Is the Peloton Bike really this special?
Perhaps more importantly, is it worth the money?
Since its inception in 2014, Peloton’s rise has been steady.
Despite its reputation for being an expensive and overhyped fitness fad, it shows no signs of slowing down.
I am, embarrassingly, one of the cynical people.
Is Peloton really this special?
Perhaps more importantly, is it worth the money?
It’s entirely mechanical, meaning that the bike functions normally even when it isn’t plugged in.
These types of bikes are incredibly quiet in operation, and the Bike is no different.
The bike feels sleek and premium.
Other than the drinks holder and back rack for weights, nothing feels flashy or surplus to requirements.
Put simply, it’s a good stationary bike.
Image Credit: Peloton
The shoes feel sturdy, and I was advised to go a size up from my regular shoes.
Throughout testing, the shoes felt solid and were comfortable.
The seat - which has a reputation for being uncomfortable - is a typical mid-width saddle.
I found it perfectly comfortable, but padded shorts might be worth investing in for some.
The Peloton Tablet
The Peloton Bike features a 21.5-inch tablet running a customized version of Android 7.
Bike vs Bike+
The Bike+ is an upgraded version of the original Bike.
Its base cost is $2495, and the extra $1000 doesn’t get you much.
I’m not sure this is also true of the Bike+.
The Peloton App
The Peloton app runs as a skin on top of the Android operating system.
You could never use the app on any other equipment and you’d lose nothing in the experience.
The Peloton app has two access levels.
All-Access membership costs $39 per month - which is not cheap.
It’s also arequirement for all Peloton hardware.
That said, All-Access membership is per household.
So, the app offers everything the service provides, but… what does Peloton actually offer you?
The Peloton Experience
The Peloton experience is slick.
From there, you choose a ride, clip-in, and start the class.
There may be some information on the music choices coming up or any theme the ride might have.
Maybe you need a pep talk to drum up confidence for a big day.
Most sessions feature a leaderboard, showing who is riding with you.
Alternatively, you’re able to completely suspend the social aspect and just follow classes alone.
Maybe it was just the endorphins.
One nice feature is the option to change the sound balance.
If you want to hear less instructor and more music, you might, and vice versa.
The whole thing feels focused, smooth, and easy to follow.
These would have been wonderful, but they have music too - that you cannot turn off.
The ride through the beautiful Pupukea Forest on Hawai’i is accompanied by… Snoop Dogg.
In short, it’s great if you like the format, and surprisingly I did.
Limitations
The experience is slick, but from a distance, there are some obvious limitations here.
As previously mentioned, the Bike is for Peloton and Peloton alone.
A much heavier limitation comes from the core design of the Peloton hardware and services.
Is the Peloton Bike Worth the Cost?
At $1495 for the base bike, It’s expensive, there’s no doubt.
The answer lies in the service itself.
Peloton Feels Authentic
While pricey, Peloton delivers exactly what they advertise.
Is Peloton Right For You?
If you already have good fitness habits, Peloton probably won’t improve them.
Image Credit: Peloton
