Peloton Bike Resistance Conversion

The concept of “Peloton Bike Resistance Conversion” refers to the process of understanding and translating the resistance levels displayed on your Peloton bike to a different scale, often for comparison with other indoor cycling bikes or to follow non-Peloton guided workouts.

While Peloton’s digital resistance scale from 0 to 100 is intuitive for its users, it doesn’t directly correlate to a standardized measurement like watts or even a universal ‘gear’ system found on many road bikes.

Essentially, it’s about making sense of Peloton’s proprietary resistance metric in a broader fitness context, allowing riders to adapt various training protocols or simply understand their effort in more universal terms.

This becomes particularly useful for those transitioning from other cycling platforms, participating in virtual races, or leveraging third-party training applications that might reference resistance in a different manner. Simpson 3300 Psi Pressure Washer Reviews

The goal is often to approximate a consistent effort level, regardless of the specific bike’s display.

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Here’s a breakdown of products that can aid in enhancing your Peloton experience, particularly as it relates to tracking and understanding your output, which is intrinsically linked to resistance:

• Garmin HRM-Dual Heart Rate Monitor

  

  • Key Features: Dual transmission ANT+ and Bluetooth Low Energy, comfortable strap, accurate heart rate data.
  • Average Price: $69.99
  • Pros: Connects easily to Peloton and other fitness apps, provides crucial data for training zones, long battery life.
  • Cons: Can be less comfortable for some users compared to optical sensors, requires chest strap.

• Wahoo TICKR X Heart Rate Monitor Paslode Framing Nailer Review

  • Key Features: Dual band ANT+ and Bluetooth, stores up to 50 hours of workout data, running dynamics.
  • Average Price: $79.99
  • Pros: Versatile for multi-sport use, reliable data, tap-to-pair technology.
  • Cons: Higher price point than basic HRM-Dual, running dynamics features aren’t directly relevant to indoor cycling.

• Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor

  • Key Features: Pro strap for enhanced accuracy, dual Bluetooth connections, ANT+ compatible, internal memory for one training session.
  • Average Price: $92.95
  • Pros: Considered one of the most accurate HRMs, excellent connectivity, durable.
  • Cons: Premium price, strap can be finicky for some users.

• Apple Watch SE GPS

  • Key Features: Optical heart sensor, activity tracking, water resistant, large Retina display.
  • Average Price: $249.00
  • Pros: Integrates seamlessly with Apple Health and Peloton App, versatile for daily use, convenient wrist-based HR.
  • Cons: Battery life requires daily charging, optical HR can be less accurate than chest straps during intense activity.

• Scosche Rhythm+ 2.0 Armband Heart Rate Monitor

  • Key Features: Optical sensor worn on forearm, ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart, 24-hour battery life.
  • Average Price: $89.99
  • Pros: More comfortable than a chest strap for many, highly accurate for an optical sensor, easy to put on/take off.
  • Cons: Higher cost than basic chest straps, needs to be charged.

• Indoor Cycling Pedal Conversion Kit

  • Key Features: Allows riders to use SPD or Look Keo cleats on their Peloton bike. Often includes new pedals and necessary tools.
  • Average Price: $40-$80 depending on brand/type
  • Pros: Enables use of preferred cycling shoes/cleats, can be more comfortable for some, widely available.
  • Cons: Requires a mechanical swap, not all pedals are compatible with all shoes without specific cleats.

• Tablet Mount for Exercise Bike Sole E95 Weight

  • Key Features: Adjustable clamp, secure grip, universal compatibility with various tablet sizes.
  • Average Price: $20-$40
  • Pros: Allows multi-tasking or following third-party workouts alongside Peloton, enhances entertainment options, easy installation.
  • Cons: Can sometimes obstruct the Peloton screen, some mounts may vibrate during intense rides.

The Nuance of Peloton’s Resistance Scale

Peloton’s resistance scale, from 0 to 100, is a proprietary measure, meaning it’s unique to their bikes and doesn’t directly translate to universally accepted units like watts or even a specific gear ratio. This is a crucial point many new users grapple with, especially those coming from outdoor cycling or other indoor bike brands. Think of it less as a scientific measurement and more as a relative effort indicator within the Peloton ecosystem. A “resistance of 40” on a Peloton isn’t the same as “40 units” on another bike.

