Peloton is a brand that sticks out like a sore thumb thanks to that cringe-worthy commercial we all used to see on television.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, this pricey exercise bike became even more popular because gyms were closed and people needed a way to work out from their homes.
Last year alone, there were more than 1 million people paying for live sessions of workout instruction via Peloton.
At $40 a pop, that’s a lot of money on top of the $1,495-$2,035 price tag of the exercise bike.
Peloton bikes are so much more expensive than others simply because of their high-quality parts and innovative features that other exercise bikes don’t have, such as the live workout sessions.
Why is it that a stationary bike costs more than a real one? Why are so many people flocking to the stores or the internet to purchase one?
Who in their right mind would pay that much for a bike? Let’s find out.
Why Is Peloton So Expensive?
The average price of a Peloton bike costs between $1,495-and $2,035 and doesn’t come with accessories in the package.
You have to purchase the mat for the bike to sit on, shoes, and a monthly subscription of $39. Is it really worth buying?
1. Mental Component
There really aren’t a ton of reasons why Peloton bikes are so expensive. John Foley, the CEO of Peloton, said that the price is reflective of the bike’s quality.
When the initial price of the bike was $1,200, people seemed to think that the quality of the bike was poor.
When he raised the price to $2,000, he saw an increase in sales. This was because people were now viewing the bike as a high-quality fitness investment.
2. Technology
Furthermore, Peloton has an interactive component to them, for an additional cost, that makes individuals feel like they’re part of a team or competitive group.
It has a 360-degree swiveling mount so you can tilt it up and down or 180 degrees left and right.
In addition to the screen, there’s an 8MP front-facing camera on the Bike+ model with a privacy slider.
This allows you to video chat with your friends during workouts, but only when you’re all in the same class at the same time.
3. Live and Pre-Defined Sessions
There are 14 live sessions each day and you can decide which session time works best for you.
There are also pre-defined rides you can take advantage of. You can even connect with other people.
If you have friends with a Peloton, you can join live sessions with them without actually being with them.
Unfortunately, without that subscription we previously noted, the bike’s functionality is extremely limited.
4. Quality
Peloton bikes are known for their high-quality materials. They are constructed from high-grade powder-coated carbon steel, making them extremely heavy.
It’s exceptionally well made compared to other brands and one main reason why they’re so expensive.
The unfortunate part about the Peloton bike is that it takes two people to move it. So if you live alone, you’ll either have to place it and leave it or phone a friend to help move it.
5. Family Friendly
The bike doesn’t have to be restricted to just you. The all-access Peloton membership allows anybody and everybody in your household to share the bike.
All you have to do is ensure all family members have their own bike settings so it works well from person to person.
Peloton Bike Alternatives
If you’re not willing to drop over $2,000 on a stationary bike, there are a few decent alternatives that can save you a couple of hundred dollars.
1. Echelon Bike
The Echelon bike is the top alternative to a Peloton. It offers magnetic resistance, the rear wheel controls resistance level, has a built-in mounted smart device, and more.
You’ll also get a competition seat that can widen or narrow the range of motion according to that.
Much like Peloton, the Echelon bike offers live class sessions and unlimited offers. You get access to on-demand cycling classes and it can track your performance.
The price for an Echelon bike starts at $1,039.
2. NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle
The NordicTrack S22i is another great substitute for a Peloton.
You get a one-year subscription period and provide live cycling training, yoga, boot camping, training, and many other options.
There’s an automatic inclining and decline feature as well as 24 resistance levels, which is something not offered on most stationary bikes.
As with the Peloton and Echelon bikes, the NordicTrack S22i has a rotatable high-definition touchscreen where you can view the live sessions.
The price for a NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle is $1,999.
3. Bowflex C6
The Bowflex C6 is a good alternative to a Peloton and doesn’t require a subscription. It has Bluetooth capabilities that allow you to pair it with a variety of exercise apps, including Pelotons.
The C6 spin bike is much skinner and less substantial than bikes that cost more. However, it feels sturdy while riding and makes almost no noise.
There are toe cages on the pedals, but you can use them with clip-in cycling shoes.
There’s a tablet mount, control panel, rechargeable forearm monitor, water bottle holders, and more. The price for the C6 starts at just $999.
4. Sunny SF-B1995 Fitness Pro II
If you really want a bike like the Peloton but can’t afford it, the Sunny SF-B1995 Fitness Pro II is a cheaper option with good-quality features.
There’s a pulse sensor that monitors your heart rate, a digital display monitor with clear views of the metrics during a workout, a smartphone holder (something some Peloton models don’t have), an adjustable seat, and a resistance knob.
It doesn’t have live workout classes or a fancy subscription, but you can use your smartphone for that. The price of the Sunny SF-B1995 is just $260.
| Product | Price |
| Peloton | $1,495+ |
| Echelon | $1,039+ |
| NordicTrack | $1,099+ |
| Bowflex C6 | $999+ |
| Sunny SF-B1995 | $260 |
Are There Disadvantages To A Peloton?
The cost is the obvious disadvantage of a Peloton bike, but there are others as well. For starters, the bike doesn’t have much use without the $40-per-month service.
It’s not a bike you can just ride for the heck of it and you can’t take it outside. For that $2,000 price tag, all you get is a bike solely for riding with Peloton classes.
Second, Peloton is mostly spin-class based. If you don’t like spin classes and prefer to free ride, the Peloton won’t be for you.
You can’t train for a triathlon or any other marathon on it either.
Lastly, you can’t swap parts. You can’t switch pedals to better suit your riding needs. The bike comes with pedals that require a Delta bike shoe and cleat.
For those who are more used to riding in a different shoe and cleat system, this means they will need specific shoes just to ride the Peloton.
How To Get A Deal On A Peloton
The Peloton has a vendor lock on it, which means it’s harder to find ways to get it for a discounted price shy of buying it used.
However, there are a couple of ways you can work around it.
Discounts
Discounts are one of the only ways to score a deal. Peloton offers military, first responder, and medical personnel discounts.
They require proof, but it can save you up to $200. Here’s the full list of groups who are eligible for the special pricing:
- Members of the Military: Active and Retired
- Medical Personnel: Doctors/Nurses/Pharmacists/Respiratory Therapists/Veterinarians/Veterinary Assistants
- First Responders: Firefighters, EMTs, Police Officers
- Educators: K-12 or Higher Education
Don’t Buy One
It sounds strange, but you can save money by simply not buying a Peloton. Instea, purchase a cheaper bike and utilize the Peloton app.
It won’t be integrated, so it would be pretty old school, but still Peloton-led.
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Is Peloton Worth It?
Yes, as long as you use it enough to get the most out of your subscription. As a whole, the Peloton is definitely worth the extra money becuase it gives you the oppportunity to work out from home and pricesly track your progress from session to session.
Not only that, but forking over the extra money can help you create a financial commitment that may increase your motivation to exercise, leading to positive habits.
Final Considerations
We’ve learned that people will buy anything expensive if they think the quality is there.
With Peloton, you’re getting great value for the money. It’s not just about the brand logo.
Sure, there are more inexpensive choices and bikes that you can use with your own smart device, but they don’t offer the same features. Cheaper may be better in most cases, but not this one.
We are a team of passionate moms and homemakers. Among us are certified nutritionists, chefs, certified food handlers, accountants, financial gurus, and other professionals. Our joint goal is to educate homemakers. Check out the about us page for more information about our team’s credentials.