Full Peloton Bike Review (Is it worth the money?)
Is the Peloton bike worth the money?
The answer is yes x 293840281.
You guys.
This is by far the best purchase I’ve made… in a very, very long time.
I feel like I’ve told this story a lot already, but some may have missed it: they packed up my spin bike in Valdosta to put into storage for a while. (Aka the stuff in storage… well, I have no clue when/if I’m going to see it again.) At the time, I was like, “Maybe it won’t be a big deal” but after being here for a few weeks, especially with the girls home from school for the summer, I realized how much I depended on using my spin bike for at-home cardio. It’s been way too hot to run outside, and sometimes making it to the gym isn’t going to happen since it doesn’t offer childcare.
After using the Peloton app on my phone for over a year (I propped my phone or the iPad on my old bike and streamed classes through the app), I bit the bullet and bought a bike. (<— This post isn’t sponsored in any way. I have zero affiliation with Peloton, even though in my dream world, I teach for them.)
Now that I’ve been able to use it a handful of times, I thought I’d post my review and pros/cons. So many people have asked if it’s worth buying the bike, so here’s my full review:
Peloton Bike Review
Peloton bike setup and installation:
– The set-up and installation were a breeze because I didn’t have to do any of it! When you purchase the bike, it includes set-up and installation. The guys were insanely fast; you can tell they’ve had experience putting these bikes together.
I decided to put a mat under the bike so it doesn’t damage the floor. For the spin shoes, I took them to a local cycling shop and they installed the clips for me.
– You turn the bike on, log into internet, and boom. You’re ready to ride! They also have helpful videos online for how to set-up the bike for your preferences and height.
Peloton bundle package:
– I ended up getting the bundle package for free (military), so it came with shoes, headphones, and weights. (I rolled with the 2lb. since I have a 3-lb. pair already.) You absolutely need the shoes for the bike, so I think it’s worth getting the bundle package.
How to clean the Peloton bike:
– This is something I obsessed over for the first day – I wanted to take good care of it! – and after tons of research, I bought these natural gym equipment wipes and these touch screen wipes. They’re both amazing and I highly recommend them. I use the lavender wipes after every ride and clean the touch screen every 2-3 classes.
Subscription:
When I had the app on my phone, it was $12 a month. When you purchase a bike, the price jumps ($39/month) but you can still use the app on your phone for the extra treadmill, bootcamp, yoga, and stretch classes. I feel like it’s a little bit of a bummer that the subscription is more expensive if you own a bike (like hey buddy, I already gave you a decent amount of money) but after taking live classes, I feel like it’s worth it. They add so many new classes each day that the variety is unlike anything I’d be able to get at a local studio, especially for $39/month.
The classes:
The classes are the same ones I fell in love with over a year ago. I have zero negative feedback for Peloton and think the classes are safe, fun, functional, and the instructors are amazing. The only bonus now is that I can see what the instructors’ faces look like, since they’re not squished onto my tiny phone screen. (Aaaand I get better viewing of DJ John Michael’s killer dance moves.)
Using the Peloton bike vs. another spin bike + the app:
The huge question here is whether I think it’s worth getting a less expensive spin bike and using the app (on your phone or tablet), or if I think it’s worth biting the bullet to buy the actual Peloton bike. Before I owned one, I thought it would be a tough call, but after using the bike for the past couple of weeks, the Peloton wins by a landslide. That’s largely attributed to 3 features: the live classes, instant feedback, and the leaderboard.
– You can jump into live classes, which really gives you the feel of being in the studio. It’s pretty incredible to ride with a powerhouse instructor and Peloton fans in the NYC studio and all over the world.
– Instant feedback and stats. This is what really takes the bike to the next level. On the screen, you can see your cadence, resistance, and output. The screen was broken off my last spin bike during the move. I was going by RPE, and found out that I wasn’t working nearly as hard as I thought I was. The real-time stats were an interesting reality check for me, and also encouraged me to really push myself on speed and resistance. Your position on the leaderboard is determined by output (in kilojoules and is a combination of resistance and speed).
– The leaderboard. Through the leaderboard, you can compete against those who have already taken the class or those who are taking it right then with you. You can also hide the leaderboard if you’re not feeling like competing that day. They track your PR for each type of ride, so you’re also competing against your personal best each time. I’ve found that the leaderboard makes me work extremely hard. I always want to pass people that are ahead of me and stay on top of my PR. I LOVE the competitive edge of it and found that it was something I needed to take my workouts to the next level. (Hack: when they’re doing weights, I use that as an opportunity to crank up the resistance and speed and pass a bunch of people. Muahaha.)
– The only con I can think of is the fact that the bike takes up a decent amount of space. You definitely need to have room in a guest room or office. It does roll, so you could also hide it in a larger closest if you ever had guests or needed to move it.
So I think that covers everything! Please let me know if you have any questions about it!
