Peloton - thoughts?

The family is exploring getting a Peloton, and I'm wondering if anyone owns one and has an opinion on them, or considered and rejected it, or whatnot.  I don't know if this will finally be the piece of home exercise equipment we actually use regularly for good results, or be yet another object that sits ignored for a few years before we finally try to sell it off and ultimately throw out.

No one in the family particularly enjoys systematic workouts and we don't seek out exercise-induced endorphin rushes.....But we need to find something that works for basic health maintenance.

Thoughts are welcome.

Thanks.

Will multiple people be using this? Or, do those people all have their own bike? The Peloton is adjustable for all the people so that's a plus. However, getting a stationary trainer allows each person to put their own bike on the device. That way, the person gets to work out with a bike that is fit just for them. No fudging. Trainers now come with varying levels of interactive tech.

bikefixed said:
Will multiple people be using this? Or, do those people all have their own bike? The Peloton is adjustable for all the people so that's a plus. However, getting a stationary trainer allows each person to put their own bike on the device. That way, the person gets to work out with a bike that is fit just for them. No fudging. Trainers now come with varying levels of interactive tech.

 Multiple family members.  Some have bikes; some don't.  Teenage son is on a mountain bike team that does regular spin classes over the winter, etc., so he's the most avid and in-shape biker.

We have one and love it. Regarding multiple family members using it: there’s a finite amount of profiles that can be linked to one account. I’m not sure what that number is, but that could mean the difference between $40/month and $80/month. 

prisoners_dilemma said:
We have one and love it. Regarding multiple family members using it: there’s a finite amount of profiles that can be linked to one account. I’m not sure what that number is, but that could mean the difference between $40/month and $80/month. 

 Really?  On their website regarding the $39/month membership, it says "unlimited user profiles"....

Also, how important is it to use the special cleats for the pedals?

You cant ride without the cleats. There is no real place to put your foot. You hook in like the people you see riding touring bikes around the neighborhood. I don't use it but my wife is a junkie. Constantly clamoring to get her 20 rides a month in. 

bikefixed said:
Will multiple people be using this? Or, do those people all have their own bike? The Peloton is adjustable for all the people so that's a plus. However, getting a stationary trainer allows each person to put their own bike on the device. That way, the person gets to work out with a bike that is fit just for them. No fudging. Trainers now come with varying levels of interactive tech.

 Exactly. A couple years ago I got a smart trainer and use Zwift, which provides and very engaging experience and allows me to use my own bike indoors in the Winter and outdoors in the Summer.  And it’s far less expensive. 

GGartrell said:
You cant ride without the cleats. There is no real place to put your foot. You hook in like the people you see riding touring bikes around the neighborhood. I don't use it but my wife is a junkie. Constantly clamoring to get her 20 rides a month in. 

 So after spending $2000 on an exercise bike they make you spend more money on shoes / cleats?   That's all I would need to know.  

ETA carbon fiber?  I didn't think weight was an issue for something that doesn't move. 

GGartrell said:
You cant ride without the cleats. There is no real place to put your foot. You hook in like the people you see riding touring bikes around the neighborhood. I don't use it but my wife is a junkie. Constantly clamoring to get her 20 rides a month in. 

 Do standard bike cleats work or do you need the ones that Peloton sells?

ETA:  I see that they use standard bike cleat locks, so you can get any brand of cleat attachments to fit on regular shoes.

We bought a Peloton for our family of four for the holidays. 

Yes. You need to clip in. However, Peloton offers a clip in adjustable toe cage that allows multiple users to ride without their own shoes. If you do decide to buy riding shoes, you don't need to buy Peloton's shoes. 

Overall I'd say it has been a good investment. All of us use it to some extent. And, after a few rides, this less than in shape Father feels much better about his health.

I'd definitely recommend that if you do decide to get a Peloton that you buy a supplemental cushioned seat cover. Much easier on your tush.

well, if your bike is fit well to your body & riding posture the seat actually doesn't bother you at all. In fact, a seat with less padding often turns out to be better.

That's for a bike you actually ride - just for your use. While it isn't ideal, since you cannot adjust the Peloton exactly perfect for you each time you ride, the extra padding might be worth it until you build up some mileage.

Have a great time with that thing. For weirdbeard's MTB racer son, check out Zwift. His team might like the live virtual racing against each other. They'd have to switch over to a smooth rear tire for the roller bar on a trainer. But. BUT! That's get to train on their own bike instead of a spin bike. While it wouldn't be in person, the whole team could train together through their avatars on the zwift screen on their computer or tv. Check it out.

How do Peloton bikes compare to other stationary bikes for draping clothes?

bikefixed said:
well, if your bike is fit well to your body & riding posture the seat actually doesn't bother you at all. In fact, a seat with less padding often turns out to be better.


That's for a bike you actually ride - just for your use. While it isn't ideal, since you cannot adjust the Peloton exactly perfect for you each time you ride, the extra padding might be worth it until you build up some mileage.


Have a great time with that thing. For weirdbeard's MTB racer son, check out Zwift. His team might like the live virtual racing against each other. They'd have to switch over to a smooth rear tire for the roller bar on a trainer. But. BUT! That's get to train on their own bike instead of a spin bike. While it wouldn't be in person, the whole team could train together through their avatars on the zwift screen on their computer or tv. Check it out.

 That sounds cool.  I think they have done something similar in smaller groups at Jalepeno Biking (look it up -- seems like a cool place) on trainers.