Peloton Bike Review 2023: Still Worth It?

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Peloton now offers new and refurbished Bike and Bike+ options so you can spin your way to fitness. We have three hands-on reviews to help you decide whether to try the bikes or just the digital app.

Ready to break up with your gym membership? Cold, rainy weather got you searching for a way to bike inside? Whatever the reason, if you’re in the market for an exercise bike, you’ve probably heard of Peloton.

Purchasing a Peloton Bike is an investment, so it’s understandable if you want to do some research before you pull out your credit card. Although the Bike has been around a long time, you may wonder if it’s holding up over time and keeping pace with new competitors.

We know your time is precious, so we’ve done some research — and taken more than just a few Peloton Bike rides! — to help you decide if the Peloton Bike is right for you.

You’ve likely heard of Peloton and its in-home exercise equipment.

The company started in 2012 and currently sells:

• exercise bikes
• treadmills
• rowing machines

It also introduced the Peloton Guide, which can turn your television into a personal trainer.

With a large community of avid riders, Peloton is well known for its subscription service, where customers can access thousands of classes, including some that don’t require equipment.

Pros

• includes an HD touch screen
• features 100 magnetic resistance levels to challenge people at all fitness levels
• allows for in-home spin class-style workouts
• has a large community of riders
• the app includes a range of classes, including those without equipment

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Cons

• not the most affordable in-home bike option
• high monthly subscription fee for Peloton equipment owners
  (different from the digital app subscription)
• large number of complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) over delivery and customer service issues

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For feedback on the Peloton Bike and app experience, we asked our trusted Austra Health staff who regularly use Peloton.

These reviewers all bought and paid for their equipment or subscriptions, so you don’t have to worry about their reviews being swayed. They all have at least several months of experience with Peloton.

Peloton bikes get a lot of support from our reviewers.

Emma Satin, a Austra Health editor, says that she recommends Peloton because “while you can get a similar experience with a virtual fitness membership and a comparable machine, the quality of Peloton and the experience associated is unmatched.

”The bike itself is extremely well made and outperforms similar luxury products that cost significantly more.”

Lisa Valente, senior Nutrition editor, also recommends the Peloton Bike. She finds it to be “smooth” and a “super convenient way to get cardio at home.“

Kristin Currin-Sheehan, multimedia editor, says if a Peloton Bike isn’t within your budget, you can use a cheaper or already owned stationary bike and still feel part of the Peloton movement.

I had recently come off back-to-back layoffs and a health scare that led to months in and out of the hospital, blood clots in my lungs, and a blood transfusion. In the early Peloton community days, I was broke, weak, and rebuilding my health.

Just before my hospitalization, my husband bought me a stationary starter bike as a “carrot” for coming home. Who knew if I’d even have the stamina, but I yearned for the socialization and community that Peloton offers.

So, I set out to create my own Peloton setup using some hacks. These hacks include:

• using any stationary bike
• attaching a Wahoo cadence sensor to track my cadence
• wearing a heart rate monitor
• estimating my resistance
• using the Peloton digital app

When I first started, I used my kids’ Xbox and navigated to the Peloton website.

Then I leveled up to an Android phone and a touchscreen laptop with a screen that converts to tent or tablet mode.

I later graduated to an iPhone and Roku, where I downloaded the Peloton app.

I honestly didn’t feel as though I missed out on the community aspect at all! I still got to:

• ride with friends
• monitor my heart rate
• get shout-outs from instructors on live rides
• hit milestones tracked by the app

With the iPhone upgrade, I got to give and receive virtual high-fives, which was nice but not essential to feeling part of the group.

The drawback of a DIY Peloton setup is that you might not be able to track your bike’s resistance, which might be tough if you’re a competitive person. Also, lower quality bikes mean they might not last as long or even break mid-ride and impale you, as my first bike did to me!

The bikes

The original Peloton Bike:

• is 59 x 53 x 23 inches (in)
• weighs 135 pounds (lb), or 61.2 kilograms (kg)
• comes with a 21.5-in HD touch screen that can be tilted to accommodate various heights

It also includes a resistance knob with 100 magnetic resistance levels.

The Peloton Bike+:

• is 59 x 59 x 22 in
• weighs 140 lb (63.5 kg)
• offers a slightly larger 23.8-in HD anti-reflective touch screen that rotates 360 degrees

It has a resistance knob like the original Peloton Bike, but it also offers auto-resistance options.

Peloton digital app

Peloton’s All-Access subscription takes the Peloton Bike experience to the next level. The All-Access membership offers thousands of live or on-demand Peloton classes — even if you don’t own one of Peloton’s bikes, treads, or rowers. Classes include:

• meditation
• yoga
• strength
• stretching
• dance
• boot camps

If you have multiple family members, they can each create their own profile in the app. This allows each person to track their workout history, milestones, and badges.

