Ride Like a Pro: How to Calibrate Your Peloton Bike for Maximum Performance
Alex McRae- 18 Min To Read
- 07 Sep, 2023
How do you calibrate the peloton and bike plus? This is the problem that nearly every peloton cyclist faces. It is evident in the Facebook, reddit, and peloton community concerns raised by peloton users. Peloton doesn’t approve of calibration. This is one of the biggest challenges you will face when calibrating the peloton bike.
We have gathered some tips to help you calibrate the peloton bike.
Is Peloton Calibration Important?
Yes, calibration for Peloton is important. This helps you to get the right output from your bike.
However, if your bike is not calibrated correctly, you could find yourself working too hard, which could be detrimental to your health.
You may also find yourself spinning the Peloton flywheel while you should be climbing or taking a power zone class.
If your current output is affected your average and overall output will also be affected. The wrong calibration can also cause havoc in your workout history.
Peloton calibration also affects your position in the Leaderboard. You might find yourself high up in the Leaderboard with impressive results but not feeling the impact. It can also hinder your workout goals. A low Leaderboard position can make you feel discouraged and may even lead to you losing motivation to ride.
The FTP test is another option. The FTP test is another option. If you use the wrong calibrations, the test will give you the wrong results.
What Happens If I Don’t Calibrate My Peloton Bike?
If your bike is not calibrated correctly, you’ll end up with this:
- False output reading
- Exercising too much or not enough
- False calorie readings can lead to disappointment in the long-term, especially if they are at the higher end.
- The Leaderboard is in the wrong place
- FTP test results that were not correct resulted in unsuitable power zone rides
How to tell if the Peloton is not calibrated correctly?
A wrong calibration can cause your bike to be unbalanced.
It is also possible to tell if your calibration is incorrect by seeing a drop or rise in the Leaderboard position with no extra activity.
Most importantly, you will always feel when your calibration is wrong, especially if you have had your bike for some time. When the bike arrives, it should be well-calibrated. Actually, Peloton reports that the bikes are calibrated within 10% margins of each other, which means the calibration is
almost the same. Therefore, you will most likely get the right calibration output when you first ride on your bike. If, for instance, you move the bike and the resistance feels different at different levels than before, the calibration may have tampered.
You start feeling too much resistance when at, say, level 20 or minimal resistance at, say, level 70.
How do you test a peloton calibration?
Here are some tests that you can do if you feel your resistance isn’t right, but you aren’t sure.
- To check the resistance change on your screen, first rotate your resistance knob. If the calibration is incorrect, or if there are large or small changes, it will appear off.
- Next, rotate your resistance knob to far right until it stops moving. This should display on your screen as level 100. If it doesn’t, the calibration is not working correctly. If your resistance stops at 100 at extreme right rotation and at zero at extreme left rotation, then the calibration is fine.
- Retake the FTP test. It should not exceed previous results by large margins. If it is too high or too low, the calibration is incorrect.
- Consider a power zone class and determine your range in each power zone. If you reach zone 5, when you should be in 2, 3, or vice versa, it should ring a bell.
- Compare your output with the previous output. Check your previous output carefully. You should verify the calibration if the margins are not within the acceptable range.
- Comparing the output of the bike with another Peloton bike. For those who have a standard bike or a plus bike, you can compare the ride results.
Kits for calibrating Peloton
Peloton used include a calibration kit when it delivered its bikes. This is no longer true. To calibrate an original Peloton bicycle, you’ll need to contact Peloton to place an order.
These calibration kits don’t come with instructions. Peloton has also removed all previous instructions from the website. You can find all the steps required to calibrate your Peloton bike in this article.
Does Peloton Auto Calibrate?
The standard Peloton bike doesn’t auto-calibrate. The Peloton bike plus, however, has an auto resistance and allows for auto-calibration. It calibrates digitally so you don’t have to go through the mechanical calibration process.
How does Peloton bike plus auto-calibrate? Let’s take a quick look at the process.
- To access the Settings menu, click on the three dots located at the top of your bike and then click on Device Settings.
- Next, click on Home Installation. This will take you to a collosal Icon directing Start Calibration. Click on it to download firmware on your bike plus.
- Finally, the bike plus will recalibrate and give you a sigh of relief when it is done. Click on it and you can retest your bike resistance.
How to Calibrate Peloton Bike Plus?
The digital Peloton bike and resistance are both digital, fortunately. The recalibration of the Peloton bike plus resistance is digital, so it’s also digital. Here’s the procedure.
