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Peloton is probably best known for its original Peloton Bike, an at-home exercise bike that features a large screen on the front and rear speakers, allowing you to workout to one of the thousands of classes available through the Peloton All-Access membership.
The American company doesn't just offer one bike now though. There's multiple at-home gym equipment options, as well as a separate app you can use on your mobile or tablet.Those of you who want to know more about Peloton should look no further. We've done the leg work for you (pun intended).
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Here is everything you need to know about Peloton.
What is Peloton and what products does it offer?
- Bike, Bike+, Tread, Tread+ equipment
- Peloton Guide
- All-Access Membership
- Peloton Digital app
- Peloton accessories
Peloton makes at-home gym equipment, has an exercise app, and produces workout videos that customers can live-stream through Peloton products.
There are two exercise bikes available - Bike and Bike+ - and there are also two treadmill options (though both aren't available in all regions) - Peloton Tread and Peloton Tread+. There is also the Peloton Guide, which is a TV-connected camera that focuses on strength workouts.
Peloton also offers bike accessories, which include Peloton shoes, weights, headphones, a heart rate monitor and a bike mat. There are also resistance bands and Peloton apparel if you're really keen.
Alongside the at-home gym equipment and accessories, Peloton also offers a mobile app that you can sign up for even if you don't have the Peloton gym equipment. You can read more about the app a little further down.
What can the Peloton Bike and Bike+ do?
- 21.5 or 23.8-inch HD touchscreen
- Live and on-demand workouts
- All-Access Membership required
Peloton's indoor exercise bikes are a stationary piece of at-home gym equipment with a large touchscreen attached.There are thousands of video sessions available through the Peloton All-Access Membership - more on that below - including short clips for people with more limited schedules.
There are multiple fitness instructors to choose from for classes, recorded classes and music. It's packed with plenty of other social features too, like the ability to virtually ride with friends, high five other members, as well as leaderboards with achievement badges.
The bikes require cleats, which are sold separately. And their handlebars only move up and down, not fore and aft - though the saddle moves forward and back. The screen on the original Bike is fixed in front of the handlebars, and it can't be used for other purposes, such as watching YouTube videos or Netflix. The screen on the Bike+ rotates, but it is still only for the Peloton interface and not third party apps.
What's the difference between the Peloton Bike and Bike+?
- Bike+ has bigger rotating screen
- Bike+ has more speakers
- Bike+ has automatic resistance changing
As we've mentioned, Peloton has two exercise bikes in its range: the Peloton Bike and the Bike+.
Both bikes have the same 1200 x 600mm footprint, both come with Peloton app access and both have individual profiles for household access. They also both have delivery and assembly included in their prices and they both have access to thousands of Peloton classes.
The two bikes also have adjustable seats, handlebars and screens and they both have the same user requirements.
The main difference is the original Peloton Bike has a height adjustable 21.5-inch HD touchscreen, while the Bike+ has a rotating 23.8-inch HD touchscreen with 360-degrees of movement. The rotating screen means you can turn the display for when you are doing strength workouts, rather than bike workouts.
The Bike+ also comes with four-channel audio with two 3-watt tweeters and two 10-watt woofers, while the Bike offers just two 10-watt speakers. Additionally, the Bike+ has Apple GymKit integration - which is excellent in our experience - and a Resistance Knob with Auto Follow, which means the bike automatically adjusts the resistance to the instructors recommendation, while the original Bike requires you to do this manually.
In terms of specs, the Bike+ has a slightly faster processor than the Bike, double the RAM and a slightly higher resolution front camera. It also has Bluetooth 5.0 instead of Bluetooth 4.0 and it has a USB-C port for charging devices rather than a USB microport.
What can the Peloton Tread and Tread+ do?
- 23.8-inch or 32-inch HD screen
- 0-20mph speed
- All-Access Membership required
The Peloton Tread features a traditional running belt with 1500mm of running space, while the Peloton Tread+ has a shock-absorbing slat belt and a running space of 1700mm.
