Peloton Bike

I have to admit that we were exceptionally happy with our purchase. It was a large investment, but one that my wife and I were both set to use for early morning and late night workouts while balancing family life. We talked things through when buying this in the Natick, MA store and they said many people keep this in their bedroom and use it while their spouse is sleeping. All started out well, and we loved it. Riding with a class in NYC, some of the scenic journeys and just a good overall challenge/exercise.

After a few weeks, we started having the squeaky pedals. The issue was that we were riding at 4:30 or 5 am or late in the evening when the other was sleeping. It was a great "silent" option up until that point. Now, it sounds like a truck is coming through (exaggerating quite a bit), but there is no way to have someone sleep near this and ride.

Customer service wanted a "video" so they could hear the sound. Then, sent something to us that didn't work and would not send out anyone to our home to fix this. Think about the investment and then you have to jump through hoops to get actual support. If I could just lift it up and bring it to the bike shop, I would. I don't know about you, but the reason we invested in this was that we were struggling with work/life balance and this was a good solution that excited us both. Now, it seems like a bad investment overall and one that I would like to return and just figure out again how to go to the gym and invest the time to ride outdoors.

Again, if it is working right, this is a fantastic bike. If it is working right.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

So the experience of owning a Peloton has been inconsistent - and littered with issues since I started riding in February of 2018.

I've ridden about 5K miles this year - to be honest I am quite surprised that the bikes held up - yes, I said bikes. I took one break in September for a trip to Greece - so that's nine months of riding.

The first bike - bearings blew at 2K miles, so within four months, I had to have a technician do a repair for a new bearings kit on the flywheel. That's no easy task because what needs to occur post-replacement is what I call a tune - you have to make sure the flywheel and magnetic resistance are seated properly. I had issues with my resistance post-replacement.

Inevitably, I had to get new pedals and one of the pedals wouldn't even come off the bike. Tech was sent twice to get it off. The first time they almost broke the bike and a wall (yes, you read this right), and the second time they didn't have the right tools (above and beyond the wrench) for a scheduled repair. Amazing since it was a scheduled repair to get the crank and pedal replaced.

Then a new bike was ordered to replace. I received that bike - was able to ride it for about a month before the bearings blew again.

Note on this delivery - the people were awful at setup. A part that holds the cabling for the tablet to bike metrics recording fell off during setup and the installers wouldn't complete the install and left. I had to take apart the front sweat guard and reinstall the part - that's fine but shouldn't a new installation be one-and-done plug and play if it's meant to be delivered and setup? Is there a checklist to work here?

Another bike sent and received on December 30th - this was the mother of all bad things to ever happen. The guys showed up smelling like skunk (if you get my drift) and did a terrible job on setup once again. I should've called the cops on them to get them searched - if that would've happened I assume the brand would've taken a hit on social media and the media in general.

See the Jimmy John's story out today about a delivery driver who was stopped in Minnesota and hid his weed in a sandwich. True story. Cops smelled something and wala, you betcha - found weed IN THE SANDWICH while delivering to a customer. Amazing.

More - I had to take apart the front sweat guard (again on bike #3) to adjust the magnetic resistance because once I got to riding it was grinding on the flywheel at higher resistance levels. Add cosmetic blemishes to the handlebar and a possible issue with the seat axis - it looks like it's a 1st Gen to 2nd Gen refurbished model. Talking to tech support - they admitted it sounded like this was not a new bike but a refurbished/recycled bike sent to me.

A new bike and a new tablet are coming my way (if I can believe any of it). I got the warranty extended another two years for free (on bike #3 now going on bike #4), but I am not hopeful the bike will hold up to my training - I require 20-50 miles of riding per day, 500-700 miles per month, and I am aiming to get to 1K miles per month by next year. That's my training and I don't think Peloton was meant to do this, even though the price point is the same as a top-of-the-line Keiser, which is a studio-quality bike.

So I guess I am bought into the hype, thinking at the time of my first review on here months ago it was a great deal, when it appears otherwise. Until Peloton changes inside-out, I cannot recommend this product or service to anyone. Better off getting the Keiser for the same money - comes with a 5-year warranty up front. Best bike on the market for indoor spin.

