How Peloton's New Line of Fitness Equipment Stacks Up Against the Existing Models

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Peloton announced this week, among other things, that all of its devices are getting a bit of an overhaul. While the Bike, Bike+, Tread, Tread+, and Row each got some improvements, this doesn't necessarily mean you have to upgrade your equipment just yet.

Comparing old Peloton models with the new Cross Training Series

First, the basics: Peloton unveiled all-new versions of its classic at-home fitness equipment Wednesday. Collectively, they're known as the Cross Training series—the equipment itself is the Cross Training Bike, the Cross Training Bike+, etc. Like before, there are still five models—two bikes, two treadmills, and a rowing machine—but the new versions have features that make them more compatible with cross training and are just a little better than their predecessors overall.

Peloton Bike vs. Peloton Cross Training Bike

We'll start with the classic bike, Peloton's bread and butter. The original Bike retails for $1,145 and the new Cross Training Bike is $1,695. Like all the new models, the updated version of the base model Bike features a swiveling touchscreen designed to make it easier for you to segue from cardio on the machine to strength, stretching, yoga, or some other Peloton workout, all while still following along with an instructor on the screen.

Otherwise, what this $200 price hike gets you is pretty basic: There is improved audio in the form of front-facing speakers, better wifi connectivity, and Bluetooth 5.2. It also has an upgraded seat, which Peloton describes as "an ergonomically redesigned saddle with enhanced cushioning and optimized weight distribution." A comfier seat is a bonus, but comfier seats were already available on the third-party market.

There are more similarities between the old model and new than there are differences. Both have manual resistance knobs, a 21.5" touchscreen, a belt drive, and magnetic resistance. To be clear, Peloton didn't set out to reinvent the (fly)wheel here; all of these devices are functionally similar to their predecessors. You cycle on the Bike, run on the Tread, and row on the Row, just as you always did.

Bike+ vs. Cross Training Bike+

I liked the old Bike+ when I tested it out, but the new Bike+ has some significant upgrades over that one. The old-style Bike+ retails for $2,495 while the Cross Training Bike+ is $2,695. You get the swivel screen and the upgraded seat, but you also get a movement-tracking camera that uses AI to make suggestions and correct your form, Sonos audio with a woofer, AI-powered voice commands, a fan, a phone tray, and better software overall. Like the old Bike+, this one has a 23.8" HD touchscreen and the much-loved auto-resistance feature.

I got the chance to play around with the new devices at Peloton Studios this week and, from what I experienced, the company's claims that the hardware and software have been enhanced to improve touchscreen responsiveness and audio quality are accurate. That's true for this new Bike+ and all the newer models announced.

Tread vs. Cross Training Tread

The Cross Training Tread is $3,295 compared to the Tread's $2,995, though both get you a 23.8" HD touchscreen, a maximum speed of 12.5 miles per hour, and an incline up to 12.5%, as well as a soft-touch running belt. That price increase also covers the swivel screen, an upgraded processor, and better speakers and connectivity.

Tread+ vs. Cross Training Tread+

You're going to notice a theme here: The Plus models pack more upgraded features into their upgrades, period. That's true for the Cross Training Tread+, which sees one of the biggest price increases over its predecessor—it now retails for $6,495 compared to $5,995. The similarities are in the 32" screen, slatted running belt, and incline up to 15%. The differences mirror the differences between the Bike+ and Cross Training Bike+: It comes with the movement-tracking camera, swivel screen, Sonos speakers, voice control, fan, and upgraded tech and hardware.

Row vs. Cross Training Row+

The Row is the Peloton device that moved from plain-old equipment to Plus line. Now, the Cross Training Row+ retails for $3,495 instead of $3,195 and comes with all those Plus features, like the rotating screen, movement-tracking camera, Sonos speakers, voice control, fan, and upgraded processor.

Should you upgrade your Peloton device?

Let me start by saying I have only gotten to interact with the new devices for a brief time during a press event, so I haven't formed my opinion based on any extensive use. That said, what I saw at the event was impressive—especially from the Plus line, which is the line that features the much-touted movement-tracking camera.

If you are considering upgrading, your best bet is to go all the way to Plus so you can make the most of all the new features Peloton announced. The movement-tracking camera and voice controls were really slick in the demos I participated in. The camera can correct your form or let you know when lifting a certain way is becoming too easy for you and you should consider moving to a higher weight, for instance. The Plus line also has the built-in fan, which is simply a nice touch.

All of that said, while Peloton rolled out new classes and AI features to accompany these cross training devices, everything except the motion-tracking and voice control works fine on existing equipment. If you have a Bike or even older Bike+, you'll still be able to use the new customized workout scheduling feature, plus all the other features you've already had access to. If you're not in a rush to get rid of your old machine, you don't have to unless you really want the motion-tracking camera and voice commands.

Upgrading to the Cross Training Bike or Cross Training Tread doesn't make sense to me right now, since the only real improvement you get with those is the swivel screen. If I were going to get a new device—and, after almost five years with my beloved Bike, I'm finally considering it—I'd opt for a Plus so I could take advantage of all the new tools and features.

It's worth keeping in mind, though, that whether you upgrade hardware or not, you're going to be paying more as it is. Membership fees for Peloton's app, which allows you to take classes and follow programs on your phone as well as on the company's proprietary devices, are going up as of the new equipment release. The new prices for membership are:

• All-Access Membership goes up from $44 to $49.99 per month

• App+ Membership goes up from $24 to $28.99

• App One Membership goes up from $12.99 to $15.99

Moreover, Peloton has done away with free installation, which we knew was coming. You'll have to spend $150 for assembly of your new device, unless you get a Cross Training Tread+, which will run you $299 in assembly fees. Accounting for all these extra fees is part of deciding if you need new equipment, so take it all in.

Peloton will be rolling out deals for existing members who want to upgrade in the coming days and weeks. For now, don't forget that the company launched its own resale platform earlier this year and, depending on what kind of device you sell, not only do you get paid for the equipment itself, but you get a few hundred bucks off your future Peloton purchase. If you're considering a new device from this upgraded fleet, look into selling your old goods first so you have a better sense of how much money you have to work with.

And if you don't have a Peloton device but want one, maybe think about waiting around a few weeks for all the older models to hit the resale site. Like I said, the new software upgrades work just fine on them, so this could be your moment to get a great deal.

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