The Tread has a 23.8-inch HD touchscreen, like the Bike+, while the Tread+ has a larger 32-inch HD touchscreen, and delivery and assembly are both included in the price. Both the Peloton Tread and Tread+ offer speeds between 0 and 20mph, with 0.1mph increments.
There are adjustable knob controls, a jump button to increase the speed and incline by 1mph and 1 per cent, individual profiles for household access and they come with Peloton app access, like the Bike and Bike+. You'll also find speakers, port for charging devices, a front-facing camera, 3.5mm headphone jack and Bluetooth.
The classes - which are part of the All Access membership - include speed, fun runs, HIIT and bootcamp, among others. There are live and on-demand classes, and there is a variety of locations and scenary to choose from to keep things different. There's also a live Leaderboard to keep you motivated, along with metrics including distance, speed, elevation and calories.
What's the difference between the Peloton Tread and Tread+?
There are a few differences between the Peloton Tread and the Tread+. The Tread is the cheaper of the two options, and available in the UK and US, while the Tread+ is only available in the US, though not at the moment following some safety concerns.
Both have the same processor, RAM and internal storage and they both offer the same features, including access to the live classes and on-demand classes, in-workout metrics, indvidual profiles for household access, training programs and challenges and workout history.
The Tread is newer than the Tread+, has a USB-C port for charging devices, Bluetooth 5.0, an 8-megapixel front facing camera, built-in four digital microphone array and front facing stereo speakers with rear-facing woofers. It has a smaller screen compared to the Tread+ and it doesn't have a Free Mode for pushing the slat belt on its own. As mentioned above, it also has a different belt to the Tread+ and it's slightly smaller.
The Tread+ has a larger screen, Free Mode and a larger running space, as well as a shock-absorbing belt, but it offers a standard USB port for charging devices, Bluetooth 4.0 and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. It also has a soundbar instead of front and rear speakers.
Other differences between the Tread and Tread+ are the Tread has a 3 HP DC motor and a screen adjustment between 0 and 50-degrees, while the Tread+ has a 2 HP DC motor and screen adjustment between 0 and 30-degrees. The Tread also has incline of 0 to 12.5 per cent, while the Tread+ offers 0 to 15 per cent.
The Tread is smaller and lighter, measuring 1727 x 838 x 1575mm and weighing 131.5kg. It has a step up height of 203mm. The Tread+ meanwhile, measures 1842 x 927 x 1829mm and weighing 206kg. It has a step up height of 292mm.
What about the Peloton Guide?
- £275/$295 one-off cost
- £24/$24 a month for All-Access Guide-only membership until Jan 2023
We've got a separate feature on the Peloton Guide, but in a nutshell, the Guide is a TV-connected camera that can track your movements, rewarding you when you complete your reps. It is designed for strength training and there are numerous classes available with an interface similar to the other Peloton products.
It offers several features, such as Self Mode that allows you to see yourself on the screen alongside the Peloton instructor to check your form, while Body Activity shows the muscles you have worked and recommends other workouts to try to retain the balance.
What is the Peloton Digital app and what does it offer?
- £12.99/$12.99 a month
- Over 10 workout types
- Doesn't require Peloton products
Peloton Digital is an app for mobile devices and some streaming media devices. It works with Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, Android TV, Chromecast and Apple Airplay.
It doesn't require Peloton products and you can try it out for a month before you have to pay a monthly subscription. After the 30-day trial period, the Peloton Digital app costs £12.99/month in the UK or $12.99/month in the US. If you have the Peloton Bike, Bike+ or Tread, the Peloton Digital app is included within the Peloton All-Access Membership, which is required for the Peloton products.
The Peloton Digital app has over 10 workout types, including strength, stretching, bootcamp, cycling, outdoor running, yoga and meditation. You can work out alongside others, track your progress with metrics and you can challenge yourself and earn achievements.
The Peloton Digital app is available to download on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Amazon App Store and Roku.
How much is Peloton?
There are several packages available for the Peloton products, some of which include accessories, such as shoes and weights for the Bike and Bike+. Keep in mind that you will need the Peloton All-Access Membership on top of the products themselves.
