Indoor exercise bikes aren't new. They're just surging in popularity at the moment -- partly because they're smarter and internet-connected now, and because of viral ads plastered all over Instagram from companies such as Peloton.
Peloton's own bike is one of the more well-known smart exercise bikes available, but it has some shortcomings. For starters, it's super expensive. The bike's handlebar also only moves up and down, not fore and aft, which means you can't adjust it to your liking. It also has a fixed screen that can't be used to surf the web, watch YouTube videos, or connect to apps.
Many people want a smart exercise bike to help them sweat it out in the morning before work, and while they may love the idea of Peloton, it's hard to stomach that hefty up-front cost, the price of the monthly subscription service, and the other limitations we described. Luckily, there are cheaper bikes available, and they're just as effective as the Peloton.
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Peloton, whichrecently went public, is the maker of a$2,250 indoor bikewith a large screen attached to the front, providing access to a $40-per-month subscription service with thousands of live and on-demand cycling classes. By the end of fiscal 2019, Peloton said it sold over half-a-million connected fitness products -- and it has just as many subscribers.
We have to mention that social media has been roasting this luxury fitness brand recently -- largely due toits ad that hit YouTubeone week before Thanksgiving. It features a woman who was gifted a Peloton bike by her husband. She spends a year riding the bike and recording her workouts. And, in the end, we learn she made a video diary as a gift for her husband.
Many say there's a sexist tone to the whole commercial, but also, the wife in the ad is already physically fit when she gets the bike. Both appear to be affluent, too. The high-end stationary bike in the corner of their million-dollar house just reeks of privilege. And the video diary is seen as a way for the husband to ensure his wife doesn't get fat. Of course, that's just how critics see it.
So, let's discuss thePeloton Digital app. If you want to try Peloton's virtual classes, but with your own traditional indoor exercise bike, then just use Peloton's mobile app. It costs $20 a month, comes with a 14-day trial, and can be used with any indoor exercise bike. It offers both live and on-demand classes, though it lacks the leaderboard and on-screen stats like cadence, resistance, output, and other metrics calculated by the Peloton bike itself.
Let's also not forget YouTube, which is home to countlesscycling videos. The point is, you don't need Peloton's fancy bike and 22-inch screen to burn calories. With any indoor exercise bike and a mobile device, you can get a similar experience and save yourself thousands. Here are a few of the best-rated bikes we could find:
To get the full Peloton indoor cycling experience, but again without breaking the bank, you might want to consider investing in some exercise accessories that come with the Peloton bike. For instance, you should get a bike mat, such as this one fromSuperMats. You can also pick up a media device holder (if your bike doesn't have one) like thisexpanding tablet mount. You might want to also consider a cadence sensor -- we recommendWahoo's-- and perhaps a pair ofdedicated cycling shoes.
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