- To access the Settings menu, click on the three dots located at the top of the bike. Then click on Device Settings.
- Next, click on Home Installation. This will take you to a huge icon that directs Start Calibration. Click on it to download firmware on your bike plus.
- Finally, the bike plus will recalibrate and give you a sigh of relief when it is done. Click on it and you can retest your bike resistance.
How to calibrate Original Peloton Bike?
How to calibrate my Peloton Bike with a Calibration Tool?
First, I will walk you through the steps to calibrate your Peloton bike using the same steps that I used with my first bike. Then, I will show you how to use the tools and how the Peloton calibration videos doesn’t match what your bike might display on the screen. This should take between 15 and 20 minutes.
Here are the steps and guidelines to calibrate your Peloton bike.
Instructions for calibration on the screen
- Go to your bike’s home screen to access the calibration screen.
- Tap the three dots at the bottom of the screen.
- Look for About to see a new menu.
- Tap about.
- The screen will display details about the hardware of your bike.
- Tap on the upper corner of the smaller screen multiple times to reveal the Sensor Calibration screen.
- Tap “Get Started.”
- You will see a screen telling you to “Turn resistance know all the ways to the left, and then press calibrate.”
- After following the instructions, turn the knob and then tap the “calibrate” button on the screen.
- The screen next tells you that the minimum calibration has been reached.
- Tap the red button that says “Calibrate maximum resist”
- Follow the instructions on the next screen to move the resistance knob/brake all the way to your right until it stops turning.
- Tap the button in red that says “Calibrate.”
- Screen changes to read “Maximum resistance calibrated.”
- Click the red button that says “Done”.
- Next screen will show you how to calibrate the output curve.
Instructions for calibrating the tools
First, remove the “wedge” calibration tool from the flywheel. It is located between the second magnet and the third magnet. To get the wedge inside, you may need to take out the water bottle holder.
Next, turn the resistance knob until your wedge is between the magnets. You can still remove it. You may need to go back and forth a lot, sort of like Goldilocks. This means that you will be turning the resistance knob/brake so that the wedge doesn’t get too tight or too loose between the magnets, but just right.
Once you have reached the “just right”, you can take the flywheel off. You can leave the resistance knob where it is.
Set the calibration tools aside for now
Here’s where I differ from the Peloton Calibration videos. This video recommends that you use the second set, which is two C-shaped discs.
To calibrate the discs, you need to place them under the brake or resistance knob. The discs kept sliding out of my hands, and I was unsure what their purpose was.
Here’s how I calibrated my bike without the use of calibration tools.
Final calibration
You will return to the calibration screen from here to complete the process. You will need to turn the resistance knob 31 times, one-quarter turn each time until your bike is calibrated.
Instead of using the discs, I used each 1/4 turn the “P” part of the Peloton. Although it’s not perfect, it provides a better visual than discs. That’s at least my opinion.
Calibration screen
Now, go back to the calibration screen. To turn, tap the red button that reads Next.
The screen will display 31 dots. You will first turn the knob one quarter turn. Next, tap the red button “Set”. The first clear dot will then turn red. The knob will then turn a quarter turn. Tape the red button “Set”. The second dot will become red. Continue this process until all dots are red.
After you have tapped the “Set” button once more, you will see a confirmation screen saying “Calibration Complete.”
Resetting your bike
Resetting the bike is the final step in calibrating a Peloton bicycle. Clearing the bike’s cache and data is necessary.
These are the steps to follow to clear your cache and data. Don’t worry-you won’t wipe out your workout history.
- Return to the Peloton homescreen.
- Tap the three dots at the bottom of your screen.
- Go to device settings.
- To open apps, search for them and tap “Apps”.
- Scroll down until you reach the app that says “Peloton.” Click on it to open.
- Tap to open and search for storage.
- The “Clear Data” and “Clear Cache” buttons will appear. Tap either to clear the cache or wipe out data.
- Most likely, you’ll get a warning message. Tap “OK”. You will _not_lose all your ride data.
- Once data and cache have been cleared, turn off your bike.
- After the bike has been turned off, disconnect the plug from the back and wait for 30 seconds before you reconnect the bike.
For significant resistance changes, remember to rotate the resistance knob one quarter turn at a stretch.
