Do I want a Peloton? If not, what do I want?
April 23, 2020 6:04 AM Subscribe
Current circumstances are making me actually consider getting a Peloton. Is this likely to be a good investment for someone desperate for meaningful exercise and potentially stuck in a small flat a lot in coming months? If not, what might be better?
I'm not in the best of shape, but am usually very active. I aim to swim, bike and run regularly, as well as doing a lot of walking in my daily life. Swimming is my favourite sport, and the one at which I am most competent and consistent, but that has been off the cards lately for obvious reasons; I have also been fairly consistent with running (very slowly but energetically). For geographic and other reasons, I am currently staying inside the flat 99.9% of the time.
Since I started staying inside almost all of the time, my activity levels and average daily steps have plummeted. I've been trying to yoga, cardio, HIIT etc with videos and online classes, but the whole experience is really frustrating. I have a road bike, but I don't have a turbo trainer and I don't think I have the technical competence to set one up safely even if I could source a suitable one.
SO - to my own surprise - I have found myself eyeing the Peleton website. I know a bit about the concept, and the brand perception, but I don't think I know anyone who has one. I'm really not thrilled about the cost, and I have not particularly enjoyed group bike classes in the past, but I'm increasingly desperate. I would much prefer a treadmill, but nice ones appear to be significantly more expensive as well as taking up way more space (of which I have very little in the first place).
Based on the above, is a Peloton likely to be satisfying? Is it likely to be an effective form of exercise for me? What else should I know about it? (I'm aware of the monthly subscription cost.) What other options (available to be delivered within weeks in central London) should I be considering?
I realise that all of the above fits in the "first-world problems" box, but I would really like to do what I can to maintain my health and well-being.
I'm not in the best of shape, but am usually very active. I aim to swim, bike and run regularly, as well as doing a lot of walking in my daily life. Swimming is my favourite sport, and the one at which I am most competent and consistent, but that has been off the cards lately for obvious reasons; I have also been fairly consistent with running (very slowly but energetically). For geographic and other reasons, I am currently staying inside the flat 99.9% of the time.
Since I started staying inside almost all of the time, my activity levels and average daily steps have plummeted. I've been trying to yoga, cardio, HIIT etc with videos and online classes, but the whole experience is really frustrating. I have a road bike, but I don't have a turbo trainer and I don't think I have the technical competence to set one up safely even if I could source a suitable one.
SO - to my own surprise - I have found myself eyeing the Peleton website. I know a bit about the concept, and the brand perception, but I don't think I know anyone who has one. I'm really not thrilled about the cost, and I have not particularly enjoyed group bike classes in the past, but I'm increasingly desperate. I would much prefer a treadmill, but nice ones appear to be significantly more expensive as well as taking up way more space (of which I have very little in the first place).
Based on the above, is a Peloton likely to be satisfying? Is it likely to be an effective form of exercise for me? What else should I know about it? (I'm aware of the monthly subscription cost.) What other options (available to be delivered within weeks in central London) should I be considering?
I realise that all of the above fits in the "first-world problems" box, but I would really like to do what I can to maintain my health and well-being.
If you already have a bike that you like you can get a bike trainer like Wahoo and use Zwift or other apps.
posted by Frank Grimes at 6:40 AM on April 23, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by Frank Grimes at 6:40 AM on April 23, 2020 [7 favorites]
You want to set up something you'll enjoy and therefore do. An option that's worked for me is just to watch TV while exercising: The TV is the reward. This can work on most stationary cardio machines - bike, treadmill, rower. To motivate intensity, you can just set a target pace. I find that more fun than listening to an instructor; many prefer the videos.
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 7:03 AM on April 23, 2020
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 7:03 AM on April 23, 2020
If space is at a premium, then a Peloton is going to take up a fairly large bit of space permanently.
You say you don't have the technical expertise to set up a trainer, but for the basic trainers (what we call dumb trainers), all you do is clamp onto the outside of the rear wheel skewer and adjust the tension of the flywheel onto the tire.
The smart trainers (Kickr and Tacx are the main players) have you remove the rear wheel and attach it the trainer, which has its own cogs/cassette. If you connect to an online simulator/gaming system such as Zwift, then you will need a computer or laptop or ipad nearby.
And as with ANY indoor trainer setup, whether it's Peloton or any trainer, you will need a very good fan pointing at you.
