Last Updated: October 25, 2023
Peloton has attempted to conquer one of the biggest barriers to exercise: time. Getting to the gym is a task that could require sacrificing other hobbies, around the gym’s class schedule, and figuring out who is going to watch the kids. These are but a few of the possible constraints to getting to the gym. In 2012, Peloton rolled onto the scene as a solution created by John Foley. Named after a group of cyclists, Peloton brought the community of studio fitness to users’ homes with a premium bike, touchscreen display, and subscription on-demand and live content.
Though Peloton had a great idea, the brand might not be what it is without the contribution of the instructors. Fitness enthusiasts turned influencers turned icons, Peloton’s instructors let their personalities shine to make those taking their classes really feel connected to the “cult” that is Peloton through the screen. It helps that the brand has also included a variety of social features like the leaderboard and high fives. If you participate in live classes, you might even hear the instructor call out your name to congratulate you on your journey.
Peloton took the world by storm due to its unique platform and social interactivity. Over the years, the brand has not been without critique whether it comes from elitist accusations, unfortunate recalls, or questions about the brand’s future. Peloton continues to make a giant impact on the fitness industry and has expanded its product line to include more than just indoor cycling.
Peloton Exercise Bikes Product Line Summary
Peloton is best known for its bikes. It’s in the name itself! Peloton is a unique brand that is perhaps more praised for the quality of its training content than the actual quality of its machines. Don’t get me wrong, the bikes are great studio bikes. But integral to each bike is its support of Peloton’s premium content, which we will discuss in more detail later.
Bike and Bike+
They have 100 resistance levels created by magnets rather than friction. This style of resistance keeps the bikes very quiet. They accommodate a vast height range of 4’11” to 6’4” and support users up to 297 lbs. One peculiar feature of the Peloton bikes is their pedals. Peloton uses the unique delta clip instead of the much more popular SPD clip. You will need compatible shoes or to retrofit the bike with flat pedals. Otherwise, the features are pretty standard for a spin bike.
Peloton bikes have heavy flywheels, multi-grip handlebars, and sporty saddles. There are weight racks for the two 3-lb weights you can bundle into your bike purchase. Both bikes have sturdy front and rear stabilizers, two front-mounted transport wheels, and a power cord that attaches to the rear of the bike.
The Bike and Bike+ differ mainly in their smart features which support streaming live and on-demand Peloton content. Choosing the more expensive Bike+ gets you a larger, less reflective touchscreen, better speakers, and a rotating screen. Both bikes are great, and cycling on either feels premium.
Peloton Treadmill Product Line Summary
The current Peloton lineup of treadmills is limited exclusively to the Tread after the unfortunate recall of the Tread+. Peloton has adapted its model of studio classes for walkers and runners. Peloton brings a new angle to the sport of running by infusing the space with the high energy and variable intensity found in studio cycling classes. The design of the Tread has influenced other treadmill brands to modernize their designs to look more aesthetically pleasing and to perform better during interval workouts.
Peloton Tread
The Peloton Tread established the iconic z-shaped frame with a floating console. The red accents make the Peloton Tread look primed for racing. With a decent incline range of 0 to 12.5% and a maximum speed of 12.5 mph, the Tread is just a hair above the home treadmill standard. For its high-end price tag, we are a little shocked that it doesn’t have decline capabilities or a higher incline. Most runners will find the Tread’s performance features sufficient for their runs, and the Tread truly shines elsewhere.
The Tread has introduced one very important feature to the treadmill industry: dials. Boldly forgoing quick adjust buttons and up/down arrows, the Tread instead has speed and incline dials with a jump button to round you up to the next whole number with one push. It is intuitive and fun with the ability to revolutionize interval runs.
The Peloton Tread is a non-folding treadmill. As such, it requires that users have a dedicated space in their homes for the treadmill. But if you are looking for top-tier content paired with a decent machine, the Peloton Tread is a great pick. It keeps the standard home treadmill performance specs and innovates how you use them.
Peloton Rowing Machine Product Line Summary
The Peloton Rowing Machine, aka Peloton Row, is a sleek and smooth machine. For a brand that started with indoor cycling, Peloton faces steep competition in the rower market. The Row is priced at a premium, so it needs a great design to justify that cost. As always, Peloton has created music-powered studio classes just for the Peloton Row.
Peloton Row
The Peloton Row is a long rower with a footprint of 8’ x 2’. It can be stored upright; just make sure you have plenty of ceiling clearance. Despite its length, it doesn’t look bulky. Peloton has managed to give the Row a streamlined appearance. No Peloton would be complete without a touchscreen, and the Row has a 23.8” screen with the same crisp graphics the brand is known for on its other machines.
