I resisted getting a Peloton Bike for a long time – until I realized that the benefit is in the community more than the bike itself. With a recent price drop on the first model and plans to work out at home for the foreseeable future, we decided to go for it and we’re SO GLAD we did! Here are my reasons to get a Peloton Bike.
Why did we get a Peloton Bike?
When the world shut down in March, Thomas casually asked me if we should get a Peloton Bike.
“No way!” I said. “We can run outside or on the treadmill!”
But as spouses do, he had planted the seed. As the summer went on, and I realized that home workouts were going to be a long-term plan, I started to think about it a bit more.
I paid more attention to friends talking about them on Instagram. I read blog posts by friends about what makes them cool. The realization that we definitely weren’t going back to the gym this winter sunk in.
And I admitted that I had no low impact options for my foot when it was stiff from too many soccer games, runs, and walks.
Before the gym closed, I usually went to one cycle class a week. Thomas went to maybe 1-2 a month. But neither one of us would be labeled a cycle fanatic. I actually was a cycle fanatic the year of my foot surgery (2005-2006) when I couldn’t do a lot of weight bearing sports.
So with all of the above reasons to get a Peloton bike, we brought the convo back up late in the summer and decided to get the bike.
And then…The Peloton Bike Price Dropped
Literally a week after we decided to get the bike, they dropped the price by $350. Bike+ was announced at $2,495 and the original model was now $1,895. I compared all the features of the two models and decided to go for the less expensive one. That sealed the deal! We had to wait about a month for the bike to be delivered. Delivery was free and seamless once it arrived. It only took about 20 minutes.
Should you get a Peloton Bike + or The Original?
Like I said, the Original bike is $600 less. I think it’s worth the savings!
Bike+’s screen swivels
This means you can hop off the bike and do a strength segment or stretch and see the instructor. This was the #1 reason we considered the new bike, but I didn’t think it was a $600 difference so we decided against it.
Bike+ has “improved” speakers.
Again this would have been nice, but I didn’t consider this a dealbreaker and still don’t – see my comments on headphones below.
Auto Resistance
When riding the Bike Original you have to control the resistance knob yourself. On Bike+ it moves FOR you. I think this is really cool, but both Thomas and I agreed that we might not like that because they might make it too hard!
Apple Watch Sync
Finally Bike+ can connect with your Apple Watch to show heart rate stats right on the screen. Again that would be nice, but looking down at my watch isn’t a $600 big deal.
The Peloton App Is Top Notch
I also started a free trial of the app so I could test out some of their other class offerings. I hooked up Thomas’s old Apple TV to stream the Peloton app on my big TV in the family room. The variety of classes is totally impressive, and I love the stats and polished format. I knew we’d be paying for the app, and so I was glad to be able to use it off the bike too. I’ve tried the strength classes, meditation, yoga, treadmill, bootcamp, stretching and outdoor running. It’s now our home gym, all in one. (I do need to buy a set of 10 and 20 pound weights at some point to really feel complete.)
App Monthly Cost
There is a monthly membership of $39, which includes both of our bike accounts plus the app access anywhere (Apple TV, Roku, your phone, tablet, etc.) Don’t tell them I said this, but I think they could easily charge twice that and people wouldn’t blink an eye. If you have a bike, the membership is well worth it. Even if you don’t have a bike, I don’t think it’s a high price if you’re primarily using this as your primary fitness solution. I will say that if all gyms were open as usual we probably would not have purchased the bike. But now that we have, we’re so glad we did. (More on the benefits of not having to travel below!)
Here is the gear we got with our bike
We ended up getting one of the bundles you can add on to the bike purchase, and I would recommend that you just buy what you need a la carte.
A friend gave me one of her $100 codes to put towards the gear, so that brought down the cost.
- Two pair of cycle shoes. I already had a pair of cycle shoes, but they were 14 years old and didn’t have the right clips, so I decided to go ahead and get the new Peloton ones. Thomas did too. The shoes are awesome, and I highly recommend them.
- The protective mat to go under the bike. This is actually a bit bigger than I thought it would be. When people say “You can just use a yoga mat” – believe them. Plus we’re going to be moving the bike to another room, so we probably didn’t need it. I would skip the mat unless you don’t have a yoga mat and know you’ll be putting it on carpet forever.
- Headphones. The headphones are great in quality, but the cords are kind of annoying, so I would just use AirPods or any wireless Bluetooth headphones. (More on sound below!)
- Peloton Heart Rate Monitor. You have an Apple Watch you probably don’t need the Heart Rate Monitor.
- 3 pound Weights – We also got the 3 pound weights for arms, although I have only taken one arm class. I’d rather lift 15 pounds off the bike than 3 pounds on 😉
So…what’s so great about the Peloton Bike?
