People new to the Peloton spin world may be surprised at the pedals when their bike shows up. Instead of the flat rectangles of their childhood ride, there are these tiny, oddly shaped plastic things with a hole. Even people who recognize them as clip-in pedals might be dismayed at the Look Delta-style rather than SPD. But are there consequences for switching them out?
Peloton customers should keep the original pedals to protect their warranty. Peloton Support and technicians have given customers conflicting information on if switching cleats or pedals voids the warranty. Thus, customers feel safest switching the pedals back to the original before inspections.
You shouldn’t need a law degree to understand Peloton’s warranty. Also, Peloton Support and technicians should all be working off the same playbook, not giving customers conflicting advice. Even better, there should be a Peloton FAQ that includes addressing if customers can swap out their pedals without voiding their warranty. Until that happens, we can help you go through your options.
Peloton’s Warranty & Bike Pedals
Many cycling enthusiasts already own cleats and don’t want to invest in other shoes to use their new Peloton. Also, for those using an array of Peloton’s online workout options, they want to wear running shoes so they can easily move from the bike to floor work. But to do the latter, they need toe cages, not clip-ins. Peloton used to sell toe cages, but this option is no longer available.
Thus, the question of changing the pedals will void the warranty begins with looking at the warranty. But please note we are not lawyers, so none of our advice or comments will help if you are in dispute with Peloton. Nor are we responsible for your ultimate decision on this matter.
But when it comes to Peloton covering the pedals themselves, the answer is typically no. Peloton states, “Bike and Bike+ pedals are not warranted against normal wear and tear.” They will only replace the pedals if the fault is clearly a manufacturing issue. Thus, they strongly recommend following their care guide for your pedals to ensure maximum life span.
Peloton also states, “it is important that you maintain the pedals by inspecting the pedals regularly for any damage.” In addition, “Any pedal that shows signs of wear or damaged parts should be removed from service immediately.”
These are vital points as users have had older pedals cause damage to the arm of the machine. If the bolt has sheared off through no fault of your own, Peloton will replace all of it. But if it is believed your lack of care and attention led to the problem, the cost is yours.
Thus, it could be argued that if Peloton believes any non-Peloton bike pedals contributed to an additional fault, such as the arm, you have voided your warranty due to classifying them as “damaged parts.”
But the most worrying section in the warranty is where they address the use of outside products with their bike. The exact words are, “Use of the Peloton Bike or Bike+ with parts or accessories from third parties,” which could be argued as alternative pedals.
It becomes a further cause for concern when you read, “with parts or accessories not originally intended for or compatible with the Peloton…or any use contrary to the instructions in the Peloton Guide.”
What Is Pelton Telling Clients About Changing Pedals?
Peloton has not made any official statement on if clients can change their pedals to SPD or toe cages without suffering consequences. When customers contact Customer Support or discuss the matter with technicians, the answers are mixed. Some say it is fine; others claim it will void your warranty.
Online sellers will sometimes tell customers that using their Pelton compatible pedals will not violate the warranty. However, other online sellers have admitted to customers that there is a possibility that Peloton may not honor the warranty if you are using non-Peloton cleats or pedals.
However, Pelton does provide mixed messages on their Peloton Bike Shoe page. For starters, while you can no longer buy toe cages from their accessory page, they say you can call their Sales Team to sort the matter out. Some clients report success with this; others claim they were told the toe cages are no longer available.
Adding further confusion Peloton states on their shoe page, “If you would prefer to ride using a different pedal system, you can attach your own pedals to the Bike.” However, there is no mention if this will impact your warranty if you choose to do this.
Are Peloton Clients Changing Pedals & Not Voiding Warranty?
Some clients have changed their pedals and have not experienced any problems with their warranty. Others have reported problems. Some of the issues appear to be area-based, leaving clients wondering if state or country laws are causing the discrepancy. It could also be that different people in Peloton management are overseeing different technicians. But nothing has been officially clarified.
Thus, customers who want to change their pedals are keeping the originals. They use the pedals they prefer and make sure they swap the pedals back to the originals before any technician visits or takes any photos or video footage for Peloton Support. Some also advise doing it before communicating with Peloton Support in case they ask you to switch to video chat.
We are not in a position to advise you if this is entirely legal. However, this appears to be the safest solution for people who want to change their pedals without risking voiding the Peloton warranty.
Another suggestion is to get the matter in writing and keep it as proof that a Pelton Support person told you it would not violate your warranty. Alternatively, video recording speaking to a Peloton Tech team may also help. However, this could lead to a lengthy administrative back and forth argument, should you have to fight the matter. Hence, clients prefer to simply switch pedals back when dealing with Peloton.
Of course, users can do whatever they like after the warranty or extended warranty has expired. But, understandably, not everyone wants to wait that long to use their own fitness equipment in the manner that best works for them.
Conclusion
Peloton pedals can be changed. However, Peloton’s own customer support and technicians have provided clients with conflicting information on if this voids the warranty. Nor has Peloton clarified the matter on their website. Thus, many users choose to enter a gray area, using the pedals they like, but swap back to the originals when dealing directly with Peloton.
