Is the Peloton Worth It? A Spin Enthusiast’s Dilemma
I’ve always been a big spin or cycling enthusiast. SoulCycle is like therapy to me. The lights, the beats, the motivational instructors- as cheesy as it is, I love all of it. I love spin so much that my senior year of college I decided that I needed to work at a cycling studio. Twenty hours a week, I greeted fellow spin-lovers, cleaned bikes, adjusted pedals, and rocked out to the instructor-curated playlists. My studio even let me ride on shift, so not only was I getting paid to work, I was also getting paid to work out. It was the best job I’ve ever had.
Then COVID hit, the cycling studio I worked at closed down, and I was left without the weekly beats, jams, and sweat that it had once provided. Not knowing how long I would have to stay out of the studio, I naturally started investigating the Peloton. To all my fellow cyclers out there, here are the Pros and Cons of purchasing the Peloton.
CON: Peloton Lacks Beats
One of my favorite parts of cycling classes similar to the ones at Soul Cycle, is the fact that all the moves are rhythm-based. When I lifted weights to the beat, I felt like I was raising the roof. When I pedaled faster after the bass dropped, I felt like a badass. The choreography of the classes kept me from being bored and also made me smile. Every class felt like a dance party, and I always left feeling stronger, sweatier, and happier.
Unfortunately, the Peloton is not rhythm-based. Yes, Peloton classes have really good playlists, and you can filter your class by what kind of music you like. However, besides increasing the cadence of your pedaling, the class is not focused on staying on beat. The lack of choreography makes Peloton feel more like a workout and less like a party. If you want to jam and ride don’t purchase a Peloton. If you want to ride, then go for it.
PRO: Peloton Is Where You Need It
While not all cycling studios are located downtown, many of them are. Even if they are not, making a 5:45 PM class anywhere is difficult when your city is congested with traffic. There is quite simply nothing worse barely making your class and being the last person to hop on your bike.
With the Peloton however, you are guaranteed to make it to class because your bike is right in your living room. Peloton takes away the headache of commuting to class and any possible excuse. You can’t miss a ride when your bike is just a room away.
CON/PRO: Peloton Provides Community
Even though your Peloton is in your personal space, you will be surrounded by a (virtual) community. Peloton boasts seven different ways to connect with fellow members during classes. From live classes, where you might get a shout-out from an instructor, to the high-fives feature where you can encourage a friend, there are multiple ways to feel like you are not alone in your workout.
Despite these features, a real-life cycling community can not be beat. Some of my favorite moments at my cycling studio were after classes when instructors and clients would chat after class. This time gave people moments to talk about different topics in an organic manner and even plan a post-ride drink. The relationships formed in these moments was evident in how many regulars showed up to the same instructor’s class, claiming “They are truly my favorite human.” Yes, Peloton gives you a way to connect, but it is so much easier to do that when you can make eye contact, share a life, and share a real high-five at the studio.
CON/PRO: Pricing Breakdown
To be honest, cycling classes are going to break the bank a little bit no matter if you choose the Peloton or not. However, to make the most informed decision, go ahead and look at the pricing break down.
- Peloton Bike Essentials: includes bike, shoes, weights, headphones, delivery and set-up, and a 12-month warranty = $1,645 (normally $2,045)
- Monthly subscription needed to access classes : $39/month — $468 a year
Cycling Studio Pricing Breakdown (based on Soul Cycle):
- Bike: Free
- Shoes: $3/class
- 30 classes that expire in 12 months: $900
Breakdown After Paying Off Your Peloton:
Peloton: $39/month x 12 months = $468 per year / 365 = $1.28 per class
Soul Cycle: 365 days a year/30 classes = 12 packages need x $900 per package = $10,800/365 = $29.59 per class
Final Thoughts
Besides pricing, I think that choosing between the Peloton and regular cycling classes depends on what you like. Do you like rhythm-based classes or do you like the convenience of pedaling from your own home?
However, when it comes to pricing in the long-term, Peloton might be a better choice. Yes, you have to spend way more up front. However, after paying off your bike you are basically paying for a month of classes what you would spend on one class at Soul Cycle. If you spin everyday, save yourself $10,332 a year and buy the Peloton.
P.S. Want a more details about the Peloton? Check out John Abella’s awesome article!