What’s really happening under the hood? The Peloton bike uses a magnetic resistance system.

As you increase the resistance dial, magnets move closer to the flywheel, creating more drag.

The numbers 0-100 correspond to specific physical positions of these magnets.

While 0 is essentially no resistance flywheel spins freely, 100 is maximum resistance, making the pedals incredibly difficult to turn. Captain America Weights

One of the biggest benefits of this integrated system is consistency within the Peloton platform. When a Peloton instructor calls out a resistance range like “30-40,” every rider on a Peloton Bike original or Bike+ is aiming for the same relative effort, assuming their bike is calibrated correctly. This fosters a sense of community and ensures everyone is working towards similar targets within the same class. However, this internal consistency is also where the “conversion” challenge arises when trying to look externally.

Why Conversion Matters: Beyond the Peloton Bubble

While Peloton’s ecosystem is fantastic for its intended purpose, there are several compelling reasons why a rider might want to understand resistance conversion:

• Following Non-Peloton Workouts: Many cycling training plans, apps like Zwift or TrainerRoad, or even general fitness articles will refer to resistance in terms of wattage, gears, or a perceived effort scale RPE that doesn’t directly map to Peloton’s 0-100. If you want to follow a “FTP builder” workout from a third-party, knowing how to approximate “Zone 3 power” on your Peloton is vital.
• Comparing Performance Across Bikes: If you also ride an outdoor bike with a power meter or use another indoor trainer, you’ll want to compare your output. A Peloton’s output in watts is derived from its resistance and cadence, but understanding how that resistance feels in comparison to another setup is key for consistent training.
• Understanding Perceived Exertion RPE: While RPE is subjective, converting Peloton’s arbitrary numbers to a more universal understanding of effort helps build an internal sense of how hard you’re working. A resistance of 50 might feel like a 7/10 RPE for one person, but a 9/10 for another. Linking this to a more standardized measure can improve self-coaching.
• Bike Calibration and Consistency: Over time, a bike’s calibration can drift. Knowing how a certain resistance should feel, or comparing it to known benchmarks, can help you identify if your bike needs re-calibrating to ensure accurate power output readings. This is critical for consistent training progression.

Approximating Resistance: Methods and Metrics

Since there’s no single, universally accepted conversion chart for Peloton resistance to other metrics because it’s non-linear and depends on individual bike calibration, the process is largely about approximation and understanding the underlying principles.

1. Perceived Exertion RPE

This is the most accessible and often the most practical method.

RPE is a subjective scale from 0 to 10 or 6 to 20 on the Borg Scale that describes how hard you feel you’re working. Used Mattress Prices

• How to Use It:
  • Light Effort RPE 1-3: Easy spinning, conversation is effortless. On Peloton, this might correspond to 20-30 resistance, depending on cadence.
  • Moderate Effort RPE 4-6: You can talk, but it’s becoming harder. Breathing is heavier. Peloton resistance 30-50.
  • Hard Effort RPE 7-8: Conversation is difficult, you can only speak in short sentences. Peloton resistance 50-70.
  • Very Hard Effort RPE 9-10: All-out effort, gasping for breath, can only make single words. Peloton resistance 70+.
• Pros: Requires no additional equipment, highly adaptable to individual fitness levels, great for learning your body.
• Cons: Subjective, can vary day-to-day based on fatigue or stress.

2. Power Output Watts

Peloton bikes display power output in watts, which is a standardized and objective measure of work done. This is the gold standard for cycling training.

Power is calculated from your cadence RPM and resistance.

• Understanding the Formula: Watts = Cadence x Resistance constant + Offset. The “resistance constant” and “offset” are proprietary to Peloton and vary slightly between Bike and Bike+.
• Why it’s useful for conversion: If a workout calls for “200 watts,” you can adjust your Peloton resistance and cadence until your bike’s display shows 200 watts. This is the most accurate “conversion” you can achieve within the Peloton system.
• Pros: Objective, repeatable, allows for direct comparison with outdoor power meters and other smart trainers.
• Cons: Still relies on Peloton’s internal calibration, might not perfectly match an external power meter’s reading.