The Bike
Pros:
- The bike feels great and is as nice as any “professional” cycle bike I have been on in a gym. It doesn’t creak or rock and I can work out hard!
- The screen is HUGE – bigger than I was expecting! It’s easy to tap and navigate.
- Clipping in and out and adjusting the seat height are all easy and intuitive. We don’t change the handlebar height, so we just have to adjust the height when we’re switching riders.
Cons:
- The cup holders are pretty small so I have to put my Hydroflask on the windowsill next to me.
- The heart rate monitor doesn’t always auto connect. I don’t really know why.
- The speakers were a little disappointing – I like to ride with my music LOUD! However, putting in headphones is an easy fix for this.
The Class Community
This is where the magic happens! I didn’t realize that so much of the Peloton hype was about the community of other riders.
If you are at all competitive, you need this bike! I am, and boy does that make a difference in home workouts.
You can compete with:
- Other people live
- Other people who took a class in the past
- Friends you follow live
- Friends you follow who took a class before you (THIS IS GOLD!)
- Your age group and/or gender (including non-binary)
- Particular hashtags (like #PelotonMoms)
- Your past self – your previous best output record is always there!
Shout out to Mary’s Whole Life and Mama Vaughan!
You can also high five people who are there live whether or not it is a live class. For example, a friend and I were both on our bikes in the same class at the same time even though we started at different times and the class had been recorded a week earlier. It was so cool to race her right there on the spot.
I had no idea so many of my friends had bikes until I started looking – it’s really fun to be social, especially during quarantine.
If you want to look for me, I’m @Katheats!
Class Flexibility
The classes have all the pros of going to a live class in person with non of the cons. There is no commute, you can hop on the bike at the exact time you’re ready, you can choose your instructor, you can even choose your music. When have you ever seen an all country themed ride at a public gym? NEVER. I love that there isn’t just one token country class in the Peloton library or one song here or there but over a hundred in the library! You can find so many different styles of music, instructor, and class format. Some days I want to bop to country and some days I want to grind to some hard core hip hop. I love that you can choose in the moment.
I also get super sweaty during these workouts and that’s because the room isn’t freezing! My #1 complaint of group fitness is that other people want the room freezing with the fans on full blast at all times. I’m cold natured and always cold at the beginning and end of group ex workouts. Not in my house baby! No fans, temp warm = sweat pours out in the very best way.
I never sweat this much at the gym!
My Performance
I will say that as competitive as I am and as in shape as I claim to be, I am not very high in the rankings! There will be 40,000 people taking a class and I’ll finish at like 26,000/40,000. LOL – like I said – there are a LOT of people!!
Favorite Instructors So Far
Obviously Cody Rigsby, who seems to be everyone’s favorite! He’s hilarious and plays fun pop music. (I especially enjoyed his Lady Gaga ride.) I also really like Alex Toussaint. I took one of his hip hop classes and was really motivated (kids in the room warning: he swears!) I’ve taken classes by Ally Love, Hannah Frankson, and Robin Arzon but I prefer the men to the women! (And surprise, surprise, Thomas likes the gals best!) I am only a few weeks in, so I will have to report back. I honestly want to ride the bike every single day, so I need to try to remember to keep my workouts diversified so I don’t burn out! It’s so fun though, and I look forward to each workout the second the previous one ends!
We finished our basement utility room and turned it into a fitness room!
Treadmill or Bike?
If you’re wondering if I regret getting a treadmill first, my answer is “a little.” I used it a ton when Birch was an infant because it was my only workout option. Now I use it as a walking desk and the occasional run, but if I would re-write history I do wish we’d just gotten the Peloton Bike from the start. I still love the treadmill itself, but I defer to outdoor runs and now bike rides before indoor runs. But since it’s here, it’s here to stay! And I just have to commit to using it as a walking desk more and and more : ) And now that we have the fitness room finished, the tread is getting much more use!
That’s all I have for updates for you guys!
Ask any questions in the comments. And if you have a bike, share what you like best about it too!
>> And if you want my $100 off code for any gear, email me at kath at katheats dot com.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Oh I’m jealous! I’d love one but my home is not big enough haha! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Louise RD says
Nice purchase! My sis has both their bike & treadmill, I prefer treadmill. You’re right about the thrill of seeing how you compare to others— shoutouts from instructors are a great motivator:-) One thing to note: when moving your machine, they prefer that you schedule them to do it. I only know this because my sis is moving her bike and this is what she was told ?????
Kath Younger says
We will only be rolling about 12 feet – I think they want you to consult them if you move it to a different house.
