When it comes to indoor cycling at home, the Peloton bike really transformed the market. Instead of having to drive to a spinning studio, or watching random YouTube videos for your workouts, Peloton offered a structured and engaging way to stay fit. When the pandemic hit, it became a lifeline for countless people who couldn't access gyms anymore. Initially, I was really impressed when I checked out their website and saw what they had to offer. But then I saw the price tag—both for the subscription and the bike itself. At the time, the bike was priced at $2500, which felt like a massive investment.
This made me wonder if it was worth the expense. There’s another option though—using the Peloton app with a different bike. The Peloton app allows you to do all the classes on any indoor bike for significantly less than the cost of the Peloton Bike subscription. However, it's not as straightforward as it sounds. There are pros and cons to using the app without the official Peloton hardware, and I want to walk you through those, as well as guide you on how to create a DIY Peloton setup.
One major advantage of going the app-only route is the cost. The Peloton app subscription is $24 a month, compared to the $44 monthly fee for the Peloton Bike subscription. Over a year, that’s a saving of $240! Plus, the cost of the actual bike itself can be reduced significantly. The Peloton basic model is on sale for around $1445, while the plus version is priced at $2495. These bikes are packed with tech, but you can find comparable features in other bikes that cost less than $1000.
Another benefit is accessibility. With the Peloton bike, all your workouts are displayed on the screen directly in front of you. On a regular bike, the screen is fixed in place, whereas the plus bike lets you rotate it for yoga or strength training sessions. The Peloton app, however, works on both iOS and Android devices, which opens it up to a wide range of gadgets. Whether you use a phone, tablet, or even Apple TV, you can project it onto your TV via Chromecast. This means you can take your workouts anywhere—you can even do yoga outside if you want!
There’s also the flexibility of not being locked into a long-term commitment. Peloton offers a two-month free trial, which is a great way to test the waters without feeling obligated to commit to the monthly subscription. I’d highly recommend trying the app at a gym first before splashing out on a home bike to see if it’s really your thing.
But there are downsides to consider too. First off, you’ll need additional equipment to get the full Peloton experience. You’ll need a heart rate monitor that’s compatible with your device (for instance, a Bluetooth-enabled one if you’re using an Apple product). A cadence sensor is also essential, and it needs to be compatible with your chosen device. Additionally, you'll need weights for upper body workouts, and clip-in pedals like the ones on the Peloton bike for a more authentic experience. These extras can add up quickly, and I’ll go into detail about what you need later in this piece.
Another drawback is missing out on some of the exclusive features that come with the official Peloton bikes. For example, the leaderboard in live classes isn’t available on the app, so you won’t get any shoutouts or feel the competitive edge. Also, the automatic resistance adjustment feature on the Peloton plus bike is a game-changer, and it’s not available on any other bike except the Peloton plus. Lastly, figuring out the right resistance level can be tricky since DIY setups typically just have a dial instead of precise resistance levels. While there are conversion charts, they can get complicated.
If you're considering alternatives to the Peloton bike, you’ll definitely need another spinning bike. While the Peloton bike is top-notch, it’s not the cheapest option. When looking for alternatives, aim for a spinning-style bike rather than an exercise bike. Exercise bikes are designed for mostly seated workouts, whereas spinning bikes encourage standing and are much more comfortable for prolonged use. Here are two recommendations—one on the higher end of the market and one on the lower end.
For those interested in alternatives, I’ve written a related article on the best spin bikes to use with the Peloton app.
Now let’s talk about the extra equipment you’ll need for a DIY Peloton setup. As mentioned earlier, to fully enjoy the Peloton app, you’ll need some specific accessories. Let’s break them down:
**Heart Rate Monitor**: Although you don’t necessarily need to see your heart rate during workouts, knowing it can be incredibly useful. Tracking your heart rate helps you understand how hard you’re working and whether you’re in the fat-burning, endurance, or high-intensity zones. If you have an Apple Watch, it can serve as a heart rate monitor when paired with an iOS device.
**Cadence Sensor**: Your cadence refers to how fast you’re pedaling. Knowing your revolutions per minute (RPM) is important because instructors often reference this during classes. Cadence sensors are readily available for under $30.
**Weights**: Most spinning bikes don’t come with weights, but they’re highly recommended for upper body workouts. Many Peloton classes incorporate weights to mix up the routine and make rides more enjoyable.
**Tablet or Device**: While you can use your phone for the app, a larger screen—like a tablet or iPad—is far better for viewing classes. It makes following along much easier and provides a clearer picture of the instructor’s cues.
**Pedals**: Basic spinning bikes usually have flat pedals, while Peloton bikes come with clip-in pedals. Clip-in shoes improve pedal efficiency and offer better knee positioning. Make sure your cleats are adjusted properly before starting.
These items can quickly add up, but they’re still cheaper than a Peloton bike and offer a similar experience. Just ensure that your devices and sensors are compatible—Bluetooth is generally preferred over ANT+.
Connecting the Peloton app to your equipment is simple. Ensure your cadence sensor is on the pedal arm and your heart rate monitor is placed correctly. Launch the app, join a class, and start pedaling. This will activate both the cadence sensor and heart rate monitor. On the class screen, click the sensors button on the right-hand side and select each device for connection.
For a better viewing experience, you can cast the app to your TV using your phone or tablet. The Peloton app is also compatible with Apple TV and can be sent to your TV via Chromecast.
When comparing resistance levels between a Peloton bike and other spinning bikes, remember that Peloton bikes have pre-set resistance levels, whereas most spinning bikes rely on a manual dial. Some brands like Bowflex offer resistance levels, and you can use conversion charts to match your bike’s settings to the class requirements.
Finally, while clip-in shoes and pedals aren’t necessary, they enhance the experience by improving pedal efficiency and comfort. Properly adjusting your cleats is crucial to avoid knee pain.
The Peloton app isn’t limited to cycling—it includes treadmill workouts, bodyweight exercises, bootcamp routines, yoga, stretching, and even outdoor running programs. Thousands of classes cater to various fitness levels, offering incredible value for a small monthly fee.
Other apps like Fitbit, Strava, Apple Health, and the Apple Watch can sync with the Peloton app to provide additional data and insights into your fitness journey. This allows you to track progress and make informed decisions about your workouts.
In conclusion, while the Peloton bike is great value for its quality, it may not fit everyone’s budget. Building your own Peloton setup with the app can be a cost-effective alternative. The money saved can be invested elsewhere, whether in a gym membership or personal training sessions. Ultimately, it’s about finding what works best for your lifestyle and budget.
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