Hi Gang,
Its been almost two years since I started using the Peloton App with my own Sunny Spin Bike and my Wahoo cadence and speed sensors. What an amazing experience. I am in the best shape of my life and more importantly I have proven to myself that I have a passion for spinning – I am so happy with the variety of Peloton class options, have exercised my butt off and the bike didn’t turn into a clothes hanger.
Now I am considering an upgrade. Why? For no reason in particular. My Sunny still works great. I just want to move to more of a commercial grade exercise bike. I have stashed away $100 per month for the past two years and I am deciding between a Keiser M3i and of course, the Peloton.
After doing a LOT of research comparing and contrasting the two spin bikes – I thought I would share what I found.
After many nights aimlessly wandering the web, I came across this PHENOMENAL spreadsheet created by Peloton App User Liz Ducey (leader board name #irish_siren). It is an incredible, in-depth comparison of the features, functionalities and costs of the two bikes. Consider it the ultimate list of Keiser/Peloton pros and cons. I was so excited to find it as it saved me hours of research. With her permission, I am sharing her incredible work with my followers. Here it is:
PROS & CONS: Peloton Bike vs Keiser M3i Bike (w/Peloton App)
(Excel Spreadsheet)
Lots of food for thought here. For example, I hadn’t thought about the Peloton technology (the screen) aging from the day you buy it and the potential need for replacement screens in the future (damage, upgrade, etc.).
Also, it seems to boil down to the fact that the Keiser is a commercial grade spin bike with exceptional durability and quality where the Peloton is a lesser quality residential exercise bike (but still awesome) that has the all built in social features.
I know which way I am leaning (hint, the classes will still only cost me $13 per month as I detailed in my original “Peloton without the Bike” post two years ago).
UPDATE 1: A reader just sent me this link to StudioCycle’s video comparison of the pros & cons of the Peloton and Keiser. I thought that I would share. There is some really interesting content there, too. It is worth a watch.
UPDATE 2: If you are looking for the Keiser/Peloton Resistance charts, I’ve included some options below. I prefer the first as it is slightly more difficult!
Let me know what you think. Was this helpful?
Happy spinning!
Beth
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Hi Beth! Thanks for the helpful tips. I really appreciate all of the advice on how to make a DIY Peloton experience! I am looking to get an indoor cycle bike to do something similar. I always liked cycle classes at my old gym (current gym is extra expense), but don’t think I would use the bike at home without a connected experience like the Peloton Digital app, using a connected TV for content, even if I can’t get all of the Peloton stats. I wanted to stay around $500 for the bike, but am finding that with cycle bikes,… Read more »
Hi Gina, Thank you for the note! You are exactly in the same position where I was two years ago. I was looking for a way to enjoy cardio at home with a “connected” experience. That is the beauty of the Peloton App – it is very immersive. If you are unsure that you will go the distance and commit to spinning, I suggest starting with a budget bike like I did (the Sunny) and then working your way up. As I mentioned in this post, after two years I am considering an upgrade to the Keiser M3i. I’ll probably… Read more »
Hi Beth, thanks for the posts. I’m in a similar position, but unlike you I have the Peloton bike and am having buyers remorse given the hefty $40 a month vs $13 a month. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love the bike and app and am getting great workouts, I just feel a bit handcuffed to the bike should I get bored of it or want to try another cycling class subscription. I am also a runner, and have found I’ve barely been running because I feel like if I’m spending $40 a month I need to get my… Read more »
Hi Alyssa,
I am on holiday at the moment but wanted to send you a quick note. I think a lot of your questions will be answered by the Excel spreadsheet in my post:
Peloton vs Keiser
It’s a list of pros and cons.
The Keiser displays cadence, resistance, output and heart rate; however for resistance it has a 1-24 scale as opposed to Peloton’s 1-100. That means you need a conversion chart which I have also posted.
Re: the screen, I stream to my 65″ flat screen and love it.
Happy spinning!
Beth
Hi Beth, Thanks for all of the great info! I just heard about Peloton last month, yes, apparently I do live under a rock! I admit, I am kind of out of it. I have been wanting to increase my cardio and I am not a gym person, so I found your blog in my internet search. Thanks for sharing all of your great research and hands on user experience. I just wanted to share what I recently ordered after lots of internet research, yours included. I just ordered the Diamondback Fitness 1260sc Studio Cycle. I looked very hard at… Read more »
Hi Beth!
Thank you so much for writing. Your comment will undoubtedly help other readers in their decision making process.
Please keep us updated on your progress and how you like the Diamondback!
Happy spinning,
Beth
Hi, I too chose a Diamondback Fitness 1260SC and have been riding it a lot these past 2+ months. I love how solid and quiet it is, but I think the console data is way off, particularly the watts readings. Can you comment on the accuracy of your console data based on your experience with the 1260SC?
Hi Jason,
Sorry but I have a Sunny but am thinking about the Keiser.
Happy spinning!
Beth
I was replying to the other Beth who asked about the Diamondback Fitness 1260SC, above.
Got it!!
Happy spinning!
Beth
Hi Beth! This has been super helpful! I’d been originally thinking about the Peloton but the continuous cost turned me off and I’m very much leaning towards a DIY version. Plus the whole leaderboard thing doesn’t appeal to me either, it’s demotivating for me. I was leaning towards doing the SchwinnC4 mainly cause of the cost but I’ve used the Keiser before and like it. It’s what I’ve used at my Y for a few years now. I would hate to grab the Schwinn and not like the feel of it. Long story short….I’m curious if you actually ended up… Read more »
Hi Nisha,
Thanks for writing. I haven’t bought it just yet. I was waiting to achieve 500 rides on my Sunny before pulling the trigger. I just recently got my 500 ride badge (yay me) so the Keiser will be back on my focus!!
Happy spinning!
Beth
Great work Beth, My wife and I have a commercial grade (bought of a bankrupt gym) Keiser M2 (I think, no markings on the bike) It has a BLACK adjuster, not a red one like the M3. Anyway the black handle resistance is sooo much harder then the Red M3. I can not for the life of me find a convention chart from my Black handle Kaiser to peloton bike, we use the app. My Sister has the M3 and we all agree the Kaiser Black handle is so much harder then the M3. In your travels have you come… Read more »
Hi Peter,
Thanks for the note. I wish I had advice for you but I didn’t even know that a M2 existed!
I suggest posting your question on my mPaceLine Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/mpaceline
Happy spinning!
Beth
Wow, I have this Keiser bike too and this chart was so hard! I hope we can find a conversion for the Keiser bike with the black knob!
Thanks JA.
Best of luck and happy spinning!
Beth
This is amazing. I have a Sole which is great but ball bearings needed to be replaced and hard to find anyone who can work on the bike. My husband and I are very seasoned cyclist (we raced) but the bike is impossible to work on. 42 fly wheel and a smooth quite ride. Heavy heavy heavy!! Time for new spin bike. Not into classes so Peloton just makes no sense. My husband does Zwift but as much as I loved my Cannondale road bike I hate sitting on a road bike to spin. I found the Keiser M3 yesterday… Read more »
Hi Teresa,
Thanks for the note. I am fairly certain that the Keiser M3i is compatible with Zwift. The M3i has the Bluetooth connectivity.
I’d suggest at least trying the Peloton App once you get the new bike. There is usually a free trial. You might be surprised, especially with the Power Zone classes.
Stay safe and happy spinning!
Beth