Peloton Bike+ Review: Why It’s Leagues Above the Original
Peloton really needs no introduction. Known as the brand responsible for revolutionising home fitness, it's been beaming live spin classes straight into our living rooms since its UK launch in 2018. But these days Peloton's offering has expanded across both equipment and exercise choices to cement itself as a bona fide one-stop workout shop — and no product epitomises this more than the Peloton Bike+.
While the original bike is by far the brand's most famous product, during the home fitness boom of 2020, Peloton launched a serious upgrade in the Bike+.
But that's not all — in the meantime the Peloton universe has grown, with the name no longer solely synonymous with an exercise bike. Nowadays, Peloton users have access to a vast bank of live and on-demand classes spanning everything from strength and conditioning to yoga and meditation, and the Peloton family now includes a treadmill — aptly named the Peloton Tread — and a rowing machine (not yet available in the UK), alongside the two bike models.
Alongside a heftier price tag than the original bike (typically £1995 vs £1345), the Bike+ boasts a number of improvements on its predecessor, including a rotating screen, bolstered sound system and automatic resistance adjustments. But is it worth the extra cash? From budget models to top of the range bits of kit in the £10,000s, I've trialled my fair share of exercise equipment, so I put it Peloton Bike+ to the test to find out.
Peloton Bike+ vs the Original: What's New?
Looks are by no means everything, but my first impression is simply how good this looks, even compared to the already highly aesthetic original bike. It's sleeker, more minimal looking, and that larger screen has not gone unnoticed. But there's plenty more than meets the eye.
'The Peloton Bike+ builds on the innovation of the original Peloton Bike and includes some of the most member-requested hardware and software features and class content,' says Peloton's Lead Product Manager Ben McCallum.
While both models feature the same class access, training programs and user stats (and incidentally the same compact footprint — 120 x 60 cm), the Bike+ makes using the full bank of Peloton's content far more feasible, alongside practical upgrades like a larger, swivelling screen, tech improvements and smarter controls.
'Thoughtfully designed to create a total body workout, the Bike+ makes it easier to complement an indoor cycling class with Peloton’s strength, yoga, stretching, and meditation classes,' says McCallum.
New features on the Peloton Bike+:
23.8 inch rotating HD touchscreen - Arguably the biggest upgrade and an excellent feature. As well as swivelling up and down and rotating 180 degrees left and right, the new screen is anti-reflective with an anti-smudge coating — and two inches larger than its predecessor.
Auto-Follow - Optional automatic resistance adjustments so you can stay in the zone.
Four-speaker sound system - Two rear-facing speakers are replaced with two high fidelity front-facing stereo speakers and two rear-facing woofers for clearer sound quality.
USB-C charging port - Charge your devices while you ride.
8 megapixel camera - The new front-facing camera boasts 8 megapixels (compared with the original's 4) and features a privacy cover, so you can hide your final push gurn or, should you wish, show it off in better quality.
Apple GymKit integration - Pair your Apple Watch with the Bike+ for accurate performance metrics.
The new screen allows you to transition between cycling and floor-based workouts with ease, and means you're far less restricted in terms of where you can place the bike to get the best use out of it.
The auto-resistance feature is genius and possibly my favourite upgrade. It initially takes you to the bottom of the resistance range as suggested by your instructor, but you can adjust within this range (or outside it if you wish), and it learns — so going forward it will position you higher in the range, if that's where you've manually placed yourself. Clever — and it means you don't drop your cadence while fiddling around.
The sound quality is among the best I've heard from a piece of exercise equipment, thanks to the four speakers. You can toggle whether you want your instructor or music to take priority or be pitched at the same level, and in any case you can hear everything clearly without any tinny effect. You can of course also connect headphones via jack or Bluetooth.
The Bike+ has also retained the brilliant Peloton features that made the brand so popular in the first place. We're sure you're familiar, but just in case...
Existing features:
Streaming capabilities - Watch Netflix, Disney+ and live sports while you ride.
Peloton Lanebreak - A gamified workout experience for the motivation-hungry.
Scenic rides - Take your workout round the world.
User data: Track your progress with workout history, milestone achievements, streaks and badges.
Stacked classes - Custom build your workouts ahead of time and move seamlessly from one class to the next.
