How to adjust the resistance on the Peloton bike can prove challenging, especially for beginners. It is significantly more difficult when you have to keep up with changing resistance in a climbing class or a HIIT class while maintaining the cadence levels.
But then, Peloton resistance plays a significant role in Peloton output, even more than cadence. It is also the best way to build and tone the leg muscles.
Therefore, it is necessary to understand how to do it right, given that you have more to gain. So, let’s discuss the very easy tips and processes involved in adjusting the peloton bike resistance.
It’s even more important now with Peloton’s 2025 updates and new ride features for both the original Bike and Bike+ models.
But before that; We will know about Peloton Resistance.
What does Peloton Resistance Mean?
What is resistance in cycling? Resistance refers to how heavy the bike flywheel feels. As it increases, you will find more difficulty maintaining a cadence since it acts as an opposing force. In the case of Peloton; Peloton has 100 resistance levels (0 – 100 percent).
Note (2025): Both the Peloton Bike (original) and Bike+ still use a 0–100 resistance scale, but the Bike+ now supports real-time auto adjustments during specific classes.
How Do You See Resistance on Peloton?
Fortunately, the resistance on the Peloton bike displays on the Peloton screen where your output displays. It counts from 1-100 levels. So basically, you will turn the resistance knob to the right to increase resistance and turn it to the left to reduce resistance. The screen will display the changes until you get to your preferred level.
As of 2025, the resistance metric and output are also available in Lanebreak game mode and during Power Zone rides with target metrics on Bike+.
What is a Good Resistance for Peloton?
The best resistance on the Peloton bike will depend on your age and cycling skill level. However, if you are determined to get optimal endurance from the resistance, levels exceeding 60 will do. What should my resistance be on Peloton? During most of the class, you should be in the 50–70 range in terms of resistance, which is about right.
There is no “universal” best resistance—it depends on class type, instructor guidance, and your personal fitness goal. Target resistance ranges may be shown during guided and Power Zone rides.
What is cadence in Peloton?
According to onepeloton: Peloton Bike Cadence; measured by RPMs (rotations per minute), indicates how rapidly you’re pedaling.
Is Cadence or Resistance More Important on Peloton?
Essentially, Peloton output is a function of cadence and resistance. However, we all agree that it is more difficult to achieve a higher resistance than proportional cadence.
It depends on your goal.
If it’s cardiovascular fitness – cadence. If it’s leg strength – resistance. At least that’s what Denis and Matt say.
It should be a blend of cadence and resistance. Higher cadence taxes your cardiovascular system more and elevates HR and higher resistance builds more muscle and uses legs more When you take power zone classes they teach you to work both so you are strong and efficient in many ways.
For weight loss, you want to meet cadence and for muscle building you want to meet resistance.
But remember that both are very important for your output, as a good resistance is well achieved through matching cadence levels.
Should I Focus on Cadence or Resistance on Peloton?
Instructors usually go with cadence.
But You need to Focus on both resistance and cadence when on the peloton bike. This is because both metrics contribute to your output. Besides, for fruitful cardio exercise, maximum calorie burning, and endurance on the bike, you will need a combination of both.
Many 2025 instructors now recommend watching the “output” metric, which blends cadence and resistance, for better results and progress tracking.
Does Peloton Adjust Resistance Based on Weight?
No, Peloton resistance is not based on weight. Instead, the instructor calls out the same resistance for everyone in the class.
Does weight affect resistance on Peloton? Yes, it does. Higher resistance becomes easier for you if you have more body weight than a leaner person. This is because you have more weight to transfer on the pedal, making it easier to move the flywheel. Therefore, it is not uncommon to see heavier people with more output on the Peloton bike due to ease with resistance cycling.
Does Peloton Automatically Adjust Resistance?
Peloton Bike (Original): No. The standard Peloton Bike only supports manual resistance adjustment using the red knob.
Peloton Bike+ (2025): Yes, but only in certain class formats. Bike+ features Auto-Follow (auto-resistance), which automatically adjusts resistance to match the instructor’s target ranges during Power Zone and target-metric rides. You must enable this option at the start of each compatible class.
Lanebreak Game Mode: Both Peloton Bike and Bike+ can experience automatic resistance changes in Lanebreak (the game mode), where resistance shifts to match track segments.
How does Auto-Follow work? When Auto-Follow is enabled on the Bike+, resistance automatically matches the instructor’s called-out range. You can manually override resistance using the knob at any time; Auto-Follow will resume control at the next interval.
How to Use Auto-Resistance on the Bike Plus
Steps to Use Auto-Resistance (Auto-Follow) on Bike+:
- On the Peloton tablet is a resistance tab on your metrics section. On the bike plus, the resistance tab features a lock icon.
- So, click on the lock icon, and it will change to a highlighting color. This means that the auto-resistance feature is on, and the resistance will adjust automatically whenever the class requires a transition.
- Finally, get ready for a challenging Peloton class with resistance in the levels you have to handle.
Auto-resistance is not turned on by default. That means the on/off state of it isn’t “sticky” from class to class – you have to turn it on each time you want to use it.
Adjusting the Peloton Bike Plus Resistance Using the Screen?
