How to Live the Peloton Life on a Budget

Interested in a Peloton Bike but can’t afford one? No sweat!

- ANGELA MOSCARITOLO

Peloton is arguably the biggest name in smart home fitness equipment, but there’s no denying its cost of entry is expensive. At $1,495, the Peloton Bike is the company’s most affordable starting point—and that’s without taking a number of other expenses into account, such as delivery, accessories, and a monthly membership.

The way we see it, you have three options for recreating a Peloton-like experience on the cheap. The first is to stream classes from Peloton’s $12.99-per-month app (which you can use without buying one of the company’s machines) on your tablet or TV while you ride a basic, non-connected stationary bike. Your second alternative is to look into Peloton competitors that offer more affordable models and monthly pricing. The final, most wallet-friendly option is to forget about a bike completely and use a free or affordable workout app for your cardio, mobility, and strength training.

We cover the pros and cons of each of these options below. But before we dive into alternatives, let’s go over how much it costs to buy and use a Peloton Bike.

HOW MUCH DOES A PELOTON BIKE REALLY COST?

Peloton currently sells two smart stationary bikes, including the original $1,495 Bike and the newer $2,495 Bike+. The main difference is that the Bike+ has a rotating screen and an Auto-Follow feature that saves you from having to adjust the resistance knob yourself. Peloton offers interest-free financing options that start at $45 per month over 39 months for the Bike or $59 per month over 43 months for the Bike+. Delivery and setup are $250 with the Bike and free with the Bike+.