Does Peloton Work? An Owner’s Testimonial Guide!

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Does Peloton work or it’s just hype?

Why should go for the Peloton or Echelon bike? What about the versatile Keiser M3i or the robust Assault bike? Which one is best amidst a Pandemic or post-pandemic?

You are not alone.

Yes, it’s a tough decision to make, I know. But you’re in good hands. Today, I’m going to lay bare everything you need to know about the Peloton. At least you can make your own informed judgment as to whether or not you’ll get your bang for the buck when you choose any of the great Peloton alternatives. Or better still go with the Peloton indoor bike.

Let’s dive right into the Peloton and whether or not it’s worth the hype.

‘Peloton’ as a Brand

Unlike many other brands, Peloton is not just a pretty name with a community of a total of 4.4 million members; it has streamlined the traditional ways of how we perceive fitness and accessibility.

Peloton has prevailed its name to be one of the most well-known workout equipment brands. It offers unmatched features as well as add ons that can help elevate your fitness journey. 

What is a Peloton Bike?

Peloton Bike is everywhere, yet not many people are aware of what it does and what goes behind the results that it offers.

The Peloton Bike is a high-end indoor cycle that lets you access an extensive library of fitness workouts led by an expert instructor to give you a professional gym-like feel at home.

It is a rigged bicycle with Wi-Fi capabilities to allow you to stream live and on-demand video on a 21.5-inch touchscreen and compete with other fitness enthusiasts to give you a boost of motivation every day.

Peloton, in general, is more focused on eliminating the increasing problem of lack of productivity and physical activities using innumerable techniques to get you moving and keep you on track.

With 130 pounds, it is incredibly structured with a carbon steel and aluminum body along with a weighted flywheel to offer an overall quiet and smooth riding. It also helps you easily customize the resistance level and increase the intensity of your workouts as you go.

Bear in mind; this bike is not something you can assemble yourself. Thus, always make sure you are getting it delivered at home and get it assembled by professionals.

One of the best things about Peloton is how user-friendly it is to make sure all of its users can access the advanced features without struggling to look for information on the user manual. Yes, that’s right, you don’t even need the user manual to use its touchscreen.

The video content is streamed in 1080p HD, and the remarkable monitor with a camera can make it easier to communicate while working out.

As if this wasn’t already enough, it also keeps track of your heart rate, resistance, cadence, and overall exertion level to track your day-to-day progress.

Is the Peloton Bike Worth its Cost?

Many people who want to know does peloton work are worried whether its cost justifies what it does.

If you are buying as high-end as this Peloton bike, there are many costs and not to mention the hidden costs you may need to consider before making a purchase. With a $1,995 upfront cost, you also get to have add-ons with extra cost.

In general, Peloton shoes are highly recommended to ensure you are making the most out of your cycling ad and enhancing performance at an unprecedented rate. However, Peloton’s pedals are only compatible with LOOK Delta cleats which are clips that can attach to the bike pedals and keep your feet secure throughout the workout.

Although other brands offer Peloton-compatible shoes, they might not come with Delta cleats to only add at least another $100 on your expense. As for the official Peloton shoe, it can cost you up to $125 for now.

Another essential thing you must purchase with this Peloton bike is the subscription at $39 per month. Without it, your Peloton bike is futile.

Its content is specifically aimed to improve the performance of peloton users, and Peloton’s live video can help you connect with instructors better and increase accountability. Besides that, the manufacturer also recommends you to go for the bike mat that keeps your floor looking new and your carpet sweat-free at all times. This will cost you an additional $59.

Although many people prefer not to go for a price this high, it is actually reasonable in the long run. This is because of this golden price tag; it offers a highly durable body and functionality that can let this bike last for as long as you want.

Should You Buy a New or Used Peloton Bike?

If the Peloton bike is out of your budget, there is no harm in doing for a used Peloton bike that can potentially have the same unmatched performance. The best place you can buy a used Peloton bike is surely Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and other unofficial buy ads sell Facebook groups.

If the warranty on the used Peloton is still valid, you have the option to extend for the next three years to add an extra layer of convenience.

Peloton Bike vs. Peloton Bike+

The Peloton recently took the Peloton bike a step further with its Bike+ that comes with an upgraded version with additional features. By this, I mean it comes with a larger touchscreen tablet of 23.8 inches that rotates 180 degrees along with an improved camera and unmatched sound system.

Previously, there have been a few complaints regarding the sound system as it was centered around adding volume to the entire room rather than the user.

What makes it stand out for the rest of the bikes is the anti-smudge coating on the Bike+ touchscreen with a reflection-reducing effect to eliminate or for the most concerning problems with indoor bikes. The integrated Apple GymKit is perfectly compatible with all the Apple Watch users out there.

As for the body and structure of the Peloton Bike+, it allows you to position yourself comfortably on the bike, as well as the screen helps you adjust its position to point towards you while you are doing exercises like strength training, yoga, and core sessions.

However, this also comes with a heftier price tag of $2,495 compared to the $1,895 Pelon Bike that was relatively affordable.

