I’ve been obsessed with Peloton for years now, and I have to admit that I have upgraded to the Peloton Bike and Treadmill, BUT you definitely don’t have to, and I was able to ride through my favorite Peloton rides using the app and an alternative bike! I started with the Peloton app years ago (during Covid!), and used it for strength training and running with their live classes and saved classes. It is basically a Netfilix of workouts, and the good news is that the app is really all you need to get a great workout in! I have some great tips on stationary bikes, and what worked really well for me when I was using an indoor bike that I found on Facebook Marketplace for a much better price point! The key is to find a bike that has a lot of functionality for you to replicate the Peloton Bike.

Did you know you can grab the Peloton Bike on Amazon now? They also have USED options, which are more affordable, and Amazon is usually so good about returns etc.! Definitely check that out if you are interested in buying the real Peloton Bike, but want to spend less on a used one! You won’t have the hastle of Facebook marketplace, it will come straight to your door, and you can get help with set up!

I am going to go over all the best peloton bike alternatives you can chose, and why they are awesome alternatives that will work great with the Peloton app!

My Peloton Alternative: The Sunny Spin Bike

This is the bike that I found on Facebook Marketplace. I actually got it from a mom that used it as her Peloton alternative, then upgraded to the Peloton bike as well! So, it was my turn to use it, and It was super light and easy to carry upstairs to my bedroom, where I could spin in the early mornings before my boys woke up. This is one of the best exercise bikes for the price point. Even better, you don’t have to buy it used because it isn’t that expensive on Amazon! It has over 7,000 ratings at a 4.4 stars, which is great!

Here are the main points of the bike:

About this item

【40 LB FLYWHEEL】The 40 LB chrome flywheel is engineered to provide exceptional stability and riding momentum, ensuring challenging workouts that engage your muscles and promote a smoother, more effective exercise experience.
【CONNECTED FITNESS EXPERIENCE】Sync this cycling bike via Bluetooth to monitor progress, tailor workouts, and explore over 1000 training videos, 10,000 global tours, diverse fitness programs, and community engagements.
【QUIET OPERATION】The belt-drive mechanism offers a virtually maintenance-free solution. Its whisper-quiet operation allows you to exercise without disturbing others, creating a peaceful and uninterrupted workout environment.
【STEPLESS RESISTANCE & SAFETY】Effortlessly adjust your workout intensity with the micro adjustable resistance knob. The dual felt pad resistance system allows seamless adjustments, and for quick stops, simply push down the resistance knob.
【PERSONALIZED COMFORT】Easily adjust multi-grip handlebars and a two-way seat to match your riding style and leg inseam length (adjustable inseam height: Max. 41 in / Min. 29 in), ensuring a comfortable and customized cycling experience.
【ROBUST & STABLE】The heavy-duty steel frame provides a solid foundation, allowing you to confidently engage in any cycle-based workout. With a weight capacity of up to 275 LB, this frame ensures stability and durability.
【PERFORMANCE DIGITAL MONITOR】The LCD digital monitor tracks essential workout metrics, including time, speed, distance, calories burned, odometer readings, pulse rate, and RPM (revolutions per minute).

【ULTIMATE CONVENIENCE】Stay entertained with a device holder, stay hydrated with a bottle holder, and seamlessly switch to strength training with a dumbbell holder—all within easy reach, enhancing your workout experience.
【EFFORTLESS SETUP & MOBILITY】The bike offers easy assembly, allowing you to start your workouts quickly. With the transportation wheels, you can effortlessly move and store the bike as needed, making it a practical and versatile fitness solution.
【Sunny Health & Fitness Commitment】A top fitness brand for 20+ years, offers superior products and a dedication to excellence. Count on our committed customer service and enjoy peace of mind with a 1-year warranty on the structural frame.

This bike worked really well, and I added a tablet holder to put my phone on when I used the Peloton app.

How I Used My Peloton Alternative With The Peloton App:

I used my phone or a tablet and placed it on my tablet holder on the bike. This way, I felt like I was riding the real thing! You don’ thave to buy any cycling shoes, which is even better because with the Peloton Bike, you have to buy the special cycling shoes, which are an additional price. I also made sure I had blue-tooth headphones, so I could really turn up the music in the classes.

