5 Best Spin Bikes Compatible With Peloton App – MUST READ!

There’s no denying that the convenience of having a Peloton bike at home and being able to ride it is priceless. This high-tech exercise bike is packed with innovative features and is made of high-quality parts.

As if that’s not enough, the bike connects you to thousands of spinning classes and on-demand workouts (HIIT cardio classes, strength, running, boxing, weights, yoga, Pilates, meditation) through its Peloton app. 

But there’s one significant drawback – the price tag. 

The great news is that Peloton has unlocked its app and made it available for purchase as a separate service. In other words, you don’t have to drop several thousand dollars on a bike; just get one of the best spin bikes compatible with Peloton app!

As long as the bike has ample resistance levels, a monitor, a flywheel, and Bluetooth connectivity, then it should work with the app.

If you’re wondering what spin bikes are compatible with the Peloton app, this article lists the top 5 Peloton alternatives that offer the same high-quality spinning experience.

Best Spin Bikes to Use with the Peloton App

1. TOP PICK: Stryde Bike

Image Source: Stryde

The Stryde bike boasts some pretty competitive features that make it one of the best spin bikes out there. 

While some spin bikes are bulky by design, this one offers a sleek and simple design that’s both good-looking and functional. The very minimal branding and logos and the matte black finish will add beauty to your living room.

Furthermore, it’s definitely king as it provides 100 resistance levels (yes, the same as Peloton’s). Using the resistance knob, you can adjust your resistance from 0-100 levels of near-silent magnetic resistance. This means you can cycle while your baby sleeps!

With this bike, you’ll also be able to enjoy a variety of workouts, as it is designed to work with a variety of fitness apps, including Peloton’s. The free ride option allows you to download and use these apps and still be able to monitor your output, cadence, and resistance.

And if you don’t have an iPad or tablet at home, you’re in for a treat. This bike offers a 22” HD touchscreen tablet with a front-row seat to on-demand Peloton classes. But that’s not all – the built-in touchscreen tablet has a split-screen feature, allowing you to spin with a Peloton class while also checking your emails on the same screen.

The price might put you off, but keep in mind that the Stryde bike is the closest you can get to a full, authentic Peloton experience.

2. BEST VALUE SPIN BIKE: Joroto X2

The Joroto X2 spin bike is an excellent option if you want to take advantage of Peloton’s programming without the added cost of a Peloton bike. 

This spin bike belongs to the lower end of the market, yet it is one of the most efficient Peloton alternatives we’ve found. It has an integrated iPad/tablet holder that you can use to connect and stream thousands of Peloton classes. And because the saddle is three inches wider than that of its competitors, you get to enjoy the Peloton experience in maximum comfort.

While the spin bike comes with a fundamental data screen, it doesn’t have a cadence sensor. That said, you will have to make a separate purchase to use the bike with the Peloton app.

In all honesty, this spin bike makes quite a statement, especially because it is priced under $500. Of course, the low price of this spin bike might lead you to question whether you can get the same quality as Peloton, but we’re here to tell you it’s an absolute steal!

3. BEST SPACE-SAVING SPIN BIKE: Echelon Smart Connect EX-3

Look no further than the Echelon Connect EX-3 for an upgraded cycling experience in your tiny apartment. 

This sleek and compact spin bike offers 32 magnetic resistance levels. As well as providing exercise variety, the bike’s resistance blends with the flywheel for an amazingly silent workout.

As for comfort, the Echelon Connect EX-3 facilitates seat adjustments to help you ride in a wide range of cycling positions. The handlebars come equipped with 17 adjustment levels, so this spin bike suits all user heights.

The spin bike has its own programming and spin workouts, but it’s flexible enough to work with a Peloton app. There’s also a tablet holder that can take a tablet of up to 12.5’, which is sufficient for streaming Peloton classes. 

4. BEST RELIABLE SPIN BIKE: Bowflex C6

Still looking at what spin bikes are compatible with the Peloton app? Don’t miss the Bowflex C6, which is the most reliable on our list. It offers the same number of resistance levels as Peloton. Even better, the resistance is magnetic, so the bike works quitely. This allows you to work out without bothering other people. 

You’ll also enjoy the dual pedals, allowing you to use fitting athletic shoes on one side in toe cages with pedal straps and SPD-compatible shoes on the other side. Other notable features are 3-pound weights, smooth flywheel, and a well-padded seat.

The only thing that makes this spin bike less impressive than other models on this list is the lack of a screen. However, the Bowflex C6 is compatible with Peloton workouts, and you can download the app on your smartphone or tablet and use it on the bike.

5. BEST LOW MAINTENANCE SPIN BIKE: Keiser M3i

When investigating what spin bikes are compatible with the peloton app,  you can’t overlook the Keiser M3i spin bike. 

The flywheel is designed at the back of the bike, and this unique look keeps the bike safe from the corrosive effects of the sweat zone. This gives a promise that the bike will last for years while requiring very minimal maintenance. Very clever!

The console measures heart rate, but you need to purchase a Polar chest strap for accurate heart rate monitoring. Since you’ll use this spin bike with a Peloton app, skip the Polar chest strap and buy a heart rate sensor instead. 

For convenient streaming of Peloton classes, the Keiser M3I has a holder for a tablet on the handlebars. Also, the handlebars are covered to allow better grip and prevent blisters.

Accessories You’ll Need To Make Non-Peloton Spin Bikes Compatible With Peloton App

To get the most out of using the Peloton app on a spin bike, you’ll need the following accessories:

• Cadence Sensor

During class, the Peloton instructors will tell you how fast you should be riding. The fancy word for this is cadence. Most basic non-peloton spin bikes don’t measure and display your cadence, so solve this problem by buying a Bluetooth-compatible sensor like the Wahoo cadence sensor. 

• Heart Rate Monitor

You don’t necessarily need to see your heart rate while working out, but having a heart rate monitor enables you to assess how hard you are pushing yourself. If you are an iPhone user, you can connect your Apple Watch to the Peloton app. But if you don’t have an Apple Watch, buy the Scosche Rhythm and Heart Rate Arm Band. 

• Weights

Peloton instructions incorporate weights, but most spinning bikes don’t come with weights. To get the most out of your DIY peloton experience, buy this  Neoprene dumbbell set. 

• Pedals

If your spin bike only comes with flat pedals, change them out to clip-in ones.  We would highly recommend wearing clip-in shoes as this helps maximise the efficiency of your workout and riding comfort.

A 2010 study found that 22%-33% of cyclists have suffered from knee pain over the course of their riding career. But with Clip-in pedals and clip-in shoes that allow proper knee positioning every time you jump on your bike, you can reduce the risk of knee pain.

• Tablet or iPad

Although you can use your smartphone during a Peloton class, you are likely to enjoy the class better using a tablet, iPad, or TV. Ultimately, a bigger screen allows you to see the instructions clearly. 

Getting the Peloton Cycle Experience On Non-Peloton Spin Bikes

Here’s how you can make your spin bike compatible with the Peloton app:

Step 1: Download the Peloton App on your tablet or iPad. Once you’ve downloaded the Peloton app on your device, create your Peloton account.

Step 2: View the Peloton Classes. If your spin bike doesn’t come with a tablet holder, buy one and attach it to the bike’s handlebars. 

Step 3: Attach the cadence sensor to the bike’s crank. Once you’ve linked your cadence sensor to your Peloton app, your cadence will appear on your iPad’s screen as you do the workout. 

Step 4: Connect the Scosche Rhythm and Heart Rate Arm Band through the Peloton app itself, not through your iPad’s Bluetooth settings. First, make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPad. Then, open the video of the Peloton instructor and tap the ECG symbol. This will allow you to connect the heart rate sensor to the Peloton app.

Step 5: Attach the clip-in pedals and wear your clip-in shoes. Don’t skip this step as this will help you feel much better on your feet while doing better pedal strokes.

Spin from home without all the expense!

Finally, we’ve made it to the final chapter of this guide. And by now you’re likely leaning in one direction or another. 

ALL the spin bikes on this list will make for an enjoyable DIY Peloton Experience! Our top-pick, Stryde Bike, offers the most incredible features. The 22” HD touchscreen tablet and 100 levels of resistance makes this bike equally reliable as the Peloton bike. And the best part? The Stryde bike allows split-screen mode, a feature you rarely find in other spin bikes.

However, you might want to keep your budget in check and go for the best budget spin bike, Joroto X2. This bike comes with a device holder for convenient viewing of your fitness classes, and a wide saddle for a comfortable riding experience.

Whether you decide based on your preferred features or your budget, there’s always a Peloton-app-compatible spin bike for you.