Peloton Bike+ vs ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 – 2024

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Last Updated: January 3, 2023

Are you in the market for an exercise bike, but need some help finding the right one? In this review of the Peloton Bike+ and the ProForm Pro 22 bike we’ll outline the frame design, functionality, and programming associated with each bike to help you choose the perfect one for you! There are literally hundreds of exercise bikes on the market, and it can be hard to know which has the right combination of features for your needs. The Peloton Bike+ and the Studio Bike Pro 22 are similar in many ways and both made our list of best exercise bikes. Both include a 22” touchscreen, and they both have a stable frame, comfortable seat and monthly subscription with cycling programs and classes. But they also have a few distinct differences, so let’s take a closer look!

The Peloton Bike + (left) next to the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 (right)

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In-Depth Comparison: Peloton Bike+ vs ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22

Frame Design

The Peloton Bike+ weighs 140lbs and supports 297lbs of rider capacity

• Welded, powder-coated steel frame. Neodymium rare-earth magnet system with dynamic resistance control.
• Belt Drive: Poly V power transmission belt drive
• 6 Adjustable levelers: (3 on the front, 3 on the rear)
• 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

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The ProForm Pro 22 weighs 144lbs and supports 250lbs of rider capacity.

• Upright frame with high-quality solid steel construction
• Two Adjustable leveling feet
• Front-mounted transport wheels
• Footprint: 22” W x 57” D x 54” H
• Bike weight: 144lbs
• Rider size: Not specified
• User capacity: 250lbs

Large Riders: while the Pro 22 is a great bike, it may have a few limitations for larger riders. The handlebars do not raise very high, so larger riders may have to lean down if the seat is raised higher than the handlebars will go. Also, the Peloton Bike+ will support up to 297lbs (lets just say 300lb) while the Pro 22 maxes out at a 250lb weight limit. Both bikes feel sturdy and for riders under 6 feet tall, either will work fine. Taller riders may want to assess whether the Pro 22 provides sufficient room for leg span/handlebar height.

ProForm vs Peloton Bike Pedals

The Peloton Bike + pedals are Delta Look cleats that allow riders to clip in while the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 features caged pedals.

The Peloton bike uses Delta LOOK cleats. There is no flat side for an athletic shoe.

• Advantages of Delta LOOK cleats

  • 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.
• Disadvantages of Delta LOOK cleats
  • Every rider needs their own pair of shoes. You cannot “share” unless you are the same size. Regular athletic shoes will not work on the pedals.
  • Cycling shoes are expensive. Shoes and cleats are sold separately and typically run from about $50 – $100 for both cleats and shoes. Peloton includes one pair of shoes in their basic package and two pair in the family package. Shoes are about $125 a pair from Peloton.
  • Most “spin shoes” used on bikes at your local gym feature SPD cleats which are different from the Delta LOOK cleats. This means riders who already have a pair of spin shoes will most likely need a new pair — or at least new cleats.

The ProForm Pro 22 has flat pedals with a strap.

• Advantages of a flat pedal:

  • A flat pedal with a strap holds your foot in securely. It is not as secure as being clipped in, but it does allow you to pull up at the top of your pedal stroke for more muscle engagement.
  • Flat pedals with an adjustable toe cage will work with any athletic shoe. So all riders can use the bike without needing a specific pair of cycling shoes.
  • This reduces the overall cost of using the bike since you don’t have to spend an extra $100 on a pair of shoes for each rider.
• Disadvantages of a flat pedal:
  • The only real disadvantage is you can’t clip in. Clipping in is more secure, and reduces the chance of your foot slipping off the pedal and striking your shin.

Handlebar Comparison

The handlebars on the Peloton Bike + and ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 both offer a few different hand placement options while riding and look quite similar

Peloton Bike+ Multiposition handlebars

• Handlebars adjust up and down
• Handlebars provide enough head space
• Handlebars are multi-grip
• Handlebars do not get in the way of the screen (the original Peloton Bike handlebars block the screen, so it can’t swivel side to side. The new Bike+ screen can rotate 180 degrees and is not blocked by the handlebars).

