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If you are a looking for a “This is great!” fluff review, this is not it. This is completely honest and in no way sponsored by Peloton.

One of the main reasons that I laced up my shoes each morning was the social aspect of running, the connectedness of having training partners and a shared goal. For me, my joy of running was much more derived from the people I shared these early morning moments with than the inner desire to be faster or fitter. So, as the coronavirus lockdown continued, I found the roads less appealing and my desire to wake up early enough to beat the sun and oppressive heat almost non-existent.

As the spring months melded into the early summer, I continued my gym membership—at a local barre studio in Austin—and fully enjoyed the workouts from the comfort of my own home. But as someone who fully enjoyed the cleansing that only comes from a sweat-drenched workout, I knew that this wasn’t sustainable for me.

Insert the Peloton bike. I have always been resistant to indoor cardio equipment. (Can we all just shed a tear for the Nordic Tracks and ellipticals of the world that have become hanging racks for clothes?) I loathe treadmills. In fact, I have always considered cardio equipment to be a less than financially sound investment, especially when I could meet friends and run (for free!) outdoors. Vitamin D and all that jazz.

But as the pandemic and hours at home stretched on, I realized that I was not self-motivated enough to run on my own and with all fall races cancelled (including those in 2021’s foreseeable future), I knew that I needed to something to bring me out of my slump. At the end of June, my husband and I reserved our Peloton.

With a considerable lead time, our Peloton was delivered in August. After almost two months of continuous use, I feel it’s time to give an honest and thorough review of the Peloton spin bike.

Edited to add: In early September 2020, the Peloton Bike+ became available. This review is for the standard Peloton trainer, but comparisons of features are listed below.

Complete Peloton Bike Review

Over the course of the several months I have had the bike, I have done my best to take a variety of classes from different instructors with the ultimate goal of writing a well-rounded review. However, many of the key takeaways may be personal preference and everyone may have a different user experience.

Bike Features:

First, let’s discuss the simple features of the spin bike. The front-mounted flat screen is large (21.5” inches) and the touchscreen is responsive and user-friendly. My Peloton bike sits in front of a large window, meaning that afternoon sun shines right onto the screen and while not glare-proof, I’ve never had an issue being unable to see the screen. I haven’t noticed any lag or delay in the screen programming. The speakers are loud and the sound is clear—I never have to put it up near full volume, even when actively spinning or riding without headphones. However, the speakers are on the back of the screen which projects the sound away from you when you’re not using headphones. It does seem to be a bit counter-intuitive, as it would make more sense for the speakers to be facing you for better quality.

Once in a class, you have the ability to customize your screen. As a self-professed data nerd, I love seeing every available metric, including the Leaderboard, cadence/resistance, total output, heart rate, and even class duration. However, if you prefer to shut all of that off, you easily can.

Setting up your bike is incredibly easy as well. The handlebars are adjustable height. The levers to adjust the seat forward and back, as well as height, move easily and do not stick, making it a snap if you are sharing the bike or switching with others frequently. For me, the sport saddle is comfortable, while not being overly firm or too soft. As anyone knows from spin classes or bike riding, there is always an adjustment period for your body as you get accustomed to riding on a bike. Push through it, I promise the soreness goes away quickly!

Clipping into the pedals requires shoes with Delta cleats, not traditional SPD clips commonly used in studio spin classes, so you’ll want to make sure that you shoes are compatible. I can honestly say I’m not a big fan of the Delta cleats because I find them clunky and hard to clip in and out of, but they do provide you with greater connectedness with the pedal and a firm feel. While at first I found them incredibly difficult to clip out of when we first got the Peloton bike, they have since softened and have gotten more user-friendly.

Note: The Delta cleats are not easily changeable between shoes, so if you are sharing your bike with a family member, you will each need your own pair of shoes and cleats.

The Peloton bike’s resistance knob spins easily without being “too loose” to avoid unnecessary drops or adds in resistance. Pressing down on the knob locks the bike for doing weight intervals or toning exercises on the bike.

The Peloton bike also has two water bottle holders on either side of the frame, which are easily accessible for riding. Or, if you are like me, I use one for a water bottle and another for my phone. They do feel a little flimsy and I might have preferred metal cages to plastic. There is not a ledge or stand to prop up a tablet or book for those wanting to read or watch television while simply riding, but you can purchase these easily from Amazon.

When purchasing the bike, you also have the option to include a variety of additional components, such as: shoes, heart rate monitors, mats and more. For those that prefer an all-in-one bundle, this is a great option, but you can easily purchase your own equipment from your preferred retailer. This is what we did and I highly recommend.

