The Peloton Bike and Bike+ stand as leading choices in the home fitness market, offering immersive workout experiences and a vast library of on-demand and live classes. Both bikes promise a high-quality ride and access to the sought-after Peloton ecosystem. However, with a significant price gap of $750 – the standard Bike priced at $1,745 (including delivery), and the Bike+ at $2,495 – potential buyers are left pondering: Is the Peloton Bike+ worth the extra investment, or is the original Peloton Bike the smarter choice?
After extensive use of the Peloton Bike+ for a year and a half, we’ve identified five core distinctions that set it apart from the entry-level Bike. While the riding experience on both is fundamentally similar, these unique features of the Bike+ come at a premium. Our analysis aims to dissect these differences and determine if they justify the extra cost.
The bottom line? For most, we recommend saving your money and opting for the original Peloton Bike. The Bike+ presents itself as a modest upgrade, yet Peloton prices it as a substantial $750 leap.
For a comprehensive understanding, continue reading as we delve into each of the five major differences. We’ll also explore more economical alternatives to achieve some of the Bike+’s features without breaking the bank.
Before we proceed, if you’re still weighing the overall value of a Peloton, we encourage you to read our in-depth review: Is Peloton Worth It?
Five Key Differences Between Peloton Bike and Bike+
1. Screen and Rotation Capabilities
Bike+ Screen Rotation: Enhanced Versatility
At first glance, the screens of both bikes appear similar. The Bike+ boasts a slightly larger 23.8” screen compared to the Bike’s 21.5”. While Peloton touts the Bike+’s screen as having a reduced-reflective and anti-smudge coating, in practical use, the difference is negligible. Both screens are prone to fingerprints and reflections.
The game-changing difference lies in the Bike+’s screen rotation. This screen pivots a full 360 degrees and offers tilt adjustment. This feature is invaluable for seamlessly transitioning to off-bike workouts like strength, yoga, or stretching classes. The smooth rotation and adjustable angles offer significant convenience for users engaging with Peloton’s diverse class offerings beyond cycling.
The original Peloton Bike screen is fixed – it neither rotates nor tilts vertically. However, there are cost-effective workarounds to mitigate this limitation:
- Third-Party Swivel Mounts: These aftermarket accessories transform your Bike’s static screen into a rotating one. While we haven’t personally tested these mounts and they may impact your Peloton warranty, many users report positive experiences. (Third-party swivel mounts)
- Screen Casting: Utilize screen mirroring from your Peloton or the Peloton mobile app to a larger TV screen. A dedicated 32” television can be acquired for around $100, a significantly smaller investment than the $750 Bike+ upgrade.
While the rotating screen on the Bike+ undeniably adds convenience, particularly for users who frequently participate in off-bike Peloton classes, its value as a standalone $750 upgrade is debatable.
2. Speaker System: Immersive Audio Upgrade
The audio experience distinguishes the two bikes considerably. The Peloton Bike+ features a 4-channel audio system, incorporating 2×3 watt tweeters and 2×10 watt woofers. In contrast, the original Bike is equipped with a 2×10 watt sound system.
The result is a noticeably richer and more immersive sound quality on the Bike+. Positioned directly above the screen and facing the user, the Bike+ speakers deliver deeper bass and a more direct sound projection, reducing the “tablet-like” audio quality sometimes perceived on the standard Bike.
While the speakers on the original Bike are adequately loud, their sound can feel less full and somewhat hollow due to their rear-facing orientation. However, for context, the original Bike’s speakers are sufficient for most workouts.
To enhance the audio of the standard Bike, consider these alternatives:
- Portable Bluetooth Speakers: Speakers like the JBL Charge 4 or Megaboom 3, priced around $100, offer a significant audio upgrade.
- Headphones: Both Bluetooth and wired headphones provide a personal and often superior audio experience.
3. Apple GymKit Integration: Seamless Apple Watch Connectivity
Apple GymKit: Streamlined Workout Tracking
For Apple Watch users, the Bike+’s integrated Apple GymKit is a compelling feature. This technology allows for seamless pairing between your Apple Watch and the Bike+.
Functionality mimics Apple Pay’s simplicity: By holding your Apple Watch near the NFC reader at the top of the Bike+ screen, a connection prompt appears on your watch. Upon confirmation, your Apple Watch automatically initiates workout mode and logs your Peloton session. Crucially, your heart rate data from your Apple Watch is displayed on the Peloton screen’s left side. This real-time heart rate monitoring is especially valuable for training within specific heart rate zones.
However, GymKit on the Bike+ isn’t flawless. Connectivity can be inconsistent, working reliably approximately 80-90% of the time based on our experience. Occasional connection failures or delays can be frustrating, sometimes requiring an Apple Watch restart to resolve. These issues persist across different Apple Watch models and even after factory resetting the Peloton Bike+.
Currently, GymKit functionality is limited to cycling workouts and doesn’t extend to Peloton’s off-bike classes.
