A few years ago, Peloton’s stationary bikes enjoyed a meteoric rise into the public eye, with demand far exceeding the company’s ability to supply. But that success was directly followed by skyrocketing sales, muted interest, and Hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue losses as the world began to recover from the global pandemic and people went back to the gyms.
Though production of its stationary bikes and treadmills has been halted due to unsold inventory, the company is still working on new equipment. Peloton released its camera-based guide Weight training device and the long rumor Peloton Series Rower in 2022, but the Peloton Bike+, which starts at an expensive $1,995, still offers the most versatile experience available on the platform.
Its large, pivoting touchscreen display is designed to allow easier access to Peloton’s diverse training library. And the Bike+ embodies Peloton’s mission—and its dilemma. Can the company continue to expand its hardware offerings and prove itself as a worthwhile fitness platform without its expensive equipment? And can it maintain top-notch quality and choice for its gear and content?
We spent some time with the Peloton Bike+ to see if it’s the best piece of equipment in Peloton’s arsenal, and we also evaluated Peloton’s standalone streaming fitness platform.
Premium design, but it’s not perfect
The Peloton Bike+ is widely regarded as a top-notch exercise bike, and it’s not hard to see why. Heavy, sturdy and whisper-quiet in operation, it has an appealing aesthetic that can blend into a living room environment thanks to its sleek, matte finish.
I only have two nitpicks about it. First, Peloton bikes require you to attach your shoes to the pedals using a specific type of bike shoe called the “Look Delta”. It’s not a Peloton-exclusive standard. So if you already have a compatible pair, they should work just fine. If you don’t, you’ll have to buy some as they don’t come with the bike. Peloton has options from $125, and while the price is on par with other cycling shoe brands, I can’t help but think they should be included with the bike. There are third party conversion kits that will allow you to use regular shoes, but they are not Peloton authorized and may not be the safest option.
Because Peloton bikes are fixed gear, they don’t “freewheel” and let you pedal backwards with no resistance. As a stationary bike newbie, I learned this the hard way. When I tried to pedal backwards while cycling, I was faced with the full weight of the flywheel’s inertia fighting against me, forcing my pinched feet to pedal forward. As shocking as it was, it was best that my feet were pinched during this snafu, otherwise injury could have occurred.
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Clipping into bike pedals isn’t a Peloton exclusive experience, but it would be nice to be able to use the bike without Look Delta-compatible cycling shoes. Peloton’s own are sold separately from the bike.
Corey Gaskin
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The bicycle seat or “saddle” is supportive and relatively padded for a bicycle. However, one size does not fit all.
Corey Gaskin
A future design that allows for clipless riding (i.e., a toe cage) and the kind of freewheel that many people are used to from traditional geared bikes would be desirable. Freewheel e-bikes are not very common, but some manufacturers offer bikes with a clip-in option and a toe cage for regular sneakers on the other side of the pedal. This would certainly help lower the already high barrier to entry, especially if multiple people wish to use the bike.
In general, however, it was an easy adjustment to get used to the lock-in procedure and slam the big red brake knob to stop. What remained, however, was my uneasiness about opening the shoes. You must hold the brake and rotate your foot away from the bike, partially rolling your ankle. It’s awkward and uncomfortable (though not exactly painful) every time.
My second nitpick is with the seat. Peloton’s one-size-fits-all bike seat or saddle may not fit your body properly. The company’s bikes are designed to fit people from 4ft, 11″ to 6ft, 4″ and up to 297 pounds. Of course there is a lot of variation between these body shapes. It took my bony butt a few rides to get used to the slight discomfort, but if it’s still too much after 10 or so rides, think twice padded cycling shorts or even a spare saddle. Unfortunately, Peloton doesn’t sell one, so you would have to size one And source it you yourself.
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