Used stationary exercise bikes - your experiences

May 15, 2023 7:32 AM

I'm thinking about buying a used stationary bike for basic conditioning to supplement my concept 2 rowing machine I use each morning. I'm looking at used Pelotons on Craigslist that vary from $500 - $1800 but don't know much about them. Multiple sellers getting rid of theirs that they bought during COVID, so it might be a good time to buy.

Background/Needs:
* use in my home office, periodically throughout the day to wake me up and get the blood flowing
* would like something of good quality that's fun to use
* ability to program rides to have it vary the intensity and durations would be cool

I don't think I'd subscribe to a monthly thing for coaching unless there was a compelling reason to do so.

Is Peloton a good choice or are there better options I should be considering? Where can I find more information about stationary bikes and options?

Thanks!

posted by GernBlandston to Health & Fitness (11 answers total)

FYI if you go the Peloton route: there's been a recall of certain models.
posted by cooker girl at 7:35 AM on May 15, 2023 [4 favorites]

I’ve been riding my Peloton for more than two years and find the monthly subscription to be totally worth it for what I get. Do check the particular bike against the recall, but it’s not an emergency recall like the one with the treadmill- just needs a free seat replacement
posted by BuddhaInABucket at 8:00 AM on May 15, 2023

I have the concept2 bike (as well as the rower) - I really like that it uses the same software and computer, thus keeping my logbook all in one place. You can also easily program the concept2 workout of the day to keep things interesting.
posted by brand-gnu at 8:45 AM on May 15, 2023 [3 favorites]

Best answer: In early 2022, after reading the Wirecutter recommendations, I bought a Schwinn Fitness IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike for $599 (with a coupon through Amazon), when Pelotons were closer to $2000 or so new. I've hardly used it, though that's no fault of the bike (the weather warmed and I got on my outdoor bike, etc). But, one advantage: you can use the Peloton app for cheaper if you aren't using a Peloton bike, but there are also app components that don't work--you don't show up on the leaderboards, I think--if you're on a non-Peloton bike. Folks who use the app seem to really love it (and it seems to be about classes more than coaching).

A friend of mine who is a regular, avid outdoor road cyclist broke his wrist and couldn't ride his outdoor bike for a long while recently, and he bought a much cheaper exercise bike through Amazon. I think he spent around $300. He said his bike was just fine.

That Schwinn is now priced at $999 new, but you might look on your local Craigslist and see if you can find them new, since they are so much cheaper to start with. I got the impression from the Wirecutter review that they're the off-brand Peloton. But it sounds like a cheapie might work just fine too (based on my friend's experience). All of this is to say: sure, get a used Peloton if you want, but you don't necessarily need to go with the name brand to get a quality indoor exercise bike. And check Wirecutter for a great round-up of the options.
posted by bluedaisy at 10:28 AM on May 15, 2023

I bought a used Peloton a few years ago, still runs perfectly, was easy to transport, set up my own account on it, no complaints. I will admit that I don't use it often enough but I've had absolutely no performance issues and it works smoothly and without issue.

It is subject to the seat post recall but, to their credit, they were proactive about sending me notifications about that on my bike and by email (I haven't actually called to get the seat post replacement yet, but I'm happy to report back about whether I run into any issues with that as the non-original owner - I don't expect it will be an issue).

I actually have a model that's old enough to have the old, out-of-support touchscreen/computer. I thought I'd upgrade it eventually but it actually hasn't been an issue for me - it gets a little slow and stutter-y if I try to do a live class but I prefer the prerecorded classes anyways. All the pandemic-era purchases would be totally unaffected by that, though - that's only the pre-2016 models.
posted by mosst at 11:30 AM on May 15, 2023

I will also say that the peloton is very much built around using the classes and monthly subscription - while there is a "just ride" mode that you can use without a subscription that lets you ride and track metrics, I don't think you can do things like program a ride ahead of time. I probably wouldn't go the Peloton route if you know you're not going to be interested in the Peloton content.
posted by mosst at 11:34 AM on May 15, 2023 [2 favorites]

If you don't want to subscribe, and don't want to follow classes, I don't see the advantage of getting a Peloton over any other cheaper spin bike.
posted by advicepig at 11:35 AM on May 15, 2023 [3 favorites]

I bought a used peloton.

What I have learned is that most people use them heavily for a period of time....and then just stop using it no matter how much they enjoyed the product.

For me it helps a whole lot that I bought mine at a 60% discount. It works great. It was barely used and I enjoy it a lot....whenever I get to use it.

But guess what? Since, I barely use it myself I want to sell it but my wife who only uses it 2x a month will not let go it.

In short, if you think you can put in the time go for it it is likely to be in good condition.
posted by The1andonly at 3:19 PM on May 15, 2023

I did exactly the same thing as bluedaisy and love it. I still do a Peleton class on phone app at least once a week. With the model of Schwinn I got, I don't have resistance numbers, so I simply adjust the resistance so that whatever pace the instructor is cueing is hard but to impossible. After awhile I made a bit of a mental map of what dial position relates the "resistance of 40" on this system.
posted by Kurichina at 8:48 AM on May 16, 2023

You can buy a Schwinn IC4 to Peloton resistance conversion plate to put on your bike!
posted by bluedaisy at 11:08 AM on May 16, 2023

Concept 2 bikes are sturdy as hell, last forever, keep their resale value (which you might feel works against you). And if you're not into the Peloton class thing you can still do cool networked/social stuff by connecting your computer to your bike via Bluetooth and riding with Zwift. I have one and love it.
posted by Sublimity at 3:55 PM on May 18, 2023