The Peloton All-Access Membership costs £39/month in the UK and $39/month in the US. It includes access to the Peloton Digital app too.
Peloton Bike costs
The Peloton Bike starts at £1750/$1895 for the Bike Basics package. This includes the Peloton Bike, home delivery and a 12-month warranty.
The Bike Essentials package is £1895/$2045. This includes the Peloton Bike, delivery, warranty, one pair of headphones, one pair of shoes and a set of weights.
The Bike Works package is £1995/$2145. This adds a heart rate monitor and bike mat to the Essentials package.
The Bike Family package is £2195/$2345. This is the top package with the Peloton Bike, delivery, warranty, two pairs of shoes, a set of Bike Weights, two pairs of headphones, two heart rate monitors, a Bike Mat and two water bottles.
Peloton Bike+ costs
The Peloton Bike+ Basics package is £2295/$2495. This includes the Peloton Bike+, home delivery and warranty.
The Peloton Bike+ Essentials package is £2495/$2695. This includes the Peloton Bike+, home delivery, warranty, one pair of shoes, a set of Bike Weights and a Reversible Workout Mat.
The Peloton Bike+ Works package is £2595/$2795. This adds a Bike Mat and a set of Resistance Bands to the Essentials package.
The Peloton Bike+ Family package is £2745/$2945. This includes the Pelton Bike+, delivery, warranty, two pairs of shoes, a set of Bike Weights, a Reversible Workout Mat, Bike Mat, a set of Resistant Bands, Yoga Blocks, Yoga Strap and two water bottles.
Peloton Tread costs
The Peloton Tread Basics costs £2295/$2495. This includes the Peloton Tread, delivery and warranty.
The Peloton Tread Essentials package is £2570/$2765. This incudes the Peloton Tread, delivery, warranty, a set of Resistance Bands, two sets of Weights, a Special Edition Workout Mat and a Heart Rate Monitor.
The Peloton Tread Works package is £2670/$2865. This adds a pair of wireless earbuds and a glass water bottle to the Essentials package.
The Peloton Tread Family package is £2870/$3065. It adds another set of weights, another heart rate monitor, another pair of wireless earbuds and another glass water bottle to the Works package.
Keep in mind, the Tread is not currently available to buy. We've left the pricing here for reference.
Peloton Tread+ costs
The Peloton Tread+ Basics costs $4295. This includes the Peloton Tread+, delivery and warranty.
The Peloton Tread+ Essentials package is $4565. This incudes the Peloton Tread+, delivery, warranty, a set of Resistance Bands, two sets of Weights, a reversible Workout Mat and a Heart Rate Monitor.
The Peloton Tread+ Works package is $4665. This adds a pair of wireless earbuds and a glass water bottle to the Essentials package.
The Peloton Tread+ Family package is $4865. It adds another set of weights, another heart rate monitor, another pair of wireless earbuds and another glass water bottle to the Works package.
Keep in mind, the Tread+ is not currently available to buy. We've left the pricing here for reference.
Peloton Guide costs
The Peloton Guide starts at £275/$295.
You need the Peloton All-Access Membership like the Bike and Tread options. For Guide-only users, this costs £24/$24 a month until January 2023, after which it will increase to £39/$39 a month in line with the All-Access Membership Bike and Tread costs.
If you are already an All-Access Member, you won't have to pay anymore for Guide access.
What else is in the Peloton pipeline?
Bloombergclaimed Peloton was working on a cheaper treadmill for 2020 and a rowing machine. Of course, 2020 has been and gone and no rowing machine has appeared yet, but that doesn't mean it won't. We will keep you posted if we hear anything else regarding a Peloton rower.
In the meantime, Echelon do a smart rower called the Echelon Row.
Best alternatives to the Peloton bike
You can use the Peloton Digital app with any indoor exercise bike or treadmill. It comes with a one month trial, as we mentioned above.
However, if you subscribe to Peloton's subscription service through the app and don't own the Peloton Bike, Bike+ or Peloton Tread, then keep in mind you won't get access to the leaderboard and on-screen stats like cadence, resistance, and other metrics measured by Peloton's equipment.