Peloton stands out from other rowers by accomplishing a feat others have strived for. The Row is remarkably quiet. The Row modifies the reliance other Peloton classes have on resistance to suit the rowing machine. Instead, rowers modify their intensity by controlling their speed and power. Other digital fitness brands have gone wrong with this in the past, so it is good to see Peloton understanding what really works for the rowing machine.
The Row has speakers, a pivoting display, and Bluetooth connectivity to keep your interaction with the digital fitness platform running smoothly. The Row also has comfort features like a padded and molded seat, a molded plastic handle, and a tilting screen. The Row includes a wall anchor for safety when stored in its upright position as well as a handle to assist in lifting the rower into place. The Peloton Row is another successful venture for the brand if only consumers can justify the price.
Peloton Strength Product Line Summary
You won’t find any weights under the Strength category on Peloton’s website. They do sell dumbbells, but these are considered “accessories.” Peloton’s strength category is actually for the Peloton Guide, a motion-tracking camera. This device works right alongside Peloton’s strength training classes to help you get stronger.
Peloton Guide
The Peloton Guide tracks your movement during resistance training workouts. Instead of providing the screen for watching the content, the Guide is a camera that works with your TV to bring you Peloton’s premium content. The device is the most affordable entry point into the brand, but it requires an active subscription for all of its functionality. This device is made for users committed to the Peloton platform.
The Guide tracks your movement to count reps, provide training feedback, and more. Its features are constantly evolving to replace any need you might have for a personal trainer. The Guide introduces the Leaderboard that is so popular on Peloton’s cardio equipment to a strength training routine. Take strength and yoga classes with the Peloton Guide.
Content Options With Peloton Fitness Equipment
The Peloton platform is arguably superior to any of its equipment offerings. The live and on-demand studio classes are what have grown the brand to the epic fame it has now. The platform launched its instructors to celebrity status. Peloton’s digital content is that good.
The classes are infused with music and high energy. The instructors keep you motivated and tuned in for the entirety of the workout. They are great coaches and their personalities really come through so you almost feel like you know them. With the social aspect of Peloton’s platform, a so-called “cult” has formed around the brand. With hashtags and high-fives, Peloton members encourage each other and find camaraderie.
Peloton offers classes for each of its equipment categories. Whether live or on-demand, these classes are perfectly tailored to Peloton’s equipment to highlight the specific features Peloton offers that differ from other brands. At the time of writing this review, the Peloton All-Access Membership is $44/month.
Common Features On Peloton Fitness Equipment
Because Peloton is as much a digital fitness platform as it is a fitness equipment brand, the common features found on equipment integrate the two. Peloton cardio equipment is outfitted with large, crisp touchscreens so you feel as connected to the studio content as possible. There are speakers and Bluetooth connectivity audio options. The exact features found on each machine are developed to work with that specific modality, but overall, Peloton equipment is quiet. Peloton has provided intuitive methods for upping the intensity of your workout, so you never miss a beat.
Bottom Line Peloton Reviews
There is no debate that Peloton has made waves in the home fitness industry. The introduction of the Peloton Bike changed how pretty much everyone thinks about working out at home. Peloton’s Tread, Row, and Guide further expanded its offerings to deliver the complete at-home workout. The digital content definitely outshines the equipment. Peloton makes quality products at a high-end price. If you have the budget, love music, and want a social atmosphere to work out in, Peloton might just be for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the monthly cost of Peloton?
The Peloton All-Access Membership, which you will need for any Peloton equipment, is priced at $44/month. Yet, Peloton offers a few other tiers that are a bit more affordable. There are some free classes available through the app. Peloton One is $12.99/month and provides 3 cardio equipment classes per month and unlimited non-equipment classes. The Peloton App+ membership is $24.99/month and gives you access to all the on-demand and live classes.
Peloton equipment is sold separately from a membership.
Does Peloton equipment work without a subscription?
Peloton equipment has limited functionality without a subscription. Cardio equipment can be used in manual mode only. We recommend Peloton equipment for users who plan to subscribe to the platform to see the machine’s true value.
Is Peloton worth it for weight loss?
Peloton has been a great tool for many people to achieve their weight loss and fitness goals. The fitness equipment is certainly effective at delivering a fantastic workout. A Peloton membership gives exercisers access to music-powered, motivating classes and a fun community. Purchasing a machine or membership will not do the work for you, but it can be worth it if it increases your motivation and adherence to a workout plan. Weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle is all about discipline and routine. The best way to stick to a program long-term is to find what works for you!
