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Original poster

Peloton - worth it?

132 replies

Littlepigsmig · 27/06/2020 12:49

I'm contemplating getting a Peloton bike. Are they worth it?
Would I be better off spending that money on a turbo trainer and bike as then I'd have a bike I could use outside as well as in.
It's is quite an expensive purchase so was hoping to hear from those that have one before I make up my mind.

OP posts:
RNBrie · 27/06/2020 14:17

I don't have a proper bike so the turbo set up wouldn't have worked for me. I absolutely love my peloton, I bought mine after struggling with arthritis in my hip and my consultant recommending using an exercise bike. My hip is more or less pain free now.

There was an interesting article about how clever the peloton is because they've used gamification to make it addictive. You're much more likely to keep using a peloton than another form of indoor cycling. The down side of that is the weird cult thing but that is easily avoided if you don't engage!!

Original poster
Littlepigsmig · 27/06/2020 14:13

Thank you, will take a look. Not that quiet around me so whilst I can cycle out on the roads it can be a risky business!!

OP posts:
TheHighestSardine · 27/06/2020 14:07

Just checked with donor friend, he's currently using an older model of this (pre-electronics, so it was about £200) and loves it:
www.wiggle.co.uk/kinetic-rock-and-roll-smart-2-t-2810

It's got a rubbery bit so you get a decent amount of sideways travel, you're not clamped into vertical.

TheHighestSardine · 27/06/2020 14:04

Mine's an ancient castoff Tacx from a friend - dead easy to use, not that I do very much since moving to a location where I blissfully have both quiet hill roads and river/canal paths I can go around. It's a pure mechanical resistance and you just drop the back wheel on and let the axle grabs grab, takes ten seconds.

If I was buying today I'd be looking at this sort of fancy shit:
www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/best-smart-trainer/

And then probably getting a pure mechanical £200 one instead :D

Original poster
Littlepigsmig · 27/06/2020 13:33

Yes, I know what you mean about the 'cult'

I've never owned a turbo before, are they easy to set up? I know they're like hens teeth at the mo, but I'm happy to wait. I think I'm cautious as I know nothing about them and don't want to be sold a dud.

OP posts:
TheHighestSardine · 27/06/2020 13:21

I don't have one - but people who do seem very cult-like about it and I'd avoid them like the plague for that alone.

They're also hideously expensive - you can get a really good bike and turbo trainer for the up front cost, let alone the monthly fee.

You can basically do the same with any bike+trainer and an iPad mount - there are various apps which do the same thing, or Youtube spinning classes etc for free.