If you’ve just got a new exercise bike or are using one at the gym, you might prefer to see your distance in miles instead of kilometers. Knowing how to change exercise bike from km to miles is a simple process that usually takes just a minute. This guide will walk you through the most common methods for different types of bikes, from basic models to high-tech smart bikes.
How to Change Exercise Bike From Km to Miles
The exact steps can vary a lot depending on your bike’s brand and model. But don’t worry, the general principles are similar across most machines. First, you need to identify what kind of console or display your bike has.
Identify Your Bike’s Console Type
Look at the display panel on your exercise bike. There are three main types you’ll likely encounter:
- Basic Manual Consoles: These have simple buttons and a mono LCD screen. Changing units is often done by holding a button.
- Touchscreen Smart Consoles: Found on bikes like Peloton or Echelon. You change settings within the device’s menu system.
- Brand-Specific Consoles: Major brands like NordicTrack, ProForm, and Sole have their own unique interfaces.
General Step-by-Step Instructions
For many basic and older model exercise bikes, this universal method works. It’s always a good first thing to try.
- Turn on the exercise bike’s console or begin pedaling to activate the display.
- Look for a button labeled “Mode,” “Settings,” “Unit,” or “Speed/Dist.” Sometimes its a arrow button.
- Press and hold that button for 3-5 seconds. Often, the display will flash or a setting menu will appear.
- If the display flashes, keep pressing the button to cycle through options until you see “MI” for miles or “MPH” for miles per hour.
- Once the correct unit is showing, stop pressing. The display should set itself after a few moments of inactivity.
What to Do If Holding Buttons Doesn’t Work
If the hold-and-wait method doesn’t trigger a change, your bike might require a specific sequence. Try pressing the “Reset” or “Stop” button twice, then immediately holding the “Mode” button. Consulting your manual is the best course of action here, as sequences can be very specific.
Instructions for Popular Smart Bike Brands
Smart bikes integrate screens and software, so the setting is usually in a digital menu.
Peloton Bike and Bike+
- From the home screen, tap the three dots in the bottom-right corner to open “More.”
- Select “Settings” and then “Device Settings.”
- Tap “Units.”
- Choose “Imperial” to display miles and feet. “Metric” will show kilometers and meters.
NordicTrack and ProForm Bikes
These bikes use iFit technology. The process can vary if you are in a workout or on the main dashboard.
- During a workout: tap the screen to bring up the overlay menu. Look for a settings or wrench icon to find unit options.
- On the dashboard: navigate to “Settings” or “Profile” to find the unit preference selection.
Echelon Bikes
- From the main app screen, tap on your profile icon or initial.
- Go to “Settings” or “App Settings.”
- Look for “Units” or “Measurement.”
- Switch between “Imperial” (miles) and “Metric” (km).
What If Your Bike Has a Manual Switch?
Some very old or basic exercise bikes have a tiny physical switch on the back or underside of the console. You might need a pen or paperclip to flip it between “KM” and “MI” markings. Always unplug the bike before checking for this to avoid any electrical risk.
Finding Your User Manual Online
If you’ve lost your paper manual, don’t panic. You can almost always find a digital copy online. Here’s how:
- Search Google for your bike’s exact model number. You can find this on a sticker on the bike’s frame, usually near the flywheel or on the rear stabilizer.
- Search terms like “[Brand Name] [Model Number] user manual PDF.”
- Check the manufacturer’s official website’s “Support” or “Downloads” section.
Having the manual is the most reliable way to get instructions tailored to your specific machine.
Why Won’t My Bike Change to Miles?
Sometimes, you might run into problems. Here are common issues and their fixes:
- The setting won’t stick: The console battery might be low. Try replacing the batteries if it’s a battery-powered console.
- No unit setting in the menu: Some very basic bikes are pre-set at the factory and cannot be changed. You may need to do a mental conversion (1 km ≈ 0.62 miles).
- Console is frozen: Perform a hard reset by unplugging the bike from the wall (and removing batteries if applicable) for 60 seconds. This clears the memory and can reset the settings.
If non of these solutions work, contacting the manufacturer’s customer support with your model number ready is the next best step.
Quick Conversion Reference
If you can’t change the setting, use this simple guide to convert in your head:
- 1 kilometer = 0.6214 miles
- 5 kilometers ≈ 3.1 miles
- 10 kilometers ≈ 6.2 miles
- A quick rough conversion is to take km and multiply by 0.6.
Remember, your bike’s calorie burn and other metrics might also be based on the unit of distance, so getting it set correctly is helpful for accuracy.
Maintaining Your Bike’s Console
To avoid future issues with settings or display, a little care helps. Keep liquids away from the console to prevent damage. Clean the screen and buttons with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can degrade the plastic or seep into the buttons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I change my stationary bike from km to miles?
This is the same process as described above. The terms “exercise bike,” “stationary bike,” and “indoor cycle” are often used interchangeably. Start by identifying your console type and trying the hold-button method.
Can you change a spin bike from kilometers to miles?
Yes, most spin bikes with a digital console allow this change. The method is identical to other exercise bikes. Check for a “Unit” button or a settings menu on the display.
Where is the unit button on an exercise bike?
There isn’t a standard location. The button might be labeled “Unit,” “Mode,” “Speed,” or have an up/down arrow icon. It’s typically on the front of the console near the display. If you’re unsure, the online manual is your best resource.
Why did my exercise bike switch back to kilometers?
A full power loss (like dead batteries or unplugging) can sometimes reset the console to its factory default, which is often metric. Replacing batteries with fresh ones and ensuring a stable power connection can prevent this from happening frequently.
Is there an app that converts exercise bike km to miles?
While there are unit converter apps, most fitness apps like Strava, Apple Fitness, or Google Fit allow you to set your preferred units in their settings. If your bike syncs data to an app, the app will usually convert the data based on it’s own settings, not the bike’s.