How Does Peloton’s New Line of Fitness Equipment Differ From Existing Models?
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This week, Peloton also announced a minor update to all of its devices. While the Bike, Bike+, Tread, Tread+, and Row models have received a number of improvements, that doesn’t mean you have to upgrade.
Comparing Older Peloton Models with the New Cross Training Series
First, the basics: On Wednesday, Peloton unveiled all-new versions of its classic home fitness machines. Collectively known as the Cross Training series, the machines themselves are called the Cross Training Bike, Cross Training Bike+, and so on. As before, the lineup includes five models: two exercise bikes, two treadmills, and a rower, but the new versions have features that make them more compatible with cross-training and are generally slightly better than their predecessors.
Peloton Bike vs. Peloton Cross Training Bike
Let’s start with the classic bike, Peloton’s bread and butter. The original bike costs $1,145, while the new Cross Training Bike costs $1,695 . Like all new models, the updated version of the base bike features a rotating touchscreen, making it easy to transition from cardio on the bike to strength training, stretching, yoga, or other Peloton workouts, all while keeping track of the instructor’s instructions on the screen.
Otherwise, the $200 price increase offers relatively modest benefits: improved acoustics thanks to front-facing speakers, improved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. The bike also features an updated seat, which Peloton describes as “an ergonomically redesigned saddle with improved cushioning and optimized weight distribution.” The more comfortable seat is a nice bonus, but such seats were already available from third-party manufacturers .
There are more similarities than differences between the old and new models. Both feature manual resistance controls, a 21.5-inch touchscreen, belt drive, and magnetic resistance. It’s worth noting that Peloton didn’t set out to reinvent the flywheel; all of these devices are functionally identical to their predecessors. You ride the bike, run the treadmill, and row the rower, just as you always have.
Bike+ vs. Cross-Training Bike+
I loved the old Bike+ when I tested it, but the new Bike+ has some significant improvements over the previous version. The old Bike+ costs $2,495, while the Cross Training Bike+ costs $2,695 . You get a swiveling screen and an updated seat, as well as a motion-tracking camera that uses AI to guide and correct your posture, a Sonos audio system with a subwoofer, AI-powered voice commands, a fan, a phone tray, and overall improved software. Like the old Bike+, this one features a 23.8-inch HD touchscreen and everyone’s favorite automatic resistance feature .
This week, I had the chance to try out the new devices at Peloton Studios, and based on my impressions, the company’s claims of hardware and software improvements for improved touchscreen responsiveness and sound quality are spot on. This applies to the new Bike+, as well as all the new models announced.
Tread vs. Tread for Cross-Training
The Cross Training Tread costs $3,295, while the Tread costs $2,995. Both models feature a 23.8-inch HD touchscreen, a maximum speed of 12.5 mph, an incline of up to 12.5%, and a cushioned running belt. This price also includes a rotating screen, an upgraded processor, improved speakers, and connectivity options.
Tread+ vs Cross Training Tread+
You’ll notice a common trend here: the Plus models offer more advanced features, period. This is also true for the Cross Training Tread+ , which has seen a significant price increase over its predecessor—it now costs $6,495 versus $5,995. Similarities include a 32-inch screen, a gridded running belt, and an incline of up to 15%. The differences are similar to those between the Bike+ and the Cross Training Bike+: it features a motion-tracking camera, a rotating screen, Sonos speakers, voice control, a fan, and upgraded technology and hardware.
Rowing vs Cross Training Rowing+
The Row is a Peloton device that has transitioned from the regular line to the Plus line. The Cross Training Row+ now retails for $3,495, up from $3,195, and features all the Plus features, including a rotating screen, motion tracking camera, Sonos speakers, voice control, a fan, and an upgraded processor.
Is it worth upgrading your Peloton device?
Let me start by saying that I only had a chance to handle the new devices briefly during the press conference, so my opinion isn’t based on extended use. Nevertheless, what I saw at the event was impressive, especially the Plus line, which features the much-hyped motion tracking camera.
If you’re considering an upgrade, it’s best to get the Plus version to take full advantage of all the new features Peloton has announced. The motion-tracking camera and voice control were really handy during the demos I attended. The camera can adjust your body position or notify you, for example, when a certain weight is becoming too light and you should consider switching to a heavier one. The Plus line also includes a built-in fan, which is a nice touch.
Despite Peloton’s introduction of new classes and AI features to these cross-training devices, everything except motion tracking and voice control works perfectly on existing equipment. If you have a Bike or even an older version of the Bike+, you’ll still be able to use the new personalized workout planner, as well as all the other features you already had access to. If you’re in no rush to ditch your old bike, you won’t have to, unless you need the motion-tracking camera and voice commands.
Upgrading to the Cross Training Bike or Cross Training Tread doesn’t make sense for me right now, as the only real improvement is the swiveling screen. If I were to buy a new device (and after almost five years of using my beloved Bike, I’m finally considering it), I’d go with the Plus to take advantage of all the new tools and features.
However, it’s worth remembering that whether you upgrade your equipment or not, you’ll still pay more. The price of your Peloton app membership, which allows you to attend classes and follow programs both on your phone and on the company’s devices, increases with the release of new equipment. New membership prices :
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All-Access membership price increases from $44 to $49.99 per month
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The price of App+ membership has increased from $24 to $28.99.
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App One membership price has increased from $12.99 to $15.99.
Furthermore, Peloton has eliminated the free installation we knew about. You’ll have to spend $150 to assemble a new unit, unless you purchase the Cross Training Tread+, which costs $299 to assemble. All these additional costs are a factor when deciding whether you need new equipment, so be sure to factor in all the costs.
In the coming days and weeks, Peloton will be launching special offers for existing members looking to renew their subscriptions. In the meantime, remember that earlier this year, the company launched its own resale platform. Depending on the type of device you sell, you not only get paid for the equipment itself but also receive a discount of several hundred dollars toward a future Peloton purchase. If you’re considering a new device from this updated fleet, sell your existing ones first to better understand your available funds.
If you don’t have a Peloton but want one, it might be worth waiting a few weeks until all the older models appear on the resale site. As I mentioned, the new software updates work great on them, so now’s the perfect time to grab a bargain.