What I Love About the Peloton Bike

1. Accessories

Although you can rest assured to be content with the indoor bike, the additional accessories available with the cycle can instantly help to level up your fitness routine. This includes Peloton shoes, a yoga mat, resistance bands, and heart rate monitors.

2. Noiseless Operation

Where many other stationary bikes can be too loud to disturb everyone around, the outstanding indoor Pelton bike features a flywheel that can not only keep this whole process down but can offer a smooth, cloud-like feel to the entire workout as well.

3. On-demand Classes

Sure, the $39 monthly subscription can be too hard on your pockets with a high price. However, instead of paying your trainers at the gym, these on-demand classes serve the same purpose but only better with their larger variety of workouts that come with various intensity levels to suit people of all fitness types.

What I Hate About the Peloton Bike

The basic Peloton bike lacks advanced features offered by Peloton Bike+.

If we ignore the price factor here, Bie+ surely sounds like a more high-tech option with its unprecedented features, which you can’t avail of in a peloton bike. This means down the line; you might run chances of regretting this purchase and opting for Pelton Bike+ instead.

1. Expensive

The upfront cost of a Peloton Bike is enough for a fitness beginner ever to consider this bike again, let alone the hidden costs that make the motorcycle futile unless you pay for them.

Peloton Competitors: Alternative High-end Studio Cycling Bikes and Classes?

Top 5 Best Peloton Alternatives I Prefer

Now that you are perfectly aware of the Peloton bike, it’s never a bad idea to compare apple to apple and make the right decision.

Don’t want to hassle around the competitor bikes? Well, I’ve done all the work for you!

Here are the top 5 best Peloton alternatives with relatively the same feature but a few unique abilities that give each of an upper and lower hand over the rest of the indoor bikes out there.

1. Keiser M3i or M3iX

The M3i and M3iX have brought to you years’ worth of refinement and culmination to master each feature to offer you endless comfort and satisfaction with this particular bike.

It is armed with excellent corrosion resistance, a power meter, and the accurate measurement of progress to make this indoor cycling bike #1 Peloton Bike alternative.

Besides that, to ensure your maximum safety and peace f mind, the incredible Keiser M3i or M3iX has passed the EN957-10 European Standard for accuracy and safety. c

Pros

  • Allows adjustable gearing with seat, resistance, and handlebars
  • Al the sensors come pre-installed, so you don’t have to bother with third-party sensors
  • Bluetooth compatibility for added convenience

Cons

  • Reportedly, the brand has poor customer service

2.    Renpho AI-Powered Bike

If you are someone who lives with a family, the Renpho AI-Powered bike is for you. Each member of your family can connect their AI Gym APP to the bike and create their own personalized dashboard with individual tracking to measure their progress respectively.

This remarkable exercise bike features a highly adjustable seat that can accumulate people from height 4’11” to 6’5”. It is equipped with a smooth freewheel design that allows you to have a seamless sweat-free experience.

What’s more, it also comes with 5 training modes and 70+ courses to meet the needs of everyone worldwide. It can easily sync with your Apple Watch and AI Bike to track each second of your movement and offer reliable stats.

Pros

  • The permanent magnet brushless servo motor offers self and automated adjustable resistance.
  • It is made for people of all fitness levels.
  • Offers AI-optimized workouts for best performance

Cons

  • There have been a few complaints regarding the filmy control knob that is made up of plastic.

3.    Echelon Smart Connect Fitness Bikes

In general, you get to have 4 Echelon bike models, each with its own specific features that will suit people of all needs. The company works by eliminating any issues present in the fitness industry.

Echelon is known for having 32 levels of magnetic resistance with top-tier performance to give you everything you need to amp up your fitness game. The company adds refinements to its magnetic resistance that only improves with time.

If I specifically talk about the EX5S, it comes with the latest upgrades like kick guards on the frame and power ports on the front and back to ensure you have everything within your reach.

Pros

  • Excellent tracking system
  • Works by motivating its users
  • The 13 KG flywheel offers 32 resistance levels to help increase your intensity levels to keep your workouts challenging and your performance high.
  • Durable frame

Cons

  • Less Warranty Coverage
  • Costly

Considering the high upfront cost, a 1-year limited warranty may not be the best deal for many users.

Although Echelon may cost less when compared to others, it has numerous hidden costs like the touchscreen that jumps the price to a whopping $400.

4.    Airdyne

Schwinn has been known to manufacture nothing but quality equipment for all the fitness aficionados out there. For over a century, they have been the leading innovator to ar resistance technology that provides a seamless experience with your indoor cycles.

With the Airdyne AD Pro, you get to have a comprehensive set of all-purpose stationary bikes with a perimeter-weighted flywheel design to come with a highly durable build. The multi-position handles allow you to have increased comfort and the horizontal and vertical grip also offers optimal safety in its bikes.

In addition to that, the universal rail and clamp system lets users swap their customized seats and begin the process when they want.

Pros

  • The progressive wind resistance offer unmatched challenges for users
  • Triggers problem areas using interval training and heart rate level indicators.
  • Easy to maintain anti-corrosion, powder-coated steel construction

Cons

  • Poor installation
  • Some people received faulty pieces

5. YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike Stationary

This 35ilb flywheel can easily withstand heavy-duty workouts with a quiet ride that can offer complete satisfaction and a peaceful session. The belt-driven system is also known for helping you enjoy each movement with this YOSUDA indoor cycling.

