Peloton Bike+
What’s the story?
For the benefit of anyone not targeted by the tirelessly upbeat ad campaign, Peloton sells Wi-fi-connected bikes with touchscreen displays that stream live and on-demand spin classes hosted by eerily flawless instructors.
The Bike+ is Peloton’s first upgrade – and while it hasn’t changed much on a superficial level, it has received a couple of hardware boosts that turn it from a bike to a home fitness centre. Most notably, the screen – 2.8in bigger, sharper and with better audio – can spin 180° left or right, allowing you to follow the yoga, strength and HIIT sessions included with the £39/month app.
The other major upgrade is Auto-follow, which lets the on-screen instructor adjust the resistance on your bike. So you never have to touch the dial, just keep up with the cadence and wipe away the sweat.
Is it any good?
Peloton has cult-like status because it offers a vast collection of classes (and hot instructors) for all abilities. Auto-follow pushes you harder and allows fewer opportunities to slack off; you can cheat it, but that’s your issue, not theirs. It’s not unique to exercise bikes, but it’s a welcome addition.
As for the on-and-off-bike fitness classes, Peloton has applied the same quality gloss as the regular sessions, with time factored in for swapping your cleats for trainers (and back again). You’ve always been able to do a stretch or strength session using the bike’s display, but the simple screen rotation means now you actually might.
Once you factor in the £468 annual subs then add shoes, weights and floor mats, you’re nudging £3000; but we’ve yet to find anything legal that pumps us so full of endorphins while also burning calories.
Price £2295 / stuff.tv/pelplus
Key specs ● 23.8in Full HD touchscreen ● Front and rear speakers ● Bluetooth 5, Wi-fi, USB-C ● 63kg
STUFF SAYS Peloton owners look smug for a reason – and now the best is even better ★★★★★