With so many indoor bike options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed trying to choose the right one. Don’t worry, I’ve put together my full review of the Peloton Bike to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
I’ll be honest, I didn’t do much research before buying our Peloton bike a few years ago. We already had the Peloton Tread+, so it just felt like the obvious next step.
But do you really need to invest in all the Peloton equipment? Or could a more affordable bike still give you the same experience? Luckily, we’ve been testing a variety of spin bikes lately in a variety of price ranges, so we’ve got a little more info to decide if it’s really worth the cost.
I’ve had my Peloton Bike since 2021, I’ve had plenty of time to put it to the test and now I’m sharing my honest thoughts to help you decide if it’s worth it for you.
General Fitness: You’ll have access to all kinds of classes at your fingertips!
Heavier Users: Not ideal for those over 297lbs in terms of overall bike stability
Endurance: Ability to clip into the pedals so that you can get a more efficient workout.
Intervals: Endless classes available and a resistance knob to set custom metrics.
Peloton Bike Overview
Don’t let my intro fool you, the Peloton Bike is a GREAT cross-training option to have as a part of your home gym.
It’s a great size for just about any space, whether you’re fitting it into a city apartment or adding it to a larger home setup.
No matter where you keep it, I’d definitely recommend placing a mat underneath, especially for those extra sweaty rides. Your floors will thank you later.
The overall setup of the Peloton Bike is pretty simple: delta cleat pedals, a small weight rack, two bottle holders, and a touchscreen.
The newer models do come with a fancy swivel screen so you can turn it for off the bike workouts. Is it necessary? Not really, especially if your bike is already positioned where you can see the screen easily.
Now, the big question: Do you really need all the Peloton equipment? Honestly, I’d say no.
If you already own the Tread, or the Rower, there’s no need to add the bike just to complete the set. You can stream Peloton workouts right from your phone or another device.
Peloton VS Other Bikes
👉Our team recently reviewed the Yesoul G1M Max Bike, a more affordable alternative to the Peloton at under $1000 and we were super impressed. It’s been getting used by the entire family and we think it’s a winner.
The only downside is that you won’t see your speed, resistance or cadence numbers directly tied to the class.
If you don’t already have Peloton equipment and want add it to your home gym, it’s a great bike!
The fact that the bike comes with a built-in screen is a definite plus, as many cheaper bikes are screenless.
👉AND we’ve been testing out the NordicTrack X24 which has INCLINE.
This is an exceptional feature and we believe with iFit makes it a better choice for those who want to build strength for biking outside.
Peloton Bike Specifications
There are currently two bikes available from Peloton, the Bike and Bike+. These specs are specific to the Peloton Bike, with the original non-swivel screen.
Resistance: manual resistance knob
Bike dimensions: 54″ L x 23″ W x 61″ H
Bike weight: 129 lbs
Max weight limit: 297 lbs
Warranty: 12-month Limited Warranty with coverage on parts and labor, for the touchscreen, Bike frame, and most Bike components
Peloton App Membership is $49.99/monthly but is not required to use the bike
21.5″ Full HD Touchscreen
Bluetooth® 5.2 connectivity
3.5 mm standard headphone jack
USB-C charging port for devices
Aluminum pedals that require cycling shoes with Delta-compatible cleats
Weights sold separately**
Quick Take
Ability to adjust the seat to your specific height requirments
Wide variety of classes for all levels.
A large touchscreen to take classes or stream while riding.
Cycling shoes required.
Cannot move the handlebars for a more custom fit.
Must have a membership to utilize the classes.
Let’s take a look at some of the standout features of the Peloton bike.
Pedal
Peloton bikes do require cycling shoes, but don’t let that scare you off!
Being clipped in actually helps you ride more efficiently and powerfully, giving you a smoother pedal stroke and stronger overall workout.
You’ll notice the difference right away, especially during those tougher classes.
Instead of worrying about your foot slipping off the pedal, you can focus on your form, effort and getting the more out of every ride.
You can add on shoes from Peloton for $125 or just use a pair you already own that are set up with delta-compatible cleats.
Screen
Peloton is known for its large, high-quality touchscreens across all of its equipment. The one you see here is 21.5″ in size.
The original Peloton Bike, however, doesn’t feature a swivel screen like the newer models. You can, though, adjust the tilt to find the right viewing angle.
The screen itself is fully touchscreen and also includes side buttons for quick volume control.
Seat and Weights
If you’re used to riding a road bike, the smaller seat on the Peloton Bike won’t bother you much. But if cylcing is new to you, you might want to grab a pair of padded shorts, comfort isn’t exactly it’s strong suit!
The good news is that the seat is fully adjustable. You can move it up and down, as well as forward and backward, to find your ideal fit.
A quick way to set it up: the seat should be about hip height, and when you bend your arm into a “L” shape, your elbow should touch the seat while your fingertips reach the handlebars.
Trust me, you want to make sure you have the “fit” set up right for your bike so that you’re comfortable during your workouts!
One of my favorite workouts is Intervals and Arms with Tunde, she somehow makes those rides fly by!
We originally didn’t buy the weights because I thought I could use a set that I already had at home, but boy oh boy, 5lb dumbbells are rough during those classes. I highly recommend getting those 1-2 lbs.
And while it’s nearly impossible to hop off mid-ride when you’re clipped in, Peloton has designed the bike by adding a small weight rack on the back of the bike.
The weights are sold separately, but you can grab them directly from Peloton, or, between us, you’ll probably find them on Amazon too.
Just a heads up, if you’re Peloton is going to be in a smaller space, those back weights can make things a bit tight.
Peloton Membership
I know that a $49 monthly membership can feel like a lot. I promise it’s worth every penny if you’re someone who enjoys working out at home or solo in the gym.
Peloton has come such a long way with its class library. There’s truly something for everyone: easy rides, themed rides, HIIT and hills and the list goes on.
And that’s just scratching the surface. With the variety of class types, levels, and music choices, you could take a new class every single day and never repeat the same one.
Another big part of the experience is the Peloton community. You can high-five other members during class, jump into a live session streaming from one of their studios, and even follow hashtags to connect with people chasing similar goals.
The challenges and milestones keep things fun too, whether it’s hitting the century club (100 classes!) or collecting badges along the way.
The best part, though, is that you can use your membership anywhere. With the app, you can take classes anywhere, any time.
Oh, and if you’re the type who loves to binge a show or movie while you work out, the Peloton Bike has you covered. You can stream different platforms right on the bike. If you’re planning to be on the bike for a few hours, you’ll be able to stay distracted by swapping between taking a class and watching some sort of entertainment.
We hope that our review of the Peloton Bike was helpful! If you’re looking to add to your home gym, the Bike may be the perfect fit.
90%
Between the HD touchscreen, access to tons of classes, and the compact(ish) size, it’s a really great bike. We didn’t give it 100% because it requires you to purchase all of the extra stuff like the weights and cycling shoes in addition to the higher price tag.
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