As for whatever noise you generate, I hope you have a good relationship with your downstairs neighbors. Don't use it at the wee hours, etc etc.
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 7:06 AM on April 23, 2020 [1 favorite]
You say you don't have the technical expertise to set up a trainer, but for the basic trainers (what we call dumb trainers), all you do is clamp onto the outside of the rear wheel skewer and adjust the tension of the flywheel onto the tire.
The smart trainers (Kickr and Tacx are the main players) have you remove the rear wheel and attach it the trainer, which has its own cogs/cassette. If you connect to an online simulator/gaming system such as Zwift, then you will need a computer or laptop or ipad nearby.
And as with ANY indoor trainer setup, whether it's Peloton or any trainer, you will need a very good fan pointing at you.
As for whatever noise you generate, I hope you have a good relationship with your downstairs neighbors. Don't use it at the wee hours, etc etc.
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 7:06 AM on April 23, 2020 [1 favorite]
I can't speak to the Peloton, but a VR headset + a PC that can run VR will probably come in slightly cheaper than a Peloton, assuming you have enough space for VR (2m x 2m is usually recommended but we're using it successfully with closer to 1.5m x 1.8m).
There are a range of VR fitness options, and apps like BOXVR are high-intensity and very immersive.
posted by terretu at 7:10 AM on April 23, 2020
There are a range of VR fitness options, and apps like BOXVR are high-intensity and very immersive.
posted by terretu at 7:10 AM on April 23, 2020
Best answer: Blogger Franish put together her own peloton and wrote about how she did it on the cheap while in medical school.
posted by jrobin276 at 7:22 AM on April 23, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by jrobin276 at 7:22 AM on April 23, 2020 [1 favorite]
Best answer: To add on to computech_apolloniajames's comment, there are wheel-on smart trainers (I own the kickr snap and like it) that are setup as easily as the dumb trainers. The wheel-on smart trainers are also cheaper than the direct drive trainers. Wheel on requires more frequent calibration and less accurate towards power measurement than direct drive.
But the kickr Snap is 1) much more quiet than my fluid dumb trainer, 2) much more accurate than any power estimation based upon resistance curves of the dumb trainer + speed sensor and 3) I really like erg mode. Perhaps it's just that I've put too many KM on my bike's chain and rear cogs, but I enjoy changing the resistance/power and never needing to switch gears while keeping a comfortable cadence. ERG mode is some serious magic that I like.
Note that used dumb trainers hold their value well. It's kind of a thing that before one gets a smart trainer many will try buy a used dumb trainer, and then later resell it a few months later for the same that they bought it. Maybe losing $20 if they want a quick sell. Obviously used might not be practical depending on your location.
For the most part smart trainers can be a bit annoying to work with without the permanent subscription. I'm mostly a runner and only biking when I've just had too much of winter/rain or am injured so $15-25 CDN/month isn't a great use of money. However, a few months ago I came across Indoor Cycling Workout which is free to try out, and for a one time fee allows one to create unlimited duration workouts. They also have some workouts/sessions that one can buy for further one time fees. It requires one have a phone with ANT+ which I was lucky that my work phone (a mid-range Samsung) has.
posted by nobeagle at 7:27 AM on April 23, 2020 [2 favorites]
But the kickr Snap is 1) much more quiet than my fluid dumb trainer, 2) much more accurate than any power estimation based upon resistance curves of the dumb trainer + speed sensor and 3) I really like erg mode. Perhaps it's just that I've put too many KM on my bike's chain and rear cogs, but I enjoy changing the resistance/power and never needing to switch gears while keeping a comfortable cadence. ERG mode is some serious magic that I like.
Note that used dumb trainers hold their value well. It's kind of a thing that before one gets a smart trainer many will try buy a used dumb trainer, and then later resell it a few months later for the same that they bought it. Maybe losing $20 if they want a quick sell. Obviously used might not be practical depending on your location.
For the most part smart trainers can be a bit annoying to work with without the permanent subscription. I'm mostly a runner and only biking when I've just had too much of winter/rain or am injured so $15-25 CDN/month isn't a great use of money. However, a few months ago I came across Indoor Cycling Workout which is free to try out, and for a one time fee allows one to create unlimited duration workouts. They also have some workouts/sessions that one can buy for further one time fees. It requires one have a phone with ANT+ which I was lucky that my work phone (a mid-range Samsung) has.
posted by nobeagle at 7:27 AM on April 23, 2020 [2 favorites]
Best answer: I've had my Peloton for over two years in a one bedroom flat in Brooklyn and am extremely happy with the purchase. We have it setup in front of our living room windows. I road biked frequently when I lived in the suburbs, but my city biking diminished greatly after a few accidents. About 8 years ago I bought a (dumb) fluid trainer, but the sound was irritating and I found that I wasn't committing to a workout of a certain length, as there was nothing holding me to it and nothing absorbing my attention. I also thought I could ride while watching things, but the trainer was too loud for my liking and consideration of the neighbors.
