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Bike vs Bike Plus: Which Peloton model is the best for you? [Definitive Guide]

Both the Peloton bike and the Peloton bike+ are high quality, competitive, and stylish. So why would anyone choose one over the other? The bikes are quite different in appearance and features. The main difference is the bike’s more advanced features and the higher price.

The performance is the same. However, you can adjust certain features on the Peloton to make it perform like the bike plus. Let’s now compare the similarities and differences between the Peloton and bike plus. You will be able to decide which one is better.

Peloton Bike Vs. Bike Plus: Head-to-Head Comparison

Here are the side-by-side comparisons between the original Peloton and the Bike Plus. This comparison includes everything, including fees and footprint. If you are unsure whether the Peloton bike is worth the cost of Bike Plus or the newer equipment, this comparison will help you decide if the investment is worthwhile.

Each bike has its pros and cons. However, it is possible to choose the bike that suits you best.

Screen

Peloton Bike screen vs. Peloton Bike Plus screen

The Bike Plus’ new screen is revolutionary. The screen is almost 24 inches wide, compared to 21.5 inches on the original bike. It also has a superior sound system with forward facing speakers. The privacy cover protects the camera for video chats. Who video chats while riding?

The biggest advantage the Peloton bike plus has is its screen. The HD screen measures 23.8 inches. It can also rotate 180 degrees to each side, giving it a total rotation of 360 degrees. The Peloton screen adjusts only for different heights.

To get great sound quality in my classes, I don’t have to wear headphones. My only reason for wearing headphones is to not disturb other people in my home.

Coatings that are less reflective and more anti-smudge

Peloton Bike Plus screen has a reduced reflective and antismudge coating. This transparent coating repels dirt, oil, water, and fingerprints. This transparent coating is used often on tablets and smartphones because it makes cleaning electronic devices’ surfaces easier. It is great to have this coating on your screen so you can touch it all the time.

Peloton screen tilt, pivot or swivel

The Peloton screen can also pivot or swivel 180 degrees from the rider’s face, or 180 degrees from the rider’s side. It cannot rotate 360 degrees.

The screen swivel is a great option for those who are interested in taking the Peloton bike bootcamp classes but don’t want the static screen to their faces. They can then turn the screen to the side and get their workout in.

If you are wondering if the Peloton screen tilts, the Bike Plus will answer that. Before you can swivel the screen, it must be tilted until it is parallel to the floor. It will strike the handlebars if it is not.

If you are riding in bright rooms, this tilt option is very useful. You can reduce distracting screen reflections by tilting your screen slightly up or down.

How to make the Peloton original bike screen pivot

Although it sounds great, it might not be practical if your Peloton is in a small space. If you don’t have enough space, the swivel screens won’t allow you to see your workouts on the bike.

There are many aftermarket products available for original Peloton bikes that can pivot the screen. Below is a list of some.

Aftermarket products to swivel your screen

The Pivot is a Top Form Design or TFD invention that allows the screen, tablet, or touchscreen of your original Peloton bicycle to pivot or swivel to either sidelike the Bike+’s.

This bike bootcamp class is an affordable and great option. The Pivot for Peloton bikes is a great choice.

Also read How to Turn Your Peloton Bike Into a Bike plus

Cast your Peloton screen

Peloton owners use a casting hack to create a more flexible screen experience. They “cast” their screen from their bike to a nearby smart TV, often displayed on a wall.

You can work with a larger screen, and you don’t need to travel to another room to do floorwork off your bike. My circa 2016 bike can cast to my Roku TV, I can confirm. Only problem? The only problem is that the Roku TV is in another area so it’s difficult to use.

Other Console Features

Both screens have 10-point multitouch, which makes it easy to work quickly on tablets. They share the same internal storage of 16GB. The headphone jacks are 3.5mm on both bikes and both have an in-built microphone.

There are also differences in the features of the consoles between the bikes.

First, the original Peloton bike had only two rear speakers. The bike plus has two front speakers and two rear speakers. You will find that the sound quality is better on the bike plus than it is on the Peloton. You may not need an external speaker for the bike plus, but it is recommended for the Peloton.

The bike plus also has a reduced reflective coating that is anti-smug. This makes the tablet safer for your eyes but is not available on the Peloton bicycle.

The bike plus touchscreen is also faster because it has a 2.5GHz processor and 4GB RAM. The bike’s processor is 2.5GHz with a RAM of 2. GB.

Both bikes have in-built microphones. However, the bike plus’ microphone is more clear because it has a four digital array. Both bikes are compatible with Ant and Bluetooth. The bike plus supports Bluetooth, but the bike only Bluetooth 4.0.

Peloton won the platform for its technology that allows users of the same class to videochat. The front-facing camera of the peloton bike’s 5MP camera is not as powerful as the 8MP camera on the bike plus. The privacy cover on the bike plus camera allows you to hide your identity from the video.

Peloton bikes support WiFi but only 802.11a/b/g/n/ac. The bike also supports WiFi, but only 802.11a/b/g/n/ac.

The Peloton bike charger may be unique, but the bike plus has USB-C. The charger can be used to charge your phone, tablet, or your personal charger.

The bike plus solved a problem that Apple users wanted to solve. It also includes a technology that allows integration of Apple Gymkit.

Seat and Handlebars

Both bikes can be adjusted for the height and depth of the saddles. The handlebar adjustment enhances the bike’s position. You can adjust the seat and handlebars together to ensure you don’t lose your posture while riding. They promote a healthy lower back, hips, ankles and other joints.

The bike and the bike plus can be adjusted in volume. You can adjust the volume by pressing buttons.

Other significant differences between the Peloton and Bike plus include the handlebars, seat, and resistance knob.

Peloton seat

First, some believe that the Peloton seat is more comfortable than the Bike plus. It will be interesting to see if Bike plus users develop sore butts the same way that cycle users have for years. This is why I wrote this blog on how to make the Peloton’s seat more comfortable.

But I can tell you, I don’t feel any difference. Perhaps it is because I only wear padded shorts when I ride. The Peloton’s original bike and the Bike Plus are the same for me.

The second is that the way you adjust your seat position-forward, back, up, and down-has changed. These adjustments should be made much more simple by switching from a crank arm to a knob, if possible.

To me, however, the crank arm seems to be easier. Why? It gives you more power to tighten or loosen it.

The screen wobbles more on the Peloton Bike Plus, for example. This is probably due to the screen’s ability to rotate. I tried to tighten the screen knob/handlebar to stop the wobbling, but to no avail. It makes me wonder if I could have moved it tighter if there was a crank arm. Maybe it’s a design flaw.

New handlebars on Peloton Bike+

Peloton handlebars are notorious for not moving forward and back as traditional spin bikes. I’m a member the Shortie Tribe of Facebook and can confirm that many riders have difficulty reaching the handlebars.

This is my article about Peloton for short riders.

Peloton changed the shape of the handlebars on the Bike Plus to make them more ergonomic. They didn’t solve the issue of fore and aft movement. You can therefore forget about the ability to fore or aft move in the older version of the bike if that was what you wanted, even though it would have made the price more worthwhile.

But, I discovered that the handlebars of the Bike Plus are two inches closer to my seat. If you are a Shortier looking for a Peloton, the Bike Plus handlebars will automatically be two inches closer to the seat.

There are also aftermarket products available for the original Peloton as well as the Bike+, which will allow you to move the handlebars forward or backward. Below are some examples.

Handlebar Adjuster for Peloton

The Adjuster is an aftermarket product adapter that allows you to slide the Peloton handlebars closer towards the seat.

Top Form Design, the maker of the Adjuster has now released multiple versions for both the Peloton Bike and the Bike Plus.

Resistance

Magnetic resistance is used in the Peloton bike as well as the bike plus. It is more efficient and smoother. You can also adjust the resistance manually by turning the knob.

The Peloton bike plus also has an auto-follow feature to resist. You can set up workouts within a specific range and then ride within that range for the entire session. You don’t need to adjust the resistance knob as it is automatically adjusted. It is digital, so it can easily determine your class inclines or declines.

Between the handlebars, and the seat, is the red Peloton resistance knob. Riders can adjust the resistance or road conditions by reaching down.

The ride becomes more difficult if you turn it to the left. It will get easier if you turn it to the right.

How? You can control how close or distant the magnets on your bike’s flywheel and the metal wheel. The screen will display your resistance, located at the bottom right. The resistance knows may look and feel slightly different depending on the bike model.

How to change your resistance while riding the bike

The new Bike Plus allows you to manually adjust the resistance wheel. You can still see the resistance on your screen. You can also turn on “autofollow” to have your bike follow the resistance the instructors call out.

This feature is only available to on-demand classes. These metrics are available in real-time for live classes. To enable auto resistance, the class must be programmed after it has happened.

I must say, I absolutely love the auto resistance feature. You will have to adjust to the slight “shock” that the resistance changes for you. It is easy to get used it.

Warranty and Delivery

You get delivery and installation by experts when you purchase the Peloton bike/bike plus.

The bikes come with a limited warranty of one year, and the labor is only one year. The frame comes with an extended warranty $2$3

You might also be interested in the extended warranties offered by Peloton bike or bike plus, which can keep you at ease for a few years.

User Weight and Height

Surprisingly both bikes can accommodate the same user’s weight, height, age, and body type. To be able to ride the bike, you must be at least 14 years old.

The maximum weight of the bike should not exceed 297 pounds. The height should be between 4 and 6 feet.

Size and weight

Although there are some differences in the size of the Peloton cycle plus and the Peloton bicycle plus, they do not have any effect on where the bike is placed. The footprints of the original and bike plus are basically the same, at four feet by two feet.

You can also use a Peloton Mat. It’s 3 x 6 feet in size, so there is plenty of space for both versions. The swivel screen is the only thing that could affect the location of the Bike+. I’ll be back shortly.

Dimensions

The original Peloton cycle measures 59 in length, 53 inches high and 23 inches wide according to the Peloton website. The bike plus measures 59 in long, 59 in high, and 22 inches wide. I can’t see the difference between the bikes and the six inches added height. The width is also one inch smaller.

The original bike weighs 135 pounds; bike plus weighs 140 pounds. The Rollerblade-like wheels at the bottom of the bike’s front crossbar make it easy to tip it and roll it around.

Workouts

There are no special workouts available for either bike. Peloton bikes can be used to access all live and recorded classes. You can also participate in challenges and programs that will make your ride more enjoyable and productive.

You can use your bike as a family with the unlimited subscription. You can have as many accounts on the same bike as you like. You can also interact with the Peloton community and participate in the Leaderboard.

Peloton records every account’s workout history, milestone achievements, and steaks. They are also eligible to participate in any Peloton event.

The Peloton bicycle Bootcamps has made the Peloton plus even more attractive. Bootcamps combine strength training and cycling. The rotating screen allows one to stream from the bike more easily than the Peloton bike.

A new technology has shown that the Peloton bike does not have a disadvantage over time. The screen swivels allow the bike’s screen to rotate 360 degrees. The swivels are also very affordable. This Selina Peloton screen-swivel rotates 360 degrees. Because it can pivot all around, it seems even more convenient than the bike plus. It can adjust the angle of your Peloton screen. This makes it ideal for bike Bootcamps or other cross-training exercises.

Pricing

The price was one of the main differences between the original Peloton and the new Bike plus. As you might expect, a new piece or equipment will be more costly. The Bike Plus’s price is more than the original cycle.

Peloton now sells the original bike at $1,195. This is a drop from $1,895. The Original Bike comes with a $250 delivery fee and set-up fee.

The Bike Plus costs $1,995 instead of $2,495. The Bike Plus is now $500 cheaper than it was previously. The Bike Plus includes free shipping, delivery, and set-up.

The pricing structure is what many people find the most significant difference between the Bike+ and Bike+. The Bike+ is $600 more expensive than the Bike. The Bike costs $1,895 while the Bike+ costs $2,495. Below are the prices in different markets.

Peloton Bike Price:

  • USA: $1,895
  • Canada: $2,495
  • UK: £S1,750
  • Germany: €2,145

Peloton Bike+ Price:

  • USA: $2,495
  • Canada: $3,295
  • UK: £S2,295
  • Germany: €2,690

The basic accessories are identical to the bikes and cost less than the initial purchase price. The shoes, heart-rate monitor, the shoes and the water bottle that are suitable for each can be used to complement the other.

All equipment owners can also enjoy unlimited membership to the Peloton. You have the same unlimited subscription options, regardless of whether you own the bike plus or the bike. You can also opt for the digital app at $12.99 per month.

Cycle trade-ins are allowed

Peloton gave customers who had purchased the original Cycle or were considering purchasing the Bike Plus two options when they first introduced it. They could exchange their bikes for the new model, pay the difference, and get an accessory package free of charge.

Peloton will refund any difference in price if the original Cycle was purchased within 30 days after the Bike Plus announcement.

You can also trade in your old Peloton bicycle when you purchase a new Bike+ . Peloton will pay $700 for your old bike. It will also give you a toning, yoga, and accessories kit “free”. Not sure if this promotion is still available. This section will be updated as needed.

Pelotoncycle Relay has some discussion about rumors of a third pricing point for bikes in the near future. Peloton is expected to sell refurbished and used bikes at a lower price point in the future. What will they do with all the bikes that their original owners have traded in for the Bike Plus?

Other Features

The Bike+ comes with a number of additional capabilities and features for the $600 premium. These features may be worth the extra cost depending on how you intend to use your Peloton. These are just a few of the highlights.

Peloton Bike+ supports Apple Watch. Your Apple Watch can communicate with the Peloton Bike+ via Apple’s GymKit platform. This includes heart rate data. This will give you more precise heart rate data on your Apple Watch and allow you to start a workout simply by tapping the Peloton display.

Because it lacks the NFC hardware, the standard Bike cannot support Apple Watch GymKit integration. There are third-party solutions that allow you to use your Apple Watch as a Peloton Bike heart-rate monitor. However, their reliability can be unpredictable.

Peloton Bike+ features an upgraded speaker system. The speakers are placed around the display so they face the rider.

The new Auto-Follow resistance function is also available on the Peloton Bike+. Your Bike+ will adjust its resistance level automatically based on the instructions of the instructor. This feature is only available for on-demand classes. If you take live classes, it will not be of any use.

There are other possibilities and ends you should consider:

  • Bike+ has a USB-C port to charge your devices
  • Bike+ has an Ethernet port. Bike+ does not. You can add ethernet to your bike with an adapter.
  • Bike+ camera 8MP, vs. 5MP on the bike
  • Bike+ uses a Qualcomm processor at 2.5GHz and 4G RAM.
    • The bike features a 2GHz Mediatek processor and 2GB RAM
  • Only four feet are adjustable on the new Bike+, compared to six for the Bike.

Sound System

Two rear-facing speakers provide 16 watts total power on the original Peloton bike. The Peloton Bike+, on the other hand, has two front-facing speakers, totaling 26 watts. It also features two rear-facing subwoofers. Rotating screen

The Peloton Bike Plus’s most popular feature is its screen, which can rotate 180 degrees in either direction. This allows for 360 degree viewing.

You can’t rotate the original Peloton screen on your bike, but there are accessories you can use to make it possible. See the Pivot.

Resistance to auto-adjustment

My personal favorite feature of the Peloton Bike+ is the ability to have resistance change automatically with coach instruction.

The original Peloton Bike requires that you adjust the resistance manually for each class. The Peloton Bike+ offers auto-adjustment so you don’t have to worry about making adjustments.

Digital versus mechanical resistance

Peloton bikes have magnetic resistance technology. However, the Peloton original uses a mechanical adjustment while the Peloton plus uses a digital adjustment.

This means that the Peloton Bike+ will spin faster and more smoothly when you turn the Resistance knob. Once you are familiar with how to adjust the knob, you can feel the difference.

Accuracy of calibration

This is something that not many people are aware of. The digital resistance adjustment for Peloton Bike+ allows for more precise output and electronic calibration.

Many people are shocked to ride the Peloton Bike+ first time. It can feel very different, and in some cases their original Peloton bike wasn’t calibrated properly.

Premium look

The Peloton bike vs Peloton bike+ is easy to compare. The Bike Plus has fewer wires, the charger has a pad that keeps things condensed and the bike has a more textured appearance. If you like aesthetics and prefer a premium look, the Bike Plus is definitely worth considering.

System for adjustment

The bike’s adjustment system is not only better looking, but also more intuitive and easy to use. Because my wife and me are different sizes, this is very obvious to me. We adjust the bike constantly up and down, forwards and backwards, daily.

Headphone jack placement

The original Peloton Bike’s headphone jack was located in the screen’s back. This makes it difficult as the wire must wrap around the screen. If it is too short it will not work.

The Peloton Bike+ has the headphone jack located in the middle of the handlebars. This makes it much easier and more convenient to use.

Bluetooth technology

Peloton Bike+ has a Bluetooth 5.0 connection while the original Peloton uses an 4.0 connection. Although this is one of the smallest differences between the bikes, the more advanced Bluetooth technology allows for greater speed and longer range. This will probably not be a significant difference to most people, as you won’t need to go to the toilet while you are on your workouts.

Camera

The video chat feature allows you to talk and see your friends while riding. However, many people don’t know or use it. The Peloton Bike Plus has an 8-megapixel camera with a privacy cover. The Original Bike comes with a 5-megapixel camera.

Microphone

These bikes have very different microphones for video chats. Peloton’s original Peloton had a single microphone built in, while the Peloton Bike+ has four microphones. The Bike+ can cut out background noise more effectively, so your voice doesn’t get drowned out by other sounds like the class.

Wi-Fi technology

Peloton’s Bike Plus features an upgraded Wi-Fi system that allows it to use both 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. The Bike+ can use a faster connection depending on the configuration of your Wi-Fi and the location and position of your router. This will allow for better streaming and video quality.

Support for Apple Gymkit

Peloton Bike+ supports Apple GymKit, which makes it easy to connect your bike and your Apple Watch before you go on your ride.

This is the only problem with the Apple Watch integration . Unfortunately, the Apple Watch integration doesn’t work for other classes than cardio or strength training.

RAM included (more important than you might think)

The last difference between the original Peloton Bike and the Peloton Bike Plus+, is RAM. The RAM of the original Peloton Bike is two gigabytes, while the Peloton Bike Plus+ has four gigabytes. This will make the bike feel snappier and more responsive. But, the biggest benefit is that it will last longer without needing a replacement screen.

Life Expectancy

Peloton actually stated that their bikes are expected to last for at least 10 years. However, their screens will need to be replaced with new technology. If you have to replace your screen in the next few years, then you may not be saving as much as you think. This is why I recommend that everyone buy Bike+, if possible.

So, The Peloton Bike or the Bike Plus?

Which is better between the Peloton bikes and the Pelotonbike plus? Although our choices are varied, I will give you a few tips.

The Peloton bike is a good option if you don’t want to spend over 2000 dollars. You can purchase a swivel for the bike for less than $30 and then add a quality external speaker to complete the experience.

The bike plus is worth the price if you want everything in one package and are willing to spend the money. It is much more than a rotating screen. It offers many advanced features that you won’t regret having in the future.

Peloton Bike Plus doesn’t need to be calibrated

Recently, I had the task of calibrating my original Peloton bicycle. Here is a post about calibrating a Peloton bike. It’s not an easy task and it can be frustrating. The Bike Plus doesn’t require calibration. The bike’s computer manages calibration with just a push of a button.

If the thought of your bike changing in feel or “rides”, over time, scares you, the Bike Plus is the best choice. The Bike Plus costs $500 less right now than it did in the past. You get delivery and setup free of charge.

Wrapping Up

The original Peloton Bike is the best option for most people. It offers unlimited access to all classes of Peloton and will continue to receive support from Peloton over the years. You can do everything you can on the Bike+ and almost as easily on the Bike+. Plus, you’ll save $600.

The $600 upgrade to Peloton Bike+ may make sense in certain situations. The Apple Watch GymKit support will be a highlight if you are a deep user of the Apple ecosystem. The swivel display is an excellent addition if you are planning to attend a lot of Peloton bootcamps.

Another thing to remember is that, while the Bike+’s tilt display makes it easier to see the bootcamp classes from the bike, Peloton does not limit the classes to Bike+ riders. These classes are led by Jess Sims and Cody Rigsby from the Bike.

Peloton offers the option to upgrade to Bike+ while you wait for delivery. You will receive a refund of $350 + tax if you take delivery of your Bike within 30 calendar days of the Bike+ announcement.

There are many differences between the Peloton bike, and the bike plus. This will help you make your final choice. Is the $2495 worth it for the Peloton bike plus? Do I regret buying a Peloton bicycle plus because of the lack of advanced features? These are the questions to ask before you make a decision.

Once you have registered, enjoy Peloton Just Ride , scenic rides and other interesting features only Peloton bike owners know about.

My Peloton was purchased in 2016. Many people didn’t even know what a Peloton bike looked like at that time. My partner was surprised by my decision to buy one that year.

But, I discovered that original Peloton owners, go back to 2014 and this New Jersey Monthly piece about Jenn Sherman the Peloton’s first instructor, states that she was hired by the company in 2013.

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