All-Access Membership: One membership (£39 per month) provides household access to thousands of live and on-demand classes.
Peloton Bike+: My Review
Let's be honest, using a Peloton is never going to be a bad experience. So here I've focused on the upgrades that come as standard with the Bike+ when compared to the original bike.
The Peloton Bike+ is near-silent, gorgeous to look at and doesn't give my spare room that sad abandoned feel that so many pieces of home exercise equipment do. The screen quality is excellent, the ride smooth and the classes engaging across the board.
It comes with a couple of user manuals, a safety lock (which I’ve never felt the need to use), a spanner and allen keys for any adjustments, plus a couple of international plugs too — AU and DE.
Setup
Thankfully, the people who deliver the Peloton Bike+ also set it up for you — which in my case were a couple of friendly blokes who carried it up four flights of stairs without complaint. They were done in about 20 minutes and the bike was ready to ride.
While it comes with a user manual, I can't say I've ever really felt the need to peruse it, as on first switching the bike on you're met with some video guides on how to adjust the saddle and handlebars for your height/arm length and how to clip in and out.
It's all very simple stuff and is much smoother to alter than the original bike. There are handy markings so you can remember your ideal setup — crucial if you're sharing the bike — and the whole thing operates with twist knobs or pull tabs. The only difficulty I face — and this isn't exclusive to Peloton — is clipping out, so I tend to just take my feet out my cleats and then detach the shoes separately.
User interface
Using the Peloton Bike+ is a joy. It's intuitive, fast and ultimately so simple you don't really pay any mind to it. You navigate via the touch screen, switch it on and off using a switch on the back (or it powers down on its own after 20 mins of inactivity) and adjust the volume with large buttons on the side that are easy to operate mid-workout.
Upon startup (which is speedy), you choose your user and are then taken directly to your homepage — no need to enter your password each time. Your home screen is populated with suggested classes based on your recent activity, and from there you can browse different programs, classes, experiences and entertainment, as well as view your schedule, challenges and profile stats. Filter classes by length, instructor, class type, music, subtitles, language and whether weights are involved.
During a class the screen offers an abundance of information without being cluttered; across the bottom you have your cadence, resistance and resulting output — this is what informs where you sit on the leaderboards which are to the right of the screen. On the leaderboard you can see all-time results or just the live efforts of people working out alongside you. You can hide any of these at any point if you prefer a clearer screen.
After each workout, as well as suggested stretches and cool-down classes, you can see a summary of what parts of your body you’ve worked out that day, which help you ensure a more rounded approach or target a focus area.
Classes
The breadth of Peloton's class offering is unbeatable and the quality stands up too. Plus there are so many instructors to choose from that you're bound to find several you like — I'm particularly a fan of Hannah Frankson from the London studio. You can also search the entire catalogue by class title or music artist, in case you're really in a Kanye mood.
Before embarking on any class you can glance at the track listings, take note of any equipment you might need and see an overview of the workout ahead. Below I've summarised each, plus the number of classes available in that category at the time of writing.
Cycling
You're likely most familiar with Peloton's cycling studio classes — the launchpad for the brand's success and (I think) still its best offering. Being Peloton's bread and butter, this is the most built-out section, with over 10,000 classes boasting differing styles, tunes and instructors to suit everyone. Or you can browse collections, where the classes are arranged into categories such as 'Flash 15,' Taylor Swift (of course), and club bangers.
Classes are constantly updated and of varying lengths, ranging between five minute warm up/cool down rides to two hour endurance sessions. Most tend to fall in the 20, 30 or 45 minute brackets and within these parameters there's still a huge wealth of choice when it comes to music and instructors (or just stick Netflix on if you'd rather). As well as being energising and downright fun, these classes are also ideal for slotting in before work or on your lunch break.
Some cycling classes incorporate hand weights, which are an optional extra and sit in a plastic mount to the rear of the saddle, but otherwise the only equipment you need is your cycling shoes. Before each class you can choose whether you want to switch on Auto Follow for automatic resistance adjustments or if you'd rather control it manually.