The Peloton is incredibly quiet, I love that I choose my workout length, take that class and stick through to the end of that time commitment. They also have nature rides that are pretty enjoyable without any instruction, especially now in week 5 of staying inside. My usual work hours had been very long, so I appreciated having the bike in our apartment for a workout when it was convenient on my schedule. I also use the additional strength, yoga, and outdoor running classes via the app.
I have an email I've shared with friends who are considering the bike with setup specs, thoughts on instructors, and a few screen grabs. Memail if you'd like me to share that if you get closer to purchasing.
posted by icaicaer at 7:53 AM on April 23, 2020
The Peloton is incredibly quiet, I love that I choose my workout length, take that class and stick through to the end of that time commitment. They also have nature rides that are pretty enjoyable without any instruction, especially now in week 5 of staying inside. My usual work hours had been very long, so I appreciated having the bike in our apartment for a workout when it was convenient on my schedule. I also use the additional strength, yoga, and outdoor running classes via the app.
I have an email I've shared with friends who are considering the bike with setup specs, thoughts on instructors, and a few screen grabs. Memail if you'd like me to share that if you get closer to purchasing.
posted by icaicaer at 7:53 AM on April 23, 2020
Best answer: I'm also fairly active and lived away from a gym for a while. I had the "dumb trainer" clip on for my bike for a while, and watched TV, and then caved and got the Peloton.
I love my Peloton. The dumb trainer was flimsy, difficult to setup, and kind of difficult to use for changing gears and resistance. The Peloton is awesome! The content is great, the instructors have different styles, and I use my digital app for yoga, meditation and resistance classes while off the bike.
Yes, it's pricey and it does take up space. I probably should use it more often (I use it 2x a week).
But your health matters, and I consider the 2k the best 2k I've ever spent.
posted by treetop89 at 7:56 AM on April 23, 2020
I love my Peloton. The dumb trainer was flimsy, difficult to setup, and kind of difficult to use for changing gears and resistance. The Peloton is awesome! The content is great, the instructors have different styles, and I use my digital app for yoga, meditation and resistance classes while off the bike.
Yes, it's pricey and it does take up space. I probably should use it more often (I use it 2x a week).
But your health matters, and I consider the 2k the best 2k I've ever spent.
posted by treetop89 at 7:56 AM on April 23, 2020
I have a DIY Peloton that I set up a the beginning of the month for similar reasons and I really, really like it! Initially, I wanted a "real" Peloton but was turned off by the cost, the delivery timeline, and general uncertainty about whether I would actually like it given that I had never used an indoor bike in my life. Both for convenience and ease of setup, I didn't want to use a trainer for my "outdoor" bike.
This is the spin bike I bought. It seems solid and I found it easy to set up. A friend of mine sent me their old bluetooth cadence monitor. (I think it's this one, but I'm sure they all work similarly.) You could definitely spend less money than I did and be happy, but I ended up spending around $600 between the bike, rubber mat, tax, etc. I have the Peloton app and stream the classes on an iPad, but you can also access them on your phone or a laptop.
I've been surprised at how much I enjoy the spin classes, and I think I probably would have liked a real Peloton bike, but I don't feel any need to upgrade. I will almost certainly subscribe for a monthly subscription when the current free trial expires, though!
posted by cimton at 7:57 AM on April 23, 2020
This is the spin bike I bought. It seems solid and I found it easy to set up. A friend of mine sent me their old bluetooth cadence monitor. (I think it's this one, but I'm sure they all work similarly.) You could definitely spend less money than I did and be happy, but I ended up spending around $600 between the bike, rubber mat, tax, etc. I have the Peloton app and stream the classes on an iPad, but you can also access them on your phone or a laptop.