Previously, some Bike+ owners could control resistance by swiping up/down on the screen in Developer Mode. As of 2025, this feature has been mostly removed via software updates, but some users on older firmware may still find it functional.
How to Enable Developer Mode on the Peloton Bike Plus
- First, go to the three dots at the right of your screen, and click on the settings; under Settings, select Device Settings, then System.
- Next, click on About and scroll to the bottom until you come to the bike’s model number.
- Tap on the model number rapidly at least seven times, then wait.
- A message for developer mode should pop up if you successfully turn on the mode.
Developer Mode is generally not recommended for most users and may void warranty or create support issues. Peloton does not officially support resistance control via screen gestures. Most 2025 Bike+ models no longer allow this function.
How to Turn On-Resistance Control Through the Peloton Bike Plus Screen
- Go back to the Device Settings once you confirm that you are in the developer mode.
- Here, you will get a newly enabled feature, the Developer Options, which you should click.
- Next, you will see an option for Gestures or Peloton Gestures. When you click on the option, you will see an option for Enable In Class Gestures, which you will click to enable.
- Lastly, you can go back to the Peloton screen, pick a class and try swiping the screen up and down during the class. Again, an adjustment in the resistance should show. The resistance increases or decreases by five minutes whenever you swipe up or down using two fingers.
How to Manually Adjust Resistance on the Bike Plus
Basically, manual resistance adjustment on the bike plus is the easiest option. Here are the two only tips you have to keep in mind;
- Rotate the red resistance knob at the front frame to the right to increase resistance.
- Rotate the resistance knob to the left to reduce the resistance level.
The best part about the manual adjustment is that you are able to control the resistance even by one level. Besides, you decide when and by how many points to adjust the resistance without necessarily following the instructor’s instructions.
How to Adjust Resistance on the Peloton Bike (First Version)
Adjusting resistance on the standard Peloton bike is the same as manually adjusting it on the bike. However, always remember that the resistance knob also acts as the bike brakes whenever you press it.
So, how to adjust the first version of Peloton bike resistance?
- Rotate the resistance knob gently to the right to increase resistance. The amazing bit is that the resistance knob is smooth and easy to adjust.
- Then, rotate the resistance knob to the left whenever you need to decrease the resistance level.
The original Peloton Bike only supports manual resistance adjustment via the knob; no automatic or digital adjustments are available (except in Lanebreak mode).
Peloton Auto-Resistance Vs. Manual
- Auto-Resistance (Auto-Follow) [Bike+ only]: Lets the Bike+ automatically match instructor-called resistance ranges during compatible classes.
- Manual Resistance: Both Bike and Bike+ always allow manual resistance changes with the knob, and manual overrides are possible even during Auto-Follow.
Peloton Auto Resistance Advantages
- Auto-resistance on Peloton allows the rider to concentrate on their workout while the resistance adjusts automatically.
- There is no option for not following the class instructions on resistance, which is essential for gaining all the benefits intended for the class.
- Auto-resistance provides an option to the bike plus users, who can decide on either manual or digital resistance control.
Peloton Auto Resistance Disadvantages
- Auto-resistance on Peloton is only on the bike plus and not the standard bike.
- The feature is only available for the on-demand classes, even on the bike plus.
- Auto-resistance is not turned on by default. You have to turn it on each time you want to use it.
How to Increase Resistance on Peloton
You can increase the resistance on the Peloton bike or bike plus by turning the resistance knob in a clockwise direction. On the Bike+, you can use the auto-resistance feature for automatic increases.
Some classes and the Lanebreak game mode will also increase resistance automatically as you progress.
Peloton Resistance Knob Not Working- Solution
My Peloton bike resistance is not showing on the screen. The resistance knob on my Peloton bike is not working. These two are the most common resistance-related problems on the Peloton bikes. Users have their bikes swiped or the
The good news is that Peloton caters to the problem because it seems to be a manufacturing challenge, especially when the bike is still new.
If the bike is not within the warranty period, you will have to pay for the technical repair of the resistance knob. However, you can always consult Peloton customer care before taking any step.
What Do I Do If My Peloton Resistance Knob is Too Tight?
If the resistance knob on the Peloton bike or bike plus is too tight, you will have to contact Peloton customer care. They will either guide you on what to do next, ask for a video to assess the challenge, or send a technical person to work on your resistance knob. You could also get your bike swiped for a new one if the bike challenge runs deeper.
What Type of Resistance Does Peloton Use?
Both the Peloton standard bike and the bike plus use magnetic resistance, enabling the flywheel to have a smooth and quiet feel even in the highest resistance levels.
As of 2025, all Peloton bikes still use silent magnetic resistance—no changes in resistance technology have been announced.
Conclusion
How to adjust the resistance on the Peloton bike is simpler than you probably thought, especially with the standard bike. There are added tricks you can use to simplify your resistance adjustment with the bike plus.
Both the Peloton bike and the bike plus use magnetic resistance, which sees two strong magnets grinding against the flywheel to impose the resistance. They are quiet, and the System is easy to operate. Therefore, if your bike seems to present a challenge with normal operations, you should contact Peloton customer care.
Read Also: