Peloton Bike Review: A 6-Year Long Perspective
Peloton Bikes are built to last with sturdy materials, thoughtful ergonomic details, and a large, immersive touchscreen.
11 min readUpdated February 15th, 2024
SLWritten By Sara Lindberg
OVERVIEW
It’s no secret that Peloton equipment, including the Peloton Bike and Bike+, are a hit with home exercise enthusiasts. In fact, I’ve been logging miles on an original Peloton Bike for six-plus years. Yes, you read that correctly. I’ve been riding faithfully since 2018, with 2,640 rides to my name.
What’s even more shocking is that I’m still hammering away on the same bike! If that’s not enough to convince you of the pros of this outstanding piece of equipment, then check out our Peloton Bike review to learn more about why this cardio machine is worth considering if you’re in the market for home exercise equipment.
Peloton Bike vs. Gym Cost Comparison
The Peloton Bike is not cheap, but if you’re dedicated to working out at home and enjoy indoor cycling, it might be worth the investment. Remember, in addition to equipment cost, you also have the monthly fee for the All-Access Membership, which is currently $44.
When I started riding a Peloton, the subscription was under $40, so they are known to increase the price periodically. While you can use the Bike without a membership, you’ll lose the ability to access the extensive library of classes and participate in the leaderboard. That said, you will be able to use the “Just Ride” feature, which may be sufficient if you don’t plan on taking classes.
The approximate first-year cost of a Peloton Bike (no add-ons or accessories) plus the monthly All-Access Membership is about $2,000, this includes purchasing the Bike and one-year membership. After the initial bike purchase, you can anticipate about $500+ per year for the All-Access Membership.
One thing to note is the membership includes classes for workouts beyond cycling, such as strength, meditation, stretching, yoga, walking, running, rowing, and more. With the comprehensive class offerings, many users forgo a gym membership and do all their exercise at home. A one-year membership at a gym can cost between $200 and $1500, depending on the facility. Monthly fees range from $10 to $100+, with many gyms requiring a joining fee and annual fee.
Deciding between a Peloton Bike and All-Access Membership and a gym membership often comes down to ability to commit to the initial upfront costs, how often you plan to use the equipment, and the convenience of working out at home. If you’re committed to a consistent home workout routine, the Peloton Bike may be a cost-effective option. However, if you prefer a variety of workout options or enjoy the social aspect of going to the gym, a gym membership might be more suitable.
Peloton Bike Pricing
Equipment Cost
Peloton Bike
New: $1,445
Refurbished: $1,145
Rent: $89/month + a one-time $150 delivery and set-up fee
Add On Accessories
Cycling Shoes: $125
Bike Starter Set: $205 (cycling shoes, set of light weights, water bottle, and Bike mat)
Bike Ultimate Set: $495 (cycling shoes, light weights, water bottle, Bike mat, reversible workout mat, and 3 sets of dumbbells)
Home Trial
First-time Peloton bike purchasers can take advantage of a 30-day home trial. If you’re not happy with the Bike for whatever reason, Peloton will pick it up and refund the purchase within the 30-day window. That said, this promotion is only available to new Bikes, not refurbished models.
Rental Pricing
If you’re not ready to commit or cannot afford the upfront costs, consider renting a Peloton Bike. The rental program costs $89 per month and includes a Peloton Bike, a new pair of cycling shoes to keep, and the Peloton Rental Membership, which unlocks the entire library of classes and programs.
You can cancel the rental agreement at any time and return the Bike for free. Plus, if you end up liking the Bike, Peloton offers users an option to buy out the rental at any time during the rental period. Prices are determined based on when you rent. For example, if your rental is between zero and 30 days, you will pay $1,295 for a buyout, but if you’ve been renting for 12 months, you’ll only pay $895.
Membership Cost
Peloton Bike users are eligible for the All-Access Membership, which allows you to stream live and on-demand classes directly to the connected screen as well as with the Peloton App+ using a mobile device. The Peloton All-Access Membership costs $44 per month.
Warranty
If there’s one area in which Peloton lacks innovation, it’s the warranty. With the amount you pay to own a Peloton Bike, it seems the warranty would have more substance. The 12-month limited warranty includes coverage on parts and labor for the touchscreen, Bike frame, and most of the components. Opting for the rental package gives you worry-free warranty coverage for the duration of the rental.
If you want added coverage, opt for a Peloton protection plan. This plan adds 48 months of protection after the 12-month limited warranty expires. The cost for this coverage is $149. Users are mixed on whether this is worth the money. I did not purchase it, and fortunately, had no problems during the potential coverage period. But when I upgrade to the Bike+, I will likely add this extra plan for peace of mind.
Peloton: Our Take
Varies by equipment and subscription
Peloton
Best for connected workouts and classes
- 30-day Home Trial
- Peloton Bike Rental Program
- Various Equipment to suit your preference
- App that works with and without equipment
Notable Tech Features
- 21.5” HD touchscreen tilts to accommodate different heights
- Rear-facing built-in speakers
- 5-megapixel built-in front-facing camera
- 2 GB RAM
- 16 GB internal flash storage
- Micro-USB connectors on back of the screen
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity
- Pairs with Apple Watch
Bike Frame and Design
- 4’ x 2’ footprint
- Bike weight is 135 pounds (125-pound frame, 10-pound screen)
- Accommodates rider heights between 4’11” and 6’5”
- Maximum rider weight of 297 pounds
- Powder coated, welded steel frame
- Sturdy flywheel
- Belt-driven drive system
- Manual resistance knob featuring levels of magnetic resistance
- Adjustable seat post to accommodate a range of heights
- Large, cushioned sport series seat adjusts vertically and horizontally
- Dumbbell holder
- Ergonomically adjustable handlebars
- Two water bottle holders
Class Content
- Live classes added daily
- On-screen metrics like cadence, resistance, heart rate, and distance
- Progress tracking, such as workout streaks, personal bests, and goals achieved
- Leaderboard feature for live and on-demand classes and workouts
- Customizable workouts
- Filter feature to search for class by length, difficulty, class type, music, and instructor
- Stream TV shows, movies, and live sports with Peloton Entertainment
- Scenic rides featuring world-wide landscape
- Gamified workout experience with Lanebreak
- On-demand classes feature closed captioning
- Just ride feature allows users to pedal without an instructor or entertainment
Peloton Bike Workouts
The variety and effectiveness of workouts you can perform with the Peloton Bike and All-Access membership are numerous. In addition to a range of workout types, intensity levels, and programs, this sleek bike and accompanying exercise content caters to diverse fitness goals and preferences.
Live and on-demand cycling classes are just one way to use the All-Access Membership. If you want to take your workouts off the Bike, consider adding one or more of the other exercise types to your weekly routine. Your subscription comes with an extensive library of live and on-demand classes for meditation, yoga, strength, running, walking, stretching, rowing, Pilates, boxing, and more.
Peloton also offers comprehensive programming to help you follow a plan, stay on track, and go more in-depth with your training. Workouts range from one to eight weeks and include weight-lifting splits, beginning Pilates or yoga, intro to meditation, marathon training, and crush your core.
I like how Peloton has a tab that organizes the class library by collections, allowing you to search by workout type, fitness goal, or musical artist. This is where you’ll find Peloton’s famous “Turkey Burn” and holiday cycling classes.
That said, the strength, Pilates, yoga, and bootcamp classes may incorporate weights, exercise bands, mats, or other fitness equipment, so make sure to check the equipment list on each class before getting started.
Cycling classes range in length from 5 to 120 minutes and include warm-up, cool down, beginner, low impact, intervals, climb, HIIT, Tabata, Power Zone, and music themes like decades (90s, 2000, 2010, etc.), rock, hip hop, pop, country, and dance.
Peloton does a nice job of hiring instructors with diverse backgrounds, skill levels, and personalities. My recommendation is to try as many different classes and instructors as possible before settling in on one or two. I have my lineup of favorites (Cody, Dennis, Jenn, Alex, Matt, and Robin), but I also make it a point to explore new instructors and go back to previous classes I may have not enjoyed at first.
Peloton Bike Setup, Storage, and Maintenance
My experience from ordering a Peloton Bike to set-up was excellent. Peloton went through a few bumpy years with delivery issues. It seems like most of those have been resolved and customers are receiving equipment in a more timely manner and the setup process is easier.
Once you purchase a Peloton Bike, either online or in a showroom, you’ll be notified of a delivery date. Someone will need to be home to accept the Bike and show the workers where to set it up. Setup should take around 20 minutes and includes placing the bike in the desired location, assembling it, connecting to power and Wi-Fi, and walking you through the basics. Here is an older video narrated by a Peloton instructor on how to set up your Bike.
Maintenance is relatively simple and low-key. The only real issue I ever have is the cleats on the clip-in shoes get loose after a while, but this is normal wear and tear from using them so much.
The Peloton Bike has a compact 4’ x 2’ footprint (actual dimensions: 59" L x 53" H x 23" W), allowing it to fit nicely in homes, apartments, or condos. But knowing the dimensions is one thing. You also need to look at the bigger picture and understand how the Peloton Bike will fit into your space. Ideally, you should have about 24” of space on all sides of the bike and an 8’ minimum ceiling height to allow for adequate headroom.
Like other exercise equipment, the Peloton Bike requires some regular maintenance to keep it in top condition. The user manual and Peloton website have specific instructions to follow for daily, monthly, and annual maintenance. That said, here are some key maintenance duties I have performed to keep my Peloton Bike going all these years.
For starters, I always clean the bike after each use. This includes wiping down the frame, seat, handlebars, and any other accessible parts to prevent dust and sweat buildup. You’ll also want to check and tighten any bolts or screws, especially on the handlebars and bike seat.
