*TreadmillReviewGuru helps consumers find the best home fitness products. When you buy a product we recommend, we may earn a commission.
Last Updated: May 1, 2023
Peloton is arguably the leader in the home-based exercise bike industry. Not too recently, indoor cycling was a lonely gig adored only by enthusiasts who loved to ride at home, alone – in the dark. These days, everyone who’s anyone (from Hugh Jackman to Goldie Hawn to President Biden) have a Peloton Bike and nickname on the Leaderboard. With the addition of the new Bike+, Peloton has again upped their game with enhanced features and an updated frame. Pelton has reduced the price of both the Peloton Bike+ and the Peloton Bike to make them slightly more affordable. so let’s take a look at both bikes to determine what you get on each one — and if the new Bike+ is worth the extra investment. You can also take a look at how the Peloton bikes compare to other bikes we rank on our list of best exercise bikes.
The original Peloton Bike (left) compared against the new Peloton Bike+
Our Peloton Bike vs Peloton Bike+ Video Comparison
Peloton Bikes Frame Design Comparison
To be honest, they feel very similar. The Original Bike is solid and always has been. The frame is stable, doesn’t shake, can handle up to 300lbs (297lb to be exact), and supports riders from 4’11” to 6’5”. The new Bike+ does the same. You get the same frame, weight capacity and size parameters. The new Bike+ is a few inches taller thanks to the larger touchscreen, and measures an inch narrower but otherwise the frame updates are mostly cosmetic. If you are looking for a stable, solid ride, you’ll find it on either Peloton bike.
Peloton Bike+ Frame
- Welded, powder-coated steel frame. Neodymium rare-earth magnet system with dynamic resistance control.
- Belt Drive: Poly V power transmission belt drive
- Bike weight: 140lb (125lb frame, 15lb console)
- Footprint: 59” L x 22” W x 59” H
- Rider Size: 4’11” to 6’5” tall
- Max Weight: 297lb user weight
Peloton Bike+ Updates:
The luminous, smoky drivetrain shield, water bottle holders and weight holders are more chic than the ones on the Original Bike. While they are roughly the same quality, the new Bike+ looks a bit more classy with the cosmetic updates. An embossed rather than printed logo on the downtube also improves the aesthetic of the new Bike+.
Original Peloton Bike Frame
- Welded, powder-coated steel frame. Neodymium rare-earth magnet system with dynamic resistance control.
- Belt Drive: Poly V power transmission belt drive
- Bike weight: 135lb (125lb frame, 15lb console)
- Footprint: 59” L x 23” W x 53” H
- Rider Size: 4’11” to 6’5” tall
- Max Weight: 297lb user weight
Peloton Bike Pedals
The pedals on the original Peloton Bike and the Peloton Bike+ are both Delta LOOK cleats. We opted to add toes cages on the Bike+
Delta LOOK clips only on Original Bike. New Bike+ has an option for a clip-on pedal with cages.
- There are several advantages to using clipped pedals. They keep your feet firmly planted in the pedal which reduces the chances of pedal strikes (when your foot accidentally slips out of the pedal, which then spins around and whacks you in the shin).
- Cycling shoes allow the rider to pull up at the top of the pedal rotation which engages glutes and hamstrings for more balance musculature
- Delta LOOK cleats are wide and allow for more “float” in your ankle and knee joints which reduces strain on the joints for a natural feeling pedal stroke.
We love the updated option of hybrid pedal clip-ons. A few observations:
- This makes it so anyone can ride the bike with any athletic shoe
- While it is a nice feature, be aware, this pedal does not hold your foot as securely as when you are clipped in.
- Even with the strap, you can’t “pull” up on the backside of the stroke like you can when you’re clipped in
- This type of pedal opens up the riding experience to other family members, friends, guests, etc.
- The pedal adapter was rather difficult to lock in the first time; it may get loose with repeated use. We don’t have data on durability, longevity, etc.
Handlebars On The Peloton Bikes
The handlebars on the Peloton Bike+ were updated to include a flat bar at the top of the handlebars instead of an arrow bar as you see on the original bike
The original Bike has slightly more of an arc in the center. The new Bike+ has the same general feel, with a more elongated horizontal bar.
- This allows riders to lean forward and rest your arms on the vertical grips along the sides.
- Slight modification from the Original Bike bars. Less curvature in the middle. Slightly wider span. Allow for the screen to rotate side to side. Otherwise the same.
Bike Adjustments
Both bikes feature 3 adjustment points
- Seat moves up/down and forward/back
- Handlebars move up/down
- The bikes have roughly the same frame, same weight and height capacity
Updated knobs
- Peloton Bike+ has upgraded knobs and a nice flat clip on the seat carriage
- While this change doesn’t affect the overall adjustability, the original knobs were rather unsightly and protruded a bit. The updated knobs are not only easier to use, they look substantially better as well.