3. Cadence and Resistance Combinations

Peloton instructors often provide ranges for both resistance and cadence RPMs. This combination directly impacts your power output.

• Example: An instructor might call for “Resistance 40-50, Cadence 80-100 RPM.” This combination is designed to put you in a specific power zone.
• For Conversion: If a non-Peloton workout suggests a certain gear and cadence, you can experiment on your Peloton to find a resistance level that feels similar and produces a comparable power output for that cadence. This is more art than science, requiring trial and error.

4. Heart Rate Zones

While heart rate is a response to effort, not a direct measure of it, training within specific heart rate zones is a common way to quantify workout intensity.

• How to Use It: Determine your maximum heart rate MHR and calculate your training zones e.g., Zone 2 for endurance, Zone 4 for threshold. When a workout calls for a specific effort, adjust your Peloton resistance and cadence until your heart rate falls within the target zone.
• Pros: Useful for guiding overall effort, readily available with a heart rate monitor.
• Cons: Affected by external factors sleep, stress, caffeine, heart rate lags effort, can vary significantly between individuals.

The key takeaway here is that “conversion” isn’t a direct one-to-one mapping. The Best Side Hustle

Instead, it’s about using a combination of these metrics and your own perceived effort to approximate target intensities on your Peloton bike.

Tools and Tech for Enhanced Resistance Management

While your Peloton bike is a powerhouse on its own, several external tools and technologies can significantly enhance your ability to understand, manage, and even “convert” your resistance efforts into a more universal training language. Think of these as your performance multipliers.

• Heart Rate Monitors HRMs:

  • Why they help: HRMs provide objective data on your physiological response to effort. While resistance and power are what you’re doing, heart rate is how your body is reacting. Training in specific heart rate zones e.g., Zone 2 for endurance, Zone 4 for threshold is a cornerstone of many cycling training plans. Connecting an HRM to your Peloton or a third-party app allows you to ensure you’re hitting those physiological targets, regardless of the precise Peloton resistance number.
  • Types: Chest straps like the Garmin HRM-Dual Heart Rate Monitor or Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor are generally considered the most accurate. Armband optical sensors Scosche Rhythm+ 2.0 Armband Heart Rate Monitor offer great comfort with good accuracy. Wrist-based sensors like the Apple Watch SE GPS are convenient but can sometimes be less accurate during high-intensity, vibrating activities.
  • Connectivity: Ensure your HRM supports Bluetooth Smart BLE for connecting to your Peloton or ANT+ for broader compatibility with other cycling computers/apps.

• External Power Meters Advanced:

  • Why they help: While your Peloton calculates power, an external power meter e.g., pedal-based or crank-based provides an independent, highly accurate measurement. This is the ultimate “conversion” tool as it gives you a true, standardized wattage reading. If you’re serious about structured training and want to ensure consistency between your Peloton and an outdoor bike, this is the way to go.
  • Considerations: This is a significant investment and requires replacing your Peloton pedals with power meter pedals Indoor Cycling Pedal Conversion Kit might be needed for compatibility. The Peloton screen won’t display the external power, so you’d need a separate bike computer or app to view this data.

• Third-Party Cycling Apps e.g., Zwift, TrainerRoad, Sufferfest: Duvet Comforter Difference

  • Why they help: These apps provide structured workouts that often prescribe power targets watts or intensity zones. While Peloton’s screen runs its own ecosystem, you can run these apps on a separate tablet or monitor.
  • Using for Conversion: You’d use your Peloton’s output watts as displayed on its screen and adjust your resistance and cadence to match the targets in the external app. This requires a bit of multitasking but allows you to leverage a vast library of training content.
  • Enhancement: A Tablet Mount for Exercise Bike can make using a separate tablet much more ergonomic.

• Bike Computer/Head Unit e.g., Garmin Edge, Wahoo ELEMNT:

  • Why they help: These devices can connect to your HRM and an external power meter if you have one to display and record your data in real-time. They offer advanced metrics and can sync with training platforms.
  • For Peloton: Primarily useful if you’re using an external power meter on your Peloton, or if you prefer a separate display for your HR and other metrics while following a Peloton class.

