Are you considering which bike is worth purchasing, a Peloton Bike or the high-tech Peloton Bike Plus? You might think there’s not much difference, since they both came from the same brand.
But there’s more to it than meets the eye. So, let our Peloton Bike vs Bike Plus review be your guide.
As a fitness trainer, I used the Peloton Bike and other indoor bikes for years. And I can say the Peloton Bike deserves the spot as one of the leaders in indoor cycling bikes.
But now that the Peloton Bike Plus is out, I’ve been testing it for over a year.
So, should you upgrade or stick to the original Peloton Bike?
In this review, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty details of the new Peloton Bike Plus and compare it to the original.
I’ll also show you what’s different between these two bikes, so you can decide which model is right for you.
Whatever your choice, Peloton Bike or the advanced Bike Plus, these bikes offer a range of features that allow you to perform at your peak.
Read on for more about this comparison.
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Table of Contents
- Features Peloton Bike vs Bike Plus
- Peloton Bike vs Bike Plus: The Winner
- Which Peloton Bike is best for YOU?
- What to do next?
Features Peloton Bike vs Bike Plus
| Features | Peloton Bike | Peloton Bike+ (Plus) |
| Dimensions | Length: 59 in (149.86 cm) Width: 23 in (58.42 cm) Height: 53 in (134.62 cm) | Length: 59 in (149.86 cm) Width: 22 in (55.88 cm) Height: 59 in (149.86 cm) |
| Weight | 135 lbs (61.235 kg) | 140 lbs (63.5029 kg) |
| Resistance Mechanism | Magnetic with mechanical adjustment | Magnetic with digital adjustment |
| Resistance Levels | 100 | 100 |
| Display Readouts | Time, Speed, Cadence, Resistance, Output, Heart Rate, Distance, Calories, Performance, and Effort Level. | Time, Speed, Cadence, Resistance, Output, Heart Rate, Distance, Calories, Performance, and Effort Level. |
| Max User Weight | 297 lbs (134.72 kg) | 297 lbs (134.72 kg) |
| Heart Rate | Peloton Heart Rate Band(sold separately) Paired with Apple® or Wear OS watch | Peloton Heart Rate Band(sold separately) Paired with Apple® or Wear OS watch |
| Flywheel Weight | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| Drive System | Belt | Belt |
| Warranty Description | 5 Years Frame 1 Year HD Touchscreen 1 Year Pedals 1 Year Components 1 Year Labor | 5 Years Frame 1 Year HD Touchscreen 1 Year Pedals 1 Year Components 1 Year Labor |
Resistance comparison
When choosing a bike, resistance is an essential key factor that you need to look for.
Resistance lets you control your workout’s intensity, which is necessary if you have a specific fitness goal in mind.
The good news is that the Peloton bike and Bike Plus offer resistance settings.
You can adjust the resistance of the Peloton Bike by turning the knob right to the right to increase and to the left to decrease it. You can adjust up to 100 levels of magnetic resistance.
While Peloton Bike Plus has a manual and auto-resistance option. The resistance range varies from 0 to 100.
You also have the option to just allow the spin bike to adjust automatically.
What I like about Bike Plus is that you can have an effortless and more engaging experience, because it eliminates the manual adjustment while you exercise. But it did not eliminate the manual knob, and you can still adjust it manually when you want to.
Winner Resistance Comparison
The Peloton Bike Plus is the winner, because it has a manual and automatic resistance adjustment option. The two bikes have the same resistance levels.
Weight capacity comparison
The Peloton Bike and the Bike Plus have a maximum rider weight capacity of 297 pounds. And you can ensure your safety and stability within this range.
You might think that 297 pounds is already a lot, but you must consider that some buyers with heavier bodies will need a durable bike to handle the weight. That’s why the higher the weight capacity, the better.
The performance of both the Peloton Bike and the Bike Plus remains uncompromised. They still deliver a smooth and adequate workout regardless of weight, as long as you’re within the specified limit.
Winner Weight Capacity Comparison
The winner for weight capacity comparison is a draw. Both bikes have a weight capacity of 297 pounds.
Functionality comparison
The Peloton Bike and Bike Plus share foundational features like the footprint, frame, seat, drive, crank arms, and bottom bracket. However, they differ based on weight, power supply, resistance adjustment, and additional enhancements in the Bike Plus.
Peloton Bike
The Peloton Bike is a popular spin bike. It has many features that make for a top-tier cycling experience.