(See below for my personal Peloton Amazon recommendations.)

What I Loved About the Peloton Bike:

The Wide Range of Instructors & Classes

Far and away one of my favorite things about the Peloton bike is the variety. While we waited for our bike on backorder, we had access to our Peloton Membership. While we couldn’t take any of the spin classes, we were able to access the off-bike classes, such as: running, HIIT, strength training, meditation, yoga, stretching, and more! Most recently, they added barre classes, as well as bootcamp-style classes that incorporate cardio bike sessions with weight training.

Admittedly, I am a person who finds themselves easily bored with online apps and virtual courses. I find myself far more motivated by in-person classes and training sessions and often get disenchanted quickly. With the Peloton bike, there are enough instructors that if I need a motivational workout, an easy day workout, or a challenging workout, I can find a class that is going to suit my needs that day. There are also live, virtual classes with a real-time leaderboard that encourages you to work hard to “chase” those in class.

The classes are also updated frequently and you have access to a huge database of pre-recorded classes so that you never get bored. One of my biggest pet peeves of many fitness apps is that the classes quickly become stale, or feel like simple repeats of the same series of movements. Even after months of almost daily use, I feel like I’ve only begun to scratch the surface and new classes from my favorite instructors are added almost daily.

You are also able to search quickly and easily through the menu to sort classes based on length, instructor, style, or difficulty. Want a hard class? It’s easy to find based on user rankings. I find that I most often enjoy 30-45 minute classes, specifically those that are interesting (such as intervals and arms!) and keep you on your toes.

Quiet Ride

Another huge perk for me is that the Peloton bike is nearly silent. There is no loud cycling noise—as with an indoor trainer—which means you could place the bike anywhere in the house and not disturb anyone. (Okay, maybe not next to a sleeping partner, but you get the idea.) My husband and I share a workout-room-slash-office and he has been on work calls and Zoom videos and not been bothered by me being in the same room at all.

Note: My heavy breathing when I’m working hard is probably annoying.

Easy Connectivity with Devices + Platforms

As I mentioned above, you can purchase a heart rate monitor package when you buy your Peloton bike. If you are like me or have your own smart watch with built-in heart rate and Bluetooth, you can connect it via your Bluetooth settings panel. This means that if you were contemplating the need for the heart rate monitor add-on, I would skip it and save money with your Garmin watch. For reference, I have the Garmin Fenix 5S.

To cast heart rate to your Peloton bike via Garmin watch:

1. Go to the Settings tab on your Garmin Watch.

2. Select Sensors + Accessories.

3. Select Wrist Heart Rate.

4. Select Broadcast Heart Rate or Broadcast During Activity.

I find that it is easiest to set my watch to Indoor Bike and start the watch so that it automatically starts the broadcasting versus having to find the screen each time. After a workout, I simply delete the activity to prevent double reporting.

Note: The Apple Watch does not broadcast quickly (or as easily) to the Peloton Bike. There are apps available, such as HeartCast and BlueHeart, that make connectivity possible. The original Peloton bike is not compatible with GymKit (see below for more on the Peloton Bike+).

I also use my AirPods regularly and have had no connection issues. In fact, the Bluetooth quickly and easily pairs almost instantaneously when the Peloton app opens, meaning there is no lag time or “lost devices.” Another nice feature? When selecting a class, it always prompts you to select a heart rate monitor or Bluetooth headset before the class starts, which acts as a great reminder to make sure your equipment is ready before you begin. If more one than one member of your household is using the bike, it stores both devices’ data for quick swapping between headphones.

For those wanting to do classes off the bike, the Peloton Membership app also gives you the option to cast to a local TV. While the downside is that not all televisions have miracast capabilities, the vast majority of smart TVs do. Alternatively, if you have an Amazon Fire stick or a Roku, you can easily broadcast your Peloton app to a local television, tablet, or laptop computer.

Another great feature is that the Peloton bike easily syncs with other apps, such as Facebook, to allow you to connect with friends, family, and fellow riders. Once you have completed a workout, you can easily share your workout to Strava (a big bonus for me!) or Fitbit with a touch of a button. All important data and metrics, including total output, are conveniently imported.

The Ability to Save Songs to a Playlist

Another big bonus for me is the ability to like any song that plays in an instructor’s class. Simply click the heart icon next to a specific track and it saves it in your profile. As an added bonus, you can view your saved songs and create a playlist to listen to later on Spotify or Apple Music.