So I apologize for a review earlier this year that labeled this as a great sensation - service has changed considerably since I owned it at the BOY, and it appears the company is growing too quickly and can't keep up with the demand and certainly, the quality of the bike feels compromised.

Thank you.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

The only good thing about it are the classes with good instructors, and the fact that it's right there in your living room. Other than that, it's a rickety piece of plastic with horrible customer service. The associate knew nothing and didn't let me know to buy the shoes and hand weights - which of course isn't included for the $3k, and also failed to mention the sign-up fee for the classes - $50 a month for "subscription." I'm sorry, but better to work around the spin classes at your local gym if you ask me.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I have joined the Peloton family for over 12 months now. I can't say that I enjoy the bike as a piece of equipment all that much by itself, but the instructors' lessons and workouts are really fun, so I enjoy that.

Length of Use: 3–6 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

This review hits all the points very well, but for what its worth I'll add some further input as an owner of the bike. Price will be the major drawback for most, although a comparably designed spin bike with the same features (Schwinn/ Keiser/ LeMond/ Star Trac) - but without the Android tablet - will probably set you back something like $1,500 anyway.

Heavy perimeter weighted flywheel. (Key to good inertia/pedal stroke.)

Magnetic rather than friction resistance. (Nothing in contact with the flywheel - no maintenance, no brake pads to wear down and replace.)

Belt rather than chain drive. (Virtually silent, and again no maintenance - no chains to oil/adjust/tighten.)

All in all a very well designed/constructed spin bike. Comfortable (for a spin bike), rides quiet and smooth, very solid, really a pleasure to use if you're into spinning for exercise.

The Android tablet with all the on-demand spin classes (thousands now and counting?), 10 to 12 new live classes everyday, and scenic rides as well – more variety than my wife and I will ever exhaust. And we’ve found all the classes and instructors are great - they certainly keep you engaged and motivated.

BTW - I think the $250 "white glove" delivery and set-up may be mandatory now - not sure you can avoid that expense by putting it together yourself. But you absolutely do not need to purchase accessories (i.e. shoes, weights, headphones/ear-plugs, etc.) from Peloton - you may be able to do better elsewhere, although you might find their prices competitive on some of it. I would recommend that you get some Bluetooth compatible headphones/ear-plugs - the speakers are on the back of the tablet, and while they're certainly adequate, I've found the experience far superior with my Jaybirds (there are cheaper options).

Since I’m the first to comment here and for anyone considering the purchase, I’ll give our referral code below – two free additional months on the subscription – anyone is welcome to use. If you buy and whether you use us or someone else, please use somebody as a referral! That’s the only deal I’m aware that they’re running right now.

https://www.pelotoncycle.com/?rc=68588699b14741aea7239eb09dda98f4

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I look forward each day to get on for a ride. It fits my lifestyle and preferences of “exercising." Being on demand is the best feature.

I do wish for some upgrades to the app: being able to link on-demand cycling and beyond the ride classes to minimize the time to go through selection process once in exercise mode, being able to choose beyond the ride based on being still on bike or off bike, and having captioning as sometimes I don’t hear the instructor clearly due to either tuning into the music or conflict of tones around, and help clarify on countdowns to up/down saddle, resistance, cadence.

As for the bike, after about 6 weeks, it is still working well. The only challenge I been having is unclipping out of the pedals (I do have Peloton shoes), and I feel that I may strain my ankles in doing it.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I got my bike delivered within a week and it was set up fast by the delivery guys. Account setup and everything works fantastic. I had an issue with the screen about 2 months later but tech support was able to get it fixed with about a 20-minute phone call. All in all, it's a great alternative to having to join a gym.

Length of Use: 6–12 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I can't say enough good things about the bike. It's ready to ride whenever I want. I don't have to drive anywhere. I don't have to plan around a scheduled class. I don't even have to see anyone in person while I ride.

The convenience factor is probably the biggest selling point for most people (myself and my wife included). Most people complain about the cost. But, if you look closer at the cost, it's actually significantly cheaper than going to a high-end spin class or even a mid-range spin class, particularly considering my wife was spending a small fortune on spin classes (and complaining that she could never fit in the perfect time for a class).

