The in-home spin bike that provides thousands of on-demand and live cycling, strength, yoga and meditation sessions helped the company’s revenue climb to $1.8 billion by the close of 2020, a 100% increase from the year before.
But at a staggering $1,895 for the bike and delivery — or $2,045 for the bike plus shoes, delivery, bike weights and headphones — not to mention delayed shipping times, you might be curious about other ways to get in your cycling workouts.
The good news is you don’t need Peloton-level spending to enjoy Peloton-style exercise. We compiled a list of substitutes that will give your body — not your bank account — a solid workout.
How to Put Together a More Affordable Peloton Substitute
Use the App
A full Peloton membership costs $40 per month, but the app-only plan is $13 a month. The app delivers essentially the same classes as a membership; the main difference is that app users don’t appear on the leaderboard.
Run the app on your phone, tablet or any supported device, and mount it on any bike. You can also cast it to your TV using Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku or Android TV.
Cost: $13/month
Pair the App With a Less Expensive Bike…
Selecting the proper bike to act as your Peloton stand-in matters. There are many spin bike brands available now, and they often look and claim to perform the same.
Spoiler: they’re not identical.
Yes, you could buy a very cheap bike — some run as low as $100 — but these options can be rigid, prone to malfunction, uncomfortable, and may lack metrics tracking.
Because you’ll likely spend many hours each week on this bike, opt for a sturdy alternative. Remember: a bike that’s painful to ride is a bike you probably won’t use.
The most commonly recommended option is the Sunny bike. Priced at $399, it’s still affordable compared with a Peloton. It even resembles the Peloton in appearance, lets you adjust resistance, has a smooth flywheel and includes transport wheels for easy movement around your home.
The Sunny indoor cycle isn’t flimsy like many lower-priced competitors that wobble, and it feels comparable to the spin bikes you’ll see at typical gyms. Assembly takes about half an hour, or you can pay someone to put it together for you.
Cost: $399 (if you choose the Sunny bike)
…or Use a Bike You Already Own
If you own a bicycle, you can convert your outdoor bike into a stationary trainer with a straightforward attachment.
The Sportneer Magnetic Bike Trainer Stand transforms any bicycle into a spin bike. It also dampens wheel noise, making it as quiet as a dedicated indoor cycle. The trainer offers six resistance levels you can adjust from the handlebar.
When you’re finished, the attachment folds away for storage and your bike is ready to ride outdoors again.
Cost: $130
Buy Sensors for Your Ride
During Peloton sessions, instructors prompt you to change cadence and resistance. Those cues are essential for following along in spin classes and getting an effective workout.
However, many spin bikes — Sunny included — don’t come with the sensors needed to display those metrics. Luckily, they’re simple to purchase and install.
A cadence sensor is crucial so you can monitor how hard you’re pedaling. (Think: riding on a flat stretch versus climbing a hill.) This Wahoo cadence sensor costs about $40 on Amazon and pairs well with most spin bikes, Sunny included.
It’s also handy to have a speed sensor so you can see how far you’ve ridden. Often, speed and cadence sensors are sold together, like this Wahoo bundle, which sells for roughly $70.
Cost: Between $40–$70
Find an App for Speed and Cadence
Because the Peloton app won’t display your speed and cadence, you’ll want an additional app that connects to your bike sensors to show your workout statistics. Ideally, the app will report cadence, speed, calories burned, distance and time.
The sensors discussed above will gather the data, but the companion app reveals what those numbers mean. Most sensors ship with an app; if you buy Wahoo products, for example, you’ll get the free Wahoo Fitness app that pairs wirelessly with the sensors.
Cost: Free
Set Up Your Tablet or TV
You can certainly use your phone for Peloton classes, but a tablet propped on your bike better simulates the Peloton experience. Any tablet works, though a larger display gives a more immersive feel. If you don’t have a tablet mount, you might consider purchasing one.
Alternatively, position your bike in front of a TV and use Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku or Android TV to access your Peloton app on the big screen.
Cost: Varies depending on what you already own
Nice-to-Have Extras
These items aren’t essential for a solid Peloton-style workout, but if you have extra funds, they can enhance your sessions.
Cycling Shoes and Cleats
Some bikes, like the Sunny, include adjustable toe cages so you can ride in regular sneakers. Still, cycling shoes can elevate your performance; their stiff soles maximize power transfer and they’re lightweight. With a quality pair of cycling shoes, you’ll likely ride faster and harder.
There’s a wide price range for cycling shoes. A reliable, budget-friendly option — such as the Nike SuperRep Cycle — may cost around $120. If you find indoor cycling becomes a regular habit, this is a worthwhile purchase.
You’ll also need hardware to make your bike compatible with cleated shoes. The Shimano SH-56 Multi-Directional Release SPD Cleats are a $15 option that works well.
Cycling Shorts
Many riders prefer bike shorts for indoor cycling since they’re flexible, comfortable and include extra padding. These bike shorts from Old Navy cost about $20 for two pairs, so you don’t have to splurge on high-end cycling apparel to try them out.
If your saddle feels uncomfortable, give it a few days to see if you adjust. If the discomfort persists, consider adding a seat cover like the Schwinn Sport Memory Foam Bike Seat Cover, which runs about $19 at Target.com.
Alex Morgan is a contributor to Savinly.