Integrating these tools allows you to move beyond simply following the Peloton resistance numbers and start training with a more universal understanding of effort, intensity, and power.

This is particularly beneficial for athletes aiming for specific performance gains or those who train across multiple platforms.

Calibration: The Foundation of Accurate Resistance and Power

Understanding Peloton resistance conversion is meaningless if your bike isn’t calibrated correctly.

Think of calibration as setting the baseline for your bike’s resistance dial. Framing Gun

If your bike is out of calibration, a “resistance of 50” on your bike might feel like “40” or “60” on another, leading to inconsistent power output readings and skewed training efforts.

What is Calibration?

Peloton bikes, both the original Bike and the Bike+, use a magnetic resistance system.

The resistance knob controls the distance of magnets from the flywheel.

Calibration ensures that the physical position of the magnets corresponds accurately to the resistance number displayed on the screen.

Over time, due to wear and tear, manufacturing tolerances, or even changes in temperature, this correlation can drift. Best Quality Travel Suitcase

Signs Your Peloton Might Need Calibration:

• Inconsistent Output: You feel like you’re putting in the same effort as a previous ride, but your power output watts is significantly different at the same resistance and cadence.
• “Easy” or “Hard” Numbers: Your resistance numbers feel unusually easy or hard compared to what instructors call out, or compared to other Peloton bikes you’ve ridden e.g., at a gym or friend’s house.
• Power Discrepancy: If you’re using an external power meter as discussed earlier and notice a significant, consistent discrepancy between its readings and your Peloton’s displayed watts.
• Sudden Drop/Increase in PRs: If your Personal Records PRs suddenly plummet or skyrocket without a corresponding change in your fitness, it could be a sign of calibration issues.

The Calibration Process:

For the original Peloton Bike, calibration typically involves a manual adjustment using a specific tool and following Peloton’s instructions.

This often requires contacting Peloton support to walk you through the process or to schedule a service visit.

It usually involves adjusting a screw or bolt that affects the magnet’s position relative to the flywheel.

For the Peloton Bike+, calibration is often simpler, leveraging its automatic resistance feature.

However, if issues persist, similar manual adjustments might still be necessary or a service visit might be required. Rogue Fitness Website

Importance for Conversion:

Without proper calibration, any attempt at “resistance conversion” becomes inherently flawed.

If your 50 resistance point is actually behaving like a 40, then your calculated power output will be lower than your true effort, making it impossible to accurately compare your performance or follow wattage-based training plans from external sources.

Regular checks and, if necessary, re-calibration ensure that your Peloton’s internal metrics are as accurate as possible, providing a reliable foundation for all your training, whether within the Peloton ecosystem or when trying to bridge to other cycling formats.

Practical Strategies for Cross-Platform Training

You’ve got your Peloton, you understand the nuances of its resistance, and maybe you’ve even invested in some helpful tech. Now, how do you actually use this knowledge to train effectively across different platforms or integrate non-Peloton workouts? This is where the rubber meets the road.

1. Establish Your Baseline Power Zones on Peloton:

• Do an FTP Test: If you haven’t already, take a Peloton FTP Functional Threshold Power test. This 20-minute test will give you a benchmark wattage that can be used to calculate your personalized power zones. Peloton classes often display these zones in real-time.
• Record Resistance/Cadence for Zones: Once you know your FTP, ride in each of your power zones e.g., Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4 on your Peloton. For each zone, note the approximate resistance and cadence combination that keeps you within that zone.
  • Example: For you, Zone 2 might be 120-150 watts. You might find that a resistance of 35-40 at 80-90 RPM consistently puts you in that range. Jot these down.

2. Utilize Perceived Exertion RPE as Your Guide:

• The Bridge: RPE is your best friend when translating efforts. If a non-Peloton workout calls for a “moderate pace” or “tempo effort,” think about what RPE that corresponds to e.g., 6-7/10.
• Apply to Peloton: Then, on your Peloton, adjust your resistance and cadence until you hit that RPE. You can cross-reference with your established Peloton power zones if you like, but sometimes RPE is enough.
• Example: A non-Peloton workout says “10 minutes at Zone 3.” You know your Zone 3 RPE is an 8/10. Adjust your Peloton until you feel that 8/10 effort.