The 2 ways adjustable handlebars and 4 ways padded seat keep the users feeling comfortable, all while offering you the ever needed resistance for a more effective workout.

Pros

  • The infinite resistance gives a real road rain feel to the overall equipment.
  • Sturdy
  • The LCD monitor clearly displays time, distance, speed, calories burned, and odometer to help you calculate your daily progress and stay motivated.

Cons

  • Poor knob quality can make it harder with time

The Peloton App

Now that you are clear about the Peloton bike, it’s time you shift your focus on one of the important features of Peloton that can aid accessibility and convenience for many people. Now let’s dive into the Peloton app.

The Peloton iOS app lets you stream videos on any of your devices while following your regular workouts. The Peloton app works with Apple TV, Fire TV ad Android TV, and Apple Airplay. However, bear in mind, you won’t see your metrics as it is not connected to the bike.

It is highly needed when you want to take your Peloton experience with you. Besides that, you can also connect the bike with Tsrava and Fitbit to share your ride once you are done with your workouts.

What I love about the Peloton App

  • It offers All-Access Membership for Peloton products
  • The two-month trial period helps you make up your mind before making a purchase.
  • The Peloton app covers ten workout types, including Bootcamp, outdoor running, and mediation, to ensure you are earned with the right workouts whenever in need.

What I hate about the Peloton App

  • Considering how Pelon is generally an expensive piece of equipment, the additional cost of $39 per month for the app makes many people reluctant to try it. However, it now offers 90 days free due to the pandemic if you sign up by 30th April.

Peloton Shoes

Your peloton journey is incomplete without a good pair of Peloton shoes. They come with Delta cleats compatible with the bike to make sure your feet stay secure throughout the workout. These branded pair of shoes prevent the soggy feeling by carefully designing this footwear wear ith breathable mesh that lets adequate air ventilation in your feet.

What makes them stand out from the rest is how you get to find shoe sizes for all unique feet types that eliminates any problem you may have with buying shoes online.

If you are not picky with your footwear, I’d highly recommend you to opt for Peloton shoes as they are specifically designed to suit not only the Peloton bike but their outdoor cycles as well. This means you can leave the house without worrying about being uncomfortable.

What I love about the Peloton Shoes

  • It offers a large variety of sizes to suit people of all needs.
  • Incredible features that are Peloton bike compatible
  • A reputable brand that everyone trusts

What I hate about the Peloton Shoes

  • Only offers one shoe model
  • Other Peloton-compatible shoes offer better comfort and designs.

My Views on the Peloton Tread And Peloton Tread+

Coming to Peloton Tread and Tread+, these two are actually the gems of Peloton. Thread features a running belt with 1500 mm of running space, whereas Thread+ is known for offering high shock absorbency to ensure you have a smooth experience with your bike.

Another thing that is worth noting is the HD touchscreen. While Peloton Thread+ covers a 32-inch screen, the original Tread only comes with a 23.8 inch HD Touchscreen. This means if you are someone who favors a compact design over anything else, Peloton Tread is surely your best bet to go. At the same time, Thread+ is for all the tech lovers out there.

To help you have full control over your gym equipment, you get to have adjustable knob controls with a jump button to increase speed and incline by 1mph and 1 percent to make it ideal for people of all fitness levels.

Just like Peloton Bike and Bike+, it also comes with high-quality speakers with ort for changing, a front-facing camera, and Bluetooth compatibility for added convenience.

If I talk about the difference between the two, the Thread is relatively cheaper and available in both the UK and the US, whereas Thread+ is only available for fitness enthusiasts living in the US.

Besides the price difference, you barrel get to see unique features. Both of them have the same processor, RAM, and internal storage to let you have access to live classes and individual profiles to help you track every move you make and make up for the lazy days.

If you didn’t know this already, the Thread is relatively the newer model than Thread+, which has a USB port, eight mega megapixel camera, and rear-facing speakers that eliminate the problem of disturbing your neighbors while you are having the time of your life working out.

All in all, they both are packed with equally amazing features but in different sizes to aid portability and sturdiness.

Pros of the Peloton Tread and Tread+

  • The Peloton Thread is easy to move around, whereas Tread+ takes the lead in sturdiness and durability.
  • The shock-absorbing feature is ideal for preventing you from getting injured during workouts.
  • The sleek design has been known to amp up the look of your overall house, all while giving a professional gym-like appearance.

Cons of the Peloton Tread and Tread+

  • It’s costly than most of the treadmills out there
  • Some people have issues with the sizes
  • The screen isn’t compatible with other features and classes other than Peloton, limiting you to options.

Conclusion

Coming to the end of the guide, Peloton isn’t just your ordinary indoor bike. Not only does it offer excellent quality stationary bikes, but it is also loaded with innumerable add ons that can only elevate your overall experience. Ensure you are armed with just the right information, compare and contrast the alternatives, and make the right decision.

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