Peloton Bike+ Review (2024): Do the Upgrades Warrant the Price?

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Key Features:

• Dimensions: 59 inches long x 59 inches high x 22 inches wide
• Bike Weight: 140 pounds
• Screen Size: 23.8-inch anti-reflective touchscreen
• Maximum Weight Capacity: 297 pounds

Indoor cycling classes are no longer just for the gym, and indoor cycling bikes aren’t the clunky, squeaky cardio machines of the 90s. Many cyclists and indoor cycling class junkies have taken to home high-tech studio bikes. Peloton’s successful marketing campaign before and during the pandemic bumped them to the top of the studio bike category. Other brands may have made leaps and bounds to catch Peloton, but the original Peloton Bike and the Peloton Bike+ are still the bikes that other brands strive to beat.

While both models are great options, the Peloton Bike+ outpaces the original with a larger, more mobile screen and a few other upgrades that turn an already top-of-the-line bike into a premium exercise machine that can do everything except make Sunday dinner. However, it comes with a hefty price tag, even for a Peloton. For the right user, that price might be worth it, but for others, it could be money better spent elsewhere.

In this Peloton Bike Plus review, we’ll not only cover the Bike+’s features, but we’ll also take a look at how it stacks up against the increasingly stiff competition. Brands like Bowflex, Schwinn and NordicTrack have created their own high-end studio bikes, many of which appear on best exercise bike lists. We’ll put the Bike+ up against a few of competitor models to help you see how they stack up.

Quick spec overview

As Peloton puts it, the Bike+ is “a full body workout with immersive technology.” This model comes with a series of tech upgrades, including the following:

• 23.8-inch (diagonal) anti-reflective touchscreen (1080 HD) that rotates 360 degree
• Magnetic resistance
• Delta-compatible aluminum pedals
• Four-channel audio
• Auto-resistance option (instructors can change resistance throughout a workout)
• Apple GymKit integration to sync metrics and track cycling workouts
• Four gigabytes RAM
• 2.2 channel front-facing stereo speakers
• USB-C charging port
• Built-in four digital array microphone
• WiFi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), ANT+ wireless, Bluetooth 5
• Headphone jack
• Eight-megapixel front-facing camera with privacy cover
• Five-year frame warranty with a 12-month limited warranty on the touchscreen and original components
• Professional assembly included with purchase

Some features like the connectivity ANT+ and Bluetooth 5 let you connect to other devices such as a separate heart rate monitor or smartwatch. You can use Bluetooth to connect your workout headphones, letting you work out in the same room with someone else without disrupting their activities.

To use the Peloton Bike+, you'll need to subscribe to the All-Access Membership Peloton app, which costs $44 per month. While you can use the bike without the app, you might as well buy a less expensive piece of fitness equipment if you’re not going to use the All-Access Membership and all of its integrations. Without the app and the programming it provides, you’re riding a very expensive studio bike with only manual resistance control and a nice screen and audio system. You can also use the All-Access Membership with other Peloton equipment like the Peloton Tread and Peloton rowing machine.

The app provides access to premium workouts with highly experienced instructors from around the world. The quality of instruction and charismatic instructors are main reasons why many are willing to spend their hard-earned dollars on this bike and keep paying a monthly subscription. There are thousands of classes with leaderboards, live and on-demand classes and scenic rides through exotic locations. Classes go well beyond cycling workouts, including yoga, pilates, strength training and boot camps.

Construction and design

The Bike+ has a welded steel frame with a powder coating for rust protection. However, that steel frame doesn’t make this spin bike too heavy to move around, with the frame weighing in at only 140 pounds. Two transport wheels on the front of the frame make the bike more mobile should you need to move it within the room. Note that Peloton does not recommend removing the touchscreen when moving the Bike+ from room to room as is recommended for the Peloton Bike. However, you might want to have a second person around to secure the screen if you’re moving the bike very far.

