Launched in 2012, Peloton really became a household name due to the pandemic and the prevailing need for at-home/remote exercise options.
What was once a company that only sold stationary exercise bikes has now grown into a massive media company that offers a myriad of exercise equipment along with a host of on-demand workouts, playlists, and subscriptions.
Because of its rise in popularity, Peloton has brought about its own competition, with several exercise equipment companies now seeking to compete on a global scale; for the consumer, this is great news, for it provides you with a variety of options based on quality, price, and service, among other factors.
With that said, in what follows, we’ll be discussing what Peloton is and what sets it apart from its competitors. Further, we’ll dive deeper into the pros on cons while also sharing the top five alternatives for those unwilling to invest in Peloton’s premium offerings.
If you’re seeking to find the best indoor exercise bike for your needs, this article is for YOU! Continue reading to learn more…
What is Peloton?
If you’re in the market for an indoor exercise bike, you’re likely familiar with the brand Peloton. If not, Peloton is a premium fitness equipment and media brand offering top-of-the-line indoor exercise bikes equipped with a community of professional instructors that provide on-demand workouts.
With nearly 2.5 million subscription members to date, that statistic alone should illustrate Peloton’s industry popularity.
Apart from the online community and comprehensive digital database of workouts which is arguably the biggest competitive advantage that it has to offer, Peloton also doesn’t skimp on manufacturing quality. Providing users with studio-quality stationary bikes, Peloton truly doesn’t miss a note when it comes to the overall riding experience.
What you’ll come to learn, however, is that while Peloton offers everything you could ever want and need in a stationary bike, it does come at a cost, and that cost might just be enough to send you on a journey to find the next best alternative…
What Sets Peloton Apart From its Competitors?
Combining modern tech with health & fitness, Peloton was truly the first of its kind. With that said, its largest, most obvious differentiator is its interactive offerings. From its engaging online classes offered by now-famed spin instructors to its superior HD screen monitor, the experience is like no other.
On the contrary, not all that Peloton offers sets it apart from its competitors in a positive way. In other words, while the majority of its cult-like following praises its interactive community-based offerings, others stray away from it due to high costs.
In short, deciding to invest in a Peloton bike truly comes down to what you value and what you can afford. For those can are willing, Peloton is well worth the investment. For those with different priorities, however, an alternative might be best suited…
The Pros and Cons of Peloton
Withstanding its evident reputation, Peloton doesn’t come without its cons and disadvantages. While the most obvious of cons is the more than expensive cost, it doesn’t end there.
Nevertheless, comparatively speaking, there’s no denying that Peloton is, in fact, the superior choice of at-home exercise bikes, not only for its on-demand subscription model but because of its quality at large.
What follows are the pros and cons of the Peloton. Note that while there are several versions of the Peloton, including both the Peloton Bike and the Peloton Bike+, the pros and cons are much the same.
Pros
Equipped with an HD Screen Monitor
Boasts an Engaging Community Network
Hosts a Library of Thousands of On-Demand Classes
Undeniable Sleek Design Suitable for Any Household
Generally Comfortable Fit, Preferentially Speaking
Cons
Expensive Upfront Purchase Price
Ongoing Costly Monthly Subscription Fee
Not Compatible With Other Applications
Poor Fit for Taller Individuals
Ranging in price from £1,395 - £2,950 and boasting a hefty subscription fee of nearly £40/month, the Peloton investment isn’t something to sneeze at. For those on the fence about the cost, it might not be worth it.
On the contrary, for those who can afford it and/or for those with a high perceived value, there’s no denying its worth; it’s why there are over 2 million subscribers and growing!
Whether you’ve decided that the Peloton isn’t for you OR if you’re simply curious as to the alternatives available, in what follows we’ll detail the top five Peloton Bike alternatives, all of which are available throughout the UK and on Amazon UK, as well…
Let’s get right into it!
Top Five Peloton Bike Alternatives
For those set on exercising on an indoor stationary bike, you don’t have to pay a premium in order to enjoy the experience of doing so; you just might have to sacrifice some features that the Peloton exclusively offers.
With that said, Below Are the Top 5 Peloton Bike Alternatives:
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
Undeniably the best alternative to a Peloton Bike, the NordicTrack Commercial S22i has very similar mechanical specs as the Peloton, not to mention its HD touchscreen, built-in speakers, and exclusive iFit on-demand classes.
Surprisingly, however, when comparing the NordicTrack Commercial S22i to the original Peloton Bike, the former comes in at a slightly higher price point of £1,999. In comparison to the Peloton Bike+, however, the NordicTrack is less expensive.
In short, the largest differentiator and the primary reason most opt for the NordicTrack over the Peloton is its automated incline/decline feature for a realistic terrain experience; otherwise, the two are much the same and really only differ by branding & marketing.