Number of classes: 10,000+
Bootcamp
Bootcamp classes usually last 30 minutes, sometimes 45, and mix cycling intervals with floor work for a full body or area-focussed workout — such as upper body or core. This is where the swivelling screen really comes into play as you can switch between the bike and strength training with ease — so long as you're adept at clipping out.
You're told beforehand which (if any) equipment you'll need — such as dumbbells and typically a mat — and can sort by difficulty alongside all the standard filters.
Number of classes: 335
Strength
My (close) second favourite, the strength section is populated with an ample mixture of floor-based weighted and bodyweight classes. You'll need an exercise or yoga mat as standard, but often dumbbells are involved too.
Offerings include everything from 60 minute total strength sessions, 10 minute arms and shoulder blasts ands 45 minute Pilates classes. As well as the usual filters you can refine by body activity (essentially body area: arms, shoulders, back, legs, core, or chest) and then further break that down into focus areas like biceps, forearms, glutes, etc. It's impossible to get bored and I challenge you to not find a class that suits your goals.
Number of classes: 3,000+
Cardio
The slew of cardio classes available on the Peloton Bike+ tend to simply require a workout mat, but some (like Tabata) require weights too. Again, you can filter by difficulty and body activity, and there's a generous range on offer. Highlights include 20 minute HIIT, shadowboxing and dance cardio (if you’re stuck in a workout funk, I implore you to try the Beyonce one), plus there are short spells of low impact cardio — ideal if you're coming back from injury.
Number of classes: 828
Stretching
A thoroughly underrated part of training, it’s great to see Peloton taking stretching seriously, with nearly 900 classes at the time of writing. Many sessions are aligned to the rest of the Peloton offering, so you'll find pre- and post-ride stretches, boxing and dance cardio-focussed classes and the ability to isolate body parts to complement any strength training you're doing.
There's also a hefty dose of mobility work, stretches geared towards runners, full-body foam rolling sessions and evening stretches to get you ready for bed – ideal if you’ve done an intense ride a little late and need to bring yourself back down. At the end of any workout a few different stretch sessions are suggested and I never skimp on these — it's a brilliant way to round off your workout knowing you've already taken steps towards recovery.
Number of classes: 868
Yoga
I think finding a yoga instructor you vibe with far trickier than with other disciplines – luckily, there are nine to choose from on the Peloton Bike+, and no, they're not all woo-woo wellness warriors — try Kirra Michel or Denis Morton if you prefer a no-nonsense (but still encouraging) approach.
New to yoga? Never fear, there are five minute ‘classes’ dedicated to nailing the basic poses, so when the time comes for your full-body flow, you'll know what you’re doing. Then there are 10-15 minute sessions that focus on different areas of the body — ideal if you’re working with any tight spots — and full classes ranging from 15-75 minutes. All the usual filters apply — a good thing too as they do get quite advanced, but there's plenty for novices and intermediates too.
As you usually would, you do need a decent amount of space for the yoga classes, but if you don't have enough around your bike you can always roll out your mat in front of the TV and use the Peloton app instead.
Number of classes: 3,000+
Meditation
I’ll admit this is the section of the Peloton I’ve spent the least time with, but if meditation's your jam then there's a range of 5-30 minute (most seem to hit the 10 min mark) practices focusing on everything from finding calm or courage to morning meditations and practices to cultivate gratitude.
Number of classes: 1,000+
Fancy a more targeted approach? The Peloton Bike+ also comes loaded with workout programs across cycling, strength, Pilates, yoga and meditation. These feature several classes across a suggested schedule ranging between one to four weeks, and you're told up front what, if any, equipment you'll need. Many of the week-long programs are workout splits, making it easy to work on everything in the space of a few days.
Other features
Just ride - Cut out the noise and stream your favourite shows while you pedal, or enjoy your own tunes.
Scenic ride - Take on routes around the world, from canal paths in East London (exotic!) to the mountains of Alaska.
Lanebreak - Gamify your ride with this music-based challenge, switching up resistance and cadence to score points.
Entertainment - Hook up your Netflix, Disney+ and other third party apps.
Schedule - Build a full training plan by adding classes to your schedule and book into live classes up to two weeks in advance.
Challenges - Join annual or monthly challenges — such as 'ride over 50 miles in May' — to earn badges.
Do I Need Equipment to Use the Peloton Bike+?