Louise RD says
Ok, that makes sense- she’s moving it from third floor to her basement
Lauri says
I don’t have the bike but for your readers who don’t have the bike, you can download the app for just $13/month as opposed to the $39 cost if you do have the bike. I take strength, bootcamp, yoga, etc classes at home just using the app and my home equipment.
Also there are some great walk/run interval workouts that I do on my home treadmill (you can also do outside). They are all under the “walk” workouts but then you filter “walk + run” to find them. I love really pushing myself on the treadmill during these!
Also Jess Simms classes are GREAT!!!
Kath Younger says
I didn’t realize the app is cheaper if you don’t have a bike! That is great news. I really enjoy all the other classes so much.
Katie says
In the beginning of quarantine I was debating on getting a Peloton bike! I went spinning 3-4 times a week before and knew I wasn’t going to go for at least another year. I ended up getting a Schwinn IC4 bike (they are about $900) and the Peloton app that actually hooks up to my Schwinn. I only mention this in case people can’t afford the actual Peloton bike and monthly subscription (nothing against this at all :))- but there are options! The app works great with the Schwinn. 🙂 I also chose this bike because I like to do other spin workouts. Zwift has good ones and I really enjoy GCN (Global Cycling Network) spin classes on Youtube. 🙂
Kath Younger says
Does it still record your data with resistance and cadence and all that?!
Elizabeth says
I’ve also been seriously considering getting one but reading the reddit threads has paused me a bit. People say the “all in” costs are almost double the quoted price. If you don’t mind sharing, what was your “all in” price?
Also, are the shoes proprietary or can you use standard clip shoes?
Kath Younger says
Our total with the bundle, tax ($133), and $100 off from my friend’s referral was $2652. Then we got a $368 refund for the new bike announcement (which I thought was SUPER nice of them to offer without me having to ask!) so $2,284 all in. Definitely no surprises. Like I said in my post, I would not get the bundle of equipment next time but would just get the shoes and weights a la carte if needed. You can use your own shoes, but the clips are different than what most cycle studios have – triangle shaped. I was also very happy that delivery was included, as they could have easily added $200 to that and I wouldn’t have had a choice but to pay it. I did tip the delivery guys, so add $30 in cash for that!
Elizabeth says
So helpful! Thank you!
Ryane says
I definitely thrive on some competition! I don’t know a ton of people with bikes yet, but I joined the PelotonCycle group on reddit (lots of FB groups too but people get off track there more). Anyways – people are always coordinating extra challenges and group rides and it adds another dimension of fun and community. I’m enjoying finding other class suggestions from people with more history – like last Fall’s Halloween and Jess King Experience rides!
Kath Younger says
The options are endless!
Sydney says
Thanks so much for this post! Like many people right now I am sort of getting sick of my at home workouts, especially knowing we are going into winter and my outdoor workouts will be coming to a screaming halt. One question I have is how loud the bike is? I like to workout in the morning but we live in a smaller apartment and I wonder about my husband hearing in the bedroom next door while he sleeps as well as sound transfer to our downstairs neighbours.
Kath Younger says
If you are wearing headphones it is very quiet. Occasionally the petals squeak a little if they need a little tightening, but if he had white noise on I don’t think even that would bother him. There isn’t a big wheel whirring sound like the bikes from the 80s : )
Steph says
Thanks for the helpful review. My neighbor has a Peloton and loves it, too!
Did you see this on SNL last year? HILARIOUS!!
Kath Younger says
Hahahah that was great ; )
Heidi says
Nice review! I downloaded the Peloton app on my phone when the shut down started in February/March, and after the 90 days free started paying for it. It’s a great deal, at only $12 or so a month. I’ve been doing the spin classes on my own spin bike with my phone and wireless headphones. Ben Alldis is my fave, but I like instructors that are hard and all business, not a lot of chit chat about other things. (Cody is not my style. 🙂 ) I keep debating on whether to upgrade to the actual Peloton bike at some point. The main con to me is that the monthly fee is so much higher than the app, for all the same classes. But the interactivity is really tempting. I’m competitive like you and would love to see how I’m racing against other people. Part of it is that I wonder if I’ll go back to gyms after the pandemic is over, and then the app cost would be easier to keep rolling with vs. the full peloton monthly cost. But who knows. I like all the same things you mention about spin classes at home — can pick the instructor, music, and start time, and you don’t have to commute. Also, I like the room super cold (preferably door and window open plus fan) so I get to make it as cold as I want! Anyhow, will muse more about a possible Peloton for Christmas, but for now I’m loving the app.
Kath Younger says
I think if you are considering it you should 100% go for it – esp with the price drop on the older model!
Elizabeth says
You should join the C’ville Peloton users FB group!
