Peloton Cadence Not Working? Here is How to Fix

While working out on your Peloton bike, the display shows you numerous parameters so that you can track your progress and workout efficiency. Peloton cadence is one of those parameters that tells you the number of pedals you make per minute while cycling. It is an important aspect to check out constantly because it tells you how hard you are working out.

But have you recently noticed that it has stopped working and does not show you the result properly? Well, it is a common issue, and many Peloton users have faced the same. However, you shouldn’t worry as there are efficient ways to fix it. In this article, we will discuss the reasons behind the malfunctioning of Cadence and how you can fix it.

First, let’s learn;

What is Peloton Cadence?

Peloton Cadence is a vital workout feature in a Peloton bike that tells you about the number of pedal revolutions you make in one minute. It constantly tells you about the pedal revolution so that you can track your workout progress. This parameter is highly helpful while working out because you can monitor your efficiency and determine how hard you have to pedal to reach your daily fitness goal.

To reap the maximum benefit out of your workout session, 80 to 100 pedal revolutions per minute serve as the ideal choice. However, you can also go for a higher revolution depending upon your workout capacity. Not only will it pump your heart rate, but it needs to do more work to circulate blood through your body.

If you are new to Peloton bikes, then achieving 80 revolutions per minute can be a tough job, and you should never try to achieve such numbers when you are new. You should keep the number limited to the lower end at the starting and let your body adjust accordingly. However, you should gradually enhance the revolution and try to keep it close to the 80 pedal revolutions per minute.

You should increase Cadence according to your expense as it won’t put unnecessary pressure on your muscles and heart. If your main motto for work is to burn a large number of calories, then you keep the revolution per at par or below 50 as it will be more effective.

Probable Causes of Cadence Not Working

Once your Cadence stops working while you are working out, there may be many reasons that would rise to that issue. Basically, there are many possible causes that can make Cadence stop working or show you a random number. So let’s check out the probable causes that might have led to the issue with the Cadence;

• Improper Sensor Placement- A wrong placement of the sensor can jeopardize the whole working, and that is why many Peloton users face this issue. It is one of the most common issues that is widely discussed on many forums.

The sensor should be placed at the correct spot on the wheel of your bike, and if you place it anywhere else like the bike’s frame, it won’t work or show you incorrect vitals. Since it measures the revolution of the pedal so it should be on your wheel where it can adequately track every move.

• Low or Dead Battery- If the battery of your Peloton bike is completely low or it has gone kaput, then it would cause a hindrance to the Cadence reading. Since it runs on battery, if it doesn’t get enough power, then it would either stop working or would show wrong data. You should keep the battery fully charged and check the voltage occasionally to make sure there is no dead battery while you work out.

• Dirty Or Damaged Sensor- Incorrect Cadence working can also be because of a damaged or dirty sensor. If your sensor is completely filled with dust or grease, then it won’t be able to show proper reading. You should remove all the dirt and grease with proper cleaner or microfiber cloth and then reinstall it back to the pedal to ensure smooth working.

However, if the sensor is wholly cracked or there is a dent in the sensor’s body, then it is completely damaged. You need to replace it with a new one to ensure smooth working.

• Loose Wire- Loose wire connecting the Cadence to the Peloton bike’s primary system can cause the Cadence to show you incorrect results. Try to attach the wires to the bike’s frame and also make sure it is correctly attached to the sensor.

You should check the wire properly to find that there is no dent or opening the wire because it can also make the Cadence not work. You can either replace the wire or cover the opening.

Ways To Improve Peloton Cadence On Your Bike

Cadence plays a considerable role in your workout progress, and if it stops working, then you won’t be able to monitor your workout efficiency. There are many ways to improve the Cadence and ensure smooth working. Today, we will check them out;

• Setup the bike properly- To improve the Cadence of your Peloton bike, you should set up the bike properly. Not only should the seat height be set up correctly, but the handlebar height and space from the handlebar to the seat should be at their proper position.

All the adjustments in the seat and handlebar can be done quickly with the help of a latch located under the seat and handlebar. However, if you still find difficulty in following the process, then you can go for the manual or go through our Peloton bike setup article.

• The Cadence should be appropriately secured to the bike- If the Cadence of your Peloton bike is adequately secured, then it will continue to show accurate reading. Always make sure it is adequately fitted in its housing and there is no loose end. You can use extra care to house the censor to the pedal properly. If possible, you can mend the housing area so that it sits properly without any issue.

• The bike should be calibrated appropriately- Calibration is a necessary process that makes sure the bike shows you all the essential vitals, including the Cadence. If not calibrated, the bike might start showing the wrong revolution number, which can seriously hamper your workout efficiency.

To calibrate the bike, first, you need to go to the main menu and then head to the settings. Under the settings, you will find a calibration option. Follow the automatic instruction that will be given on the screen, and your screen will be calibrated.

• You should stand on Pedals while riding- When you start riding, you should stand on the pedal so that the Peloton system can track your position. After a few seconds of assessment, the Peloton system will tell you about the position. If you haven’t properly placed your feet, then it will give an alert.

• The shoes should be fastened appropriately- Your feet should be properly secured to the pedal, and there shouldn’t be any loose ends. However, if you still think that the Cadence isn’t functioning correctly, then you can lubricate the bottom of your shoe with some and readjust it in the pedal.

• The Cadence should be free from dust and moisture- Cadence are basically magnetic sensors that work properly when they are free from dust and moisture. Depending upon the surrounding weather and placement of the bike, you should opt for cleaning of the Cadence.

With a clean cloth, remove any dust, dirt, grease or moisture from the sensor to make sure it shows you an accurate revolution per minute. However, if, after cleaning, the Cadence still doesn’t function properly, then you should try to fiddle with the placement to check whether it is reading the magnet or not. 

How Can You Change The Cadence On Peloton?

Changing the Cadence on your Peloton is a straightforward task, and the only thing you will have to do is to pedal faster. You can also use higher gear to achieve more pedal revolutions per minute which will eventually increase the Cadence on Peloton. However, to decrease the Cadence on a Peloton, you just need to pedal at a slower rate or use a lower gear, and it will also save some energy.

How To Adjust The Cadence On Your Peloton Bike?

To adjust your Cadence on the Peloton, you won’t have to go through any hassle. You can follow our guide as it will allow you to accomplish the task easily;

• To start with the process, the first thing you will have to do is go to the Peloton’s display and then click on the wrench icon located on the right side of the top corner. There you will find the Customize Workout option, and you just have to tap on it.

• Now, go to the cadence section and look for the available gear option.

• Select the gear option you want to choose by scrolling the list using the + or – button.

• Once you have selected the gear you want, click on the “Done” option. Your Cadence will be automatically adjusted for your next ride.

When choosing the gear for Cadence, it is vital that you should opt for a comfortable one. However, the Cadence and gear change according to the workout you want and the efficiency you want to achieve.

It would be best if you never compromised on the form whenever you are about to choose a gear; otherwise, it won’t give you a proper result. Rather than sticking to one gear option, you should evaluate all the possible options to determine which one will suit you.

Final Thought

When the Peloton Cadence suddenly stops working, it can hinder the whole workout because you won’t be able to see the pedal revolution you do in a minute. It will ultimately distance you from what you want to achieve. Through this guide, we have tried to give you all the possible solutions if your Cadence suddenly stops working.

Besides all the solutions, we have also given possible reasons and solutions so you can quickly solve any future issue. However, if all the solutions mentioned above don’t solve your issue, then the only you can do is contact Peloton and get it serviced.