3. Leverage External Apps for Structured Workouts:

• Dual Screen Setup: Use a Tablet Mount for Exercise Bike or simply place a laptop nearby. Run your chosen external training app e.g., TrainerRoad, Zwift, The Sufferfest on that screen.
• Manual Adjustment: As the external app dictates power targets e.g., “target 220 watts”, look at your Peloton’s power output display and manually adjust your resistance and cadence to hit that number. This requires active participation but gives you full control.
• Heart Rate as a Check: If your external app also uses heart rate zones, use your connected HRM Garmin HRM-Dual Heart Rate Monitor or Wahoo TICKR X Heart Rate Monitor as a secondary check to ensure you’re in the right physiological zone.

4. The “Feel” Method for Road Bike Simulation:

• Gear Analogy: If you’re trying to simulate riding outdoors in a certain gear, experiment with different resistance levels on your Peloton.
  • Light Gears/Flat Roads: Low resistance 20-35 with high cadence 90-110 RPM.
  • Medium Gears/Rolling Hills: Moderate resistance 35-55 with moderate cadence 75-90 RPM.
  • Heavy Gears/Steep Climbs: High resistance 55+ with lower cadence 60-75 RPM.
• Focus on Smoothness: The goal isn’t an exact match, but to replicate the feel of different terrains and gear combinations.

5. Data Tracking and Review:

• Peloton’s Metrics: Utilize Peloton’s workout history to review your average power, cadence, and resistance for each ride.
• Export Data: You can often export your Peloton ride data to third-party platforms like Strava, which can then integrate with other training analysis tools. This allows for a holistic view of your training load across different activities.

By employing these practical strategies, you can effectively bridge the gap between Peloton’s unique resistance scale and the broader world of cycling training. Good Massage Guns On Amazon

It’s about empowering yourself with the knowledge and tools to train intelligently, no matter the platform.

Future of Resistance: Smart Adjustments and Beyond

The discussion of Peloton bike resistance conversion highlights the tension between a closed, integrated system and the desire for universal data.

What does the future hold for resistance management, particularly for Peloton? We’re already seeing glimpses of it, and it’s largely centered around “smart” technology.

1. Peloton Bike+ and Auto-Resistance:

The Peloton Bike+ introduced a significant leap with its “Auto-Resistance” feature.

This directly addresses the conversion challenge by automatically adjusting the resistance based on instructor cues or pre-programmed targets in “Just Ride” sessions. Adhd Effect On Sleep

• How it works: When an instructor calls out a resistance range e.g., “40 to 50”, the Bike+ will automatically set the resistance within that range. You still have the ability to override it, but the bike does the “conversion” for you.
• Benefits:
  • Reduced Mental Load: No more constantly fiddling with the knob to stay in range.
  • Consistent Training: Helps ensure you hit the target resistance, especially during intense intervals where focus might waver.
  • Simulated ERG Mode: While not a true ERG mode where resistance is fixed regardless of cadence to hit a power target, it approximates the experience of hitting specific effort zones.
• Implications for Conversion: For Bike+ users, the need for manual conversion is lessened within Peloton classes. The bike itself is performing the conversion from an instructor’s voice command to a physical resistance setting. However, if you’re trying to follow an external wattage-based workout, you’d still manually adjust to hit the watt target.

2. The Desire for True ERG Mode:

Many high-end smart trainers and even some smart bikes offer ERG Ergometer mode.

In ERG mode, you set a target power e.g., 200 watts, and the trainer automatically adjusts resistance to maintain that wattage, regardless of your cadence.

If your cadence drops, the resistance increases to keep the power constant, and vice versa.

• Current Peloton Status: Peloton does not currently offer a true ERG mode. While the Bike+ auto-resistance is a step in that direction, it still works within resistance ranges rather than fixed power targets.
• Why it’s desired: ERG mode is invaluable for structured training, ensuring you hit precise power targets during intervals, which is critical for specific physiological adaptations.
• Future Potential: It’s conceivable that future Peloton iterations or software updates could introduce a more sophisticated ERG-like functionality, especially if they continue to integrate more advanced training features.