I've been surprised at how much I enjoy the spin classes, and I think I probably would have liked a real Peloton bike, but I don't feel any need to upgrade. I will almost certainly subscribe for a monthly subscription when the current free trial expires, though!
posted by cimton at 7:57 AM on April 23, 2020
We had been using the Peloton app on the non-branded bikes at our YMCA until all this went down . . . and my wife decided to just do it and bought a bike. It does take up a fair amount of space (i just measured and the footprint of the mat we have it on is about 3x5), the price is steep, but have i been on it every day since it arrived? also yes.
I thought they were giving demos of the app away for free, so you could just like watch some from your couch if you wanted a sense of what the instructors are like (they vary, we have our favorites).
One note on the sound - we live in a studio and only got one bike (duh) for the two of us, so we pretty exclusively use it with headphones (this was the norm from the gym so no big deal) but i had not considered what it would be like to listen to someone heavy-breath for 45 mins to an hour a day in a shared space.
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 8:22 AM on April 23, 2020 [1 favorite]
I thought they were giving demos of the app away for free, so you could just like watch some from your couch if you wanted a sense of what the instructors are like (they vary, we have our favorites).
One note on the sound - we live in a studio and only got one bike (duh) for the two of us, so we pretty exclusively use it with headphones (this was the norm from the gym so no big deal) but i had not considered what it would be like to listen to someone heavy-breath for 45 mins to an hour a day in a shared space.
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 8:22 AM on April 23, 2020 [1 favorite]
We've had a Peloton for a little more than a year. We've had a great experience with it.
I think the trial offer is still on, so you should watch a few spin classes and see if you can find an instructor you like, and if you're into the overall tone of Peloton. There is a wide variety of personalities.
My wife and I both have gone outside the spin classes and done a bunch of core, stretch, yoga, strength, and foam rolling classes. I think if it's just a bike to you, you might not get your money's worth out of it. You can put the app on an iphone, and stream it to a TV if you have an Apple TV, so we have done that with these fun dance cardio classes, as well as the yoga.
I have a bicycle I use for commuting, and I'll say that the Peloton is a really different machine. It's really heavy, sturdy and smooth. It tracks your heart rate and output right on screen, and all your workouts are recorded. I think DIYing it would be unsatisfying. One big difference is that you can't track resistance or output on some of the DIY options, so it's a lot harder to track your progress over time.
We had a hardware issue with the bike, and they replaced it after 10 months. The Peloton people were easy to deal with, but the subcontractor they had doing repairs was not.
posted by thenormshow at 8:37 AM on April 23, 2020
I think the trial offer is still on, so you should watch a few spin classes and see if you can find an instructor you like, and if you're into the overall tone of Peloton. There is a wide variety of personalities.
My wife and I both have gone outside the spin classes and done a bunch of core, stretch, yoga, strength, and foam rolling classes. I think if it's just a bike to you, you might not get your money's worth out of it. You can put the app on an iphone, and stream it to a TV if you have an Apple TV, so we have done that with these fun dance cardio classes, as well as the yoga.
I have a bicycle I use for commuting, and I'll say that the Peloton is a really different machine. It's really heavy, sturdy and smooth. It tracks your heart rate and output right on screen, and all your workouts are recorded. I think DIYing it would be unsatisfying. One big difference is that you can't track resistance or output on some of the DIY options, so it's a lot harder to track your progress over time.
We had a hardware issue with the bike, and they replaced it after 10 months. The Peloton people were easy to deal with, but the subcontractor they had doing repairs was not.
posted by thenormshow at 8:37 AM on April 23, 2020
If you are a road cyclist at any level, you'll get more good out of a smart trainer and a Zwift subscription than you would from a Peloton.
A key aspect of most indoor cycling training (that isn't spin class) is power intervals based on something called you FTP, or Functional Threshold Power, which is a fancy way of saying "what's your maximum average output over an hour?"
Then a workout might be several sequences of higher output (say, 90-120%) of your FTP followed by resting periods of a lower percentage.
These workouts existed before there were smart trainers, so you clamped a trainer on your back wheel and shifted to increase or decrease the load to try and hit your targets. It's annoying.
With the aforementioned Erg Mode, a smart trainer will manage the resistance FOR you, automatically, and all you have to do is stay on top of your cadence. Spin your legs at 90RPM the whole time, and it'll just be harder or easier to do so as you move through the workouts. This sounds like a little thing, but let me tell you it is 100% NOT. It's a game changer, and makes indoor structured workouts a LOT more palatable -- even a little fun. For one thing, if you're not trying to actively manage your intervals it's WAY easier to listen to a podcast or watch Netflix or whatever.
BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE. A smart trainer also means you can get an amazingly immersive virtual cycling experience via a service called Zwift. Zwift is a virtual world you ride in with other people from all over the actual world. They have several worlds/maps you can choose from -- most are close models of real places, but there's also an entirely fictional one called Watopia. There's elevation in these places, and Zwift will talk to your smart trainer and increase the resistance to mimic varying levels of incline, which makes it REALLY pretty neat.
This part really IS fun. My local cycling group has taken to doing scheduled "virtual group rides" where we all get on Zwift together and have a parallel Zoom going so we can chat as we ride. It's really nice.
Zwift also goes one further. There are virtual RACES. I've been participating these last few weeks, even though I don't race in real life. (My greatest achievement: Not Last!) Obviously there's no race tactics in these -- it's just holding power for the duration -- but it's still neat.
Anyway, Peloton does NONE of these things, but if you have a road bike already, and a reasonably recent tablet (Android or iOS; I use an iPad), then you can have a pretty great setup for $500.
posted by uberchet at 9:52 AM on April 23, 2020 [5 favorites]
A key aspect of most indoor cycling training (that isn't spin class) is power intervals based on something called you FTP, or Functional Threshold Power, which is a fancy way of saying "what's your maximum average output over an hour?"
Then a workout might be several sequences of higher output (say, 90-120%) of your FTP followed by resting periods of a lower percentage.
These workouts existed before there were smart trainers, so you clamped a trainer on your back wheel and shifted to increase or decrease the load to try and hit your targets. It's annoying.
With the aforementioned Erg Mode, a smart trainer will manage the resistance FOR you, automatically, and all you have to do is stay on top of your cadence. Spin your legs at 90RPM the whole time, and it'll just be harder or easier to do so as you move through the workouts. This sounds like a little thing, but let me tell you it is 100% NOT. It's a game changer, and makes indoor structured workouts a LOT more palatable -- even a little fun. For one thing, if you're not trying to actively manage your intervals it's WAY easier to listen to a podcast or watch Netflix or whatever.
BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE. A smart trainer also means you can get an amazingly immersive virtual cycling experience via a service called Zwift. Zwift is a virtual world you ride in with other people from all over the actual world. They have several worlds/maps you can choose from -- most are close models of real places, but there's also an entirely fictional one called Watopia. There's elevation in these places, and Zwift will talk to your smart trainer and increase the resistance to mimic varying levels of incline, which makes it REALLY pretty neat.
This part really IS fun. My local cycling group has taken to doing scheduled "virtual group rides" where we all get on Zwift together and have a parallel Zoom going so we can chat as we ride. It's really nice.
Zwift also goes one further. There are virtual RACES. I've been participating these last few weeks, even though I don't race in real life. (My greatest achievement: Not Last!) Obviously there's no race tactics in these -- it's just holding power for the duration -- but it's still neat.
Anyway, Peloton does NONE of these things, but if you have a road bike already, and a reasonably recent tablet (Android or iOS; I use an iPad), then you can have a pretty great setup for $500.
posted by uberchet at 9:52 AM on April 23, 2020 [5 favorites]
Best answer: I hated the idea of a Peloton, but a month into social isolation and my wife and I hella busy working, she pulled the trigger on one. Peloton has been offering a deal for first responders/health care workers and that was the hook.
Previously, I loved going to the gym and was swimming, weights, elliptical, etc. We cancelled the gym membership due to a temporary drop in income and I did ok with running outside, etc. We also have an old Xbox Kinect and use a fitness game (Your Body) as our kinda cheap home exercise routine without a gym. But over time and with world events drawing our attention, our level of interest and motivation waned, it's just been boring.
We've had the Peloton for 3 weeks now, so it's still maintaining my interest due to the novelty of the thing, but maybe my perspective means something.
First, it's a great, time efficient work out. 30-45 minutes feels great afterward. Ours came with some dumbbells and we have another set and many of the workouts include some upper body dumbbell stuff. Just the fact that I don't need to go take myself down to the gym and I can do it anytime of the day, it is amazingly convenient -- I'm getting as much or more exercise as I did going to the gym which would take maybe 90 minutes out of my day but now I can step away from computer for 30 minutes and be done and feel just as good.