The ProForm Pro 22 Multiposition Handlebars

• Handlebars adjust up and down (although not as high as we’d like)
• Handlebars provide enough head space (if you are under 6 feet tall)
• Handlebars are multi-grip
• Handlebars do not get in the way of the screen.

Bike Adjustments

The Peloton Bike+ has 3 adjustment points:

• Seat up/down
• Seat forward/aft
• Handlebars up/down
• Recommended size range: 4’11” to 6’6”
• You cannot move the handlebars forward and aft on the Peloton because the screen is attached at the end of the handlebars.

The ProForm Pro 22 has 3 adjustment points:

• Seat up/down
• Seat forward/aft
• Handlebars up/down
• The seat raises plenty high, but the handlebar height is limited.

Peloton vs ProForm Bike Screen Comparison

Both bikes feature high quality touchscreens to display immersive workout content

The Peloton has a gorgeous 24” touchscreen

Advantages of a touchscreen:

• Touchscreens are typically larger than tablet screens. The Peloton touchscreen is 22” which is roughly double the size of a comparable tablet. Screen size does help the rider feel more engaged and a part of the workout program.
• Touchscreens are easy to use and reduce buttons/clutter in the cockpit.
• Touchscreens are intuitive and easy to use. Just press the program/filter/option you want and the program will load.
• Touchscreens display app content that can be updated regularly via your internet connection. If the company adds, changes or updates programs, it automatically shows up on your touchscreen.

Disadvantages of a touchscreen:

• Touchscreen technology can become dated. As more programs and apps are streamed on TV services such as Apple TV (which now hosts Peloton), users may find that in a few years the touchscreen on their bike is outdated or no longer necessary.
• If it is damaged, repair and/or replacement can be a hassle. Peloton only offers a 1 year warranty on their screen, which isn’t very long considering the price of the bike.
• Touchscreens can have fingerprints. This isn’t usually much of an issue, but we do notice fingerprints on our touchscreen equipped bikes and treadmills.

The ProForm Pro 22 also has a crisp 22” touchscreen

Flywheel

Both flywheels are weighted heavily to provide a smooth ride

The Peloton bike has a 30lb weighted flywheel

Flywheels make the bike go round… and round. If the flywheel isn’t heavy enough, the motion will be jerky and often heavy on the backend. The Peloton bike has a 30lb weighted flywheel which is smooth and comparable with other bikes in this price range.

The ProForm Pro 22 has a 32lb inertia-enhanced flywheel

The ProForm flywheel is comparable to the Peloton Bike+. Both feel smooth and fluid during riding. You can stand up out of the saddle and still have a consistent pedal motion that supports your weight and maintains a consistent spin while you ride.

Magnetic Resistance

Peloton Bike+: 100 levels of Magnetic Resistance
Both bikes use magnetic resistance. While the levels are not exactly the same on the two bikes, there isn’t one calibration that seems better than the other. The Peloton offers 100 levels of resistance which makes it easy to understand roughly where you are at at any given time. I also love the fact that the Peloton Bike+ has a resistance knob. Cadence, resistance and other ride metrics are displayed on the touchscreen.

Max resistance: Extremely heavy
Stronger riders will have plenty of resistance on the Peloton Bike+. The top levels of resistance are extremely challenging. Even powerful riders should find themselves sufficiently challenged on the Bike+.

ProForm Pro 22: 24 levels of resistance
It is also quiet and can be ridden at any time of day or night. There is not a resistance knob, so all resistance adjustments must be made in the touchscreen settings. Cadence, distance, speed and other metrics are displayed on the screen.

Max Resistance: Moderately Challenging
The maximum resistance on the Pro 22 is not quite as challenging as on the Bike+. However, most riders will find there is sufficient resistance with enough range in between the levels. Stronger riders may find the maximum resistance to be insufficiently challenging.