3. Enhanced Third-Party Integration:

While Peloton has historically been a somewhat closed ecosystem, there’s a growing demand for greater compatibility with external platforms.

• API Access: If Peloton were to open up its API Application Programming Interface further, allowing third-party apps to directly control bike resistance or retrieve more granular data, it would revolutionize cross-platform training. Imagine connecting your Peloton to Zwift and having Zwift automatically control your resistance based on terrain changes or workout targets.
• Standardized Data Output: Even without full control, more standardized data output beyond just general Bluetooth connectivity for HRMs could make it easier for external apps to interpret Peloton’s metrics.

The future of Peloton bike resistance will likely see continued evolution towards “smarter” resistance management, reducing the manual mental load for riders and potentially bridging the gap between Peloton’s unique system and the broader world of structured indoor cycling. Treadmill With Cushioned Track

This will empower users to train more effectively and flexibly across diverse platforms.

FAQs: Peloton Bike Resistance Conversion

How does Peloton resistance work?

Peloton bikes use a magnetic resistance system.

As you turn the resistance knob, magnets move closer to the flywheel, increasing the drag and making it harder to pedal.

The numbers on the screen 0-100 represent the physical position of these magnets.

Is Peloton resistance linear?

No, Peloton resistance is not linear. The change in resistance between 0 and 10 is much less significant than the change between 90 and 100, for example. This non-linearity is why a direct one-to-one conversion to other scales is challenging. Ultra Comfort Lift Chair Reset

What is the Peloton resistance scale?

The Peloton resistance scale is a proprietary digital display ranging from 0 to 100, where 0 is no resistance and 100 is maximum resistance.

Can I convert Peloton resistance to watts?

You don’t “convert” Peloton resistance directly to watts in a static way. Instead, your Peloton bike displays your power output in watts, which is a calculated value based on your current resistance and cadence. To hit a specific watt target, you adjust both resistance and cadence until the Peloton screen displays the desired wattage.

Why is my Peloton resistance different from someone else’s?

Variations in resistance feel and reported output can occur due to subtle differences in manufacturing tolerances, wear and tear, and calibration.

Each bike is slightly unique, which is why calibration is important for consistency.

How do I know if my Peloton bike needs calibration?

Signs include consistent output discrepancies compared to effort, numbers feeling unusually easy or hard compared to instructor cues, or a significant, unexplained shift in your personal records PRs. Difference Between Gas Bbq And Charcoal

Can I calibrate my Peloton Bike myself?

For the original Peloton Bike, calibration typically involves a specific process that may require contacting Peloton support for guidance or a service visit.

The Bike+ has a more automated system, but manual checks or service might still be needed for persistent issues.

What is a good resistance on Peloton?

There isn’t one “good” resistance.

“Good” resistance depends on the workout type, your fitness level, and the instructor’s cues.

A good resistance for you is one that allows you to hit the target power or perceived exertion for that specific segment of the ride.

What is the highest resistance on Peloton?

The highest resistance on a Peloton bike is 100.

What does “output” mean on Peloton?

Output on Peloton refers to the power you are generating, measured in watts.

It’s calculated based on your cadence RPM and the resistance you are currently using.

How does cadence affect my Peloton output?

At a given resistance, increasing your cadence RPM will increase your power output watts. Conversely, maintaining the same resistance but decreasing cadence will decrease your output.

What is FTP on Peloton?

FTP stands for Functional Threshold Power.

It’s the highest average power you can maintain for approximately one hour.

Peloton offers an FTP test to help you determine this number, which is then used to calculate your personalized power zones.

How can I use heart rate to “convert” Peloton resistance?

While not a direct conversion, you can use heart rate zones as a guide.

If a workout calls for a specific effort e.g., “Zone 3”, you adjust your Peloton resistance and cadence until your heart rate falls within your personal Zone 3 range.

Are chest strap heart rate monitors better than wrist-based for Peloton?

Generally, chest strap heart rate monitors like the Garmin HRM-Dual Heart Rate Monitor or Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor are considered more accurate for high-intensity cycling than wrist-based optical sensors.

Can I use my Apple Watch as a heart rate monitor with Peloton?

