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Is the Peloton Cycle Worth Buying?

As I don’t actually own a Peloton bike, I guess my answer to this question speaks for itself. However, I cannot deny that the Peloton Cycle is an ingenious product, well-designed, and absolutely fills a niche in our busy world, but it is a very sizable investment: the bike itself will run you $1995 plus $250 installation. Add in another $25 to $75 for weights plus other accessories, such as a mat and shoes. Oh, and I failed to mention the $39 monthly subscription fee that begins after the first year.

If you read my last very detailed post, you know that I use the Peloton app on a regular spin bike. With the addition of an iPad holder, a cadence sensor, weights, some SPD pedals and spin shoes, I’ve created my own mock-Peloton at a savings of more than $1700. (You can also get an upgraded version of my bike with SPD pedals already installed).

In all likelihood, Peloton has released their iPad and recently the iPhone apps to tempt people into buying their $2000 product. On their own website within the Frequently Asked Questions section, the very last question asked is: “I like the app, so why would I buy the bike?,” a question I too, have been asking.

I downloaded the Peloton app about a year ago and use with a spin bike at home. Luckily, I had the opportunity to ride my brother’s Peloton cycle a few days ago, so now, I can finally answer the question: is it worth the price tag?

According to Peloton, the following reasons should convince someone to buy their bike despite loving the app:

It’s a Cutting-Edge Bike 

I agree, the Peloton Cycle looks sexy and is not an eyesore like so many other pieces of gym equipment. Peloton claims it has a quiet belt drive and magnetic resistance, however Peloton spin bike with touchscreen and weightsso does my inexpensive bike from Amazon. (Note: the newer version of my bike now includes SPD pedals). The touchscreen is sweat resistant. This reason does little to sway me; I have a case on my iPad, and secondly, my iPad has survived abuse from my two kids, so I am pretty sure it can survive my workout.

Access to Metrics

Of all the reasons, I agree mostly with this one. In my research, I could not find a bike that includes a computerized resistance meter. Most bikes with computerized screens display a timer, cadence/RPM, heartbeat reader, and calories burned. Even in spin classes, I turn the resistance knob to feel out a flat road or a climb, never knowing the resistance to such a precise calculation.

On my own bike, I normally opt for Peloton’s theme rides. Some current examples include TV show ride, Metallica, Sting vs. Police. You get the picture. I sometimes do the rhythm rides set to the beat of various playlists or Live DJ. I avoid metrics because it focuses on the numbers, which I cannot accurately measure on my own bike. So, with an actual Peloton bike in front of me, I knew I needed to do a metrics ride; this, after all, is what I am missing according to Peloton. The instructor (in this case, Steven Little) called out various resistance levels, down to 32, up to 71, and then back to 39, a feat impossible with my own bike. Even without arms, 45 minutes of this workout wore me out, and I believe part of it had to do with this accuracy.

Compete Against Other Riders

I started the workout a few minutes late and had some intermittent WiFi issues, which I naturally blame for my less than stellar position on the leaderboard. However, I could not avert my eyes from the leaderboard screen throughout the class. I chose one or two names of riders to compete against and happily beat them both. At one point, my sister-in-law came in and told me that she and my brother find the leaderboard distracting, so they close it during most workouts, and I could see what she meant by that.

Ride with Friends

I mean no disrespect to my friends, but I don’t really want to video chat during a ride. If I can chat, I am not working hard enough. Very few of my friends own the Peloton anyway, and the likelihood that we would choose the same class is slim. Again, I take most classes on demand so this too does not motivate me.

The Price

The hardest thing for me to wrap my head around is not the price of the bike itself, but the monthly cost. For the first year, Peloton provides free access to classes with purchase of the bike, however, after a year, that price goes up to $39 per month, while the app costs $12.99. While some Peloton cycle owners may give up their gym memberships, I know many users maintain both and others that use their Peloton as a backup workout while still attending SoulCycle or Flywheel classes.

Accountability

To actual Peloton Cycle riders, I do not exist when using the app, at least not on the leaderboard, nor, can I get a shout-out from the instructor. I secretly hoped that Steven Little would provide some encouraging words for me during my metrics ride, but alas, he did not. For my own accountability, I use the Wahoo device and Wahoo Fitness app on my iPhone to keep track of my personal data for every ride, such as highest RPM, lowest, time, and calories burned. The Wahoo also keeps track of heart rate if you choose to wear a monitor.

My Verdict

In the end, I cannot justify spending this amount of money on the bike, while I get a near perfect ride on my non-Peloton. Is my bike cutting-edge? Definitely not. Can I sweat profusely on my screen? Probably not. Am I OK competing for myself and not placing first in an imaginary race to nowhere? Absolutely. Yet, I  have come to rely on this app wholeheartedly and I must say that if the app disappeared tomorrow, I would bite the bullet and buy the bike.

*Note: This post was originally posted in March 2016 and has been updated to reflect accuracy and new product information.

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Catherine M. Deluca

Wednesday 8th of May 2019

ANY THOUGHTS ABOUT THE LES MILLS VIRTUAL BIKE AS OPPOSED TO THE PELOTON?

Michelle

Thursday 9th of May 2019

I've heard almost nothing about the Les Mills bike. I used to take their classes at the gym. I did a little research. It seems like while Peloton offers multiple live classes a day, Les Mills does not. Also, Peloton has gotten a bit of a cult following because their instructors are so great. I will say that Peloton is so much more than cycling classes these days. I do their stretches, outdoor walks and runs, yoga, meditation, core work, etc. You get access to everything and I love all their classes.

