Peloton vs. Spin Bike – Which One is Better for You?

peloton vs spin bike

If you want to achieve a toned or fit body, spin bike exercises and peloton exercises can help you. If you have specific goals regarding your fitness, both a regular spin bike and a peloton bike are capable of delivering you with the challenge you require for achieving those goals.

Peloton bikes and regular spin bikes have some key differences between them. Based on their primary usage, the muscles they work on, the number of calories they help to burn, the ease they provide, the injury risks they impose, and their overall performance, functionality, and resistance levels. This article will look into the differences between spin bikes and peloton bikes. 

Side by Side Key Differences

Let’s have a look at the primary key differences between spin bikes and peloton bikes side by side-

Peloton Bikes
Spin Bikes
Product
Product
Peloton Bikes
Spin Bikes
Primary Usage
Primary Usage
Cycling and Spinning Exercises
Cycling Exercises
Calories Burned
Calories Burned
Around 507 calories in an hour
Around 367 calories in an hour
Muscles Worked
Muscles Worked
Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings, Quads, Core, Shoulders, Biceps, Triceps
Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings, Quads
Ease of Use
Ease of Use
Moderately Difficult
Easy
Console
Console
Yes
No
Increased Challenge
Increased Challenge
Resistance, Increase Speed, or Stand
Resistance or Increased Speed
Risk of Injury
Risk of Injury
High
Low

Pros and Cons of Peloton Bikes

The Peloton bike is a top-of-the-line indoor exercise bike that offers interactive, live, and on-demand classes that are led by world-class instructors. The Peloton bike has a 22-inch HD touchscreen display, a high-quality stereo system, and a carbon steel frame. The bike also has a mechanism that automatically adjusts the bike’s resistance to match the instructor’s prescribed level.

Pros
  • The Peloton bike is a high-quality, durable piece of equipment that will last for many years. 
  • Offers a smooth, quiet ride that is enjoyable to use. 
  • Easy to set up and takedown, making it convenient to use. 
  • Comes with a variety of pre-loaded workouts that are sure to be challenging and fun. 
  • Closest bike to the peloton
Cons
  • The Peloton bike is an expensive piece of equipment, and it may not be affordable for everyone. 
  • Requires a monthly subscription to access the workouts, which may not be affordable for everyone. 
  • May take up a significant amount of space in your home.

Pros and Cons of Spin Bikes

Spin bikes are becoming increasingly popular as a workout option, but there are a few things to consider before investing in one. Here are some pros and cons of spin bikes:

Pros
  • Low impact: Spin bikes are a low-impact workout option, ideal for people with joint problems or injuries.
  • High calorie burns: You can burn many calories in a short period on a spin bike.
  • Fun: Spin bikes can be fun to get your cardio in, especially if you’re competitive.
Cons
  • Expensive: Spin bikes can be pricey, especially if you want a high-end model.
  • Can be tough on the knees
  • Can be monotonous: Some people find spin bikes monotonous and boring.

Spin Bike vs. Peloton Bikes: Basic Differences

Now, let’s have a look at the basic differences they have-

Joint Class

One of the biggest differences between a spin bike and the Peloton bike is that the Peloton bike has a built-in screen that lets you watch classes and follow along with the instructor, whereas a spin bike does not have a screen. 

Additionally, the Peloton bike has several other features that set it apart from a spin bike, such as a leaderboard that lets you see how you stack up against other riders in your class and the ability to track your progress over time.

Calories Burned

The calories you will burn in a session are determined by your weight. You can try to lose your weight by going through different spinning techniques, as they will help you burn some extra calories. Spinning techniques can differ based on positionings, such as standing or sitting positions. Both bikes support all these variations, but the peloton bikes are more powerful, as they are designed to push you harder. With a peloton, you can train with world-class virtual trainers.

Exercising with Peloton bikes seems like a better alternative to spinning or cycling when it comes to losing weight, as with them, you can expect to lose calories in the range of 400 to 500 per hour based on your initial weight.