Yes, you can pair your Apple Watch SE GPS or other Apple Watch models with your Peloton bike via Bluetooth to display your heart rate on the screen.

What is RPE and how does it relate to Peloton resistance?

RPE stands for Rate of Perceived Exertion. It’s a subjective scale typically 0-10 or 6-20 of how hard you feel you are working. You can use RPE to approximate resistance: if a workout calls for a “hard effort,” you’d increase Peloton resistance until you reach your personal RPE for “hard.”

How do I follow a non-Peloton workout on my Peloton bike?

You can use a separate tablet or monitor with a Tablet Mount for Exercise Bike to display the non-Peloton workout e.g., from Zwift or TrainerRoad. Then, manually adjust your Peloton resistance and cadence to match the power targets displayed on the external app.

What is “Auto-Resistance” on the Peloton Bike+?

Auto-Resistance on the Peloton Bike+ automatically adjusts your resistance based on instructor cues in scenic rides or specific classes.

It aims to put you in the target resistance range called out by the instructor, reducing the need for manual adjustment.

Does the Peloton Bike have ERG mode?

No, the Peloton Bike both original and Bike+ does not have a true ERG mode.

ERG mode automatically fixes your power output regardless of cadence.

While the Bike+ has auto-resistance, it works within resistance ranges, not fixed power targets.

Can I use different pedals on my Peloton bike?

Yes, you can swap out the Peloton pedals to use SPD or Look Keo compatible pedals.

A Indoor Cycling Pedal Conversion Kit might be useful, or you can purchase new compatible pedals.

This is common if you prefer different cycling shoes or want to install a power meter.

How do I maintain consistency between my Peloton and outdoor bike?

Focus on power output watts as the primary metric.

If you have a power meter on your outdoor bike, try to achieve similar wattage outputs on your Peloton by adjusting resistance and cadence. RPE and heart rate can also help bridge the gap.

What is the “output ratio” I sometimes see for Peloton?

The output ratio is a community-created metric that compares a rider’s average output in watts to their body weight watts/kg. While not directly related to resistance conversion, it’s a way to standardize performance comparison.

Can resistance vary between two Peloton bikes of the same model?

Yes, minor variations can exist between two bikes of the same model due to manufacturing tolerances and individual calibration.

This is normal and why focusing on your own personal power zones and RPE is key.

What if my Peloton’s resistance knob feels loose or too tight?

If the resistance knob feels unusually loose, too tight, or sticky, it might indicate a mechanical issue.

Contact Peloton support for troubleshooting or to schedule a service appointment.

How often should I check my Peloton’s calibration?

There’s no strict schedule, but if you notice significant discrepancies in your output for a given effort, or if you feel your bike is “off,” it’s worth investigating calibration.

Annually or biannually is a good general guideline if you’re a frequent rider.

Does the Peloton app help with resistance conversion?

The Peloton app itself doesn’t offer tools for converting Peloton’s resistance to other scales.

However, it displays your power output in watts, which is a universal metric, and allows you to track your ride data for analysis.

What are some good accessories to help with understanding effort on Peloton?

A good heart rate monitor Wahoo TICKR X Heart Rate Monitor, and potentially a tablet mount Tablet Mount for Exercise Bike for running third-party apps, can significantly enhance your ability to understand and manage effort.

Why do instructors give resistance ranges instead of exact numbers?

Instructors give ranges e.g., “30-40 resistance” to allow for individual variation in fitness level, fatigue, and bike calibration.

It provides a target zone rather than a rigid number, letting riders adjust to their own perceived effort within that range.

Can I use a smart trainer with Peloton workouts?

You can use a smart trainer with the Peloton Digital App on a separate device like a tablet or TV. You’d pair your smart trainer as a power source, and it would display your power output.

However, the Peloton app won’t control the smart trainer’s resistance.

You’d still adjust manually or rely on the trainer’s ERG mode if using a third-party app simultaneously.

What is the relationship between resistance, cadence, and output?

These three factors are intrinsically linked.

Output watts is a function of both resistance and cadence.

For a given output, you can achieve it with high resistance and low cadence, or lower resistance and higher cadence, or any combination in between.