Do you have a home gym? What do you think has been your most important investment for your health?
xo
Gina
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I have a bike (a cascade from a local gym equipment store) with a computer on it so i can see my resistance and rpm and use the peloton app. My original spin bike didn’t have a computer and i agree It’s a MUCH better workout with the metrics. I love The other classes on the app too! As a mom of 2 little ones working full time I’m team home gym all the way!!
amen to that! it makes it so much more convenient and attainable if you can just do it at home 🙂
Has your bike required any maintenance since owning it? If so, does peloton cover that or how do you go about it ?
i’m not sure how that works- i haven’t had to do any of that since i bought it almost 2 years ago
Can I stream other apps on the Pelaton tablet?
you can’t – only peloton
lol!! I’ve got to insert my LOVE for my Peloton!! I’ve had it since May. I lift weighs 5x a week and this has been amazing for my cardio. I take every 80’s ride I can and sing along.. even for my 4 am classes. Hands down the best fitness purchase I have ever made. This took the place of my Orange Theory classes and honestly I think I may like it more. Any other cardio equipment would feel like a chore to use… like I “have to” go run or ride, but this feels like a party. Every. Single. Time!!!! PS… can we get your screen name to follow you?
haha i totally sing along to the 80s rides, too! i need to do them more often.
totally agree with you about OTF; i feel like the peloton classes are way more exciting
my screen name is quadhangover
I have a baby coming in October and I’ve been debating what we should get to set-up a home gym. I just worry we won’t actually use anything. But I’m planning on using one of your fit guides post-birth (when I’m ready), so I’m going to let that guide me. 🙂
I’ve been curious about the peloton bike. Thanks for reviewing it!
i’m so excited for you!!!!
and yes, having a home gym with a kiddo makes a huge difference, unless you can find a gym or studio with amazing childcare.
xoxo
Same regarding October baby! This bike is one of the few home gym options I would consider. BUT – $40 a month just for access?!!? That seems so high to me. Especially because I do have a gym with kick-ass childcare and a great cycle program that I pay a lot for. I just don’t know how much I’ll use it this winter. I still love the concept though… maybe someday…
Omg I’m military and I paid full price for the bundle when I bought my bike. Howwwwwwwww annoying!!!! But it is amazinggggggg!! I have one con-the shoes only come in whole sizes. So if your a half size-either too big or at times snug. Other than that I HEART everything to do with the bike!!!!
that is so weird! did you buy it a while ago? i’m also wondering if they gave it to me for paying in full? i asked if there was any type of deal or discount when i bought it
totally forget to mention that about the shoes! so true. and yes, the bike the best ever
I paid in full too 🙂 I bought online not by phone but I did email and they did credit me back the money-months later. So thanks for your post so I got a little back!
yay, so glad to hear it! they have awesome customer service
Can I order the Peloton with out the clip petals?
i don’t think so – they’re attached
As a spin instructor, all I can say is I need this bike in my life!
you TOTALLY do
Do you have a recommendation for cycling shoes, not don’t have clips? Or do you think clips are a must have for spin class?
Sorry, i mean don’t have clips
i feel like clips definitely take it to the next level. you utilize your leg muscles differently and i feel like i work harder when i’m clipped in. even so, i wear sneakers to other spin classes all the time. just make sure that they have harder soles (like the nike free runs are terrible for spin because the soles are so soft and flexible)
Check amazon for new balance spin shoes, the clip part is inside the bottom of the shoe so you don’t have to walk all crazy
Why would there be a possibility you wouldn’t see your stuff in storage again? Did something happen to it? We finally are getting our stuff out of storage after over a year!
it will be over a year until i see it again, and who knows what kind of shape it will be in when it gets here. we’ve had so many things end up broken or lost, there’s no telling. we don’t have a date right now or even a date range when it might come out of storage, so who knows
I’ve had my Peloton Bike for nearly 3 years and I love it just as much now as the day I got it. I did my 500th ride live a couple weeks ago with Matt. It was so fun going to the live studio! Matt and Robin are my favorite instructors-but I enjoy all of them. I’ve started doing their other classes on the app–the outdoor runs with Robin are the best–she is so motivating! I get so excited when I meet someone else that has the bike-I could talk about it forever.
that is SO INCREDIBLE you got to hit that milestone live in the studio! the next time i go to nyc, i can’t wait to take a class!
also, i’m totally trying an outdoor run with robin when the weather cools down just a little
question…does this also work like a tv if i wanna just spin and watch a show? or is the screen strictly class apps only? thx and awesome review!
ahhh no it doesn’t. that would be amazing, though!
Can you use other clip in shoes? Or, are the specialized for the Peleton bike?
they’re look delta cleats. i feel like the SDP are more common – that’s what my spinner bike had
Ok. I’m getting married May 2019 and me and my fiancée cannot think of ANYTHING to put on our wedding registry and a few weeks ago I thought….LOL maybe I’ll just put a Peloton on there and ask for donations?!! My fiancée was not psyched I shrieked when I saw this post and read the first couple lines to him, out loud. I think it will somehow sneak it’s way onto the registry after all. I don’t need anymore plates!!
i would TOTALLY register for it! you will love it
Isn’t it amazing? I know people use their own bikes and the app but I feel like the bike takes it to another level just like you said. Live classes are my favorite and I usually hop on to the live DJ class on Sundays with Cody and DJ John Michael. I plan on riding my 150th in the studio next month!