The only issue is that I had to guess on the resistance suggestions by the instructors. I just turned the resistance up when I was supposed to, and back down when the instructor called, so I could judge my workout on how I felt, more than if I was keeping up with the actual suggestions in the class. If I did a HIIT class, I just made sure my HIIT sectiosn were really hard. If it was a climb, I would just turn my resistance up as much as I could to climb, and assume I was close to wear I was supposed to be! If you grab this bike and just use the Peloton App, it is a fraction of the price compared to buying the real Peloton Bike, BUT you can also get 0% financing or rent a Peloton Bike now as well, which makes it more affordable than a gym membership!

I have the exact workout program I used to lose the last bit of baby weight, so you can do the exact classes and workouts I did! I did a great combination of long cardio rides, strength workouts and HIIT workouts to relaly burn calories and maintain muscle.

Peloton Diet Plan To Lose Weight + 8 Week Peloton Workout Plan Cardio + Strength

Everything you miss if you don’t use the Peloton Bike:

What I love about the bike is being able to keep up with the metrics, and getting personal records! You get a total output and so many stats riding the actual Peloton Bike. Now, I can see where I was on a similar ride, and try to beat myself on that ride. It helps you continue to move forward and progress in your fitness levels. The Peloton Bike also looks nicer, and is super quiet. You can swivel the screen if you need to for the additional workout classes, and the screen is so nice and big compared to looking at a phone or small tablet!

Since I’ve used the Sunny Bike, I found this bike on Amazon, which looks like a great value and possibly better altnerative!

Why I Love My Peloton Bike and Treadmill:

Ever since I upgraded to the Peloton Bike, and later my Peloton Treadmill, I have been more consistent and excited about my workouts.

Pooboo Exercise Bike

I haven’t tried this bike, but if I were to do it all again, I would probably grab this one!

About this item

1【Access to Multiple Fitness Apps】 Advanced bluetooth technology allows connecting to multiple free Apps, so that you could monitor or keep records on your own phone. Tablet/Phone Holder also provides the freedom of using your smart devices to watch shows while riding.
2【 Monitor and Tablet Mount 】 If you do not want access to Multiple Fitness Apps, we have the monitor. Monitor to show your riding time, count down mode helps you reset your riding time, buzzer will buzz when reach time. Ipad holder to place your Ipad or phone
3 【Silent Magnetic Resistance System】 Magnetic resistance is quieter than strap resistance because the magnets never touch the flywheel. Along with a quiet and smooth ride, you can expect little to no maintenance.
4【Safe and Convenient Stationary Bike】 Stable frame construction with durable steel for 350 lbs weight capacity. Press the resistance knob to stop the flywheel immediately. Bottle holder for quick hydration, 4’x 2’ footprint that smaller than your average yoga mat, transport wheels for ease of moving the stationary bike
5 【Adjustable Cycling Bike Fit Most People】 Adjustable padded seat, handlebar and cage pedals for people between 4.9’ and 6.3’ tall. Join the new cardio training routine with you family and friends.
6【What You Get】 pooboo exercise bike, all tools and instructions are in the package. Online instruction video can help you complete the assembly within 30 minutes. We provide the customers one year replacement part for free and your concerns are answered within 24 hours. 100% satisfied customer service!

Echelon Bike Fitness – Exercise Bike

This bike is really similar to the Peloton and Nordictrack bikes. It comes with a great tablet holder, so you can use your Peloton App, which gives you a peloton-like experience without being as expensive! The Echelon ex-3 smart connect bike is a great upgraded version as well!

