Certified Spinning® Instructor & Personal Trainer
Katie has been a certified
Can I Use the Peloton App with a Different Bike ?
You absolutely can use the Peloton App with multiple compatible bikes and have a great riding experience. I love using the app with my non-Peloton
Best Overall  | Best Value  | Best Budget  |
Features: Resistance Type: Magnetic Drive System: Poly V Pedal Type: SPD/Toe Cages Max User Weight: 350 pounds | Features: Resistance Type: Magnetic Drive System: Belt Pedal Type: SPD/Caged Max User Weight: 330 | Features: Resistance Type: Magnetic Drive System: Belt Pedal Type: Toe Cages Max User Weight: 330 |
Drive System: Poly V
Pedal Type: SPD/Toe Cages
Max User Weight: 350 pounds
Drive System: Belt
Pedal Type: SPD/Caged
Max User Weight: 330
Drive System: Belt
Pedal Type: Toe Cages
Max User Weight: 330
What Makes a Perfect Bike to Work with the Peloton App?
Not only do you want to make sure that your
Drawbacks of Not Using the Official Peloton Bike with the App
Quick Access to Our Lists
Our guide is divided into 3 categories.
- The best bikes that are almost Peloton ready: Commercial-grade quality bikes that are almost ready to be connected with the Peloton App, with minimal additional requirements.
- The best DYI Peloton bikes: Value-for-money bikes that need some extra addons to connect with the Peloton app (usually a cadence sensor + a tablet/ phone).
- The best bikes with an alternative app: They offer another App with a Peloton-like experience, in case you want to check also if they fit better to your needs.
Best Peloton-Ready Compatible Bikes – Top 6 Picks
Our Top Pick: Keiser M3i Indoor Bike
Keiser M3i Bike The App takes the cycle to another level, and with compatibility and connectivity, the bike offers all of the latest conveniences the digital age has to offer.
Keiser M3i Indoor
Resistance Type: Magnetic
Drive System: Poly V
Dimensions (LxWxH): 49” x 26” 51”
Pedal Type: SPD/Toe Cages
User Height Range: 4’11” -7′
Max User Weight: 350 pounds
The Keiser M3i is a quality Peloton compatible
The lightweight flywheel spins eleven times faster than a single pedal stroke. This helps to provide a smooth flywheel not available with many commercial-grade cycles on the market. In addition, the Keiser M3i features a Bluetooth® wireless signal for open API for smartphones and tablets.
Best Value: Bowflex C6 / Schwinn IC4
Bowflex C6 Bike An excellent alternative option to Peloton or other streaming bikes. A quiet magnetic resistance bike, proficient enough to link with the many available streaming devices such as Peloton® and Zwift®.
Schwinn IC4 Bike Comes equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to link to several apps such as Peloton® and Zwift®. The Schwinn really does offer excellent quality at a very affordable price.
Bowflex C6 and Schwinn IC4 Bike Specs
- Resistance Type: 100 Levels of Magnetic Resistance
- Drive System: Belt
- Flywheel Weight: 40 pounds
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 48.7 × 21.2 × 51.8 inches
- Pedal Type: SPD/Caged
- User Height Range: 4’6″-6’6″
- Max User Weight: 330
Created by Nautilus, the Bowflex C6 and Schwinn IC4 indoor cycling bikes include a 40-pound flywheel and offer 100 levels of magnetic resistance. In addition, these models include 3-pound weights and a Bluetooth heart rate monitor with purchase.
The belt drive on these models is whisper-quiet, and the pedals offer riders the choice between SPD cleats or toe cages. The ergonomically designed handlebars keep riders comfortable in or out of the saddle and include a tablet rest. These models do not have a monitor but offer an LCD console that provides cadence, speed, distance, calories, and heart rate.
Bowflex’s JRNY app is now available with both cycles using a tablet or phone. This app includes exciting classes and scenic rides in addition to watching streaming services such as Disney+, HULU, Netflix, and Prime Video. If wanting to use the Peloton app instead of JRNY, riders can link their bikes to the app where heart rate and cadence are displayed with an android or an iPhone.
- Press the Bluetooth button on your monitor
- Open the Peloton app on your smartphone
- Select the ride you would like to take
- Click start
- Select the pulse symbol on the smartphone screen
- Select Cadence & Nautilus options
Best Ride Experience: Bowflex VeloCore Bike
Bowflex VeloCore Bike Provides the rider with an incredibly realistic riding experience, closely simulating riding outside on roads or up and down your favorite mountain climb.
Bowflex VeloCore
- Resistance Type: Magnetic
- Drive System: Belt
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 59.8” x 24.1” x 55.3”
- Pedal Type: SDP/Toe Cages
- User Height Range: 5’1″-6’5″
- Max User Weight: 325
The Bowflex VeloCore
This impressive model won the Men’s Health 2021
Related:
Bowflex Velocore: A Review from a Spinning Instructor
In addition to its unique frame capabilities, the Bowflex VeloCore also offers integration with several apps, including Peloton directly from the
Best Commercial-Grade: Stryde Bike
Stryde Bike A commercial-grade quality bike with a lot of extra perks. The massive advantage of the Stryde is that it can display key metrics such as cadence and resistance level that are tracked by itself. So, Stryde users don't rely on Peloton integration with the digital app.
Stryde
- Resistance Type: Magnetic 100 Levels
- Drive System: Belt
- Flywheel Weight: 30.5 pounds
- Dimensions (LxW): 4’ x 2’
- Pedal Type: SPD/Toe Cages
- User Inseam Range: 5”1’ -6’5”
- Max User Weight: 350 pounds
The Stryde
This
One of the main reasons we selected the Stryde
Best Peloton DYI Bikes – Top 3 Picks
1. Sunny Health & Fitness Synergy Pro
Sunny Health & Fitness Synergy Pro Bike Includes a 40lb inertia-ready flywheel belt drive mechanism to provide a smooth & quiet ride. Its magnetic resistance provides quick, easy, & reliable resistance changes.
- Use SAVE10 coupon code on Sunny Official Site for 10% OFF!
- Free Cadence Sensor to Sync with the SunnyFit App! Applied to your Cart!
Sunny Health &
- Resistance Type: Magnetic
- Drive System: Belt
- Flywheel Weight: 40 pounds
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 49” x 22” x 46.5”
- Pedal Type: SPD/Toe Cage
- User Height Range: 182.88 cm -152.4 cm
- Max User Weight: 265 pounds
A belt drive system powers the 40-pound inertia-driven flywheel of the Sunny Health &
The saddle offers 4-way adjustability, but unfortunately, the handlebars do not. Although the consumer rating is a 4.6 out of 5, many shorter riders reported difficulty finding a comfortable riding position. The battery-operated monitor provides riders with their speed, duration, and cadence.
Unfortunately, since there is no Bluetooth connectivity, the Synergy Pro cannot pair with the Peloton app directly, and a tablet or phone will be required. Luckily, this model includes a convenient tablet holder located on the handlebars. The magnetic resistance system is not the same as the Peloton, so it would be best to consider perceived exertion levels to estimate the resistance level used.
2. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1805
Sunny Health Magnetic Bike SF-B1805 Priced usually under $600, this model offers users an experience often reserved for higher-priced options. This quiet belt-driven model includes a heavier front flywheel weighing in at 44 pounds.
Sunny Health &
Resistance Type: Magnetic
Drive System: Belt
Flywheel Weight: 44 pounds
Dimensions (LxWxH): 48” x 23” 45”
Pedal Type: Toe Cages
User Inseam Range: 28″ x 38″
Max User Weight: 300 pounds
The SF-B1805 offers 4-way adjustability for both the saddle and handlebars. This model offers a belt drive system, magnetic resistance, and a 44-pound flywheel.
Coming in at only $551.29, this Sunny Health &
This model does not offer a console of any sort. For metrics to be tracked, additional hardware would be needed, including a cadence counter. If wanting to utilize this
| Peloton | Sunny Health B1805 |
|---|---|
| 15 | 1 |
| 25 | 2 |
| 30 | 2.5 |
| 35 | 3 |
| 40 | 3.5 |
| 50 | 4 |
| 55 | 4.5 |
| 60 | 5 |
| 65 | 5.5 |
| 70 | 6 |
| 75 | 6.5 |
| 80 | 7 |
| 85+ | 8 |
3. JOROTO X2 Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike
JOROTO X2 Magnetic Bike A belt-driven cycling bike that is affordable and well made. Users talk about its great construction quality and the silent operation.
JOROTO X2 Belt Drive Indoor Cycling
Resistance Type: Magnetic
Drive System: Belt
Flywheel Weight: 35 pounds
Dimensions (LxWxH): 43 x 20 x 42.5
Pedal Type: Caged
User Inseam Range: 27.5″ -36.2″
Max User Weight: 300 pounds
The JOROTO X2 is an excellent value-for-money
We love that this model offers a more comprehensive range of adjustability for the handlebars. In addition, the ability for the handlebars to move closer to the saddle is a game-changer for shorter riders. The JOROTO X2 also features a saddle that is three inches wider than competitors adding extra comfort for those that do not like the standard competitive style seats.
Many purchasers revealed they selected this model instead of a Peloton
Best Bikes with an Alternative App
The MYX II Bike
BODi (MYX II) by Beachbody Used in elite cycling studios and gyms, MYX comes with a monthly membership that gives up to 5 people access to the widest range of workouts available.
MYX II
- Resistance Type: Friction
- Drive System: Belt
- Flywheel Weight: 41 pounds
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 47” x 21” 54”
- Pedal Type: SPD & Toe Cages
- User Height Range: 4’11”- 6’8″
- Max User Weight: 350 pounds
The MYX II showcases a belt drive and friction resistance system. In addition, this model includes a 41-pound flywheel and offers riders versatility in shoe options with its dual SPD and toe cage pedal.
My Video Review on Youtube
Check out my video review on Youtube, where I share many details about my experience with the MYX II
Like & Subscribe to learn about any new
Images From The Testing
This commercial-grade indoor cycling offers four-way adjustability of the handlebars, making it possible for riders at even 4’11” to find a comfortable riding position. This cycle accommodates a wide range of riders with its max weight capacity of 350 pounds and a maximum height of 6’8”.
Recently, Beachbody integrated all of its content with the MYX II
NordicTrack Commercial S22i
Nordictrack S22i (New Model) The bike itself is an incredible machine and has an incline and decline feature, which means when you ride, a motor will raise and drop the front of the bike. The screen is 22” HD and uses an application called iFit for all your live and pre-recorded classes.
Nordictrack S22i
- Resistance Type: Magnetic
- Drive System: Belt
- Flywheel Weight: 32 pounds
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 61” x 22” x 58”
- Pedal Type: SPD & Toe Cages
- User Height Range: 4’10”- 6’10”
- Max User Weight: 350 pounds
This commercial-grade indoor cycle offers both an incline and decline riding experience, mimicking outdoor terrain.
The NordicTrack Commercial S22i offers the unique ability to adjust both resistance, incline, and decline. In addition, this cycle includes 30W audio, an ergonomic seat, and hybrid SPD pedals.
Priced at $1,899, it also offers 24-levels of digital resistance. One of the unique features of this
Read Also:
NordicTrack S22i vs Keiser M3i
NordicTrack S22i vs Bowflex Velocore
With the purchase, riders also receive a 30-day membership to iFit. The iFit membership offers Calorie Burn, Destination Cycle, Strength Training, Bootcamp, Cross-Training, and Yoga & Mindfulness classes. After the free trial, the iFit membership costs $15/month for an individual and $39/month for a family. Although this platform offers a variety of formats, Peloton has a broader catalog.
ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22
ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 Bring the full training experience to your home with the Studio Bike Pro 22 exercise bike, lots to look at and touch with the massive 22-inch touchscreen.
Proform Pro 22
- Resistance Type: Magnetic
- Drive System: Belt
- Flywheel Weight: 32 pounds
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 61” x 22” x 58”
- Pedal Type: SPD & Toe Cages
- User Height Range: 4’10”- 6’10”
Max User Weight: 350 pounds
The ProForm Studio
A desirable feature of this $1,299 cycle includes the iFit instructors’ ability to adjust the resistance during a class automatically. In addition, this commercial-grade indoor cycling
This sister brand of Nordic Track also features iFit as their streaming service and includes a 30-day free trial. Please refer above to the Nordic Track Commercial S22i to learn more about iFit, as the ProForm Studio
Echelon EX5
Echelon EX5 Smart Connect Fitness Bike Aero handlebars feature ergonomic design to help align your upper body for optimum performance. - 32 levels of silent magnetic resistance lets you vary your workout intensity – Handlebar mounted 180 degree rotating console lets you incorporate off bike exercises
Echelon EX5 Specs
- Resistance Type: Magnetic
- Drive System: Belt
- Flywheel Weight: 26.8 pounds
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 58” x 20” x 55”
- Pedal Type: SPD & Toe Cages
- User Height Range: 4’11”- 6’4″
- Max User Weight: 300 pounds
The Echelon EX5 is equipped with 32 levels of magnetic resistance and a 28.6-pound flywheel. In addition, the dual-sided pedals include an SPD and toe cage.
This cycle includes a 180-degree rotating tablet holder priced under $999. This unique indoor cycling
Echelon offers a yearly premium membership to its online platform for $34.99 per month, including over 35 live classes per day and thousands of On-Demand classes. This plan also allows up to five user profiles. For those looking for a more affordable option, the FitPass includes Strength Training, Pilates, Yoga, and other formats for only $11.99 per month. If you enjoy taking live classes, the Echelon app offers more currently than Peloton.
Sunny SF-B1805SMART
Sunny Interactive Bike (SF-B1805 Smart) The SF-B1805Smart offers users a connection to the SunnyFit app and the dual-purpose pedals, which allow users to either ride in sneakers or "clip-in" with their dedicated cycling shoes.
Use SAVE10 coupon code on Sunny Official Site for 10% OFF !!!
Sunny SF-B1805SMART Specs
- Resistance Type: Magnetic
- Drive System: Belt
- Flywheel Weight: 44 pounds
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 50.8” x 23.4” x 7.6”
- Pedal Type: SPD & Toe Cages
- User Height Range: 5’- 6’5″
- Max User Weight: 300 pounds
The Sunny SF-B1805SMART cycle offers a 44-pound flywheel and magnetic resistance. Metric tracking is available through a SMART Device via the Free SunnyFit App.
Priced at only $799, this affordable cycle offers a great riding experience. This is partly due to this cycle’s adjustability, including 4-way adjustability of the saddle and handlebars. Riders in the height range of 5”-6’5” and up to 300 pounds can comfortably ride on this cycle. Although this
One of the best features of this
How Can You Set-Up the Peloton App with a Non-Peloton Bike ?
After creating your Peloton account, make sure that you have downloaded the app to your iPhone or Android. Next, if your
What to Look for When Buying a Cycle for Using it with the Peloton App
Commercial-Grade Construction
If your
Tablet Holder or Monitor
Most likely, you will be using your device to stream the Peloton App. Therefore, the handlebars must have some tablet holder, so you can keep a comfortable riding position and be able to follow along with the class. Additionally, some bikes are available that include a monitor that can access the Peloton all from their console.
Weighted Flywheel
A weighted flywheel is a must. If you want the ride on your
Magnetic Resistance
Since the Peloton instructors call out resistance ranges, it is helpful to have a
Tracking Cadence
Your console or monitor should display this for you. Yes, you can purchase a cadence counter, but most quality bikes on the market will have this feature readily available.
Pro Tip: Did you know you can figure out your cadence without a counter or console? Simply count how many times one of your legs comes to the top of your pedal stroke during a six-second count. Add a zero to the number you counted, and you found your cadence.
Bluetooth Capability
It is a nice feature when your heart rate or cadence can link to the Peloton app. A few bikes offer this capability via linking to a Bluetooth heart rate monitor and your phone. Your phone must be connected to your
SPD Pedals
Being able to click in for a ride will take the experience to a whole new level. It will allow for greater stabilization of your knee compared to using toe cages and increase the productivity of your workouts. I don’t know about you, but even if my favorite Peloton instructors can’t see me, I want to be able to really push it when they tell me to.
Weight Holder
If you are one of those riders who enjoys taking the cycling classes that include an arm section, you might want to look into a cycle that includes a weight holder. A weight holder usually comes with 3lb or 5lb weights and is located beneath the handlebars or saddle. This will allow you to quickly grab your weights instead of needing to unclip and miss reps.
I prefer weight holders closer to the saddle. Unfortunately, with my Bowflex C6, the weights fall out of the holder when riding out of the saddle. The sound of them falling out not only scares me, but I am afraid that I will somehow damage the flywheel.
FAQ
Can you use a Peloton App with an Echelon bike?
If you use the QZ (qdomyos-zwift) app, you can link your Echelon bike and Peloton App. You can then view your cadence and heart rate on the Peloton App.
Can I put the Peloton App on my TV?
Yes, on most smart televisions, you can use the Peloton App. If your television does not have the capability, but if you can Chromecast, you can do that instead.
How much is the Peloton App per month?
The Peloton App is $12.99 per month plus applicable taxes.
The Bottom Line
Many affordable bikes that are available today allow for great riding experiences as they are compatible with the Peloton App. You just need to find the right one for you!