For original Peloton Bike owners with Apple Watches:
- Standalone Apple Watch Workout Tracking: Simply initiate an indoor cycling workout on your Apple Watch to track your heart rate and workout metrics directly on your wrist.
- Third-Party Apps: Apps like BlueHeart for Apple Watch can bridge the gap, enabling heart rate data display on the Peloton screen.
- Heart Rate Monitors: Peloton offers its own chest strap heart rate monitor for $50, and numerous third-party Bluetooth heart rate monitors are readily available (search “peloton heart rate monitor” on Amazon). Wrist-worn monitors like Whoop also provide reliable heart rate tracking.
While GymKit integration is a standout feature of the Bike+, its inconsistent performance, workout limitations, and available alternatives diminish its value as a $750 justification.
4. Resistance Adjustment: Mechanical vs. Digital with Auto-Follow
The method of resistance adjustment is a fundamental difference. The original Peloton Bike employs mechanical resistance. Turning the resistance knob physically adjusts internal components, making pedaling more challenging. The knob’s stiffness increases with resistance.
The Bike+ utilizes digital resistance. Turning the knob sends a signal to the bike’s computer to alter resistance levels. The knob rotates endlessly without physical endpoints and is more sensitive, allowing for finer resistance adjustments.
Digital resistance enables the “Auto-Follow” feature on the Bike+. When activated during on-demand classes with target metrics, Auto-Follow automatically adjusts the bike’s resistance to match instructor cues. This feature can be toggled on or off via a lock icon on the screen.
While Auto-Follow may appeal to newer Peloton users, experienced riders might find it less intuitive. In practice, Auto-Follow can occasionally be less seamless than intended. Delayed resistance changes or inaccurate target metric readings can lead to unexpected resistance fluctuations, disrupting the flow of the workout.
Many riders, including experienced Peloton users, prefer the direct control of manual resistance adjustment. New Peloton users readily adapt to manual resistance control.
5. Calibration: Enhanced Accuracy on Bike+
Calibration: Precision Metrics
The Peloton Bike+ undergoes programmatic and precise calibration using a load sensor. While the original Bike is pre-calibrated, its accuracy can drift over time with use, necessitating manual recalibration.
For Peloton users focused on performance metrics and leaderboard rankings, the Bike+’s enhanced calibration accuracy might seem crucial. However, the importance of absolute accuracy depends on individual workout goals.
For those using Peloton for motivation, enjoyment, or personal progress tracking, minor calibration discrepancies are unlikely to be significant. Even with potential calibration drift in the original Bike, performance tracking remains consistent relative to your own past workouts.
However, for highly competitive individuals focused on leaderboard rankings, the Bike+’s more accurate calibration offers a perceived edge. It’s worth noting that leaderboard rankings will always include users on both Bike and Bike+ models, meaning some level of score variance due to equipment differences is inherent in the Peloton ecosystem.
6. Minor Distinctions: Additional Bike+ Enhancements
Beyond the primary differences, the Bike+ includes several minor upgrades:
- Faster Processor and Increased RAM: The Bike+ operates with twice the RAM and a faster processor, resulting in quicker menu navigation. However, for the core function of selecting and starting classes, the performance difference is minimal.
- Improved Camera with Privacy Cover: The front-facing camera is upgraded from 5 to 8 megapixels and includes a privacy cover. While this enhances video chat quality for multi-user classes, the small screen size diminishes the practical impact of this improvement.
- USB-C Charging Port: A USB-C port is added for device charging. The utility of this feature depends on individual charging habits during workouts.
- Relocated Headphone Jack: The headphone jack is moved to the front of the handlebars for easier access.
- Smoother Seat Adjustments: The Bike+ features slightly smoother and quicker seat adjustments.
Interestingly, the original Peloton Bike holds minor advantages in two areas:
- Sturdier Weight Rack: The Bike utilizes a metal weight rack, which feels more robust than the Bike+’s plastic rack, although the plastic rack has proven durable in practice.
- Screen Bolt Stability: The Bike+’s screen bolts may require occasional tightening to address screen looseness, an issue not encountered with the original Bike.
Is the Bike+ Worth the Upgrade Cost?
Despite owning and enjoying the Peloton Bike+, and acknowledging it as the superior product of the two, we maintain that the original Peloton Bike offers significantly better value for most consumers.
The Bike+ undeniably incorporates desirable upgrades like the rotating screen and Apple Watch integration. For those with ample budget and a desire for top-tier features, the Peloton Bike Plus is a worthwhile purchase.
However, for the majority of users, the $750 price premium for the Bike+ is difficult to justify based solely on the incremental enhancements. The original Peloton Bike delivers the core Peloton experience effectively and economically.
For most buyers seeking the Peloton experience, we recommend saving the $750 and choosing the original Peloton Bike.
By Cam Secore
Tech enthusiast, entrepreneur, and founder of Power Moves. Since 2016, providing unbiased insights into tech gadgets through hands-on reviews and personal purchases. Dedicated to delivering in-depth analysis and genuine recommendations across smart home devices and wearable technology.
