GUIDE · FIT FILES
FIT files: what they are and how to bring your bike rides into another tool
A FIT file is the format many bike computers and sports watches use to save a ride. It holds the data of every moment of the activity and is the most complete way to bring your rides into another tool.
Pedalytics is in preparation and cannot be downloaded or used yet. This guide explains the approach it is being built around. Meet Pedalytics
What a FIT file is
FIT (Flexible and Interoperable Data Transfer) is a binary file format developed by Garmin to record sports activities. Many bike computers, watches and platforms use it, which is why your rides often exist as files with a .fit extension.
What data it contains
- Time and GPS position throughout the ride.
- Elevation, from which climbing is derived.
- Speed.
- Power, heart rate and cadence, if you carried the matching sensors.
- Laps and an activity summary.
Which fields a file includes depends on the device and the sensors you used.
FIT versus GPX
GPX is an open, text-based format designed mainly for routes and waypoints. It can carry extra data, but a FIT usually preserves more of the ride's sensor information, such as power or cadence.
How to get the file of a ride
On many bike computers, when you connect them to a computer over USB, the activity files appear in a folder on the device itself. Some platforms also let you download the original file of each activity. The exact steps depend on your device.
What Pedalytics does with a FIT
Pedalytics, still in preparation, imports rides from your bike computer's file. Once imported, the ride is assigned to a bike setup and becomes part of wear tracking. If the file has no sensor, the app shows it as missing data instead of inventing it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Strava if I have FIT files?
No. FIT files are an independent route: you can import your rides without connecting Strava.
What if my file has no power data?
You can still import it. Pedalytics shows which data each ride has and which is missing, and works with what is there.
Is FIT the same as GPX?
No. GPX is an open text format designed mainly for routes; FIT is a binary format that usually preserves more sensor data.