The bike costs about $2,500 all in with delivery. The monthly is $40 for as many riders as you want (so the $40 covers me and my wife). If you take it out over 3 years, that comes to about $4,000 total. Divide that by 36 months (that doesn't even account for the free months you can get for referrals or prepaying), and it comes to about $110/month (or $55/month per person if 2 people are using the bike).

Soulcycle charges like $35 per class. The mid-range spin places charge at least $20/class. So, if your comparison is other spin options, the bike is actually very reasonably priced.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I received my Peloton this past week. I have completed three rides so far. I am not an avid outdoor cyclist but have taken a few spin classes before. I love the spin classes, however, the biggest obstacle was always fitting the class schedule with a work schedule.

The Peloton was intriguing from this perspective. I had seen the television commercials but was skeptical as I am of most home workout equipment that is sold via television or the internet. I wasn't sold on the product until I actually saw it and touched it while walking through a mall and happened upon a store. I was blown away by its construction. It is solid and smooth. So, from an engineering, set up and ease of use perspective, I can't say enough good things about the Peloton, it is top shelf. It's unbelievably nice.

The two things that I would count as 'negatives' if they are truly negative, is the price being the first. It is indeed an investment. It will only be worth the money if I look forward to getting on it and riding it often. As of now, I can't stay off of it and look forward to riding it every day.

If you buy it and only use it once a week and it gathers dust in your home, you will think that it is way overpriced.

The second negative: the Peloton network technology. It was pointed out in the above review that you are spending nearly $1000 for the HD monitor.

While the Bluetooth connectivity is nice and the class options are top-notch, you would think that there would be a limitless amount of capability with the monitor to include adding your own music playlist via iTunes or Google and the ability to zone out and watch Netflix or Amazon Prime when you don't feel like joining in on a class.

I have done a couple of the 'scenic rides' and while the video is done very well, the music associated with the video is awful. I mean, not good at all.

Bottom line – I would buy the Peloton again, without question. And I would recommend it to anyone that wants the spin class workout option in their living room. It is a world class piece of gear.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Love the bike. I was worried about motivation, but the classes are great, and the metrics and class rank really push you. The bike was really for my wife, but we are both using it daily.

We don't have good studios or gyms nearby, so it made sense for us. We used to have good spinning classes at our gym, but once we moved, began to miss that. You can set up as many names under one account as you want, it doesn't cost extra. The bike is silent, which allows us to work out once the kids go to bed. Overall, a great investment for the right person.

It is expensive, and you have to pay for a monthly subscription on top of it. They do run a referral program, so you can get two free months if someone refers you. Here is ours, if you decide to buy it: https://www.pelotoncycle.com/r/?rc=b81989cd1b014ebd9965e6b7dcdfa379

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I am a new mom and can't find time to get to the gym anymore, but needed a way to get back in shape. Peloton Cycle has been an amazing investment. I can get in a quick workout when my baby is sleeping without having to find childcare, travel to the gym, and get there early to make sure I get a spot in class. I used to love SoulCycle and Flywheel and this gives you the same high quality experience right at home.

I darken the room and put on headphones and it feels like I am really in the class. If you went to one of these boutique classes only two times per week at $35 per class, that's $3,500 in just one year. With Peloton Cycle, although it's a large upfront investment, it actually can save you money over time, especially since you can have unlimited riders in your household (my husband and I both cancelled our gym memberships).

The iOS app is included with your subscription, so when I travel for work I can still do a class in my hotel gym. They also now have Beyond the Ride workouts like Yoga which you can cast to your TV if you want a break from spinning one day.

I researched buying a cheaper bike and just using the app, but if you want a high quality, quiet stationary bike with magnetic resistance (which gives the smooth, quiet ride), you will end up paying $2K anyway, and that doesn't include the giant tablet that the Peloton bike comes with. If you ever decide to cancel the subscription, the tablet still has a few demo rides and still tracks your metrics.

If you pay for a 2-year subscription up front, you get three months free, and if you use a referral link, you get another two months free on top of that. Here is my referral link: https://www.pelotoncycle.com/r/?rc=a00a03287cfa49da89e3169a559fba3d.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend