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Exercise

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Original poster

Peleton/Echelon/Apex/Something else

18 replies

jaffacakes16 · 30/04/2022 12:51

I really want a spin setup at home but not sure what to go for. Does anyone have experience good/bad they’d like to share.

I’m wary of the inbuilt screen ones as it feels like there’s more to go wrong and then you’re over a barrel re membership prices but maybe the interaction would make it more fun…I just can’t decide!

OP posts:

nbee84 · 30/04/2022 14:58

I have a good quality spin bike that I bought 2nd hand on ebay (technogym) I use the Peloton app (£12.99pm) and the Les Mills app (£7.99pm - got it on a deal in lockdown) I play the apps through an ipad that I have attached to the bike. You can also play them through your phone or a smart tv. I love the spin classes on both and also use both for strength, combat, stretching and more. Peloton is far superior for spin classes - much more variety, different class lengths and better music. If you have a Peloton bike you get metrics (cadence, resistance, output) leaderboards, scenic rides and their new lanebreak game. However, the monthly subscription jumps up to £39pm which you are pretty much tied in to as the screen is only of any use with it, you can't use it with the cheaper app or gor any other content.
For me, it's not worth the extra cost. I get a good workout on my bike - I use a heart rate monitor so can see I'm working hard. The cadence is generally in time to the music and easy to judge - you can buy cadence monitors fairly cheaply which I did but found I wasn't really paying much attention to it anyway. And I'm not worried about leaderboards or scenic rides.
I'm not saying the Peloton bikes are a bad thing, lots of people love them. If you know you're going to stick to Peloton only and metrics and competition of leaderboards is your thing and you're happy to pay the extra then great.

thismeansnothing · 30/04/2022 16:57

I've recently got a decent spin bike from powerhouse fitness and got Les mills on demand. Tons tons cheaper and then I have the added bonus of combat, body Attack and pump workouts at my fingertips

EmmaStone · 30/04/2022 21:05

We also bought a secondhand decent spin bike (Life Fitness) quite a few years ago, and then I got the Peloton app during lockdown (free from my health insurance). It's so good, I chose to continue the £12.99 monthly subscription. I rest my IPad on the handlebars (there's a dedicated space), but I've also streamed to the TV or used my phone as well. I use their spin classes, but also their other content - running, strength, cardio, yoga...the content is excellent.

Zelda93 · 30/04/2022 21:19

I have done the same as the above but if you have sky the app is also on the telly so I just sign in on there and do a spin class off the tv .. I love it and not costing me a fortune .

Original poster

jaffacakes16 · 30/04/2022 22:22

Thank you all, I did have the les mills subscription for a while for pump/combat never paid any attention to spin as I didn’t have a bike. My sensible head is telling me a normal spin bike is a much more sensible option but I’m being lured into the marketing of the fancy ones!

@nbee84 never heard of cadence monitors so gonna look into them as I do like being able to see how hard I’m working. Thanks!

I think I’m also put off getting a normal spin bike because there’s too much choice and I don’t know what I’m looking for. Been doing spin for years so been on many bikes but in the gym so no idea what the tech spec of them is like.

OP posts:

Original poster

jaffacakes16 · 30/04/2022 22:24

@EmmaStone does the peloton app do anything similar to bodypump classes?

OP posts:

MrOllivander · 30/04/2022 22:35

I bought a peloton. Partly because I'm lazy and wanted effectively plug in and go
Best thing I've bought, my fitness has gone from zero to 45 min rides in 8 weeks and I love the variety of classes and instructors and programmes
Easy to finish work and do a 20 min ride or longer at the weekend

To add I am battling the fact that I'm physically allergic to exercise so covered in thousands of hives every time I ride, and yet I still do it which probably speaks to how good it is!

EmmaStone · 01/05/2022 09:06

I've not done Bodypump in years, but I think no, not really. Les Mills stuff all tends to be quite choreographed, but Peloton is more about music in the background of your workouts rather than exercising in time to the music (although some spin classes are more in tune with cycling at the speed of the music, or even building in some groove moves while on the bike).

I think the Peloton bike is lovely, and easy to plug in and go, but for me, the numbers just didn't add up.

thismeansnothing · 01/05/2022 09:59

If your looking to buy your own bike I tried to aim for the following

a heavy flywheel . At least 16kg but ideally 20kg. The heavier it is the more stable the bike at faster speeds.
seat that adjusts up and forward and backwards
Handle bars that go up as well as forwards and back
flat (ish) handle bars rather than ones that go up

Ideally a computer.

I went with a bodymax15

Tivadivaz · 01/05/2022 10:06

I have a Peloton and love it. Yes the monthly cost of the app is £39 instead of £12.99 if you have the actual Peloton bike but that then covers more than one person to use it and have their own account/ metrics etc.
we currently have 5 people set up on the app.
I also use it for running(mainly outdoor, and when forced to isolate on my treadmill- sadly not a Peleton tread) , stretching, Pilates, meditation and strength.
so I personally feel I get good value for the higher monthly cost, and as someone who loves data (geek) I enjoy the bike being fully integrated with the classes.

Original poster

jaffacakes16 · 01/05/2022 18:10

Thank you all so much for the info, doing some more geeking on the options…I’m still torn!

OP posts:

MrOllivander · 01/05/2022 22:03

I've got a code for 60 days trial of the peloton app if it helps? Just remember to cancel it if you don't want to pay after the 60 days!
Disclaimer that it doesn't give me anything free

Perfectlystill · 01/05/2022 22:04

I love my Wattbike. No need for a subscription.

Givemestrengthorvodka · 01/05/2022 22:35

I have a peloton and love it! Bike is awesome, the classes are great and there are loads of them (not just spin). I would definitely recommend it.

Original poster

jaffacakes16 · 01/05/2022 22:44

@MrOllivander that’d be great thank you

OP posts:

MrOllivander · 01/05/2022 23:02

jaffacakes16 · 01/05/2022 22:44

@MrOllivander that’d be great thank you

Here you go

https://www.onepeloton.co.uk/digital/checkout/digital-gp-60d?utmsource=iosapp&utmmedium=inapp&code=471c2cd17cd449748b56b97f226912b2&locale=en-GB

Means you can have a look at the classes etc before signing up

organicapricot · 28/05/2022 15:58

Sorry to jump on this thread but I'm also thinking of a peleton and have just today heard about echelon that seems much cheaper for the bike. Has anyone had experience of this one?

RethinkingLife · 23/12/2022 21:48

Now the prices are a little more reasonable, I'm looking at an Apex but wondering if any of the apps associated with others would be better.

I have no doubt that buying a bike with a heavier flywheel would be more sustainable and sensible. However, I'm considering the bike as relatively easier on my knees than running and I'm fairly deconditioned so I doubt that I would in any way push the envelope of the bike. I need something that is straightforward to use and not ruinously expensive.

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