Second, there is really something about have a live person on the other end calling out to people and shouting encouragement, that makes a huge difference in how hard I push myself. Random people are giving me virtual high fives and in this weird time we are in, it does feel social and I appreciate that aspect of it.
Third, my kids are using it which I totally didn't expect. When they are not stuck staring at screens doing home school, they are stuck staring at video game screens. Now they spend some part of the day pedaling and staring at a screen biking through San Francisco or the French countryside.
Fourth, after about a year the total cost will have been the same as if we'd paid for the family membership to our gym for a year (which admittedly was a nicer-than-average gym but not like Equinox or anything).
Overall, I am really happy with the quality, the controls, the display, the easy out of the box set-up.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 10:01 AM on April 23, 2020 [1 favorite]
Previously, I loved going to the gym and was swimming, weights, elliptical, etc. We cancelled the gym membership due to a temporary drop in income and I did ok with running outside, etc. We also have an old Xbox Kinect and use a fitness game (Your Body) as our kinda cheap home exercise routine without a gym. But over time and with world events drawing our attention, our level of interest and motivation waned, it's just been boring.
We've had the Peloton for 3 weeks now, so it's still maintaining my interest due to the novelty of the thing, but maybe my perspective means something.
First, it's a great, time efficient work out. 30-45 minutes feels great afterward. Ours came with some dumbbells and we have another set and many of the workouts include some upper body dumbbell stuff. Just the fact that I don't need to go take myself down to the gym and I can do it anytime of the day, it is amazingly convenient -- I'm getting as much or more exercise as I did going to the gym which would take maybe 90 minutes out of my day but now I can step away from computer for 30 minutes and be done and feel just as good.
Second, there is really something about have a live person on the other end calling out to people and shouting encouragement, that makes a huge difference in how hard I push myself. Random people are giving me virtual high fives and in this weird time we are in, it does feel social and I appreciate that aspect of it.
Third, my kids are using it which I totally didn't expect. When they are not stuck staring at screens doing home school, they are stuck staring at video game screens. Now they spend some part of the day pedaling and staring at a screen biking through San Francisco or the French countryside.
Fourth, after about a year the total cost will have been the same as if we'd paid for the family membership to our gym for a year (which admittedly was a nicer-than-average gym but not like Equinox or anything).
Overall, I am really happy with the quality, the controls, the display, the easy out of the box set-up.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 10:01 AM on April 23, 2020 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Count me in as one of the people who panic purchased a Peloton when we saw the shutdowns happening, and our gym closed. Live in a very small studio/junior one-bedroom apartment. Bottom line - I love it. I have used it everyday since it arrived (24 day streak!) and for many of the reasons mentioned above (variety, efficiency, quality, etc.).
When I first purchased it, I was nervous that it was going to be a regretted purchase, but seriously loving it, and am very grateful to be able to find an outlet to exercise during this time (the at-home HIIT classes werent cutting it for me).
I will say, in response to uberchet's post, that Peloton does have an FTP workout function. And a full suite of programming to allow you to workout using your FTP (Power Zone workouts), so if that is something you are looking to do, Peloton does have that capability and function.
Happy to answer any questions directly as well!
posted by something_witty at 10:23 AM on April 23, 2020
When I first purchased it, I was nervous that it was going to be a regretted purchase, but seriously loving it, and am very grateful to be able to find an outlet to exercise during this time (the at-home HIIT classes werent cutting it for me).
I will say, in response to uberchet's post, that Peloton does have an FTP workout function. And a full suite of programming to allow you to workout using your FTP (Power Zone workouts), so if that is something you are looking to do, Peloton does have that capability and function.
Happy to answer any questions directly as well!
posted by something_witty at 10:23 AM on April 23, 2020
A few further comments:
Peloton does support FTP training, though ive only started exploring that option.
I have only just started getting into it but the social side of Peloton exists also - at first i couldnt figure out why i would want to add friends but soon i realized it stores everyones data from every ride so you can "race" against anyone you know (or your previous bests) on any ride. Both my wife and i have found competing with folks we know (or their times) to be quite motivating, although i havent taken the next step of adding randoms i see on rides who have similar stats to my own because that seems too weird . . . but im tempted.
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 10:25 AM on April 23, 2020
Peloton does support FTP training, though ive only started exploring that option.