Ahh, thank you for this!! I’ve been hearing about these bikes and wondering if I should look more into it. Your review was very thorough–Thank you! Question–how much are they? Do they offer finance plans? Did you cancel your gym membership when you bought it? I only do spin classes at the Y and can’t afford boutique classes like flywheel or soul cycle, but am obsessed with spin. Thoughts? Can I afford this?
it’s seriously AMAZING
i think everything was around 2300. they do offer a finance plan! when the rep told me about it, it seemed affordable. it would have been like 80/month for everything. i just put it on our credit card to get the miles 🙂
i get free gym memberships at the studios where i teach in town, and pay for my orangetheory. for barre3, i do 10-class packs and just use them whenever.
i hope this helps a little!
Thanks so much for the review! I have been eyeing the Peloton for a while but the $40 a month cost is my hang up. What if You don’t want to do the $40/month – does the screen just not work then? Can you buy a bike without a screen?
yeah i don’t think the classes will load. the screen is attached to it and if you were to buy a bike without a screen, i’d get a schwinn because they’re less expensive
Are you locked into the $39/mo forever? If you wanted to disengage from the Peleton classes altogether for awhile, could you do that?
i think you can cancel whenever. it just wouldn’t stream classes for you
what an awesome review! although i totally expected it. this is exactly what i would buy if i could get one piece of equipment. i love spinning and the vibe of a studio, but monthly memberships…yikes! i’ll stick with the classes in my gym, thanks. oh but to do this awesomeness in the comfort of my own home/apt? hells yeah. good post, Gina!!
Um yes yes and YES!! Love this bike and your review is right on!!
I wasn’t sure about it and whether I would use it over time and it’s expensive ($2500 + $39/month). Before I bought it I had walked by the 23rd st. studio numerous times and I never knew what it was or had much interest in finding out. It was actually a friend who had one — and she was so into it — that got me curious so I went into the store one day and got the “pitch” but I still wasn’t sure. The studio incidentally is relatively small (they are moving next year I think to a massive space over by the new Hudson Yards but the live classes have zero interest for me anyway even when they are free. They have some free classes every day which I guess is nice if you live nearby and can get over during the hours they are offered). Anyway, bottom line is I love it. I don’t use the leaderboard but having the package (bike/screen/metrics) makes all the difference in getting me through a good workout of what otherwise is a fairly dull activity: peddling a stationary bike. I really like the metric oriented classs (HR zone and PWR zones) and the bike itself I think looks good for an excerics bike and takes up very little space, which is a big issue for us apartment dwellers. I can’t stand when Jess King sings by the way. I had to mention that. But they do have a wide variety of classs so you can find what works for you. If you ar on the fence and it is within your budget I highly recommend it and if it doesn’t workout I think the resale value is good.
Wanted to let you know I bought one of these today thanks to your review and some other research! I’ve been a long time follower of your blog and appreciate you taking the time to review it for your readers! When I bought it, they asked if I knew anyone who owned one, so I gave them your name (hope that’s not creepy haha!) and I think we both got some kind of credit for it! Thanks again!
Hi Gina! I am so excited to hear you got a Peloton! I have been reading your blog over the last few years (used to be weekly before my 5 and 3-year old came along lol!) and I am always inspired by your posts on fitness and healthy eating!:) I just got the Peloton Tread in January and was so obsessed I got the bike in February – my husband and I could not love them more. Quick question though – how do you balance strength training with two great cardio options? Or do you find yourself working out twice a day lol? Anyways! Thanks again for the awesome posts and if you see a new Peloton follower as BMoney1313, that is me:-)
that is a tricky one!!! i would LOVE a tread. i’d probably do short cardio workouts on the days i do strength, like 20 minutes or 30 minutes so you’re not working out longer than an hour total
Great review! Makes me want to go out and buy one! I understand that access to the Peloton classes and instructors is a great advantage of the Peloton bike, this review (and all other Peloton reviews that I have read) focus on the classes and instructors but I don’t see a lot of review of the bike itself. How does the physical bike compare to other exercise bikes on the market? Will it last forever? (if I am paying 2 grand for an exercise bike it better be well built and built to last) what kind of maintenance is required? any known issues or parts that typically wear out? Who do I contact if a repair is required? If multiple people use the bike, is it easy to adjust the bike for a specific rider?
this is a great point- i’m sorry i didn’t address it in the post!
the bike is EXCELLENT. i have a mad dogg bike as well, and this one is beautifully constructed and insanely quiet. if you have any problems, i’m pretty sure you can call support and they’ll send someone out to service it for you. (or they’ll recommend someone who can but it’s my understanding that they do it for you.) it’s very easy to adjust the bike for different riders- just keep track of your settings (what number you have the seat height set) and you won’t have a prob
I have been following you for a while and just got my Peloton Wednesday have already been on it three times. I was a spin instructor for about 5 years …five years ago. this is the first time I’ve been on the bike in five years. I’m obsessed already!
ahh i’m so happy you love it!! if you didn’t get any accessories yet, my code will get you $100 off accessories (weights, shoes, headphones, etc): XXKJQU <3