Peloton Digital Subscription

The Peloton subscription is one of the most popular fitness apps on the market. Other companies have copied the app and/or designed bikes that will function like the Peloton. ProForm offers a few apps, but none of these are as extensive or popular as the Peloton app. ProForm even markets their bike as one that will sync with the Peloton app so you can use it on the Pro 22 bike.

The Peloton App includes the following:

• Live Classes
• Access via Apple TV
• Interactive connection between instructor and riders (in live classes)
• Interactive connection between riders all over the country (in all classes)
• Social community of devoted enthusiasts
• Leaderboard in all classes (live and prerecorded)
• Online presence on other platforms, such as Reddit, Facebook, Instagram, etc.
• Well-designed class rides with current music
• Well-design app layout is intuitive and easy to navigate
• Classes for both on and off the bike (cycling, strength training, bootcamp, etc)
• Outdoor scenic routes (no trainer or class)
• Manual ride metrics

ProForm Subscription: iFit

iFit is included free for the first 30 days with up to five profiles. iFit has an impressive database of classes and content that is constantly updated. You have access to Live Classes, Recorded Classes, Outdoor routes (trails, gravel, road), and Off Bike classes such as strength training, yoga, and stretching. You can even access TED talks and other Meditative classes. iFit provides enough options to keep you engaged and will help users gain and maintain whole-body fitness. It is not just a cycling app. If you have other ProForm or Nordictrack equipment (such as a rower, treadmill or elliptical), you only need one subscription for all your machines. We are impressed with iFit’s constantly expanding library of content and classes. Some of the best features include:

• Live & On-Demand Classes
• Indoor classes led by professional trainers
• Automated controls adjust resistance in iFit programs
• Outdoor Routes all over the world
• Cycling & Strength Combo Classes
• Strength Training & Yoga classes
• Leaderboard
• Bluetooth for wireless headphones
• Varied classes with adjustable volume for both trainer and music

Affordability

When it comes to affordability, the ProForm Pro 22 offers significantly more bang for your buck. You get a well-built bike with smooth, magnetic resistance, a heavier flywheel, and pedals that will work with any type of athletic shoes. While the Peloton is an excellent bike and the touchscreen draws you into the program, it’s hard to recommend spending double if not triple the money for such a similar experience. ProForm has done an excellent job of building a quality alternative at a very reasonable price point.

Peloton bike with essentials package (includes shoes): $2404
Peloton app for bike per month: $40
Total cost first month: $2444

ProForm Pro 22 bike $1199
iFit app for the bike per month (first month free): $39
Total cost first month: $1199

Frame: 5 Years
Screen: 1 Year
Components: 1 Year
Labor: 1 Year

Frame: 10 years
Parts: 2 years
Labor: 1 year

You get roughly double the warranty on the ProForm bike as on the Peloton bike. Of particular concern is Peloton’s limited 1-year warranty on the touchscreen. We’d like to see more reassurance here of screen quality and durability as reflected by a longer warranty.

Final Comparison: Peloton Bike+ and ProForm Pro 22

How they Compare

• 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 use Weights
• Neither one has a fan

How they Differ

• The ProForm Pro 22 is substantially cheaper
• The Peloton app has limited functionality when used on a tablet
• The Peloton touchscreen is slightly larger (by about 1 inch)
• The Pro 22 handlebars do not raise as high as the Peloton bars
• Peloton is expensive and aimed at affluent working professionals
• ProForm is marketed to value-conscious users looking for good home fitness equipment

What we recommend for different riders

We recommend Peloton to riders who:

• Want to be a part of the Peloton community
• Don’t want to “settle” for a copy-cat product
• Are willing to buy different sized cycling shoes and cleats for each rider
• Have the budget to pay for Peloton equipment/subscription

We recommend ProForm Pro 22 to riders who:

• Want a good bike for a good price
• Want similar functionality as in Peloton, but are fine with another brand
• Want to use regular athletic shoes while riding
• Looking for value over brand name