About this item:

Enjoy a FREE 30-day trial of the Echelon App Premier Membership with access to more than 3,000 live and on-demand connected fitness classes led by the world’s best instructors through the Echelon Fit App. Enjoy exclusive content, class playlists, and music from top record labels, including your favorite hits from artists like Pitbull, Old Dominion, Lady Gaga, Daddy Yankee, and more. Classes range from 5 to 45 minutes and are designed for everyone from beginner to pro athletes. Explore classes like Cycling, Rowing, Running, HIIT, Kickboxing, Strength Training, Yoga, Pilates, and more. One membership allows up to five users, so your friends and family can enjoy the Echelon experience together.
DESIGN: This bike is designed for everyone and every home. With a modern design and small footprint, the EX-15 Bike provides a high intensive work out without taking over your space. The bike is solid, stable and stays in one place as you pedal, but it will take your at-home workout to new heights.
FEATURES and PERFORMANCE: 32 levels of silent precise resistance lets you vary your workout intensity – Fully adjustable toe cages on the pedals for a secure fit – Extra-large cushioned seat offers comfortable riding – Powder-coat frame for resistance to scratches – Padded handlebars are slip-resistant – bluetooth connectivity
CONTENT: With a membership you get live and on-demand classes for beginning to advanced riders ranging from 5-45 minutes long. Choose from endurance, climbing, HIIT, scenic rides and many others from our world class instructors. One membership works for all machines, including our bikes, rowers, treadmills and Reflect fitness mirrors. You also get access to our Fitpass programs which include yoga, strength, pilates, boxing and much more.
MUSIC: We Don’t Play Elevator Music. With a membership, you’ll stay energized and motivated with the best music in the industry. We partner with the top record labels to bring you the latest music for the best fitness experience. Dance, EDM, Folk and Funk. Hip Hop to K-Pop. Metal, Latin and R and B…whatever your ears want, we’ve got.
100 percent MONEY BACK GUARANTEE: We fully stand behind our product. If for any reason you are not satisfied with our quality or your experience, you are covered for the first 30 days with our satisfaction guaranteed policy and 5-star customer service. Simply reach out to us and we will make it right.

The Echelon app isn’t too bad with the same idea as the Peloton, so you could use that app if you wanted, but I think starting with the Peloton App is the best way to go! Then you can see if you like Peloton and all it has to offer!

If you are wanting more of a Peloton experience, but a cheaper alternative, there is the NordickTrack option. Here’s a great list of Peloton alternatives that also have the workout experience with classes, instructors, and on-demand classes with built-in screens.

Peloton Alternatives With Screens and On-Demand Experiences:

Nordictrack S Commercial Studio Cycle

This bike gives you a very similar experience to the Peloton Bike, but you are going to have different experience with the instructors and classes. Nordictrack uses iFit on-demand workouts, which I am sure you can get a really good sweat in! It comes with a free trial of the workout membership, which is a great way to get into the routine and get used to the program to make sure you like it!

About this item:

30-Day iFIT Family Membership Included; on-demand workouts on your equipment with Global Workouts & Studio Classes; Add up to 5 users; Elite trainers adjust your equipment (39 Dollar value)
UPGRADED 22” Rotating HD Touchscreen Display streams on-demand iFIT workouts; IMPROVED HD graphics processor; Adjustable display allows for 360-degree screen rotation
ENHANCED Automatic Trainer Control; NEW quieter incline motor; -10% to 20% incline; 24 resistance levels; iFIT Trainers auto-adjust your resistance and incline for a hands-free workout at home. Tilting display.
NEW Bluetooth Headphone Connectivity; Pair your own Bluetooth headphones to your bike for high-quality in-ear audio; FASTER WIFI Connectivity; (2) 3 Lb. dumbbells for cross-training on your bike
350-pound user weight capacity; Protected with a 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty; 59” H x 22” W x 60” L

ProForm Vue Smart Reflective Trainer:

The Proform Studio Bike Pro and the Proform Vue Smart Reflective Trainger bikes are still higher in the price range, so I found this one, which offers a similar experience and one of the least expensive options for an at-home bike.