It comes with a sport series saddle with an ergonomic channel for better comfort. However, many reviewers on Peloton’s website mention the discomfort of the seat, “I like the bike, however the seat is the most uncomfortable seat there is . . .” and “I will start with my dislikes first, the only thing I don’t care too much about is that the seat is really hard. I had to purchase a cushion for the bike then everything is fine after that.” However, you can replace the seat with a standard bike seat, which many cyclists do after a few rides. There’s also an option to buy a cushion from Peloton.

The Bike+ has Delta-compatible aluminum pedals that require appropriate cycling shoes, which you have to purchase separately. Cycling shoes are not included in the basic Bike+ package, but are a part of the Bike+ Starter and Bike+ Ultimate packages, which come with higher price tags.

This model has crank arms made of 170-millimeter long forged steel and industrial-grade bearings with ISIS spindled spindle on the bottom bracket for an overall durable design. The seat really is the only downside of the construction and design, and that’s fixable with a replacement.

Console and controls

The large 23.8-inch touchscreen offers a bright, clear picture on which to stream workouts. You'll use touchscreen navigation to select your workout or ride, or you can choose to “ride” through various locations around the world. Metrics, including speed, distance and resistance are displayed on screen.

We like the touchscreen’s anti-reflective coating. It takes the visual experience above and beyond that of the Peloton Bike and many other premium studio bikes on the market. It also makes it easier to see the screen if you’re in a brightly lit room or one with lots of natural light. As one reviewer on Peloton’s website puts it, “The first time I hopped on the bike and turned on the AMAZING, crystal clear, large screen I was hooked.”

The 360-degree swiveling screen tilts too, so you can get the perfect angle while on the bike and adjust the screen for off-bike workouts using the Peloton app. The console also has an on/off button on the back and volume control buttons on the side. All other controls, like selecting workouts and connecting other devices are done using the touchscreen.

The console features four gigabytes RAM and 16 gigabytes internal flash drive for faster loading and added responsiveness during workouts. However, the strength of your WiFi connection will affect loading times.

The built-in audio system includes 2.2 channel front-facing stereo speakers and 2.2 rear-facing woofers for a sound experience that’s pretty impressive, according to reviews, “The Bike+ is solid and the speakers, whoa! I feel like I am riding in a club. I love to crank up the music while riding with Tunde, Camilla and Denis!”

It also has Bluetooth 5 connectivity so you can connect your own Bluetooth headphones. (There's also a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack if you’re not into wireless devices.

The Bike+ features an eight-megapixel front-facing camera, previously used for video chats with other users during live workouts. However, as of June 2022, the company has discontinued this feature. Note that the camera does have a privacy cover.

Working out with the Peloton Bike+

Working out on the Peloton Bike+ gives you a top-notch studio cycling experience at home, thanks to the quality of the screen and audio sound system. The picture is sharp and clear with bright colors and good contrast, while the sound is strong and makes you feel like you’re really sitting in class.

You can pick from hundreds of standard cycling or spin classes or go for a scenic ride at an exotic location. The Bike+ has manual resistance or an auto-adjust option. With auto-adjust, any resistance changes made by instructors will automatically make resistance changes on the bike.

Something that might take some getting used to is the Delta-compatible pedals, which require a specific type of cycling shoe. Peloton sells them at an additional cost, but you can also get compatible shoes from your favorite shoe brand or Amazon, just make sure they’re Delta-compatible.

Inexperienced cyclists may take time to get used to clipping into the pedals. Reviewers on Peloton’s website also report that it’s difficult to get clipped in at first. Some riders leave their shoes clipped into the pedals at all times to reduce their hassle. That might not work if you have multiple riders, but if you’re the only one using the bike, it will make getting started that much faster and easier.

Clipping in has its advantages, as it allows you apply force at the top and bottom of the stroke. That means faster times and increased workout intensity. It takes time to adjust to the feeling, but your lower-body strength and efficiency will increase over time.