Kath Younger says
Oh yeah – I have their hashtag I think. Do they coordinate live rides together or is there more to it?
Elizabeth says
Live rides, celebrate our milestones, share which classes are fun. And hopefully happy hours when it’s safe!
Kath Younger says
Oh fun! I’ll look for it
Kath Younger says
omg I didn’t know this was a thing but I’ve wondered about the camera!!
sassygirl711 says
we bought the tread and bundle and never looked back.
i would have purchased the bike+ if we didn’t want a tread. setup wherever you want in your home was great
all covid19 safeguards were taken very seriously. the tread is the way to go.
Maureen says
I downloaded the app in March and there was a 90 day free trial during that time; when it ended I was more than happy to pay the $13 a month for the wide variety of content. It has been so worth the money. One thing to note, you can easily change your settings to hide explicit classes and quickly change it back; if you ever did want to take a class while kids are in the room. I’ve even taken strength or cardio classes with my kids and just set that setting before I search and change it back when it’s just me taking a class.
Julie says
I would love to know the type of flooring you are putting in your home workout space, we are trying to do the same!
Kath Younger says
This is where Thomas ordered it. It was $900 for the whole room and I just about died when I saw the floor was $600 and the shipping was $250. He said all the other companies had 2x the cost of the actual tiles and shipping included and it was a wash. I also thought we would just do a square and he is doing the whole room – wants to “do it right!” I can’t argue with my contractor : )
Amanda says
We actually ordered a Peloton a couple of weeks ago (it should be here mid-November). We’ve been doing fine with at-home workouts since lockdown and as well as outdoor runs, but since we don’t see ourselves going back into a gym anytime soon, we decided to bite the bullet. We’d considered it in the past but weren’t sure where to put it (it’ll go in my husband’s office…not exactly a great design aesthetic but oh well…these days it’s all about adapting!). I can’t wait – I used to go to spin classes 1-2x/week before and I’ve tried Peloton classes when I’ve traveled and come across the bikes. So fun!
Kath Younger says
Agree – when do you see bikes on HGTV
Marci Gilbert says
We got ours in April. It is so wonderful, I am thankful for it daily! I did not love gym spinning but the metrics to see progress is clutch. I will follow you! I have also started going back to our real gym and can use the app for heavier free weights, tread classes, etc.
Tracy says
My favorite instructors are Robin, Olivia & Emma Lovewell. Also Dennis Morton!
You can download the app “HeartCast” and open it to track your heart rate. Let your bike connect to it and your heart rate will show on the screen. It’s nice to see it right there instead of having to check your wrist!
Kath Younger says
Does that sync apple watch to app and then app to bike??
Tracy says
Load the Heartcast app on to your watch. The watch app will sync to your bike.If you google it you’ll get a better explanation than mine! My daughter set it up for me. It works great!
https://www.heartcast.app
Kath Younger says
Thanks!!
Tracy says
Download the Heartcast app then install it on your watch. Open it on you watch and sync it to your phone. Your peloton will pick it up and connect to the heartcast heart rate. It works great! If you google it you’ll find a better explanation than mine. My daughter set it up for me!
https://www.heartcast.app
Stacey Smith says
What kind of headband is that? I am looking for good workout headbands! My sweatybands are not cutting it anymore.
Also, LOVE Peloton! I don’t own the bike but me and my hubby both love all the workouts in the app and its only $12 a month. Can’t beat that!!!
Kath Younger says
It’s sports prewrap!! I make a headband and wear it for 2-3 weeks before it falls apart and I made a new one. The texture is super great for holding in place, and this pack of six colors has lasted me since 2014 (which I know because of my Amazon purchase history – lol!)
Sarah says
Just bought a peloton last week and it will be here in December. CAN’T WAIT! I’ve been using the app for years and agree, the classes and variety are SO good. And I run a wellness facility! ha. So excited to have the bike as another option at home along with my tread.
Also–not sure if you’ve done it yet or not but the Jess Sims bike boot camp class (60 min) is awesome. I agree and love the male instructors but Jess Sims is probably my favorite of all.
Can’t wait to get my bike!
Kath Younger says
Thank you for the recommendation!!
Kristy says
I’m jealous of you all who have one, I ordered mine in early September with a delivery date of November 1st which has been changed 4 times in just the month of November and now it’s been pushed off to December 17th. I highly doubt it will show up on that date and I’m prepared to have it delayed again but the irritating part is I’ve paid 3 payments on it already for a heck of an expensive machine that I don’t even have or can use. And I bought the same package with everything! I wish I could cancel it because I’d go with a Nordictrack. I hear they aren’t having product and delivery issues.
Kath Younger says
Ugh how awful! I think the new bike release is probably holding up all orders