I have only just started getting into it but the social side of Peloton exists also - at first i couldnt figure out why i would want to add friends but soon i realized it stores everyones data from every ride so you can "race" against anyone you know (or your previous bests) on any ride. Both my wife and i have found competing with folks we know (or their times) to be quite motivating, although i havent taken the next step of adding randoms i see on rides who have similar stats to my own because that seems too weird . . . but im tempted.
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 10:25 AM on April 23, 2020
I have a DIY Peloton setup with a cheap spin bike from Amazon and an iPad with the Peloton app. I use it pretty often, but I’m an outdoor runner at heart and keep my spinning relaxed for the most part so as not to interfere. But the bike was awesome at keeping my fitness up over the recent month when I had a running injury and couldn’t run.
I really wish I had a real Peloton though, especially for the classes that rely on Peloton-only metrics.
Note that the class experience changes a lot depending on the instructor. I basically only take classes from my one favorite instructor because she clearly states her cues and doesn’t want you to spend too much time out of the saddle.
posted by liet at 10:28 AM on April 23, 2020
I really wish I had a real Peloton though, especially for the classes that rely on Peloton-only metrics.
Note that the class experience changes a lot depending on the instructor. I basically only take classes from my one favorite instructor because she clearly states her cues and doesn’t want you to spend too much time out of the saddle.
posted by liet at 10:28 AM on April 23, 2020
Peloton does support FTP training, though ive only started exploring that option.Well, sorta. It doesn't have a true power meter; instead, as I understand it, it interpolates power based on cadence and resistance and other factors, which is pretty imprecise vs. what you'd get out of a Stages or Quarq or Pioneer or whatever.
Smart trainers -- most of them, at least, and definitely category-leading Wahoo units -- have an actual power meter. My numbers on the trainer align with my numbers riding outside, measured by the Quarq on my primary road bike.
posted by uberchet at 11:49 AM on April 23, 2020
Best answer: I have been taking spin classes on and off for almost 20 years, and I also have a road bike that is my main means of city commuting in reasonable seasons (I only bike when there's enough daylight for both commutes after a couple of accidents). I am a person who lives in a small city apartment and panic-bought a Peloton bike in early March, having never even thought of wanting one before the idea of lockdown occurred to me, and figuring that if I didn't like it I would return it.
I LOVE IT.
It is a vastly nicer spin bike than any I've ever used in a gym. There are a range of classes and instructors, and I like different aspects of most of the instructors - frankly, I like any of the Peloton instructors more than I've liked an in-person spin class instructor in about 5 years. The strength and stretching classes are also quite good. The social aspect is exactly the right amount of social for me: anonymous strangers cheering you on, nobody actually seeing you sweat and struggle or, god forbid, talking to you.
The bike footprint is 2 feet by 4 feet; the mat it sits on (if you get theirs) is 3 feet by 6 feet. It is incredibly quiet, and the only reason my partner or I is aware the other is doing a class is from the heavy breathing and/or cursing at the level of exertion involved. And having a convenient way to burn off the anxiety and stress of quarantine is fabulous.
The delivery service is amazing - the bike is fully assembled, and they have no-contact delivery down well (but tip them exorbitantly!!). I would never have gotten around to making my own indoor exercise bike system out of my road bike, and I am beyond thrilled that I made this impulse purchase.
posted by amelioration at 1:50 PM on April 23, 2020
I LOVE IT.
It is a vastly nicer spin bike than any I've ever used in a gym. There are a range of classes and instructors, and I like different aspects of most of the instructors - frankly, I like any of the Peloton instructors more than I've liked an in-person spin class instructor in about 5 years. The strength and stretching classes are also quite good. The social aspect is exactly the right amount of social for me: anonymous strangers cheering you on, nobody actually seeing you sweat and struggle or, god forbid, talking to you.
The bike footprint is 2 feet by 4 feet; the mat it sits on (if you get theirs) is 3 feet by 6 feet. It is incredibly quiet, and the only reason my partner or I is aware the other is doing a class is from the heavy breathing and/or cursing at the level of exertion involved. And having a convenient way to burn off the anxiety and stress of quarantine is fabulous.