After bike calibration, test your new Peloton resistance levels
After you have calibrated your Peloton bike you can test your resistance levels. You should feel the bike “better”. If it was too difficult to ride, or if it felt too easy, then it could be easier.
My original bike may have been a little harder to adjust because I did so by recalibrating it to feel more like my Bike Plus. After retaking the FTP test, I got a score of 106. It was 164 before my move and my bike seemed out of control. It was then that I recalibrated it, finding it, in retrospect to be too easy. My FTP was 279 when I tested it again on October 18, 2020.
My FTP dropped 35 percent from 279 to 106, according to mPaceline. You know what? That’s okay with me. This feels more like an honest reflection of how I feel about my fitness.
How to Calibrate my Peloton Bike Without Tool?
You can calibrate the Peloton bike using masking tapes, a piece of wood, or a ruler. You can then use either one or both of your DIY tools to calibrate the Peloton bike.
Peloton - Calibrating Without Discs
Two disks are required for the calibration of the Peloton bike. One is a fixed disk that goes to bottom of resistance knob, and the other is a smaller movable disk that sits on top of the larger disc. You can substitute these discs with two masking tapes. You can use different colors, or the same tape horizontally and vertically for larger discs.
Once the masks are in place, mark the four sides with a visible marker pen. This will help you identify the position for the resistance knob.
Calibrating the Peloton Bike without a Wedge
The calibration wedge sits on the bike’s flywheel during Peloton bike calibration. Without the wedge, you can consider a flat piece of wood, metal, or ruler. Next, mark it at a point of 1 ¾ inch. Then, rotate the resistance knob to the left to ease the magnets on the flywheel. Finally, put the piece you have into the first set of magnets on the flywheel, ensuring that the marked length fits into the space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Peloton bike calibration mean?
Peloton bike calibration refers the numbers that are displayed on Peloton when the resistance knob is turned. Distance between the flywheel’s magnetic brackets (numbers 1 through 100) and the resistance knob (numbers 1 through 100). It is an important aspect of a Peloton ride.
Are All Peloton Bikes Calibrated the Same?
Fortunately, Peloton confirms that all bikes are calibrated within the same margin, with a maximum difference of 10%. So, if you have two bikes, you will quickly tell if one has the wrong calibration setting. You can also try a bike at a Peloton display shop to confirm or let go of your fears.
How Often Should You Calibrate Your Peloton?
The Peloton bike is pre-calibrated so you won’t need to calibrate it. You may need to recalibrate the bike if it is moved or subjected to shock.
If the output or impact on you body suddenly feels too different, calibrating the bike is the best option. To confirm that the calibration is required, you can perform the tests described above.
Answering the question, you don’t necessarily have to calibrate the bike again. However, it is possible to calibrate it as many times each time your calibration changes.
Does the Peloton recommend calibration?
Peloton doesn’t recommend calibration. Peloton recommends members contact customer service at Peloton if their bike calibrations need attention or resetting is possible. Source
Does the Peloton give calibration instructions?
Peloton doesn’t provide any calibration instructions. Peloton took down a video showing the process a few years back. Peloton reported in an article about calibration that users calibrate their bikes more accurately when they do so independently. Peloton recommends that customers contact customer service if they have any problems with their bike calibrations.
What is the peloton calibration kit?
A Peloton calibration set is a set that includes two discs and one wedge. It can be used for resistance calibration.
Does the peloton bike come with calibration tools?
The calibration tools are included with the Peloton bike. You don’t need to order them separately. Instead, refer to your Peloton bike maintenance kit where you will find a few discs and a wedge. The Allen wrench will also be needed from your Peloton maintenance kit.
How much do the peloton calibration tools cost?
Peloton calibration tools come free of charge and will be delivered with your bike. If you choose to have Peloton support, it will be free for your first year and during your extended warranty period. Peloton expertise is required if you don’t have either warranty and are in need of it. A bike recalibration will cost around $100.
What is a calibration wedge on a peloton?
The calibration wedge is the main calibration tool for the Peloton bike. During recalibration, it sits between the magnetic resistance brackets on the bike’s flywheel.
How long does peloton calibration take?
Calibration can be time-consuming due to the care required. If the calibration doesn’t work out, you may have to do it again. Give yourself at least 20 minutes to calibrate and another 10 for testing. It will take you approximately 30 minutes.
How to calibrate peloton bike for higher output?
These methods will decrease your output by increasing resistance. What if your flywheel is too tight? You will need to adjust the wedge on your flywheel in this instance. You can loosen the grip by loosening it slightly during resistance adjustment. The output will therefore be higher.