Community

Easily one of the best features of the Peloton Bike is the community that it creates for its users. Every pre-recorded class makes you feel like you are in the studio with the instructor, even if you are sitting at home. Unlike other fitness apps, you can see who is currently riding with you in a class (even if it’s pre-recorded) and you can see where you rank with those who have previously taken the class or who are riding with you currently. You can also high-five other users who are on streaks or have hit milestones for the feeling that there are others riding right alongside you.

The leaderboard is a fun feature and makes each class a challenge. When riding in the live classes, you can see a real-time leaderboard of total output to see where you compare with others taking the same class as you. I find that it encourages me to not only compete with myself (in real-time I can see my previous PRs in class) but with others in class as well. It encourages me to work harder than I might otherwise by “chasing” others in class. An additional perk is that in live classes instructors can shoutout users for hitting riding milestone or working hard in a class.

Don’t like the competition or seeing the real-time rankings? Just click on the top of the Leaderboard and it removes it from your ride screen.

What I Disliked About the Peloton Bike:

No Ability to Ride Offline

This is pretty self-explanatory but whether you use the Peloton Digital Membership or the All-Access Membership (discussed below), neither offers the option to download a class and ride offline. This greatly limits your ability to take your workouts anywhere that might not have Wi-Fi or for those with slower Wi-Fi. Almost all other fitness apps allow you to download classes for later, so it seems surprising that the Peloton bike lacks the option to do so. As someone who grew up in a rural area with spotty Wi-Fi, this is a feature I feel is sorely missing.

The Screen Doesn’t turn

This issue has been rectified with the release of the Peloton Bike+, but the lack of a rotating screen is easily one of the biggest downfalls of the Peloton bike. If you are working out in a small space, or do not have the ability (or desire) to cast your workout to a television or laptop, the strength classes are impossible to do because you cannot see the screen on the bike. With the recent addition of the Bootcamp classes, this is almost a necessity.

No Ability to Skip Warmups

This most particularly bothered me during the strength classes, but is present during the Peloton rides as well. Most of the off-the-bike workouts are shorter (between 20 and 30 minutes) and divided up by muscle group, such as lower body and upper body. If you are wanting to do an app workout that targets your whole body, it wouldn’t be uncommon to take two classes back to back. In doing so, you take two warmups and two cool downs. I would love to see the option to skip these warmups or cool downs to maximize time between strength sessions.

The same can be said for the Indoor Cycling classes. Many instructors offer warmup and cool down rides with their standard class. If I take a longer warmup ride, I would prefer to be able to skip the second warmup if I decide to jump into that instructors full class.

Update: As of October 15, 2020, “Skip the Warmup” is a new update that is being rolled out across the platform.

Intuitive Post Class Suggestions

One of my favorite features post-cycling class is the suggestions screen that pops up immediately following a workout. This is usually a suggestion for a cool down ride or strength training session. However, sometimes the suggestions seem off and not helpful. I would prefer the suggested next class choices be from the same instructor that I just took a class from. If I want to jump right into another class, it’s likely I want to keep the same energy and vibe from the previous instructor’s class. If I have to leave the suggestions screen and search for a toning workout, I find myself less motivated to do so. This may be personal preference, but I think it would be a much-appreciated feature.

Update: This seems to have been adjusted and I’m no longer getting recommendations for another 45 minute class from a different instructor.

Barre Classes Were Disappointing

One of the newest additions to the Peloton library are barre classes. As someone who used to take studio classes regularly, this was one off-bike class offering that I was beyond excited for! However, they have been wildly disappointing. The classes are not long enough (most 20-30 minutes) and do not incorporate many familiar barre moves (no ball or bands!). I found them far too easy and too fast-paced to find that good “burn.” Even after taking two classes back to back with different instructors, I felt like I didn’t even workout. Hopefully, this will be a class series that Peloton builds on to make more challenging with longer workouts and more targeted exercises.

A Fan For Sweaty Workouts

This is less of a negative to the Peloton and more of a personal preference. While you can easily purchase a fan to attach to your screen, I would love a built-in option to provide a bit of airflow during a workout.

Favorite instructors:

For those that feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of instructors and class types, these are a few of my favorite instructors and classes. Note: Everyone is going to have a preference for instructors and this is only a suggestion. As a former personal trainer and coach, I tend to gravitate towards instructors that clearly love what they do. That comes out in their personality, enthusiasm, and ability to just create a fun class. I recommend trying out a variety of instructors to get a feeling for their classes!

Cody Rigsby- Best Class for Beginners Or a Fun Ride

When I started with my Peloton Bike, I only rode in Cody’s classes. As a self-proclaimed “opinionated homosexual,” his classes are always filled with some of the best playlists, dancing, lip-syncing, sassy commentary, and just plain fun. I love his classes when I need a mood boost (there’s never a class I don’t find myself giggling) or an easier ride. Most of his classes are 20-30 minutes so they’re the perfect length when you’re short on time.

Since I started riding with Cody’s classes, I wasn’t aware of just how much more difficult the classes were when you tried different instructors. That is why I highly recommend Cody for beginners just starting out.

Note: Cody has a habit of not riding with you for the entire class. This isn’t an issue for me, but I know it can be a pet peeve for others.

Try: Cody’s 30-Minute Britney Spears Ride (For the Full Cody Experience!)

Alex Toussiant - Club Bangers for the Best Playlists

Full disclosure: These playlists are not kid-friendly so you’ll want to listen with headphones if there are little ones around. Club Bangers is easily one of my favorite classes when I want a workout that is heavier resistance with a killer rap playlist. Alex tends to have a lot of heavier hill climbs in his classes but the main draw of Club Bangers, for me, is that he finds a unique balance between being incredibly motivational and grooving his butt off. Many of my PRs have come from his classes because I found myself so into the music and his energy that I didn’t realize how hard I was working.

Try: Any Club Bangers Class

Robin Arzon - Most Inspirational Instructor

Want to just get inspired to workout? Robin has some of the most motivating and inspiring classes of any instructor on the Peloton app. She often refers to her riders as “hustlers” because she demands high effort and intensity in her classes. Her class was one of the first rides I took that I thought I might actually vomit after. Plus, she’s an ultra-marathoner so you know she’s not going to quit on you in her workouts.

Tunde Oyeneyin - For a Challenge

So, I know that Olivia gets the hype as one of the most difficult instructors, but Tunde easily holds her own.

I also prefer to Tunde’s classes because I feel like they are far more attainable than Olivia’s. Tunde is also no-nonsense and she gets down to business with no wasted time in her classes (especially when she incorporates strength training intervals). She has an infectious smile (and she rocks that red lipstick!), great playlists, and will take you up some killer climbs.

Kendall Toole - Intervals and Arms or Difficult (Yet Attainable!) Classes

Kendall has quickly became one of my favorite instructors. Her classes are guaranteed to be extremely challenging. Don’t believe me? Sort the workouts by difficulty and you’re going to find Kendall near the top! She is one of my favorite instructors when I want an intervals and arms class. She incorporates kickboxing style movements into her arm workouts which is much more challenging (and fun!) than the standard bicep curls and shoulder presses. Plus, it keeps that heart rate UP! She curates great playlists and head bangs along with you and never stops riding with you. Some of my biggest PRs have been in Kendall’s classes.

Try: Kendall’s Classic Rock Ride for an awesome playlist (and a 9.1 Difficulty Rating)

(This class was easily one of the hardest classes I’ve ever taken and I contemplated vomiting for a solid 30 minutes after.)

Matt Wilpers - Most Technical Instructor

Matt often coaches the Power Zone workouts which focus on working within your specific zone. By working to achieve a specific output (with seven different power zones) during the class, you’re able to more evenly target your specific strength and endurance. These rides can be a bit more technical and requires a bit of pre-class preparation. Since this class is customized to each rider, you will need to know your average output to find your target ranges for the Power Zone classes.

To find your Power Zone:

1. Start by indentifying your 20-minute average output. You can find this number by taking a 20-minute FTP Test Ride. (Filter classes by Power Zone)

2. At the end of class, you will find your average output.

3. Input this number into your profile by heading to the Settings tab.

4. Your Power Zones will be automatically displayed in a bar beneath your metrics tab on your riding dashboard and will display in different colors as you ride.

These classes are ideal for the data-driven rider and for those that are wanting to dial in their strength and endurance.

What I Purchased For My Peloton Bike (From Amazon)

As I mentioned above, you can purchase the all-in-one package when you purchase your Peloton. If you want the full package for one rider, it will run you $250. This kit includes: (1) bike mat, (1) set of wired headphones, (1) pair of cycling shoes, (1) pair of bike weights (1-3lbs), and (1) chest-strap heart rate monitor. As I mentioned above, I had a pair of AirPods (definitely would not prefer a pair of wired headphones for these workouts) and a Garmin watch with a heart rate monitor. This left me with needs for a bike mat and a pair of cycling shoes. (I already had weights) $250 for a mat and shoes? There are cheaper options.

