[CountDrewku]

No, it's ridiculously overpriced for the equipment and content. Buy a real bike and go outside. It's way more interesting and better for you.

If you HAVE to stay inside for bad weather or something get a trainer for that bike. There are several youtube channels/patreon channels that film their mountain-biking/road biking and you can put those on and feel like you're riding along if you need that aspect.

I feel like the type of people that fall for these electronic gadgets typically don't like exercising and are hoping they'll somehow get more motivated with digital content. Invariably, after a few months they quit using it just like every other exercise program they've started.

[ubermonkey]

"Do something else!" is not much of an argument. It really just points out that you're unaware of the distinction between what Peloton sells and cycling in general.

Spin classes have their appeal and benefits that aren't the same as regular riding. A spin class is (typically) a high-intensity activity done for a fairly short period of time (say, an hour). An hour spent outside on your bike does not impart the same benefits, plus issues of weather and traffic detract (for some) from the overall appeal.

I'm a serious road cyclist, so I kinda dismissed Peloton initially, because I figured because it looked kinda like a bad deal for road-cyclist indoor workouts then it must be the same thing, but it's really not. I have a fancy indoor riding setup using a Wahoo trainer and one of my bikes and an iPad, and that's PERFECT for the kinds of FTP-boosting workouts my coach sets up for me, but Peloton isn't in my market AT ALL. Just because it'd pedaling indoors doesn't make it the same thing.

Spin has its own (typically well-heeled) devotees, and Peloton is pursuing that market. There is almost ZERO overlap between the sets of "my serious cycling pals who do indoor training" and "my friends who own Pelotons," which just highlights the difference.

[AlwaysRock]

Interesting take but while there is some argument to be made for being outside... Cycling outside is not always better for you. Many people live in urban areas where cycling outside is dangerous and objectively worse for you due to fumes from cars.

I've lived in rural areas where biking outside was great and in cities where biking was prioritized but I've also lived in many places where biking outside put myself at a much higher risk of being injured than biking inside. Especially at night after work which is when many exercise.

[21eleven]

I have had my Peloton for a year now. I use it every day. It has transformed my health and my relationship w fitness.

When I am on vacation I do Peloton audio based outdoor runs to keep my Peloton workout streak alive.

[stbtrax]

I keep seeing this argument, from presumably 20-40something single men. I ride outside a lot and indoors too. 1. trainers don't work if you have 7+ bikes in a household with differing drivetrains, even the ones that attach at the wheel. 2. watching people ride and sitting on a trainer is kind of boring 3. peloton content is pretty engaging (maybe not for you) 4. the subscription cost is not an impact to finances

[ubermonkey]

I mean, I get your point, but I'm confused by the statement

"trainers don't work if you have 7+ bikes in a household with differing drivetrains, even the ones that attach at the wheel"

They absolutely DO work, even then. Wheel-off smart trainers (Wahoo KICKR Snap, e.g.) don't care what your drive train is. We can put every bike we own on ours, and that includes bikes with 9-speed, 10-speed, and 11-speed drivetrains.

If you opt for a wheel-off trainer, sure, you'd probably need to ensure chain/cassette compatibility, but then you're clearly making a tradeoff for a superior "feel" and better power calibration -- in other words, you're probably racing and have no interest in keeping your 9-speed bike on a trainer when you race on 11. ;)