A Peloton is an excellent addition to your home. It brings you the energy and competitiveness of a gym spinning class within the comfort of your own home. In addition, it tracks and monitors your power outage (output), speed (cadence), and distance to ensure you are making progress in your classes. But how accurate are the Peloton power, distance, and speed indicators?
In most cases, Peloton indicators are relatively accurate. Many athletes have tested the accuracy of Peloton’s power, distance, and speed indicators by comparing their output with other devices, such as power meter pedals, smartwatches, and so forth to determine that the Peloton is indeed accurate.
Even though there are conflicting opinions about the accuracy of the Peloton’s power, distance, and speed indicators, one sure thing is that they should remain consistent. So how is the accuracy tested? How do you monitor your progress on the Peloton without testing its accuracy? We have done the research, and the answers are pretty interesting.
Testing The Peloton Power, Distance, And Speed Indicators
As mentioned, most athletes have tested the accuracy of the Peloton’s power, distance, and speed indicators by comparing it with another device. Now, you might be thinking that the device they have used to compare the Peloton’s accuracy with might be inaccurate, leading to false results.
However, generally speaking, if both the device they are using to compare with the Peloton and the Peloton itself has similar readings, then, in this case, you can assume that both are accurate.
Testing The Accuracy Of the Peloton’s Power Indicator
To test the accuracy of the power output indicator on the Peloton bike and Peloton bike+, most athletes have used other power output meters. The most popular meters to use are crank-based power meters or power meter integrated pedals. Both devices are reasonably accurate to determine the power output.
If you are looking for a way to test or be more accurate with the output on your bike we recommend these pedals!
There were slight differences between the power output indicated by the Peloton and the other device in some cases. However, the overall consensus was that the power output indicators on the Peloton bike and Peloton bike+ are accurate. Therefore, you can use these indicators as a reliable measure of your power output during a cycling session.
Testing The Accuracy Of The Peloton’s Distance Indicator
The distance indicators are probably the most reliable without testing. This is because the machine you are using has a built-in feature to calculate the distance. Like other treadmills and bikes, the Peloton tread and bike calculates the distance you have traveled based on the total number of revolutions of the belt or wheel.
This is an accurate measure for testing the distance you have moved. If you wish to test the accuracy of the Peloton distance indicator, you can compare it with a distance meter tied to your shoe. For example, Garmin has a foot pod device that can track the distance you have walked based on your number of steps.
However, since the built-in odometers are usually accurate, there hasn’t been much of a need to test the accuracy of the Peloton’s distance indicator.
Testing The Accuracy Of The Peloton’s Speed Indicator
Testing the speed indicator’s accuracy on a Peloton has also not really been done. This is because the speed indicator on a machine, such as a treadmill or a bike, should be reasonably accurate. The speed is determined by measuring the distance and its time to travel that distance.
As we have already established that the odometers on the Peloton tread and Peloton bike are accurate, we can safely assume that the speed will also be accurate. You can test the speed accuracy of your Peloton by measuring the length of the belt and bike wheel. Then, you can draw a line/dot on the point of the belt or wheel and count the number of revolutions over a specific time.
Suppose you repeat this number on different speed settings. In that case, you can compare your number to the number shown on the Peloton’s speed indicator. However, this is a lot of effort, and probably why not many have bothered to do it yet.
Overall, the Peloton’s power, distance, and speed indicators appear to be accurate. Therefore, you can confidently track your progress using these indicators.
However, Peloton has an even better way to track your progress. It is called the FTP class.
How To Monitor Your Progress On The Peloton
FTP is short for Functional Threshold Power. This feature on the Peloton bike tests how hard you can push during a cycling session. Doing an FTP test will determine your actual fitness level. It can help you determine which training areas you need to focus on.
FTP not only determines your fitness level on one stage, such as your maximum effort but on seven stages, ranging from easy to maximum power output. The idea is to improve your fitness level in all the stages.
FTP determines your fitness level by looking at your speed, distance, and power outputs. This is a great way to assess your fitness level and is also good for tracking your progress over time. As you become fitter, your FTP results will also improve, regardless of the accuracy of the Peloton’s power, distance, and speed indicators.
The 20-minute FTP classes will also keep you motivated to train and improve. Getting a better FTP result can serve as a great motivator and help you focus on improving rather than just training.
The easiest way to access the FTP rides is to select CLASSES at the bottom of the screen-then select CYCLING at the top of the screen-next, press the SEARCH ICON on the top right of the Peloton screen. From there, simply type in FTP and the classes will automatically load onto the screen. Peloton recommends taking either Matt Wilpers or Denis Morton’s specially designed 20 minute FTP test ride.
Peloton and other resources give different instructions on how to access the FTP rides and unfortunately when using their instructions I was unable to find the classes if you follow my instructions above you will be able to access the classes with ease.
Conclusion
Peloton has many advantages and a stellar set of trainers. It is an expensive purchase, so it is only natural that you would want to know that the power, distance, and speed indicators on the Peloton are accurate. You can rest assured, however. They have been tested and compared with other devices and are accurate.
Now you can put all your energy into training and improving your fitness level so you can enhance your FTP score. Remember to enjoy your training and keep up the great work. Remember that progress is not only determined by the numbers on the screen but by your overall performance.