Peloton workouts can get pretty intense, so we like that there’s a water bottle holder below the console. Additionally, cyclists from 4' 11" to 6' 4" can get a comfortable fit by adjusting the seat and handlebars horizontally and vertically. Adjustability is important for form and training as much as it is for aerodynamics, making the Bike+ an option for competitive cyclists and amateurs alike.

If you have an Apple watch, the Bike+ has Apple GymKit integration, syncing your metrics with your Apple watch. The connection passes information between the Bike+ and the Apple watch. The watch sends age, weight, height and heart rate to better calculate calorie burn and make workout suggestions. At the same time, the watch gets access to pace, incline, RPMs and other workout-specific information from the Bike+, leading to more accurate information from both devices.

Customer reviews

The Peloton Bike+ might be expensive, but those who take the financial plunge are usually happy with the decision. Users praise the quality of the instructors and the variety of workouts on the Peloton app. The community aspect and interactive aspect available during rides are other user favorites.

For example, a user on Pelton’s website said, “I love my bike+! The revolving screen makes it like having an entire gym in your house. The interface is very user-friendly. The selection of cycling classes, strength classes, yoga classes, etc. allows me to exercise every day in different modalities. I am never bored, and new classes are added daily. The varying lengths and intensity of classes makes it easy to progress safely and effectively. Also, it’s great to be able to add on an extra 10 or 15 minutes in the same or another modality to my work-out.”

Another reviewer said, “It’s been officially one week since I got my Peloton and I am obsessed! The classes and instructors make it so easy to stay motivated—something I always struggled with—and I actually find myself looking forward to working out every day. I find clipping out to be a little difficult - especially in the beginning, and I think it was because the pedal was adjusted too tight. I had to use a provided Allen key to lower the tension so my cleats could more easily clip in and out.”

This user loves the ease of use, “The classes and bike are amazing. Great workouts and great motivation. Screen is easy to navigate! Downside is that clipping out is not easy and can be a hassle. Also the heart monitor does not work well and is not worth the purchase.”

While many people love the Bike+, others have issues, ranging from figuring out the Peloton app platform and connectivity to getting the shoes clipped into the pedals.

This reviewer had wifi connectivity issues, stating “The bike+ is a gorgeous piece of kit, well made and inspiring. The online live classes were few and far between in my region not really much on offer at the times I would want to train. It's ok as there are a lot of other non live classes. The shoes are stiff to put on to the pedals and remove, it's no joke when people say they leave them on the bike. Great option if you are the only user. HOWEVER I am having the bike picked up. The wifi is so hit and miss. It will say it has a great connection then the bike just doesn’t load the workout or it does then 10 minutes in it fails.”

Another reviewer had trouble getting their bike fit right, “I am struggling with getting in and out of the stirrups and on and off of the bike. I am short and it doesn't seem like I can line up comfortably. Perhaps a smaller model would be worth producing I am also having a hard time finding the right workouts. I filled out my profile, said I was a beginner, and still get directed towards very hard rides. I cannot figure out the search engine and I get a lot of criticism from my daughters who are long-time riders that I should only do recovery rides, I need to figure out my power zones, etc. Some guidance from Peloton would be nice. On the upside, it's not as boring as my old stationary bike.”

Pros and cons

Pros

• Quality of the instructors and variety of workouts through the Peloton app
• High-quality picture of the touchscreen
• Swivel and tilt functions of the touchscreen
• Professional assembly included in the purchase price
• Optional auto-adjust resistance
• Audio quality

Cons

• Expensive
• Connectivity issues if you have slow WiFi
• Continued cost of the Peloton All-Access Membership
• Saddle discomfort
• Price (and learning curve) for using Delta-compatible shoes
• Short warranty

Classes and app

The Peloton app’s popularity is a pivotal achievement for Peloton as a brand and adds considerable value to the Bike+. Classes include thousands of selections in categories including:

• Strength
• Boxing
• Running
• Cycling
• Yoga
• Meditation
• Rowing
• Bootcamp (row, bike, tread)
• Pilates
• Barre
• Cardio
• Stretching
• Walking
• Hiking

Workouts are also grouped by fitness goals, moods and music selection, giving you options that fit with the time and feel of the moment. There are also live class options, where you follow the instructor in real-time with other riders. You can video chat with other riders as long as you both have live chat enabled. No worries about being a sweaty mess. No one can see you unless you grant permission, including the instructor.

