For owners of Life Fitness IC6, IC7, or IC8 bikes looking to enhance their indoor cycling experience, connecting to platforms like Zwift opens up a world of virtual training and interactive fun. Understanding the compatibility of your Life Fitness Bike with Zwift is key to unlocking these features. This guide will walk you through how to determine if your console is compatible and explore various methods to connect your bike to Zwift.
Identifying Your Console: Is it Zwift Ready?
The first step in connecting your life fitness bike to Zwift is identifying the type of console on your bike. Life Fitness introduced a new generation console, the WattRate TFT Computer 2.0, on their 2020 models. This is crucial because this newer console is designed with open Bluetooth 5.0, making it readily compatible with a wide range of apps, including Zwift.
WattRate TFT Computer 2.0: Seamless Bluetooth Connectivity
If your life fitness bike is a 2020 model or newer, it likely features the WattRate TFT Computer 2.0. This console boasts Bluetooth 5.0 and ‘open’ connectivity. This means it can effortlessly pair with Zwift and other fitness applications, providing a smooth and integrated experience. You can typically identify this console by its more modern interface and features.
Older Consoles: Bluetooth Limitations and Upgrade Options
Models manufactured before 2020 come with earlier generation consoles. These consoles have Bluetooth capabilities, but they are often ‘locked’ and primarily intended for use with the Life Fitness ICG app. This limitation means direct Bluetooth connection to Zwift might not be possible with these older consoles out of the box.
However, there’s good news for owners of older life fitness bike models! Upgrading to the WattRate TFT Computer 2.0 console is often a viable option. According to Life Fitness tech support, the upgrade is possible if your bike has a power module version V59 or greater. You can check your power module version in the settings menu of your console. If compatible, you can purchase a retrofit kit (part number 320-00-00016-01) to equip your older life fitness bike with the latest console and unlock Zwift compatibility via Bluetooth.
Alternative Connection Methods for Older Life Fitness Bikes
Even if upgrading your console isn’t immediately feasible, there are alternative ways to connect your older life fitness bike to Zwift. These methods primarily involve leveraging ANT+ or Bluetooth bridge devices.
ANT+ Connectivity: A Universal Protocol
ANT+ is generally an ‘open’ protocol, even on older Life Fitness consoles. This means you can potentially tap into the ANT+ signal from your bike to transmit data to Zwift. For devices like PCs or Macs, this is relatively straightforward. You can use a USB to ANT+ dongle to receive the ANT+ signal and bridge it to Zwift.
However, for newer iOS devices with lightning connectors, utilizing ANT+ becomes more complex. It may require a combination of adapters that are becoming increasingly difficult to source. This approach, while technically possible, can be cumbersome and less reliable.
Bluetooth Bridge Devices: Bridging the Gap
A more practical solution for connecting older life fitness bikes to Zwift wirelessly is using a Bluetooth bridge device. These devices act as intermediaries, translating ANT+ signals from your bike into Bluetooth signals that Zwift can understand.
Two popular options for Bluetooth bridges are:
- NPE CABLE (Connect ANT+ to BLE): This device from North Pole Engineering is specifically designed to convert ANT+ to Bluetooth. It’s a cost-effective alternative to a full console upgrade and readily available.
- Viiiiva Heart Rate Monitor: Beyond being a heart rate monitor, the Viiiiva also includes an ANT+ to Bluetooth bridge feature. This 2-in-1 functionality can be a convenient solution if you also need a heart rate monitor.
These bridge devices offer a simpler way to connect your older life fitness bike to Zwift wirelessly, whether you’re using iOS, tvOS, PC, or Mac.
Connecting to Zwift Across Different Devices
With the right console or connectivity method, you can enjoy Zwift on a variety of devices:
- iOS and tvOS (Apple TV): Newer consoles with WattRate TFT Computer 2.0 connect directly via Bluetooth. Older consoles can connect via Bluetooth bridge devices like CABLE or Viiiiva.
- PC and Mac: Newer consoles connect via Bluetooth. Older consoles can connect via USB ANT+ dongle or Bluetooth bridge devices.
- Android: Some Android devices have built-in ANT+ receivers, potentially allowing direct ANT+ connection (though less common). Bluetooth connectivity via newer consoles or bridge devices is also an option.
By understanding your life fitness bike console type and exploring the connection methods outlined, you can successfully link your bike to Zwift and elevate your indoor cycling workouts. Whether you opt for a console upgrade or a Bluetooth bridge, the goal is to seamlessly integrate your life fitness bike into the immersive world of Zwift.