The pedals take a beating, so make sure they are tight and your shoes clip in and out with minimal problems. I recommend purchasing the mat Peloton sells for the Bike to protect your floor. It is really easy to clean with a wipe or wet cloth. Finally, make sure your cord is in good working condition and the touchscreen is not loose.
As far as the Peloton cycling shoes and pedals, I’ve replaced my shoes three times in six years and the pedals one time. The only reason I replace my shoes is from wear and tear, not because something went wrong. I use them five to six times a week, so they take a beating.
Recently, Peloton sent several original Bike users (myself included) a new seat post after they announced a recall on May 11, 2023 for Peloton Bikes sold between January 2018 and May 2023. Some owners experienced an unexpected break during use, which can cause injury. I’ve never had issues with the seat post, but I accepted the free replacement.
Another thing to note is now that Amazon sells Peloton Bikes, the delivery and set-up for those machines is different than if you order from Peloton. According to the Peloton website, depending on your delivery location, you will either receive expert delivery and setup from Amazon or you will be required to self-assemble the Bike.
Peloton Pros
- 30-day home trial for new users
- Monthly rental option
- Bike is very quiet when in use
- Extensive library of live and on-demand classes
- Large immersive touchscreen
- Steel frame and solid construction
- Ergonomic and adjustable handlebars allow for proper posture
- Large, supportive community of riders
- 100 levels of magnetic resistance
Peloton Cons
- Pricier than several competitors
- Screen does not rotate
- Requires monthly subscription for classes
- Limited warranty
My Personal Experience with Exercise Bikes
Before purchasing a Peloton Bike, I cycled through several different brands and models at a few gyms. I spent about two years taking an indoor cycling class that used Keiser bikes. I was impressed with the quality and ease of use with these bikes, but they are definitely suited for a class experience.
In addition to the Keiser studio bike, I have the most experience with LifeFitness and Precor upright and recumbent bikes. That said, I’m impressed with the features, durability, and workout options of several Peloton Bike alternatives like the NordicTrack S22i and S27i Studio Bike, the Bowflex VeloCore, the Pro-Form Studio Bike Pro 22, and the Echelon Connect Bike EX-5s22.
Investing in an exercise bike is a great option for many people. I like how versatile they are, plus indoor cycling is easier on the joints than running or other high-intensity activities. Depending on your living space, you can opt for a compact machine or go with a larger bike with more features and ability to handle multiple users and higher body weight.
One thing I would recommend is to weigh the pros and cons of buying a bike with a connected screen, which often increases the price tag. I used exercise bikes without a connected screen for 20-plus years, but after using a Peloton Bike for several years, I will always opt for this feature. I really like having access to live and on-demand classes, the Leaderboard, being able to stream my favorite Netflix series while I pedal, and easy access to workout metrics.
Bottom Line
Peloton Bikes are an excellent way to add cardiovascular activity to your overall workout routine. With the All-Access Membership, you’ll get access to strength training, yoga, Pilates, HIIT, and other workouts, empowering you to create a total body routine.
The Peloton Bike ranks right up there with the top indoor cardio machines, so I think it’s definitely worth considering if you’re looking to expand your home gym. Plus, with a 30-day home trial, you have nothing to lose.
That said, if you’re curious about how a Peloton Bike rides but don’t want to commit to a home trial, consider trying one out in a Peloton showroom. These retail locations allow potential buyers to test out all Peloton equipment, including the Bike, Bike+, Tread, Row, and Guide. Showrooms are located throughout the United States and select stores in Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
FAQs
What are the key differences between the Peloton Bike and Bike+?
While several features make the Peloton Bike+ stand out from the Peloton Bike, there are a few that seem to be game-changers for many users.
- First, the resistance knob on the Bike+ automatically adjusts to match instructor recommendations during classes. If you have the original Bike, you need to make the adjustments on your own.
- Another key difference is the screen. The Peloton Bike+ has a rotating 23.8-inch HD touchscreen that can swivel 180 degrees, allowing users to easily switch between on-bike and off-bike workouts.
- You’ll also get an upgraded sound system and Apple GymKit, which allows you to sync an Apple Watch with the bike for more accurate workout data, if you choose the Peloton Bike+ over the Peloton Bike.
What minimum space is required to comfortably accommodate a Peloton Bike?
The Peloton Bike has a compact 4’ x 2’ footprint, allowing it to fit nicely in homes, apartments, or condos. It’s recommended to have about 24” of space on all sides of the bike and an 8’ minimum ceiling height to allow for adequate headroom.
Are there financing options available for purchasing a Peloton Bike or Bike+?
Potential Peloton users can choose to finance their Bike through a company called Citizens Pay, with financing ranging from 0% APR with no money down.
Is there a trial period or money-back guarantee when purchasing a Peloton Bike?
Yes, Peloton offers a trial period on new Bikes and Bike+. First-time purchasers are eligible for a 30-day risk-free home trial. This offer is not available for Peloton Certified Refurbished Bikes.
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