The delivery service is amazing - the bike is fully assembled, and they have no-contact delivery down well (but tip them exorbitantly!!). I would never have gotten around to making my own indoor exercise bike system out of my road bike, and I am beyond thrilled that I made this impulse purchase.
posted by amelioration at 1:50 PM on April 23, 2020
because you like swimming, have you considered a rowing machine? They are long but behind-a-couch low, and the whole-body coordination exercise you get from them is spectacular. I’ve only ever used Concept IIs in gyms, but I see there are a lot of models now. Some fold up, and at least one has a video interface like a Peloton.
posted by clew at 2:14 PM on April 23, 2020
posted by clew at 2:14 PM on April 23, 2020
I bought a secondhand gym treadmill at the start when quarantine seemed likely. It sits in front of the TV and I watch Justified while I walk. It was about a tenth the price of a pelaton. You can get fold up treadmills or treadmills with desk attachments to make better use of the space, but it’s basically a giant footrest/catbed when someone is not on it. Treadmills go cheap secondhand.
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 5:13 PM on April 23, 2020
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 5:13 PM on April 23, 2020
I REALLY WANT a Peloton and have come close to buying a couple of times, but I am stopped by this: right now, and until further notice, they will deliver to your doorstep only and they will not send any technicians to your home for service appointments.
I mean, I get it ... I do. But this policy means I would be spending $2,500 on something very heavy that I'd have to somehow move *by myself* through several rooms of my house, and then if something goes wrong with it next week it's basically a $2,500 coat rack for the undefined foreseeable future.
For $500, sure I'll take that chance. For 5X that amount, it doesn't seem like a good deal.
Will definitely reconsider once they are willing to provide full service for their expensive luxury item.
posted by mccxxiii at 7:36 PM on April 23, 2020
I mean, I get it ... I do. But this policy means I would be spending $2,500 on something very heavy that I'd have to somehow move *by myself* through several rooms of my house, and then if something goes wrong with it next week it's basically a $2,500 coat rack for the undefined foreseeable future.
For $500, sure I'll take that chance. For 5X that amount, it doesn't seem like a good deal.
Will definitely reconsider once they are willing to provide full service for their expensive luxury item.
posted by mccxxiii at 7:36 PM on April 23, 2020
something very heavy that I'd have to somehow move *by myself*
We took delivery during NYC's lockdown, where our building would not have allowed them into our unit even if the company policy sanctioned it. It has two roller-blade type wheels on the front and weighs like 125 lbs? not easy to do but unless youre navigating stairs its very doable.
Our experience w taking delivery during the pandemic was that there were three folks in a van with a bunch of bikes, they basically hopped out, screwed in the plastic cup holders on and attached the monitor to the already pre-assembled bike, and handed us a box with the extras that came with our package, then we rolled it inside.
Ive read about folks online getting bearing replacement kits shipped to them with tutorial videos - its not something id look forward to doing but the alternative is just barely moving my body so its a risk we were willing to take.
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 7:09 AM on April 24, 2020
We took delivery during NYC's lockdown, where our building would not have allowed them into our unit even if the company policy sanctioned it. It has two roller-blade type wheels on the front and weighs like 125 lbs? not easy to do but unless youre navigating stairs its very doable.
Our experience w taking delivery during the pandemic was that there were three folks in a van with a bunch of bikes, they basically hopped out, screwed in the plastic cup holders on and attached the monitor to the already pre-assembled bike, and handed us a box with the extras that came with our package, then we rolled it inside.
Ive read about folks online getting bearing replacement kits shipped to them with tutorial videos - its not something id look forward to doing but the alternative is just barely moving my body so its a risk we were willing to take.
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 7:09 AM on April 24, 2020
Response by poster: Thank you to everyone who provided answers and advice. I have marked several comments as best answer, but it’s really hard to pick them. The information about other options was really helpful, as were the comments from Peloton owners and links to articles.
After reading the responses and following the links, I decided that getting a Peloton was the best option for me under the current circumstances. I’m looking forward to using it once it arrives.
posted by sueinnyc at 6:17 PM on May 20, 2020
After reading the responses and following the links, I decided that getting a Peloton was the best option for me under the current circumstances. I’m looking forward to using it once it arrives.
posted by sueinnyc at 6:17 PM on May 20, 2020
This thread is closed to new comments.
I tried out the app with my trainer for a few weeks before buying the bike as having the metrics on the screen is really useful.
As for the bike itself, it's really quiet and easy to ride. There's a variety of instructors, so you have to try a few to find one with a personality that fits. I've also found some of the online groups to be motivating. For instance, there's a PowerZone training group that has 6 or 8 week challenges with training plans.
Also, you have access to other content through the app so there's additional variety that way as well.
posted by statsgirl at 6:22 AM on April 23, 2020