Screen Comparison
The new Bike+ has a larger, 24” touchscreen
The original Bike screen is 21.8” and has excellent resolution. However, the rear-facing speakers were always an irritant because the volume projects away from the rider. The new Bike+ has a front-facing sound bar along the top that provides high-quality sound directed right at the rider. While most people may use wireless headphones, not everyone does, especially when riding at home. You may need to hear ambient noise like a phone, doorbell or children. Having a speaker bar at the top of the screen is an excellent update.
The new Bike+ screen also rotates 180 degrees to either side so you can view programs off the bike as well. This is handy when doing a yoga, bootcamp, or strength-based workout.
Magnetic Resistance with Auto-Follow
Original Peloton Bike Fly Wheels Comparison” width=”1620″ height=”540″ /> The flywheels on the original Peloton Bike (left) and the new Peloton Bike+ (right)
Both the Original bike and the Bike+ have 100 magnetic resistance levels. I love the use of 100 levels. This many options makes it so you can really find the perfect resistance on either bike. When cueing a class, the instructors will usually provide a range of 10 or 20 levels, so riders can find the right spot somewhere in the middle. This range is more helpful than a preset level that may be slightly too easy or too challenging for different riders. Additionally, the magnetic resistance is virtually silent, so regardless of which level you’re on, it doesn’t generate any noise. Magnetic polarity generates resistance against the motion of the flywheel, so there’s no friction between the magnets and the flywheel.
Peloton Bike+ and Auto-Follow
One of the most significant upgrades on the Bike+ is the addition of Auto-Follow. This feature allows the rider to “lock” the resistance within the recommended range so you don’t have to manually adjust the resistance with each change. Once you “lock” in the Auto-Follow feature, it will hold you within that range. If you prefer the top of the range (let’s say level 33 out of a range of 20-35), then when the instructor cues a higher range, it will automatically move you to the higher end of that range as well. You can adjust your resistance within the range, but as long as Auto-Follow is on, you’ll be able to ride hands free and the bike will adjust throughout the class. This makes riding feel more natural and you don’t have to worry about missing a cue or direction about the recommended resistance. Most of the other upgrades on the bike are primarily cosmetic, but this one really changes how the bike feels and operates during each class.
- Max resistance: Extremely heavy
Stronger riders will have plenty of resistance on both the Original bike and the Peloton Bike+. The top levels of resistance are extremely challenging. Even powerful riders should find themselves sufficiently challenged on either bike.
Peloton Digital Subscription
The Peloton subscription is exactly the same for both bikes. The metric bar is slightly different because the new Bike+ has the Auto-Follow feature, but functionality within the app is identical. All the same classes and content are available on either bike.
Affordability & Price
Being affordable hasn’t typically been Peloton’s emphasis; however, the Original Bike was recently reduced in price to just $1495. The updated Bike+ is currently $2495. The Peloton app costs $40/month. While it’s cheaper in the long run than a gym membership, Peloton has always been on the higher-end of indoor exercise bikes. The recent price drop on the Original Bike makes it a great deal. You get all the Peloton features and content for the same or even less than you’ll spend on a comparable bike. You do miss the Auto-Follow feature on the Original Bike and some of the upgrades on the new Bike+ are certainly nice, but when considering the $1000 difference, we think the Original Bike is a steal. It’s nice to have the option of one or the other so buyers have a choice. Both bikes offer great content.
Final Comparison: Peloton Original Bike vs Bike+
- Both Bikes feature Magnetic Resistance
- Both are Quiet in use
- Both are Bluetooth enabled
- Both have a Weighted Flywheel
- Both offer Multiple Points of Adjustment
- Both offer the same Peloton content at the same price
- Neither one has a fan
How they Differ
- The Original Bike is substantially cheaper
- The Peloton Bike+ screen has higher resolution and better graphics. It is also 2” larger.
- The Peloton Bike+ has integrated wiring, enhanced aesthetic features, and better adjustment knobs
- The Peloton Bike+ has Auto-Follow which will hold the resistance within a desired range
- Slight update to the Bike+ handlebars makes them more comfortable
Final Summary:
Both the Original Peloton bike and the Bike+ are quality indoor cycles that will provide a comfortable and engaging experience. App content is the same. The Bike+ has some impressive upgrades, but each buyer will have to decide if these changes are worth an extra $1000. Our opinion is, if you can afford it, get the Bike+. The updated features definitely enhance your experience. However, if you are on a budget, the Original Bike is a great option at a lower price that provides a nearly identical riding experience.
POST REPLY