With BODY BIKE® indoor cycling App version 1.6.3 or older, it is not possible to connect to your Apple Watch or any other SmartWatch as a live heart rate monitor. 

This is due to the different Bluetooth protocols. The BODY BIKE® indoor cycling App understands two protocols – cycling power 0x1818 and heart rate 0x180D. 

Cycling power 0x1818 is used between SMART+ and the BODY BIKE® indoor cycling App. 

Heart rate 0x180D is used between the heart rate monitor and the BODY BIKE® indoor cycling App.

As long as the watch does not transmit with the right protocol (0x180D) it cannot connect with the BODY BIKE® indoor cycling App.

The BODY BIKE indoor cycling app utilizes two protocols: cycling power (0x1818) and heart rate (0x180D).

Cycling Power 0x1818: This protocol enables the communication between the SMART+ bike and the BODY BIKE® indoor cycling app.

Heart Rate 0x180D: This protocol facilitates the connection between the heart rate monitor and the BODY BIKE® indoor cycling app.

If a heart rate monitor does not transmit using the correct protocol (0x180D), it cannot be connected to the BODY BIKE® indoor cycling app. Therefore, Apple Watches and other smartwatches, such as Garmin and Samsung watches, cannot directly connect to the app and cannot be used as heart rate monitors.

We recommend using a chest strap heart rate monitor or a wrist sensor to the app. Chest strap monitors provide more accurate and reliable heart rate data compared to wrist-based sensors.

Calculating the distance covered on a stationary bike might seem unusual, but it provides a rough estimate of how far you would have traveled if you were cycling outdoors.

In the BODY BIKE App, the distance is based on your cadence, meaning the faster you pedal, the more distance you cover. On the BODY BIKE App, however, the distance is proportional to your watt output.

The BODY BIKE App calculates calorie consumption based on your weight and watt measurement, providing a more accurate measure than heart rate, which can be affected by external factors like room temperature and caffeine.

In these systems, wattage is converted into oxygen consumption. Higher intensity workouts lead to greater oxygen use and more calories burned. This method is applicable to everyone, regardless of gender or age.

The formula used by BODY BIKE is validated by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the leading authority in sports medicine and exercise science.

An unbalanced watt output is common among the average rider, but there are steps you can take to improve it.

1. Check Your FTP (Functional Threshold Power):
   • Your FTP should match your performance level. If it’s set too low, you’ll experience a very sensitive intensity scale, which can cause watt output to fluctuate.
   • To fix this, go to your personal settings and update your information. You can also take the FTP 5-minute test in the BODY BIKE® Indoor Cycling App.
     
2. Focus on Technique:
   • Watt imbalances often occur because one leg is stronger than the other.
   • A useful exercise is to focus on applying equal force with both legs. While pushing with one leg, concentrate on pulling with the other.
   • Mastering this technique can lead to a more balanced watt output, though achieving a perfect balance is rare.
     
3. Check for Equipment Issues:
   • If you’re an experienced rider with a correct FTP but still notice frequent watt output jumps, it could be due to a worn brake pad.
   • Brake pads have an expected lifespan of about 1,500 hours.
   • Refer to our manuals or contact us at info@body-bike.com if the issue persists.

There are several ways to measure physical fitness. The BODY BIKE Indoor Cycling app offers a VO2 Max Test, a type of ramp test where power output increases every 2 minutes.

This test is not influenced by gender or age. Studies have shown that indoor cycling efficiency is relatively consistent across different demographics, meaning individuals producing the same power output will likely have similar oxygen consumption.

The test accuracy has been validated using specialized equipment to measure oxygen uptake. After completing the test, the BODY BIKE app will provide your relative VO2 max (oxygen consumption relative to weight) and FTP (Functional Threshold Power).

If you haven’t taken the VO2 Max Test but need an estimated FTP, the app can calculate it for you in the “Personal settings” or you can use the “Find your FTP” table to input an approximate value.

Relative VO2 max is a measure of your fitness level that takes into account your body weight. It’s calculated by adjusting your absolute VO2 max (the maximum amount of oxygen your body can consume) based on your body size. This provides a more accurate comparison of your fitness level to others, regardless of body weight.

How to measure relative VO2 max in the BODY BIKE app:

1. Open the app: Launch the BODY BIKE Indoor Cycling app.
2. Connect to your bike: Press “CONNECT TO DEVICES” and pedal to get a signal.
3. Start the test: Choose your bike, tap the menu in the upper right corner, select “VO2 MAX TEST,” and press “Start.”

For more information: You can download a table with average relative VO2 max values to compare your results.

A person’s FTP (Functional Threshold Power) value can be determined through various tests of different lengths. With the release of BODY BIKE® Indoor Cycling App version 1.5.3, a 5-minute FTP test is now available.

About the 5-Minute FTP Test:

• The test runs for 5 minutes and will automatically end when the time is up.
• After the test, your FTP value will be displayed on the screen.
• To apply your new FTP value, simply press the “Use FTP” button. This will update your Personal Settings with the new value.

Tips for Accurate Results:

• Warm-up properly before starting the test.
• Maintain the highest average watts possible by adjusting your cadence and/or resistance throughout the test.
• Pace yourself to ensure you can complete the full 5 minutes.

With BODY BIKE® Indoor Cycling App version 2.2.7, you can estimate your FTP (Functional Threshold Power) — the highest average power (in watts) you can sustain for an hour. 

How to Estimate Your FTP in the BODY BIKE APP:

1. Access Personal Settings
   • Open the BODY BIKE app and go to Personal settings.
2. Select the FTP Estimation Option
   • Ensure that “Estimate” appears next to “FTP” on the right-hand side of the screen.
   • If it doesn’t, tap the arrow, and select “Estimate” from the scroll menu. “Estimate” is located at the very top of the list.
3. Enter Required Information
   • Provide the following details to estimate your FTP:
     • Gender
     • Date of Birth
       (On Android, you can quickly select the year by tapping the year at the top left corner of the calendar window.)
     • Weight
     • Height
     • Cardio training per week
       (Examples: running, swimming, biking, treadmill, rowing machine, stair-master)
4. View Your FTP Estimate
   • Your estimated FTP will be displayed between the “FTP” and “Estimate” fields, scroll all the way to the top, and select Estimate.
5. Update Your FTP
   • If you’re satisfied with the estimate, click Use FTP to replace your old FTP with the new one.