Peloton Has Released Its First Folding Treadmill and Its Most Affordable to Date.
Peloton has released three new treadmills: the Tread Flex, its first folding treadmill, and the Tread Vision and Tread+ Vision. Together, they cover a wide range of models, from a compact $2,195 walking treadmill to a powerful $6,695 slatted belt treadmill designed for elite athletes and Hyrox competitors.
As in most other markets today, there’s a strong focus on intelligence and personalization. Peloton claims its new equipment is “smarter,” thanks to features like a motion-tracking camera that can analyze your running technique. The software goes even further, offering features that adapt to your actual workouts, and what’s really exciting is that many of these will also appear on existing Peloton treadmills. Last week, I had the opportunity to check out the line at the Peloton studio in New York City. Here’s what I learned about Peloton’s newest line of treadmills.
Tread Flex ($2,195)
For most people, the Flex’s key feature is its compact size. It folds, saving approximately 50% of floor space, and, as Peloton representatives told me, it’s shorter than a Peloton bike when folded. A two-stage cylinder mechanism gently lowers the deck, and a safety latch keeps it securely upright. Casters make it easy to move, and the rotating screen lets you switch from treadmill workouts to floor workouts, such as strength training, yoga, and stretching. It’s also quiet: Peloton claims a noise level of 70 dB at 12.5 mph (the maximum speed) without anyone on the treadmill. It’s best suited for walkers, hikers, and low-impact cardio enthusiasts.
Tread Vision ($3,495)
This is a complete redesign of the Peloton treadmill, with improvements in almost every aspect:
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Features a 23.8-inch swivel screen, Sonos-tuned speakers, and a built-in cooling fan.
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A motion tracking camera used in running analysis and integrated strength training.
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New deck cushioning with internal shock absorbers to reduce impact load on joints.
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Updated tray for phone, tablet and water bottle.
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The new jump buttons allow you to switch to the next or previous speed or inclination angle, specified by integer values, with a single press.
Peloton positions itself as a device for families with a variety of goals: for those who enjoy walking, jogging, running, and strength training.
Tread+ Vision System ($6,695)
The Peloton Tread+ Vision treadmill is a premium model designed for high-mileage training and elite athletes. Its rubberized belt runs on a ball-bearing system designed to return energy with every stride. It includes all the features of the Tread Vision, including a motion-tracking camera for running and strength training analysis, jump buttons, and exclusive Sled and Free modes (more on those below). Peloton claims it’s best suited for runners, endurance athletes, and Hyrox competitors .
New Peloton software features
For me, the more important news was the launch of a whole host of promising new software features. These were the ones that caught my attention the most, especially because they will appear on older devices if their hardware can support them.
The Running Analysis feature uses a motion-tracking camera to analyze your running technique using artificial intelligence. It measures cadence, vertical oscillation, stride length, and vertical ratio, then provides a running efficiency score from 1 to 100 after each workout, along with personalized tips. A one-time camera calibration is required, and the camera operates silently in the background without real-time display. This feature is available on the Tread Vision, Tread+ Vision, and CTS Tread+ treadmills, but not in Bootcamp, Warm Up, Cool Down, or ReRun workouts.
The IQ Pace Targets feature is now available on all treadmills. It analyzes your recent runs to recommend a personalized pace range, which activates after approximately 10 workouts and adapts as your fitness changes. On-screen shortcuts let you sync the coach’s guidance with your own goals, so you can change speed or incline with a single tap. Personalization requires this feature to be enabled.
ReRuns brings your real-life outdoor routes to your treadmill. The app syncs past runs and walks from the Peloton app or connected smartwatch, and the automatic incline feature follows the actual elevation profile. If you haven’t saved any outdoor runs, there’s a pre-installed library, including segments of the TCS New York City Marathon route and some past Peloton Run Club routes. Location services must be enabled during outdoor workouts.
The “Sled” mode is designed for Hyrox users and will be available on all Tread+ machines. It simulates pushing a sled using software-controlled resistance ranging from 30 to 300 pounds applied to the belt. Press the “Free” button, set the sled weight using the dial, and the belt will be propelled by your own stride. There are dedicated instructor-led Sled classes available, and it’s also available in Just Run.
Heart rate-controlled workouts are unguided, zone 2-based workouts that use your heart rate instead of speed or incline. Available in the Just Run and Entertainment apps, they feature real-time on-screen target zone guidance that adapts to keep you in your target zone. You’ll need a connected heart rate monitor, smartwatch, or wearable device. They work on all Peloton cardio machines (treadmill, bike, and rower).
To use all the new software features listed above, you’ll need an All-Access Membership subscription —except for heart rate workouts, which are also available in App+ and the App.