Can the Peloton Bike be Wrongly Calibrated?
The calibration should be correct if the Peloton bike has just been purchased. The calibration of second-hand bikes or bikes that have been moved can be incorrect. Recalibration is necessary. It is possible to calibrate the bike.
Are Peloton bikes calibrated?
Peloton recommends that all bikes arrive properly calibrated at their destination. As my story illustrates, it is possible for the calibration to get out of control if you move a Peloton. It could be that the flywheel was knocked off or another reason.
The Bike Plus is auto calibrated. The person who delivered our Peloton Bike Plus to me actually showed me how to calibrate it from the touch screen. The Bike Plus’s auto follow feature for resistance means that you don’t need to use a Peloton calibration device to correct it. That is what I love.
The Bike Plus is the best option if you don’t want to manually calibrate your Peloton. We love ours.
This link will take you to the Bike Plus at a $500 discount. You’ll also get free delivery and set up
When is the best time to calibrate my Peloton bicycle?
If your bike becomes difficult to ride like mine after the 2018 move, you might consider recalibrating it. Recalibrate your bike if it seems too easy and you are not getting the same benefits.
If your goal is to calibrate the Peloton bikes in order to achieve a higher output and beat all other riders, then you’re free to do so. When I found myself consistently in the top 10% of riders, it was obvious that something was wrong. I have been riding for almost five years but I am not as fit as Matt Wilpers.
How can you calibrate the Peloton Bike Plus
The Peloton Bike Plus features auto-follow resistance for calibration, making it much simpler than the original Bike. You simply need to go into the settings menu and find the calibration area. Then, tap the screen. The bike will do the rest.
How do I tune up a Peloton bicycle?
You don’t have to calibrate your Peloton bike every time you tune it up. Other things, like tightening your pedals and keeping your bike clean, are important. This blog article on Peloton bike maintenance will answer all your questions.
Overview
Peloton Resistance Levels and Calibration
I conducted an experiment before I made the decision to calibrate my original cycle. As I pedaled on the Bike Plus, I recorded video of my screen. I tried different resistance levels and cadence. I wanted to capture the output levels to compare them with the original bike.
Then, I did the same experiment with the original bike-pre-recalibrating. I tried different resistance levels on the bike and pedaled at different speeds. I also recorded the screen. Next, I compared the outputs.
It is not the output that has an impact on calibration
This was my mind-blowing moment. My belief was that a bike not calibrated correctly would result in a poor output. You know, there are many people who calibrate their Peloton bikes to get higher output. They do this to be at the top of their leaderboard.
It’s not resistance compared to cadence or the resulting output that is important. It’s the _feeling_when you pedal at 80 cadence or 40 resistance that matters.
Combination of resistance and cadence
Before I calibrated my bike, I was able to warm up on a Power Zone ride at 80 cadence and 40 resistance. It was not much. On the Bike Plus, however, I was unable to pedal at any higher than 25-30 resistance during a Power Zone ride.
You might be searching for a chart or guide to tell you if your calibration is wrong. Let me tell you, regardless of your calibration, your bike will reach certain outputs. This is also true when you are at different resistance and cadence levels. Even a bike with calibration issues will have similar outputs. It’s how easy or difficult the bike is to ride that will make the difference.
Output is based on resistance and cadence
A chart that provided output numbers based upon resistance and cadence at 80 and 100 RPMs was found online. It’s below that I have recreated.
Bottom Line
Output shouldn’t be a factor when calibrating a Peloton bicycle. I’ve said this before. It should be how the bike feels to ride.
Your ego will not be satisfied if you make your bike more intuitive to use so that it is easier to ride, so you can top the leaderboard. You are proving yourself if you can do 100 cadence at 100 resistance. You are the most macho?
However, if you find that jacking your bike to be number one on the leaderboard gives you motivation to ride every day, then you might want to do the same. According to the Peloton instructors, you do it.
Finally, Here is a link for the Peloton calibration support page . If you need to order calibration tools for your bike, contact Peloton.
How do I calibrate my peloton bike? You just need to send a message to customer service to let them know the issue with your bike. The good news? If you have the Peloton warranty, or the extended warranty, the recalibration process is free and professional.
You can also calibrate the bike yourself. The bike comes with the calibration tools upon delivery. To avoid errors in calibration, all you have to do is follow the calibration process exactly.
