The one time that I really felt disappointed on my Peloton bike was when I tried clipping out for almost 20 minutes unsuccessfully. The worst part of the deal was that I couldn’t quite get it. I mean, I had done my best, with the cleats tightly installed on the shoes, and the cycling shoes were still new. And this is when I realized how messy the wrong pedal tension could be.
And the pedal tension is not the only challenge you need to sort on the pedals. Just as with the cleats, the pedals should also be tightened on the crank arm.
When to Tighten the Pedal Tension
When your Shoes move around in the pedals, clipping in and out becomes too easy and loose. Pedal Tension should be tight enough that you can stand up and not disengage while pedalling, but not so tight that you have trouble clipping out from the pedal. The pedal tension is at the bottom back of the pedal and stands out singularly, yet the impact is essential.
In this case;
How to Tighten the Peloton Pedal Tension
Let’s get down to the procedure;
- First off, ensure that the bike will be steady and free of movement by rotating the resistance knob to the highest level, 100.
- Then, turn the pedal in your hands so that it faces upside down. You should spot the tension screw, which stands out at the back of the pedal. It has a positive (+) on one side, and a negative (-) sign on the other.
- If the pedal feels too easy to clip in and out, you will tighten the tension screw. In this case, you will use the 3mm Allen wrench to turn the tension screw towards the direction of the positive (+) sign (Clockwise).
- Remember that you should adjust the tension only a little at a time, preferably quarter a rotation at a time. Then, clip into the pedals and feel whether the tension matches your comfort level. Besides, the best tension for you is subjective, with everyone having their own different level.
Peloton Pedal Tension Screw Won’t Adjust
What happens if my tension screw breaks or the washers are no longer working? In this case, it means that you cannot adjust the tension screw. Therefore, the best alternative would be to replace the pedals!
When to Loosen the Peloton Pedal Tension
When my cycling shoes felt too hard to clip in and clip out, I figured out later that the problem was a tight pedal tension. Thus, the solution was to loosen it.
However, it wasn’t easy for me since I was still on the bike. So, the best option then was to get out of the cycling shoes, leaving them on the pedals. Then, I loosened the pedal tension with the shoes still on the pedals. It was my best shot at an easy time removing the shoes.
How to Loosen the Peloton Pedal Tension
If your pedal feels too hard to clip in and out, loosen the tension screw. You will simply use the 3mm Allen wrench to turn the tension screw towards the negative (-) sign (counterclockwise).
Then, if your shoes or cleats are already stuck on the pedals, as were mine, you will get the shoes off with a loosened tension.
But how do you unclip the stuck cleats from the pedals? Once you loosen the tension, turn the pedal back into its upright position. Next, grip the back of the pedal with your thumb area tightly, then pull the cleats using your free hand.
Tighten the Screws Between the Peloton Pedals and the Crank Arm
When to Tighten the Peloton Pedals?
When you feel that the pedals have lost their grip during cycling and just move freely even with increased resistance, check on them for tightening.
If your Bike pedals move, they need to be fairly tight so that your pedalling action does not overcome the preload and separate the joint.
Tightening the Peloton pedals refers to tightening the screws between the pedals and the crank arm to secure the pedals onto the bike.
How to Tighten Peloton Pedals
Here is a simplified process for tightening the Peloton pedals;
- First, rotate the resistance knob to the absolute right, which prevents the flywheel and the crank arm from moving.
- Next, get a 15mm wrench available in your Peloton bike maintenance kit.
- Then, get a grip on the right pedal axle and rotate it gently in a clockwise direction. It should be tight within a rotation or less.
- If the left pedal is also a challenge, tighten it with the 15mm Allen wrench. However, this time you will rotate the Allen wrench anticlockwise since the left pedal installs in the opposite direction.
- Remember that you only tighten the pedal until it shows resistance. Additional pressure may break the pedals. Or, you may end up with another challenge, where peddling becomes too tricky to even with the least resistance.
- Lastly, clip into the pedals and try cycling to get the new feel. It should be more comfortable for you.
Can I Break the Peloton Pedals While Adjusting?
Yes, you can. However, the adjustment shouldn’t be a problem if you have the correct manual. Remember that the left pedal installs reverse during your adjustment, which is the primary challenge leading to breakage.
Also, when tightening the pedal tension, ensure that you don’t over-tighten it to protect the pedals from breaking.
Final Thoughts
Adjusting the Peloton pedals involves tightening the screws between the pedals and the crank arm and adjusting the tension screw. I know how challenging it can be, but I also know how tips and guidance go a long way toward wearing off the tension.
So, ready to adjust your Peloton pedals for a more fruitful and enjoyable experience? Then, let’s get down to business!