You can use accessories to achieve a more Peloton-like experience, too. Buy yourself a media device holder (like this tablet mount) or a cadence sensor (like Wahoo's) or even a pair of cycling shoes. As for alternatives to the bikes themselves, here are some well-rated options:
FAQs
What is a cheaper alternative to Peloton? ›
If you want a Peloton alternative at the lowest possible price without losing important features, look to Echelon. The company offers a similar class structure, both live and on-demand, but the hardware and subscription cost considerably less than anything from Peloton.
What is equivalent to Peloton Bike? ›Peloton's biggest competitors are NordicTrack, Echelon, and SoulCycle. All of these at-home bikes feature large touchscreens and stream live/on-demand fitness classes — so they'll all get you close to the Peloton experience.
Can you ride a Peloton without a subscription? ›If you choose to cancel or not activate your All-Access Membership, you will no longer have access to our extensive workout library and live classes. However, without a Membership, you will continue to have access to: 2 pre-recorded classes* The Just Ride feature**
What is the closest thing to a Peloton? ›- NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle.
- Echelon Smart Connect EX5.
- Stryde Bike.
- Schwinn IC4 Bike.
- Bowflex VeloCore.
- ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22.
- The MYX II.
- Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1995 Fitness Pro II.
Overall, a Peloton exercise bike is worth the purchase—as long as you plan on using it regularly. With regular use, the Peloton's high price tag and monthly subscription fee pays itself off.
Is Peloton better than treadmill? ›Stationary bikes are typically safer than treadmills in terms of reducing the risk of injury. Cycling is a low-impact exercise, so it puts less stress on bones, joints, and connective tissues than running or walking on a treadmill. If you deal with chronic injuries and pain, an exercise bike may be a smarter choice.
Is there a bike cheaper than the Peloton? ›The Echelon bike is a solid choice as a Peloton alternative. It's cheaper than the Peloton Bike and features the same type of rotating screen that rolled out with the launch of the Peloton Bike+.
What is so great about a Peloton? ›The defining feature of Peloton is its massive library of thousands of workouts across a variety of disciplines, and the integrated instructor who is there to motivate you through each session. There are also 10-14 live classes broadcast each day, adding to the hundreds already available.
What is better echelon or Peloton? ›Deciding between Peloton or Echelon often comes down to budget, premium features, and instructor preferences. If you're looking for a starter bike that is affordable, Echelon might be the best choice, but if budget is not a factor, the Peloton Bike+ has some pretty amazing features worth considering.
Can you just ride Peloton without Internet? ›Q: Can I use Just Work Out without data/internet? A: Like other Peloton workouts, Just Work Out only works reliably with data or internet connection. Your workout may not properly track in areas without service. We hope to include offline support in the future.
Is Peloton worth it for beginners? ›
If you're consistent about working out, it could be worth the cost since it gives you the freedom and flexibility to work out whenever you want. However, if you're learning how to manage your money, you might find that investing in a Peloton just doesn't make sense.
Do you need special shoes for Peloton? ›You need special shoes to ride.
Just like when you go to your favorite spin studio and they give you those special clip-in shoes to wear in class, the Peloton bike requires them too. The pedals are compatible with LOOK Delta cleats. If you buy your shoes from Peloton, that'll cost you another $125.
The cost of Peloton's digital-only plan will remain the same at $12.99 per month. “There's a cost to creating exceptional content and an engaging platform, and this price increase will help us continue to deliver for our members,” the company said in a press release.
Why did they stop selling Peloton? ›Peloton's stock crashed, it decided to temporarily suspend production of its bikes and treadmills, and company cofounder John Foley resigned as CEO and was replaced by former Spotify CFO Barry McCarthy. The company tried to catch up and entice new users.
Can you ride a peloton bike with regular sneakers? ›Yes, you can. Instead of clipping cleats attached to cycling shoes onto your Peloton Bike pedals, you're able to attach what's called a toe cage, or sometimes a toe clip pedal adapter. Attaching a toe cage will allow you to use your Peloton with virtually any type of shoe and make it safe too.