Ramesh

Wednesday 28th of November 2018

Great article. I'm looking to setup something similar. Thank you for sharing your setup.

I was wondering whether SF-B1002 that you own actually has a magnetic resistance. I don't see anything in Amazon product description to that effect. The cheapest Sunny Health bike model I found that has magnetic resistance is the B1714 and that costs close to $600. https://sunnyhealthfitness.com/product-comparison-charts/

Michelle

Monday 3rd of December 2018

No, you're right. The more expensive models have the magnetic resistance.

CaptainSpandeXX

Wednesday 22nd of August 2018

My wife was in New York and saw the Peloton store while she was up there visiting girlfriends. She was impressed with what she saw. I knew she was seriously looking for a solid workout machine for the house so I figured it would be a great gift and great for her transition out of post-partum (recent child birth). She got depressed after #1 and #2 so I was very motivated to help her however I could. When it arrived I was truly impressed. It has a very modern design, sleek. And very sturdy and well built. As nice (probably nicer) than any fancy bike you will see in a gym or studio. So far I have taken a class about two of every three days (for the last few months). Sometimes I do a live class, sometimes I do an “on demand” class. Just this morning, I woke at 650 and went downstairs and took a 45-min live class. Damn, I’m feeling good at work today. Pre-work classes always make me a high functioning, energetic team mate in the office. Always, I enjoy this bike so so much. On days when I’m feeling a little sluggish I’ll do a 20 minute class, when I’m feeling good I’ll do a 45 minute one. I burn around 250 calories for every 20 minutes I ride this bike (37yr old male), which to me is a solid result for my efforts. Besides tracking calories, you can track your cadence (rpm), resistance (how hard or easy you set it), your heart rate, and your output (a measure of cadence and resistance). Also, you can see how well you are doing against yourself (your previous rides), others, and even friends. For someone who is inspired by competition (like me!) this is the workout bike for you.

As for my wife. Although we got the bike “for her,” we both use it equally. Some nights, after the kids are down, we head to the basement together and she does a 20-min ride while I do a stretch (peloton offers much more than just bike instruction), then we swap. For our stretch/yoga/strength classes that they offer, we just stream those to a TV from my phone. Of course whoever is on the bike is using the bike screen. One of us has to put on earphones, it’s sort of annoying if we are both listening to instructors at the same time. Doing this workout together has actually been something that’s improved our relationship through a like interest, comradery, and improving each of our overall feeling (mind body etc). She (“we” as most now say) just had a baby-our second. She recently told me this has helped her drop the baby fat faster than any other form of exercise in the past. Makes sense considering it’s primarily working your thighs and glutes which are the largest muscle areas in your body, resulting in a fantastic cardio workout. As for me, I have seen massive improvements in my lower body physique. Actually my upper body as well as I often take classes that mix legs and arm workouts in one session-all on the bike (peloton comes with weights and you pick between 1lb, 2lb, or 3lb). So bottom line we are both feeling energetic, healthier, and stronger. Which means (personally speaking), I’m feeling HAPPIER. Additionally, I play ice hockey and as the oldest guy on the team the bike has helped me regain some lost speed and strength. And most importantly, I don’t get winded after a long shift, which used to be the norm.

All and all, I have NO ISSUES with this bike. Worst thing to happen so far is the heart rate monitor (which is wireless) has lost connection during a ride, but that didn’t matter much to me. Maybe it was even my fault, I don’t know.

Anyways, feel free to reach out to me directly if you have any questions. I’m happy to answer anything I can. Also, my referral code is below. If you use it you will receive $100 off your bike (and I will get a coupon to buy peloton clothing apparel, woohoo!).

All the best to each and every one of you.

Nolan A. My referral code: DTGW7Q If you have a peloton, add me as a friend! My username is CaptainSpandexx

Oinc

Monday 4th of June 2018

I have a Pro Form from Sears, get it on sale, was just over a $120, major sale price. It has a quiet magnet belt drive, display with electronics with a scale number varying the resistance. It’s a recumbent bike. It has everything you need. You won’t be doing weights or whatever that crap is, not sure you should be doing that anyway. What do this studio people know about kinesiology? Any hold that degree? Sears have them set up in the stores. It’s been reliable and will wear your butt out with the programmed workouts. I don’t use them I just change the magnet resistance up and down to match my mood. It has a place to mount an iPad so if you have a video of a ride you can easily match the terrain by bumping the resistance. Only thing I dislike are the pedal straps. You should be able to switch them out or the pedals.

Suzette

Wednesday 4th of April 2018

I have been obsessing over the Peloton bike and this article has helped me decide to try your "hack" Peloton experience. I'm so afraid I won't like spin and this beautiful expensive piece of equipment will sit and collect dust. Did you put your bike together or pay to have it done? I'm really handy so I think I can do it myself but want your opinion. Thank you!

Michelle

Wednesday 4th of April 2018

I put it together myself. The box was heavy so my husband helped me carry it. It was very easy to put together. I just needed his help to adjust the seat. I recommend clipping in to the pedals for a better workout. So, buy the SPD pedals and put those on from the start, rather than using the pedals that come with the bike. And, you’re right. A friend of mine tried out the Peloton app and as much as I love it, she told me that she realized she just doesn’t like spin. She was so happy to have not bought the real thing.

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