Peloton makes a range of exercise equipment and accessories but really all you need to use the bike effectively are cycling shoes. 'At a minimum you will need cycling shoes with delta compatible cleats and we also recommend users place a mat underneath the bike,' says McCallum.
During testing I used Peloton's original cycling shoes and I can't fault them — they're easy to put on and adjust and give you a much more effective pull motion than if you opt for cages. The padded collar and thick, flexible material on the tongue keeps your ankle secure and comfortable as you ride, but I'd recommend sizing up if you're wide-footed. Before first use you do need to assemble the clip-on section yourself but it's simple to do and allen keys are provided.
Next up is a yoga mat — Peloton's offering features markings to help you stay aligned and is reversible (the red side is more durable and better for strength work, the black smoother and grippy for yoga and stretching).
I'm a big fan of the brand's hand weights — these small neoprene numbers sit behind the saddle and are a great way to add light resistance to any ride at 3lb/1.4kg each. However, most small weights will fit and, provided they're also neoprene or plastic, won't scratch the plastic cradle.
If you're into your strength training you most likely already own a few dumbbells — or possibly a pair of adjustable dumbbells — and there's absolutely no need to upgrade when using the Peloton. Trainers will instruct whether to use light, medium or heavy weights — and may give weight range suggestions within those parameters — but how you choose to interpret that is up to you. That said, Peloton's dumbbells are decent, with easy-grip metal handles and square weight plates so they don't roll.
Struggling with some of those yoga postures? Yoga blocks bring the floor to you to make certain stretches more accessible, and can reduce pressure on your joints. Peloton's foam blocks are sturdy with a slight give and don't slip under sweat — but again, if you do want to work with blocks, any will do.
If you're doing a lot of cycling classes I would also recommend some padded cycling shorts or bibs — Rapha makes the best ones by a country mile — trust me, they’ll save you.
Peloton Bike+: The Verdict
I'm aware that raving about the Peloton is somewhat played out, so I'll be brief. This thing is genius. It not only makes working out at home so easy there's never an excuse not to do so, but it makes it so much fun you'll never find yourself searching for excuses anyway. Like any home gym addition it makes incorporating fitness into a busy day instantly achievable, plus the motivational aspects — such as leaderboards and challenges — keep you coming back.
I've had my Bike+ for several months now and there's still so much to explore — it's impossible to get bored and it really can meet all your fitness needs. Along with a set of dumbbells it easily replaces a gym membership, so if you're time-poor or sick of hanging around waiting in the free weights section, it's a no-brainer.
Yes, you need more space to use all the features than you would with the original Peloton Bike — or any other exercise bike for that matter — but that's the price you pay for a full-body workout on demand. And if you’re carving out space for a home gym anyway, this is an obvious addition. So why not add virtual PTs and a huge, diverse range of classes into the mix?
The upgrades from the original bike are palpable too — the twisting screen is brilliant, the auto-resistance a nifty feature cycling nerds will love, while the improved sound system and Apple Watch integration make for a more seamless experience. It also just feels better and more premium — I rode an original Peloton recently and while still brilliant, the experience felt clunky in comparison.
Is the extra cost worth the upgrade from the original? I genuinely think so, because the Bike+ is essentially a one-stop full-body training shop. But if you're just looking for cycling and nothing more, stick with the original bike.
How Much Space do I Need for the Peloton Bike+?
How much space you need for the Peloton Bike+ really depends on how you use it. 'The footprint of the Peloton Bike+ is 120cm x 60cm. We recommend that you have 60cm of clearance space on all four sides, and a ceiling height of 250cm to ensure riders have adequate headroom,' says McCallum.
However, if you're utilising the bike's full features in terms of strength classes, stretching, etc., then you'll want at least a yoga mat-sized space nearby — ideally larger if possible.
How Much Does the Peloton Bike+ Cost?
The initial outlay for the Peloton Bike+ is currently £1995 with free delivery and setup the next day. This includes a 30 day trial and a warranty with coverage on parts and labour.
On top of that you'll need to pay for your Peloton All-Access Membership, which is £39 a month. Yes, it's not cheap. But when you consider what you're getting — unlimited classes, training programmes and zero excuses to not exercise — we think it works out fairly reasonably.
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