Why is the Peloton cheaper now? ›The company framed the cheaper equipment as reducing the barrier to entry. The changes come as part of a push by the company to rejuvenate its business after it fell off as concern over the pandemic waned.
What is the downside to Peloton? ›As such Peloton does have lots of disadvantages when it comes to helping you meet your fitness goals. These disadvantages can be seen when looking at the cost of the machine, membership fees, virtual and on-demand classes, accountability, coaching quality, and program repetitiveness.
How often should a beginner ride a Peloton? ›When just starting out, committing to exercising at all can feel impossible, let alone exercising for 30 or 60 minutes every day. That's why Peloton Members agree that starting with 15- and 20-minute rides is the best way to form a daily habit.
Is Peloton still worth it 2022? ›In short, YES the Peloton is 100% worth it. Between the variety of classes you get from the Peloton app, the amazing instructors, the ability to ride whenever you want as well as ride in a live class alongside thousands of other people and new classes constantly being added, the Peloton is worth it!
Is Peloton or walking better? ›Cycling can be better for burning more calories, and it helps increase your lower-body strength. On the other hand, walking may help with bone density and tends to cost less than cycling.
Does cycling reduce belly fat? ›
Besides being a recreational activity, cycling is an excellent cardio workout that helps one shed weight and lose belly fat.
Is peloton bike good for weight loss? ›So is Peloton good for weight loss? Peloton can certainly support your weight loss goals, just like any kind of exercise that burns calories. Ultimately though, you do need to ensure that your nutrition is on point, and that you're in a calorie deficit.
How do you do a Peloton on a budget? ›Pair a Basic Stationary Bike With the Peloton App
If you don't have the money for a Peloton Bike, you can get a similar experience for a lot less money by pairing the company's $12.99-per-month app membership with any stationary bike.
Peloton's competitors and similar companies include MIRROR, Equinox Fitness, SoulCycle and Bitmovin.
Is NordicTrack better than Peloton? ›NordicTrack can be a little less expensive, but their navigation isn't as solidified yet, and their products aren't quite as sleek. However, they have a wider variety of classes, and incline and decline features you won't find on Peloton products. People looking for a better deal should probably opt for NordicTrack.
Why is Peloton being criticized? ›Peloton is a company that has been criticized heavily for its solvency issues. With a debt/equity ratio of 9.3, those criticisms have certainly been merited. However, its real problem is that it launched a product that only made sense in the context of COVID-19 lockdowns.
Can the Peloton Bike see you? ›Yes, the screen on the Peloton bike and tread has a video camera! It is in the top center of the screen. However, it is not used for the instructors to see you. Instead, the video camera allows for you to video chat with friends during the ride.
How heavy is a Peloton Bike? ›Peloton, known for its exercise bikes with live-streaming and on-demand group workouts, had filed the lawsuit against Echelon Fitness in 2019 alleging it infringed Peloton's patents and sold "cheap, copycat" products.
Is there a monthly fee for Echelon Bike? ›Echelon Monthly for $35, which packages bike classes with additional workouts, such as HIIT, pilates, and more. Echelon Yearly for $400 which includes the bike and additional workout classes and averages to about $33 per month, but requires you to pay the total upfront.
Does Echelon have a monthly fee? ›
You'll get 5 user profiles, more than 40 daily live classes, thousands of on-demand class options, and access to live leaderboards and a vast library of workout music. A monthly Echelon membership costs $39.99 per month. For a 1-year subscription, $399.99 is billed annually, which is equal to $33.33 per month.
Is Peloton app worth it if you don't have a bike? ›You don't need a Peloton Bike+ or Tread in order to participate in the workouts as the app offers various types of classes that require minimal to no equipment. The Peloton app does a great job providing a motivating environment and offering live classes to help you reach your fitness goals with a variety of workouts.