The community

Second only to Beyonce’s Bee Hive, the Peloton community is a vibrant, robust one that covers many:

While some people find Peloton to be a bit “extra” and flashy, many flock to the upbeat, supportive vibe and community it offers.

Individuals can bookmark favorite classes based on:

• intensity level
• body part focus
• class popularity
• music genre
• novelty

There are also plenty of hashtag subgroups: #BlackGirlMagic: The Peloton Edition, #WorkingDads, and #PeloLatinos, to name a few.

Tracking

Peloton Bike users can see in-class metrics such as:

• heart rate
• resistance
• cadence
• total output
• power zone

• track progress over time
• create workout streaks
• compare progress between workouts

If you have a heart rate monitor or Apple Watch, you can use it to track and sync metrics from any workout. If you’re looking for the best heart rate monitor to use with your Peloton Bike, read our suggestions.

In-ride engagement

Peloton has an avid community of riders, and it knows how to keep them engaged.

Peloton instructors focus on adding the best music to your rides and encouraging you to get your sweat on without tearing you down. Music genres include:

• metal
• pop
• hip-hop
• decades
• gospel
• broadway
• alternative
• classical
• garage band
• R&B
• live DJ
• artist or band series

Some of the Peloton instructors have even become such household names — with one appearing on “Dancing with the Stars”, another in an NBA celebrity basketball tournament, and another becoming a bestselling author.

If you have a competitive spirit, the Peloton leaderboard can help with engagement. There is also integration with devices like Fitbit to help motivate and track your workout progress.

Social engagement is also possible with live classes — you can see riders’ metrics and browse their profiles.

The shoes

For the most secure ride, you’ll want to use Delta-compatible cleats (three-screw setup in triangle formation) with the Peloton Bike. These cleats can be fixed to the bottom of Peloton shoes or any bike shoes with a three-screw hole setup.

The Peloton Bike might be for you if you:

• if the price (and monthly subscription) is within your budget
• already know that you like cycling and want to do a lot of it at home
• prefer working out at home to the gym (or have a schedule that makes gym trips hard to squeeze in)
• like variety and plenty of music in your workouts
• are looking for more community engagement when you exercise
• have the space inside your home for a bike
• have enough wiggle room in your budget
• if you fall within the recommended height (4 ft, 11 in to 6 ft, 4 in) and under the maximum recommended weight (297 lb)

You might want to consider an alternative to the Peloton Bike and monthly subscription if:

• you have a limited budget
• you’re not able to make a long-term commitment
• you want to see if the exercise is sustainable for you:
  • pre- or post-injury, surgery, or procedure
  • if you have a small living space and are still undecided

  The standard Peloton Bike is sold through the Peloton website for $1,445, while the Peloton Bike+ is $2,495.

  If this is outside your budget, lightly used Peloton bikes may be available on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and other third-party websites. The bikes can range in price from $620 to over $1,000, with many falling in the $800 range.

  Does Peloton offer payment plans?

  Peloton has a financing option. You can apply for a 12-, 24-, 39-, or 43-week payment plan. The 12-month plan has a $0 deposit and 0% APR financing. Note that 4.99% APR financing is applied on longer payment plans.

  Are Peloton bikes offered through workplaces?

  Peloton has a corporate wellness program companies can join. Some workplaces have Peloton bikes available in their fitness areas for employees. In addition, some companies might offer money toward fitness-related memberships or products.

  Peloton and travel

  Due to popular demand, Peloton bikes are now featured in many hotels around the world. Vacation rentals are even getting in on the action, with some listing Peloton bikes as standout features.

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  Can you change or cancel your Peloton Bike subscription?

  Changing or canceling your Peloton subscription can be done in the app, online, or by calling customer service. Membership can be paused for up to 3 months. It can also be canceled and reactivated at another date if you don’t need access to the live and on-demand classes for a longer period.

  Peloton	Echelon	DIY Peloton (digital app + cheaper bike)
  Bike price	• $1,445 for the Peloton Bike • $2,495 for the Peloton Bike+	$1,770.99 for the Echelon EX-8s	variable
  Specs	• Peloton Bike: 59 in x 53 in x 23 in • Peloton Bike+: 59 in x 59 in x 22 in • Peloton Bike: 135 lb (61.2 kg) • Peloton Bike+: 140 lb (63.5 kg) • 100 magnetic resistance levels	• 59 in x 23 in x 65 in • 124 lb (56 kg) • 32 magnetic resistance levels	—
  Screen?	• The regular Peloton Bike has a 21.5-in HD touch screen. • The Peloton Bike+ has a 23.8-in anti-reflective HD touch screen.	24-in curved HD touch screen	—
  Subscription	• $44 per month for All-Access membership • $24 per month for guide membership • $13 per month for app membership (this won’t work on the Bike itself and can’t track your performance metrics)	$34.99 per month ($33.33 when billed yearly and $29.16 when billed every 2 years)	$13 per month
  Compatible HR monitor	• Peloton Heart Rate Band • Bluetooth compatible Polar heart rate sensor straps • Wahoo Tickr straps	If your heart rate monitor has standard Bluetooth capabilities, it should connect.	no, separate tracking
  Engagement	• high-fives • callouts/leaderboard • badges	LED lights on bike wheels can change 15 colors to represent different workout metrics	can still give high-fives through Peloton app on iPhone (but not Android or Roku)
  Community	can see fellow riders during live workouts and can interact through social media groups and with tags	Facebook groups and Instagram allow members to meet up	can see who’s on your ride via Peloton digital app on any device