With a footprint of 4′ x 2′, the bike is smaller than an average yoga mat, a compact addition to your home gym. It weighs 135 pounds.
Peloton Bike has a strong steel frame and uses a unique painting process called “ED” or Electrophoretic Deposition. It helps the paint stick evenly to the frame, reducing peeling and scratching.
Then, the bike gets another layer of protection called a powder-coated finish to help it stay in great shape for a long time.
The Peloton bike uses magnetic resistance with a mechanical adjustment mechanism to change how hard or easy your workout feels while cycling.
By turning the knob, you move the magnets closer or farther from the spinning wheel to customize the intensity of your workout.
As for the pedals, this bike uses delta-compatible aluminum pedals, giving you a safer and more comfortable experience. They are unique bike pedals that work with Delta cleats, a part of a cycling shoe that locks into the pedals with three holes in a triangular layout.
If your shoes have Delta cleats, they can connect to Delta-compatible pedals to securely connect your biking shoes for a better cycling experience.
Bike Plus
The new model, Peloton Bike Plus, ups the price tag with advanced features without compromising the essential feature.
It shares many features with the original Peloton Bike, with a similar footprint, frame, and powder-coated finish. Both bikes also have the same seat, pedals, crank arms, and bottom bracket. However, it’s heavier, weighing in at 140 pounds.
One significant difference is the magnetic resistance system. Now digitally adjusted, it is a notable upgrade from the original Bike’s mechanical adjustment.
The new interface provides a more seamless workout experience.
Winner Functionality Comparison
The functionality comparison is a draw. Both bikes have similar functionality and construction.
Console comparison
At a glance, you can see that the Peloton bike screen is smaller than the Bike Plus.
The original Peloton Bike features a 21.5-inch HD touchscreen that tilts to accommodate different heights.
As for the newer version, Bike Plus’ screen is slightly larger at 23 inches and includes anti-reflective technology for improved environmental visibility.
You can rotate the screen to seamlessly switch between cycling, strength workouts, yoga, and more.
I also noticed the difference in speakers. The Peloton Bike has 2-channel audio speakers at the back of the screen.
On the other hand, the Bike Plus has 4-channel audio speakers above the screen. Listening to it produces a more rounded, richer sound that makes my morning ride experience more immersive.
Here’s a wrap-up on the similarities and differences between the Peloton bike and the Bike Plus.
| Accessory/Console Features | Peloton Bike | Bike Plus |
| Flash Drive Connection | ✅ | ✅ |
| Headphone | ✅ | ✅ |
| Camera | ✅ | ✅ |
| Microphone | ✅ | ✅ |
| Internet | ✅ | ✅ |
| ANT+™ wireless | ✅ | ✅ |
| Apple GymKit™ Integration | ❌ | ✅ |
| Resolution | 1080 HD | 1080 HD |
| Screen | 10-point Multitouch Touchscreen | 10-point Multitouch Touchscreen |
| Memory Storage | 2 GB RAM | 4 GB RAM |
| Flash Storage | 16 GB internal flash storage | 16 GB internal flash storage |
| Speakers | 2-channel audio speakers | 4-channel audio speakers |
| Bluetooth | 4.0 connectivity | 5.0 connectivity |
As you can see, the two bikes have a massive difference in console features. Bikes Plus is an upgraded and high-tech version of Peloton Bike.
Winner Console Comparison
The console comparison winner is Bike Plus, which has many great and improved features.
Fitness app comparison
Both Peloton Bike and Bike Plus offer identical fitness app features, as follows:
- Peloton All-Access Membership ($44/mo) separate*
- Access to live classes and thousands more on-demand
- Individual profiles for household access
- In-workout metrics like resistance, power, cadence, and heart rate.
- Uses the Peloton Watch App to pair with Apple® or Wear OS watches
- Leaderboard to exercise alongside other members.
- Training programs and challenges
- Workout history, milestone achievements, streaks, and badges
- Special event programming
- Scenic rides with curated music on Peloton Radio
Winner Fitness App Comparison
The fitness app comparison is a draw, because both bikes use the same app, since they are of the same brand.
Price and warranty comparison
The Peloton Bike Plus carries a higher price tag than the original Peloton Bike, albeit by a slim margin.
Peloton Bike
With the original Peloton Bike, they offer four packages. Each package has the same fundamental package, but with extras.