Can you do Peloton runs without a treadmill? ›Do I Need a Peloton Bike or Treadmill to get access to outdoor runs? No you don't need a Peloton bike or tread to do outdoor runs! They're available to anyone with the digital app. If you do have a Peloton Bike or Tread, you get free access to the digital app as well and can download the outdoor workouts through that.
Can you do Peloton run without Peloton treadmill? ›You don't even necessarily need any of the Peloton equipment in order to benefit from their app! You can run outside or use a different stationary bike or treadmill or just do strength training.
What is the best Peloton for beginners? ›Best Beginner Peloton Cardio Classes
That said, the best beginner Peloton cardio class are the 10-minute HIIT cardio led by Olivia Amato, the 20-minute dance cardio led by Callie and Hannah, or the 30-minute HIIT cardio for beginners led by Callie Gullickson for those looking for a real challenge.
“They say that when Peloton goes under, you're stuck with a $2,000 coat rack. I would say, most of the comments that are worried about this are from those that aren't going to buy the bike and just want to hate on it.”
Do you wear socks with Peloton? ›You should absolutely wear socks with your Peloton cycling shoes. Going sockless is completely out of the question.
Can you ride without instructor on Peloton? ›Two, if by virtual, you mean a free ride or riding on your own without an instructor or scenery, then you'll want the “Just Ride” option on your Peloton bike. Here's how you get to “Just Ride.” What is this? Tap “Just Ride” to start your free ride.
How often do you need to replace Peloton pedals? ›We highly recommend replacing your pedals annually as part of routine maintenance to ensure that your Peloton Bike remains in proper working order.
What do you get from Peloton after 100 rides? ›A fun program that Peloton has is that once you hit 100 workouts of a certain type (for example, 100 cycling workouts completed), you are eligible for a Peloton Century Club Shirt!
Will Peloton drop their prices? ›
The price of Peloton's original Bike will now be $1,195, down $300, and the higher-end Bike+ will drop $500 to $1,995. The fitness company's treadmill will cost $2,345, down $150. “We want more people to be able to afford our hardware,” the New York-based company said in a statement.
How much is it to cancel Peloton monthly? ›- Go into your phone or tablet's Settings.
- Click on your name.
- Click on "Subscriptions".
- Select Peloton.
- Click “Cancel Subscription”.
- Confirm Cancellation.
If you don't have the money for a Peloton Bike, you can get a similar experience for a lot less money by pairing the company's $12.99-per-month app membership with any stationary bike. Peloton's app membership works on phones, tablets, TVs, and web browsers.
Who are Peloton main competitors? ›Peloton's competitors and similar companies include MIRROR, Equinox Fitness, SoulCycle and Bitmovin.
What are some of the drawbacks of owning a Peloton? ›As such Peloton does have lots of disadvantages when it comes to helping you meet your fitness goals. These disadvantages can be seen when looking at the cost of the machine, membership fees, virtual and on-demand classes, accountability, coaching quality, and program repetitiveness.
Why does Peloton have a monthly fee? ›Peloton explained the decision in a company blog post shared with CNBC. “There's a cost to creating exceptional content and an engaging platform,” the company said. The price increases will allow Peloton to continue to deliver to users, it added.
Why is Peloton such a big deal? ›Peloton All-Access Membership
For a monthly fee ($39 a month) lets you experience unlimited live and on-demand classes, including new yoga content. There are 14 live cycling classes daily and over 10,000 on-demand instructor-led indoor cycling classes to choose from.
Throughout most of its history Peloton has incurred eye watering marketing expenses which it has used to fund its growth. In Peloton's 2021 and 2020 fiscal years its sales and marketing costs were $723 million and $477 million respectively. Peloton made $3.2 billion in 2021 and $1.5 billion in 2020.
Which is better for weight loss peloton bike or treadmill? ›In general, running on a treadmill burns more calories per minute than riding an exercise bike, and riding an exercise bike burns more calories than walking on a treadmill.
Does NordicTrack have a monthly fee? ›There are three options: a Yearly Family Plan for $396/yr, a Monthly Family Plan for $39/mo, and a Yearly Individual Plan for $180/yr.