The following are the pros and cons of the NordicTrack Commercial S22i:
Pros
Equipped with HD Touchscreen Monitor
Automated Incline/Decline Feature for Realistic Terrain
Comfortable Fit, Preferentially Speaking
Max Rider Rate of 350 lbs
Cons
Expensive Upfront Purchase Price
Expensive Monthly Annual Subscription
Echelon Sport SmartConnect Exercise Bike
Offered in four different models ranging in price, with its standard model coming in at £799, the Echelon Sports SmartConnect Bike is another great alternative to both the Peloton Bike and NordicTrack Commercial Bike.
With a compact and sleek design suitable for any home, a resistance system similar to the most premium of stationary bikes, and an exclusive Echelon fitness app that connects via Bluetooth, it’s the perfect addition to a home gym.
While the Echelon Sports SmartConnect offers nearly everything that a Peloton does, including its own on-demand database of workouts, its base model doesn’t come equipped with its own HD monitor. Instead, you’ll have to invest in your own iPad or monitor of choice in order to have a similar experience.
The following are the pros and cons of the Echelon Sports SmartConnect Exercise Bike:
Pros
Affordable Upfront Purchase Price, Comparatively Speaking
Ergonomic, Sleek Design
Compact and Portable
Comprehensive Database of On-Demand Classes
Cons
Base Model Lacks Attached Screen Monitor
Costly Membership Fee
Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike
While this alternative is unlikely to make the cut for those looking to have a similar experience to that of a Peloton, it still remains a worthy option for those who prioritise an effective and enjoyable at-home spin.
With that said, it does typically fall under the category of basic at-home stationary bikes and lacks the technology to be honestly compared to other premium options.
Nevertheless, due to its more than affordable price, not to mention its reputation for being one of the quietest rides of the bunch, the Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycle Bike is undeniably the best of the basics; with great adjustment features and generally comfortable parts for the price, you truly can’t go wrong.
The following are the pros and cons of the Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Bike:
Pros
Affordable Upfront Purchase Price
Easy Assembly, Taking Under 1-Hour to Construct
Smooth and Quiet Ride Due to Belt-System
Cons
Lacks a Screen Monitor
Uncomfortable for the Average Rider
Lacks Adjustability Throughout
Relatively Heavy, Comparatively Speaking
YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike
As one of the top-rated stationary bikes on Amazon, the YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike is likely the best affordable alternative when eliminating the Peloton and NordicTrack from the picture. Though the quality certainly doesn’t live up to its superiors, it does continue to offer all that such options provide, including a built-in monitor.
It’s the best-selling bike on Amazon for a reason!
With that said, if you’re looking to drop down to the next level of pricing, prepared to lose out on quality and superiority of features, and you’re simply looking for a quiet ride that won’t disturb the household, the YOSUDA indoor bike might just be the choice for you.
The following are the pros and cons of the YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike:
Pros
Affordable Upfront Purchase Price
Stable and Quiet Belt-Driven Ride
Impressive Adjustability Throughout
Equipped with LCD Display Monitor
Ergonomic Design for Comfort
Cons
Unsuitable for Those Over 250+ lbs
Perceived Low-Quality Materials
Low-Quality Monitor
UREVO Indoor Flywheel Exercise Bike
Last but certainly not least is the UREVO Indoor Flywheel Exercise Bike… Coming in at just £211, there’s really nothing to complain about at this price point, especially for what this alternative has to offer; heck, it even has a monitor!
To preface, this alternative is likely not suitable for the avid or elite cyclist. With that said, for those looking to take advantage of at-home workouts and enjoy the ride in the process, you can’t go wrong.
Adjustable in both the handles and seats, compact and portable to store away if necessary, quiet and stable due in large part to its belt-driven system, and equipped with an LCD display, the UREVO Indoor Bike is a great affordable alternative to any stationary bike on the market.
The following are the pros and cons of the UREVO Indoor Flywheel Bike:
Pros
Quiet and Stable Belt-Driven Ride
Equipped with LCD Display Monitor
Affordable Upfront Purchase Price
Compact and Portable Makeup
Cons
Lacks Comfort Throughout
Low-Quality Monitor
So, Is Peloton Worth the Investment?
Like any worthy purchase, it comes down to preference and affordability. As mentioned at the beginning of this article, there’s a reason Peloton stands out amongst the rest; It offers everything and more to the right consumer.
However, for those who can’t afford its investment, OR for those who simply don’t value the added benefits that it provides, Peloton might not be worth it, especially if the community aspect isn’t something you’re looking for.
At the end of the day, Peloton is simply an at-home stationary bike; it’s just a very good one at that! It’s primary differentiator, however, is its community and on-demand offerings.
Finally, if you’re an avid cyclist who values quality, however, doesn’t necessarily value the spin class environment, the NordicTrack might be the option for you; not only is it similar in quality and price to that of Peloton but it provides riders with a real terrain-like experience thanks to its innovative incline/decline technology.
To summarize, if you’re someone who values spin classes and is willing to invest in the monthly subscription, you likely fall within the ideal Peloton target market. On the other hand, if you’re simply looking for an at-home stationary bike that you can ride and don’t require any form of entertainment throughout, a simple stationary bike alternative should suffice.