OpenBikeControl Protocol Specification

Overview

OpenBikeControl is an open protocol for wireless input devices to control cycling trainer applications. It enables standardized communication between BLE controllers, apps, and the training app itself.

Motivation

Many cycling trainer apps support various actions that traditionally require:

• On-screen button clicks
• Keyboard input
• Proprietary BLE controllers

OpenBikeControl provides a unified, open protocol that:

• Easy to implement - Simple data format with minimal overhead
• Open standard - No licensing fees or proprietary restrictions
• Dual connectivity - Supports both BLE and network-based connections
• Already partially adopted - Similar technology as the existing "Direct Connect" implementations
• Apple-friendly - Does not rely on manufacturer data fields that cannot be emulated on iOS

Continue along at PROTOCOL.md.

Implementations

BikeControl

The OpenBikeControl protocol is already implemented into the BikeControl app, allowing the control of supported trainer apps, using a good amount of different input devices:

https://bikecontrol.app/

Several trainer apps are either currently implementing the protocol, or have expressed interest in doing so. More details to follow.