You can follow workouts on the Bike+ screen, and you can also watch them on your phone, TV or a connected laptop or tablet via the Peloton app. At $44 per month, it can replace a gym membership and provide access to workouts wherever you are. Note, the Peloton All-Access Membership can also be used on your phone or tablet, but the basic Peloton App membership ($12.99/month) is not compatible with the Bike+. 

Technology/standout features

The Bike+ screen size and quality are standouts on this model. While some users struggle with the interface, most appreciate the option to scroll through different workouts or find workouts led by their favorite instructors. However, that technology only works if you’ve got a strong WiFi signal. Spotty WiFi could lead to problems loading workouts or cause the bike to reset mid-workout.

The Bike+ has both a manual adjustment knob and an auto-adjust option, which means the resistance adjusts based on the instructor's cues. The original Peloton Bike only has a manual resistance knob. 

Other standout tech features include the screen’s ability to swivel and tilt. Not only can you get a great angle while on the bike, but you can also get the right angle for barre, yoga and strength training next to the bike. Add a few dumbbells and a yoga mat, and you could have a home gym with the option to engage all your major muscle groups.

Peloton Bike+ vs Peloton Bike

One of the best ways to understand the Bike+ is a side-by-side comparison with the original Peloton Bike. These two bikes share the same frame, construction, warranty, flywheel, pedal design, seat and footprint. The differences are more subtle, lying in the touchscreen and technology. The Bike+ has a 23.8-inch touchscreen compared to the Bike’s 21.5-inch screen. The original bike’s screen can tilt, but it can’t swivel like the Bike+. The Bike+ has the option to use auto adjust while the original does not. The Bike+ also has the optional Apple GymKit integration.

If you’re comparing these two head-to-head, you’ll also notice that the Bike+ has increased memory, a USB-C charging port (to the Bike’s USB microport), Bluetooth 5 connectivity (the Bike has Bluetooth 4), an eight-megapixel front-facing camera (to the Bike’s five megapixel) and a more powerful built-in microphone.

Other features, like access to the Peloton app are completely the same. The Bike+ provides a souped-up riding experience with tech upgrades that could make a difference if you’re a devoted rider. However, if those upgrades, like the AppleKit integration and larger screen won’t affect your workouts, the Peloton Bike will save you about $1,000.

Another newly added option is to rent either the original or Bike+, which can save you upfront costs. The monthly fee includes the bike’s rental cost and the monthly Peloton app subscription fee. It’s a way to test the bike and see how well you like either of them before buying.

Peloton Bike+ vs NordicTrack S22i

The NordicTrack S22i rivals the Peloton in build quality, performance and user satisfaction. However, your experience with it will differ a little from the Bike+. One of the complaints of the Bike+ is the Delta-compatible pedals. The S22i has SPD+toe clip pedals, so you can use clips if you want, but you can also use standard exercise shoes. That saves you the cost of special cycling shoes and reduces the learning curve for beginners.

The NordicTrack is integrated with iFIT ($39 per month), a similarly designed workout app to the Peloton app. The S22i has manual resistance controls on the console, so you don’t have to use iFIT if you don’t want to, which isn’t an option with the Bike+. The S22i’s touchscreen is a little smaller than the Bike+’s, but they both swivel for off-bike workouts.

For a full comparison of these two top tier bikes, check out our NordicTrack S22i vs Peloton Bike+ review. 

A major difference between these two studio bikes is the S22i’s incline/decline feature. At this point in time, NordicTrack is the only brand to offer studio bikes with incline/decline adjustment, which adjusts the angle of the frame. On the S22i, the decline/incline range is -10 percent to 20 percent. Incline adjustment mimics the experience of riding outside up and down hills. Other bikes only do this through resistance, but on the S22i, you get a feel for body positioning on hills, too. It has an auto-adjust feature that automatically adjusts the incline/decline based on the iFit workout and/or the terrain of the scenic ride.

