
RitmoSync vs QZ vs Zwift
| Capability | RitmoSync | QZ | Zwift |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native FTMS read | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary bike protocols | No | Yes (40+ brands) | Some |
| Auto resistance / ERG | No | Many devices | Yes |
| Runs in browser | Yes | No | No |
| Local data / privacy | Core value | Varies | Cloud account |
Validate your trainer for free — pairing takes a few minutes in Chrome.
How to test FTMS compatibility Open web app