Peloton Bike Rental
One-time Delivery & Setup Fee
Inclusion:
- Peloton Rental Membership
- Peloton Bike
- Warranty for rental duration
- Peloton cycling shoes
- Option to terminate or buy out at any moment
Peloton Bike Basic
Inclusion:
- 30-Day Home Trial
- Peloton Bike
- Updated seat post
- 12-Month Limited Warranty
- Delivery and setup
Peloton Bike Starter
Inclusion:
- 30-Day Home Trial
- Peloton Bike
- Updated seat post
- 12-Month Limited Warranty
- Peloton Shoes (1 pair)
- Light Weight (1 set)
- Bike Mat
- Peloton x Camelbak® Sport Bottle
- Includes Delivery & Setup
Peloton Bike Ultimate
Inclusion:
- 30-Day Home Trial
- Peloton Bike
- Updated seat post
- 12-Month Limited Warranty
- Delivery and setup
- Peloton Shoes (1 pair)
- Light Weights (1 set)
- Bike Mat
- Reversible Workout Mat
- Peloton Dumbbells (1 set from 5 lb to 30 lb)
- Peloton x Camelbak® Sport Bottle
- Peloton Sweat Towel Set
Peloton Bike Plus
The Bike Plus has four different plans. Despite being a bit pricier, the Bike Plus offers enhanced features.
Refurbished Bike+
Please note: All sales for this offer are final.
Inclusions:
- Peloton Refurbished Bike+
- 12-Month Limited Warranty
- Delivery and setup
Bike+ Basics
Inclusions:
- 30-Day Home Trial
- Peloton Bike+
- 12-Month Limited Warranty
- Delivery and setup
Bike+ Starter
Inclusions:
- 30-Day Home Trial
- Peloton Bike+
- 12-Month Limited Warranty
- Delivery and setup
- Cycling Shoes (1 pair)
- Light Weights (1 set)
- Bike Mat
- Peloton x Camelbak® Sport Bottle
Bike+ Ultimate
Inclusions:
- 30-Day Home Trial
- Peloton Bike+
- 12-Month Limited Warranty
- Delivery and setup
- Cycling Shoes (1 pair)
- Bike Mat
- Light Weights (1 set)
- Dumbbells (1 set of 5 – 30 lb)
- Reversible Workout Mat
- Peloton x Camelbak® Sport Bottle
- Peloton Sweat Towel Set
*Please note: Delivery & Setup offer might be location-specific.
The Peloton Bike and Bike+ Limited Warranty applies to all original parts and components included with the newly purchased or refurbished Peloton Bike and Bike+.
Coverage:
- 5 Years Frame
- 1 Year HD Touchscreen
- 1 Year Pedals
- 1 Year Components
- 1 Year Labor
Winner Price and Warranty Comparison
It’s a draw for price and warranty. The Peloton Bike is cheaper with reasonable specs, and the Bike Plus is pricier, yet justifies its advanced features. And they have similar warranty policies.
Peloton Bike vs Bike Plus: The Winner
This Peloton Bike vs Bike Plus review shows that both bikes are identical in delivering high-end performance, aesthetics, and durability, albeit with notable differences.
Both bikes came from the same trusted brand, Peloton, and are well-known in the fitness community.
If I had to choose only one bike, it would be the Bike Plus because:
- The Bike+ is an upgraded version with a larger screen that rotates to switch between cycling and other workouts easily.
- The Bike+ also handles workout difficulty differently; it can automatically increase or decrease it based on your workout routine.
- Four speakers give an improved sound experience. Plus, if I use Apple devices, the Bike+ seamlessly syncs with them.
Of course, Peloton Bike, like Bike Plus, is still a great indoor bike. Peloton Bikes offer an affordable yet functional option,
It may lack some of the Bike Plus’s upgraded features, but it keeps its appeal to the cycling community.
Which Peloton Bike is best for YOU?
Which Peloton bike is best for beginners?
If you’re a beginner, the original Peloton Bike is likely to suit you best. While it has many features and functionalities, it’s more fundamental and manageable for beginners to grasp than the Bike Plus.
Which Peloton bike is best for your budget?
The Peloton Bike offers a lower price point than the Bike Plus. The Peloton Bike is more affordable if cost is a significant factor.
Which Peloton bike is best for small spaces?
The Peloton Bike and the Bike Plus have a small footprint (4′ x 2’), both good options for small spaces.
What to do next?
Ultimately, whether you pick the Peloton Bike or the Bike Plus, you can still reach your fitness goals. The high-end features are just the icing on top of the cake.
Don’t get too caught up in the equipment; it’s what you do and how you do it that matters.
If you need more indoor bike comparison, we have a few more for you.