Another notable difference between these bikes is the maximum weight capacity. The Bike+ supports up to 297 pounds, while the S22i has a more inclusive 350-pound user weight limit. The S22i also has a more extensive warranty with a 10-year frame, two-year parts and one year on labor versus the Peloton Bike+’s five-year frame and 12 months on parts and labor.

Peloton Bike+ vs Bowflex Velocore

The Bowflex Velocore is another premium studio bike designed to compete with the original Peloton and the Peloton Bike+. The build quality goes toe to toe with the Bike+, but there are some key differences between the two. The Velocore comes with either a 16- or 22-inch HD touchscreen, with the smaller screen costing approximately $300 less.

A unique feature of the Velocore is the lean feature. The Velocore’s frame is on an axis so you can lean right or left according to the workout or terrain. You’re not required to use the JRNY app, the Bowflex-compatible workout app, but doing so opens the door to workouts, trails and rides that take advantage of the lean feature. Like the S22i’s incline/decline, the lean mode is meant to mimic real-world riding. It requires a good amount of core strength, so it can take some time for some users to get acclimated. There’s also an option to ride in standard mode, which locks the frame in place (no leaning).

The Velocore’s screen lets you watch JRNY workouts, and unlike the Bike+ or the S22i, you can access streaming services like Hulu and Netflix on the touchscreen. You can also connect third-party apps like Peloton and Zwift, syncing metrics with the app while watching workouts from third-party apps on a separate device placed on the Velocore’s media shelf. We like the versatility of your workout options with the Velocore, both for entertainment and workout apps.

The Velocore is less expensive than the Bike+, with some slightly different features. And the truth is, if you love Peloton workouts, you can use them on the Velocore and pay less than you would to purchase the Bike+. The Velocore also comes with a one-year JRNY trial membership, as compared to the Peloton’s 30-day trial. Once that’s done, you’ll pay $149 per year for access to JRNY. JRNY’s instructors and workout selection aren’t on par with Peloton, but you pay less for access. If you still want Peloton classes on a non-Peloton bike, you can subscribe to Peloton's standard app.

Peloton Bike+ FAQs

What's the difference between the Peloton Bike + and the Peloton Bike?

The Peloton Bike+ has tech upgrades that outpace the Peloton Bike. For example, it has a 23.8-inch screen to the Bike’s 21.5-inch screen. The Bike+ can connect to Apple GymKit, has an upgraded audio system, built-in charging port, advanced Bluetooth and more memory.

Can you use the Peloton Bike plus without the Peloton app?

Yes, you can use the Peloton Bike+ without paying for the Peloton All-Access Membership. However, the screen only shows speed, resistance and cadence and does not save your metrics.

Can instructors see you on the Peloton Bike +?

Instructors cannot see you while you do live classes. The built-in camera allows you to do video chats with those in the same class. If you have friends in the class, you can chat with other class members if you both have activated the live chat feature.

Final Thoughts

The Peloton Bike+ is a premium studio bike that provides a spin class or outside ride experience from the safety and comfort of your home. The Bike+ has new features that include a larger, more mobile screen and tech upgrades that improve the streaming and audio experience. However, there are bikes in the premium cycling bike category that cost less and provide a similar workout.

The Bike+ is a good option if you love Peloton workouts and integrated programming with an auto-adjust option. If you want to try the Peloton classes without committing to the Bike+, you can get a subscription to the Peloton app for around $13 per month. This isn’t the same all-access membership that you get with the Bike+, but it’s enough to give you a taste of the workout options and instructor quality. There’s also the option to rent a bike from Peloton, so you don’t commit several thousand dollars to a bike that you may or may not like.

Overall, an integrated, sync workout with the Bike+ can rival spin classes with options to explore locations around the world from your home gym. It’s not an investment to make lightly, but there’s potential to revolutionize the way you workout.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.