This article was co-authored by Greg Maurer and by wikiHow staff writer, Amy Bobinger. Greg Maurer is a Health & Fitness Specialist and the Vice President of Fitness and Education for Workout Anytime. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in functional training, yoga, pilates, exercise and aging, home exercise programs, and numerous fitness diets. Greg holds a BS in Exercise Physiology from Temple University.
There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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An exercise bike is a great way to get a workout without having to go to the gym, but what do you do if it stops working the way it used to? Luckily, there are a lot of problems that are pretty easy to fix on your own! Depending on the problem, you'll just need an Allen wrench, a screwdriver, and/or a socket wrench, but you may also need a special tool if you're removing the crank arm. We're here to answer some of your biggest questions about what's wrong and how to solve the problem.
Steps
How do you fix an exercise bike pedal?
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1Tighten the bolt if it's loose. This is a common problem, because the bolts on an exercise bike can work loose over time. If the bolt that's holding the pedal is loose, use a pedal wrench to tighten it. Just remember that the way you turn the bolt is different depending on which pedal you're fixing—you have to turn it clockwise for the right pedal and counterclockwise for the left.[15]
- If the threads are stripped on the pedal, you'll need to replace it.
- If the threads are stripped on the crank arm, replace that, instead.
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2Use a pedal from the same manufacturer if you need a new one. Not all pedals will be compatible with all bikes, so your best bet is to order one from the bike's manufacturer. Remove the bolt that holds the original pedal in place and take that pedal off. Place 1-2 drops of thread locker onto the bolt, then place the new pedal onto the crank arm and tighten the bolt securely.[16]
- Thread locker is a medium-strength adhesive you can find at big box and home improvement stores.
- If you order your pedal from a third-party manufacturer, make sure you check the manual to get the exact pedal specifications first.
- Remember to check if the pedals are properly seated on the crank arms.[17]
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat's important when buying an exercise bike?Greg MaurerGreg Maurer is a Health & Fitness Specialist and the Vice President of Fitness and Education for Workout Anytime. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in functional training, yoga, pilates, exercise and aging, home exercise programs, and numerous fitness diets. Greg holds a BS in Exercise Physiology from Temple University.
Health & Fitness SpecialistWell, a stationary bicycle actually has quite a lot of torque on certain parts, especially where the pedal connects to the two pedal arms. To avoid breakage and problems, invest on a bike with high quality pedal spindles and cranks.
Warnings
- To prevent electric shock, always unplug the power cord from your exercise bike before you start working on it.[22]⧼thumbs_response⧽
- If your bike is under warranty, keep in mind that you might void that warranty if you try to fix it yourself. Contact the manufacturer for repairs, instead.[23]⧼thumbs_response⧽
References
- ↑ https://homefitnessedge.com/magnetic-resistance-exercise-bike-problems/
- ↑ https://fixitclub.com/exercise-leisure-repairs/exercise-equipment-repair/
- ↑ https://homefitnessedge.com/magnetic-resistance-exercise-bike-problems/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/kWho62_9pgQ?t=32
- ↑ https://youtu.be/N63ofGcRCYQ?t=40
- ↑ https://youtu.be/N63ofGcRCYQ?t=88
- ↑ https://youtu.be/SFeH4G59mkg?t=30
- ↑ https://youtu.be/pVRsRHx-Gxk?t=93
- ↑ https://homegymresource.com/stationary-exercise-bike-maintenance-keep-your-bike-in-shape/
- ↑ Greg Maurer. Health & Fitness Specialist. Expert Interview. 13 August 2021.
- ↑ https://homefitnessedge.com/magnetic-resistance-exercise-bike-problems/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/pVRsRHx-Gxk?t=148
- ↑ https://homegymresource.com/stationary-exercise-bike-maintenance-keep-your-bike-in-shape/
- ↑ https://homefitnessedge.com/magnetic-resistance-exercise-bike-problems/
- ↑ https://homefitnessedge.com/how-to-fix-broken-spin-bike-pedal-your-easy-and-practical-guide/
- ↑ https://homefitnessedge.com/how-to-fix-broken-spin-bike-pedal-your-easy-and-practical-guide/
- ↑ Greg Maurer. Health & Fitness Specialist. Expert Interview. 13 August 2021.
- ↑ https://homefitnessedge.com/magnetic-resistance-exercise-bike-problems/
- ↑ https://homefitnessedge.com/magnetic-resistance-exercise-bike-problems/
- ↑ http://www.gympart.com/TSB/Lifefitness/Lifecycle/95C_CEM100000/D/Troubleshooting%20Guide.pdf
- ↑ Greg Maurer. Health & Fitness Specialist. Expert Interview. 13 August 2021.
- ↑ https://homefitnessedge.com/magnetic-resistance-exercise-bike-problems/
- ↑ https://homefitnessedge.com/magnetic-resistance-exercise-bike-problems/