About this item

30-Day iFIT Family Membership Included; Stream live & on-demand workouts on your equipment with Global Workouts, themed rides & Studio Classes; Add up to 5 users; Elite trainers adjust your equipment (39 dollars value)
22” Smart HD Touchscreen; Stream interactive iFIT workouts on your exercise bike; Track your distance, speed, and estimated calorie burn as iFIT Trainers motivate you through every session
24 Digital Resistance Levels; With iFIT, your trainer will auto-adjust your resistance for a better workout; Inertia-Enhanced Flywheel keeps you moving; Integrated Water Bottle Holder for hydration
3-pound Dumbbell Set Included; Turn your cardio exercise into a total-body workout; Follow your iFIT Trainers through cross-training on and off your bike; Adjustable seat, handlebars, and console
250-pound total weight capacity; Protected with a 10-year frame warranty, a 2-year parts warranty, and a 1-year labor warranty; 54” H x 21.9” W x 50.1” L

BowFlex Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike Series

About this item

LEAN MODE: Ride in stationary mode or level up with Leaning Mode to strengthen and tone your arms and core.
ADJUSTABLE RESISTANCE: Feel yourself getting stronger with 100 magnetic resistance levels to up the challenge every time you ride.
ADJUSTABLE FEATURES: Dual link pedals with toe cages or Shimano SPD clips, fore/aft and height adjustable seat and 6-hand position handlebars.
HD TOUCHSCREEN: Get totally immersed in your workout with an adjustable 22” high-definition attached screen and touchscreen and a built-in JRNY experience.
2-MONTH FREE TRIAL: Try our JRNY All-Access Membership for 2 months, free.
JRNY ALL-ACCESS MEMBERSHIP: Fitness + fun with just-for-you adaptive workouts, inspiring trainers, streaming entertainment and much more.*
3RD PARTY APPS: Use with popular third-party cycling apps like Peloton and Zwift on your smartphone, tablet or smart TV, and, with a JRNY account, during your workouts transmit bike metrics to compatible cycling apps via Bluetooth connectivity (separate subscriptions required).

WATCH AND WORKOUT: Stream your favorite shows from Netflix, Prime Video, and more while you work out.*
EXPLORE THE WORLD: Travel through 200+ virtual courses at your own speed or experience them alongside your adaptive workouts.*
EVOLVE WITH ALL-IN-ONE TRACKING: Review your milestones, achievements, and personal bests in one easy place.

My favorite Peloton Classes and Instructors to Start with!

I downloaded the Peloton Digital App from iTunes or Google Play, and signed up right away. I created my account and got to looking and browsing! Once you have your app, you can start bookmarking classes you want to do in the future, so when it is time to workout, you already know what you want to do. Many times at night, I bookmark the class I want to do in the morning, because it helps me get up and get going without spending too much time deciding what class to do!

Live Classes and Pre-recorded Classes

From the Peloton app, I can choose from over 10,000 pre-recorded classes or access up to 10 live daily spin classes. What’s great is that you can filter the class selection. For example, you can choose class lengths from 20 minutes to up to 120 minutes (I usually do a 30 or 45-minute class). You can also choose the theme of music you want to spin to – Country, Pop, Hip Hop, Rock, 80’s, 90’s, Live DJ (which is kind of funny), Y2K, Broadway, Lizzo, etc. What I really like is that you can select your favorite instructor – my current favorite is Robin Arzon. She is so motivating! I find that the spin classes are far more intimate than the classes at the gym and with over a ten classes recorded every day, there is really something here for everyone.

Whether you are on a Peloton alternative, or riding the real deal, I wanted to also include some of my favorite instructors and classes to get you going!

Robin Arzon:

Alex Toussaint:

Cody Rigsby:

Ally Love:

All of the instructors are amazing, and I do change it up depending on what I am feeling like, but I tend to rotate between these 4 instructors a lot. I also have my favorite Peloon Tread insturctors as well, which makes it feel like I have so much with one app! I really feel apart of the community every time I ride or run, and I think that’s what makes it have such a strong pull. I almost feel weird now if I go a day without doing my Peloton, and I take the app on my outdoor runs with me too!

Are you on Peloton now? Follow me @sweatlylife, so we can run or ride together! I’ve been doing a lot of runs lately, and less rides, but I will get back to my rides and strength workouts this fall when I have more time and the kids are in school!