  Peloton is not accredited with the BBB, but it does have a D- rating with the organization. Additionally, it’s rated 1.22 out of 5 stars. The BBB has had 2,693 closed complaints against the company in the last 3 years, and 452 were closed in the previous 12 months.

  The BBB issued an alert about a pattern of complaints with Peloton’s delivery and customer service. This was first noted in January 2021.

  On the other hand, Peloton has an “excellent” rating on Trustpilot. It has an average of 4.5 stars out of 5, and 73% of the nearly 6,500 reviews are 5 stars, at time of publication.

  Legal troubles

  In recent years, Peloton has had several lawsuits filed against it. In 2019, Peloton faced a lawsuit by the National Music Publishers Association over an alleged failure to license the music played during its classes.

  This lawsuit then led to a class-action lawsuit filed by customers angry when Peloton deleted a significant number of exercise classes from its library while advertising it as an “ever-growing” collection of classes.

  Most recently, defects in the Tread+ lead to a $19 million fine by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission after a child’s death.

  Peloton has also filed lawsuits against Echelon for infringement of their patented leaderboard and remote workout technology.

  Wondering how much work it’ll be to get started with a Peloton Bike? Our reviewers unanimously gave it high marks for easy setup.

  Set up your bike

  Delivery and setup are included as part of your purchase if you buy through Peloton. After you order your bike, you’ll be able to schedule a delivery date when the bike will be assembled for you. There are also assembly videos you can watch online.

  Download the app

  You can download the Peloton app on your phone and activate your device using your email and password after purchasing or entering the Activation Key. Just click on the ellipses on the bottom right-hand corner of the screen to set up your profile, adjust your membership subscription, and enter your credit card information for monthly payments.

  Customize

  You can adjust the seat height or handlebar position to the right position for you. Note that you can also change the positions of these between rides if you’re sharing with someone who has a different body type.

  Additionally, you can customize your app experience by:

  • bookmarking classes you’re interested in
  • prescheduling classes
  • downloading for offline use
  • stacking classes one after another
  • taking live or on-demand classes

  Is having a Peloton worth it?

  Whether a Peloton Bike is worth the cost depends on how much spinning you’ll actually do. It also depends on your exercise goals.

  Universally, reviewers seem to think that their Peloton was worth the investment.

  While Satin admits that the Peloton Bike shouldn’t be an impulse buy, she says, “I have absolutely loved my experience with the product. I look forward to my workouts and love how I am able to fit a quick sweat in regardless of my schedule.”

  It’s an investment that can stand the test of time. Valente has been using hers consistently for 1.5 years. Between the bike and other class offerings, Valente, says she does Peloton workouts four to five times per week and is grateful to skip the gym commute.

  If you prefer working out at a gym and do not intend to regularly use the bike, you might prefer using the Peloton app with a less expensive bike.

  What is the downside to the Peloton Bike?

  Peloton bikes are not the most affordable option. In addition to the initial bike and shoe cost, the monthly subscription can add up over time. Lawsuits against the company and reports of poor customer service might also raise some red flags.

  Is Peloton worth it for beginners?

  If you’re a beginner, investing in a Peloton Bike might be worth it because of the range of classes available and the convenience of taking studio-style classes at home.

  There are a variety of beginner and advanced beginner classes available to build stamina and strength as you progress in your fitness journey.

  Is Peloton really the best exercise bike?

  Whether or not Peloton is the best exercise bike for you depends on a variety of factors, including:

  • your budget
  • the style of exercise or biking you prefer
  • the type of exercise community you want to be a part of

  Before purchasing a Peloton Bike, you’ll also want to consider your exercise goals.

  The Peloton Bike has been a popular in-home exercise bike for many years now. Its upbeat instructors and large rider community make it a good match for some people, but if you’re only looking to ride occasionally, it might be more than you need.

  Get started with Peloton bikes

  Interested in trying Peloton bikes? We can help!

  Easily compare models below to find the best one for you.

  Last medically reviewed on March 29, 2023

  How we reviewed this article:

  Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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