Performance

Spinning bikes are really easy to use, even for beginners. On the other hand, Peloton bikes are moderately challenging to use, especially for beginners, as they have more technology than usual spinning bikes. You can exercise with regular spin bikes wearing any kind of shoes, which is not possible for Peloton bikes. Peloton training requires special cycling shoes that can cause extra expenses. 

Even though regular spin bikes are no less effective than Peloton bikes, your workout experience will get enriched with Peloton. As they come with the option to stream different training programs on their large screen, your different performance metrics can also be tracked. Also, the trainers of Peloton are very inspiring and interactive, and they will help you with the proper development and strengthening of your leg, thigh, and bottom. 

You can slow down the pace of both kinds of bikes by adjusting the resistance. Overall, both these bikes will provide you with quality performance. While spin bikes might be easier to exercise, Peloton will provide you with more innovative technology.

Function

Peloton is a premium product that offers a more immersive and interactive experience than a typical spin bike. While a spin bike typically just has a basic display showing your speed and distance, the Peloton has a 22-inch HD touchscreen display showing your progress and performance metrics in real-time. Additionally, the Peloton bike has a built-in camera so you can see yourself riding, the instructor, and other Peloton members who are taking the class with you. The Peloton also offers more comprehensive classes with motivations and coaching from experienced instructors, whereas most spin bikes just have basic preset programs.

Regular spin bikes can help you build your strength and boost your sense of well-being. However, they are more relaxed and less intense than Peloton. Peloton bikes were designed especially for spinning workouts, even though they have similarities to regular spin bikes. They come with more customization and adjustment options than regular spin bikes, and they are also built to ergonomically fit varied positions of the body. People with powerful and toned bodies, such as athletes, appreciate the challenge presented by the virtual programs of Peloton. 

Peloton bikes have the edge over regular spin bikes. They can keep you focused and engaged in your training with their professional trainers and interactive monitors that will help you conveniently go through your workout sessions.

Muscles Worked

Both these bikes will help you work on the joints and muscles in your lower body, such as the calves, hamstrings, quads, and glutes. However, by exercising with Peloton, you can increase the number of muscles or joints engaged in training, like your arms, neck, back, and core, as they will help you cycle in more crunched positions. Also, their resistance levels are more so that you can make things more leveled up for you. 

Resistance Adjustment

You can adjust the resistance of both regular spin bikes and Peloton bikes. While normal spin bikes have a resistance level ranging from 1 to 20, Peloton bikes have a resistance level ranging from 0 up to 100. It means the resistance level of Peloton bikes is quite varied, and you will be able to set a resistance level that will suit you most perfectly. You can go for a level that is both comfortable and challenging for you simultaneously. 

The harder you will cycle, the more capacity and strength of your lungs will increase the more. Also, Peloton bikes work a lot better in targeting stubborn fats, such as those stuck in areas like your arms, stomach, and back. So, Peloton bikes are a better option if you want to get rid of stubborn fats, as they accommodate both sitting and standing positions. 

Expense

The Peloton bike is more expensive than a typical spin bike. While you can find spin bikes for as little as a few hundred dollars, the Peloton bike starts at around $2000.

Final Verdict

If you want to determine which is better among these two types of bikes, Peloton bikes easily stand out with their more severe training options and highly innovative technology. They come with a wide variety of training programs with inspiring and interactive virtual trainers, 100 levels of resistance, and a large display screen. They also provide better performance and functionality, and you will be working on more of your muscles with Peloton bikes.

However, if you want a more risk-free and laid-back option and want to enjoy more comfortable and less intense workout sessions that will help you keep yourself fit and healthy and keep you on track of your well-being, you can go for regular spin bikes. They are highly effective and will provide you with great workout sessions. You should choose based on your needs, preferences, and what kind of outcomes you want to have out of your training sessions.