For the Bike:

For the Home Gym:

Optional Equipment:

Peloton vs. Peloton Bike+ Comparison

As noted above, we purchased our Peloton bike before the sale of the Bike+. For those that are interested in the bike spec differences between the Peloton Bike & Peloton Bike+, please see below.

Upgrades on the Peloton Bike+ include:

• Rotating touchscreen with 360 degrees of movement

• Larger screen (21.5” vs. 23.8”) with an anti-smudge coating

• An 8-megapixel front facing camera (compared to a 5-megapixel on the Peloton bike)

• 4-channel audio

• Resistance Knob with Auto Follow (the knob automatically adjusts to the instructor’s recommendations)

• Apple GymKit integration (easily pair your AppleWatch)

Is the Bike+ worth it?

As a disclosure, I have never rode/tested the Bike+, so my opinion is based solely on the above listed stats of the newer model and on my use of the original Peloton bike.

That being said, the cost difference between the two models is approximately $600 (and may change at any point). There is no change to the actual dimensions or and slight build differences between of the two bikes. For me, this would be most important.

The other changes, to me, feel as though they are the upgrades on a new car. You start with the base model sedan which has the majority of the features you are looking for, but for a few thousand more, you can have a car with a sunroof and heated seats.

For me, there was no issue with the original screen size or the bike’s sound and speakers, so a larger screen or amplified speakers are not impressive to me. For all practical purposes, I have ridden almost solely with my AirPods in my ears, so better speakers probably do not affect my ride. Note: I have read that there are issues with too much bass in the newer speakers, leading to a disappointing upgrade.

Apple GymKit integration is entirely worthless for those that do not have an Apple Watch. I have also never turned on my bike camera…ever.

Most notably, however, are two main features.

The knob with Auto Follow is an interesting addition and I do think that it may help some to challenge their goals and work harder in a class. However, I find that I prefer to reach down often to adjust the knobs up or down as we work through an interval or a hill section based on my effort that day. To continue with the car analogy, just because a car has Lane Assist or an auto-drive function, doesn’t necessarily mean that I would rely on it solely. I don’t know that I would want to relinquish control to adjust manually. While I’m sure that Auto Follow could be turned off, I don’t find it to be an exciting feature.

Note: Since the resistance range is added after a class, Auto Follow is not activated during live classes.

The rotating screen is by far the best enhancement and one of the largest negatives for me in the standard Peloton. However, is this rotating screen worth the $600 additional cost of the newer bike?

So, the simple answer: No.

Trade-in for Bike+

Currently (as of October 8, 2020) Peloton is offering a $700 rebate for their Yoga + Toning package with purchase of their Bike+. A Peloton employee with come to your house to take away your old bike, assuming it is in good quality, and exchange for your Bike+. If you are currently financing your Peloton Bike, you will need to re-qualify for Bike+ financing.

What about the Peloton Digital Membership?

The bike comes with a Peloton All-Access Membership that costs $39 per month. With the All-Access membership you will have access to the full range of metrics in your workout, including cadence and resistance, distance, output, as well as performance tracking, such as personal bests. The Peloton All-Access Membership also gives you access to the Leaderboard whether during live classes or on-demand. You are also able to have multiple user profiles for family members. This All-Access Membership is required to use the bike screen, but users can use the Peloton app for on-the-go workouts.

The Peloton Digital Membership gives you the same access to the live and on-demand classes for $12.99. The main differences between the two memberships is that the digital membership is not connected to the bike, therefore you are unable to see a Leaderboard and track personal stats. You can also only have one user profile per membership.

Contemplating Other Bike Options?

There are a variety of non-Peloton bike options on the market. If keeping track of your past workout data is not important to you, the option to use the Peloton Digital Membership means that you can purchase a less expensive bike and still use the Peloton app. Obviously, one of the strengths of the Peloton is its quality instructors and large depth of online classes.

While I did not research other bikes being purchasing the Peloton, there are many bikes on the market are receiving rave reviews, such as the NordiTrack trainer ($1,999) and the MYXFitness bike (the Plus Bike starting at $1,399). Ultimately, I think that the option lies in the user experience and what you value. For me, the community that encircles Peloton is one of the selling points of the bike and I feel that may be lacking in the other bikes, even if the bike specs are relatively similar.

Again, choosing a bike for your personal needs is the best option to ensure that you can optimize the usage of the bike in your space for the greatest fitness experience.