Consider | Notes | Peloton | Bowflex C6/ Schwinn iC4 | MYX + | Sunny SF-B901B |
Is resistance level important to you? | Make sure the bike has enough resistance for how you want to ride, especially if you are a larger person. If resistance doesn’t go as high as you’d like, you won’t get as good a workout and will end up frustrated. Higher end bikes tend to allow higher resistance. Some measure resistance as 1 – 100, others through different numbers. It doesn’t mean 100 is more resistance. Even if two bikes rank in 1 – 100, it doesn’t mean the resistance is the same. Peloton uses 1 – 100 and you can find translations between their ranking and the more popular bikes online. You’ll want this if you take Peloton classes as call out what resistance setting to use during the class. | 1 – 100 | 1 – 100 | | |
Resistance type | Magnetic or friction? Magnetic is less noisy and has less maintenance. The pads used in friction will one day have to be replaced. | Magnetic | Magnetic | Friction | Friction (felt pad) |
Is the bike the right size for you? | Check out the max weight and height range supported, especially if you are on the smaller or larger side. | 297 lb 4’11” – 6’4″ | 330 lb 4’6″ – 6’6″ | 350 lb 4’11” – 6’8” | 275lb |
How adjustable do you need the bike? | Consider your size/shape here. Are handle bars and seat adjustable up and down as well as back and forth (4 way). Are there set adjustments or micro adjustments for more control? Do you think you’ll need that? | Seat: 4 way Handle bars: up and down only. | Seat: 4 way Handlebars: 4 way | Seat: 4 way Handlebars: 4 way | Seat: 4 way Handlebars: up and down only |
How do you like your handlebars? | Do you like the shape, positions allowed, width and grip? Do you like the tablet/phone holder if you need one? Mostly personal preference, but something to consider. | | | | |
Do you want an integrated screen? | Benefit is usually integrated to the bike to watch classes and view statistics, so no need to connect apps or tablet. If ability to swivel the monitor is important to you, check that, as well. Some are concerned that if integrated electronics are another thing that can break. | 21.5 in monitor (Bike + can swivel) Can not be used to view other apps or the internet for Netflix/YouTube, etc. (officially, there are sites that will tell you how to jailbait the device, which is not approved by Peloton) | Small LCD for stats. Can’t be used to watch classes. You will need a table, phone or smart tv to watch classes or other. | 21.5 in monitor, can swivel Can’t be used for other apps or internet. Reviews say it’s not HD. | No screen. Bike doesn’t have connection via Bluetooth. |
What ride statistics do you want to see? | If you want to track how hard your working and be able to see if your working at the same level as an instructor tells you, you’ll want to see: Cadence (RPM), Resistance level, Time, Distance, Heart rate, Calories, Power (watts) Not all bikes display all of these statistics, so if particular ones matter to you make sure the bike you chose can display them. | all via integrated screen | all except power via LCD screen Some stats can be displayed via other apps | Doesn’t display cadence, distance or powe. They seem to focus on heartrate, so assume that is displayed. | None. You could buy a cadence monitor and attach to bike to synch with some apps. This is a good option if cost is concern. |
Bike Price / Value | | $1895 – Bike $2495 – Bike + | $949 (currently $50 off). Schwinn is $899 | $1499 | $389 – Sunny site $329 Amazon |
Other costs | Monthly membership. Bikes with integrated screens tend to require you to use their app, which has a cost. If your bike doesn’t come with a mat, you will want to to prevent floor damage and protect from sweat. You can buy one cheaply from sporting goods stores. I got mine at Dicks Sporting Goods. | Peloton app: $39/mo with bike $12.99/month with non-Peloton bike. (note: there is a 60 day free trial, but offer ends 1/31! I assume after that there will still be a trial, but for less time, but who knows) | None required, but other apps may have cost. | MYX app: $29/mo | None, but other apps may have cost. |
Do you want to use clip in shoes? | If yes, make sure your bike has pedals that allow clip in. SPD is the most common type of clips. You can buy the shoes at most sporting goods stores. I got mine at REI. Also consider if others will use the bike who may not have clips. You may want hybrid pedals that can support both clips and regular shoes. Though you can most like change out the pedals that come on any bike to what you need later. | only supports clips, and are Delta, not SPD. | hybrid | hybrid | Clipless only |
Do you want access to workout apps and/or ability to track your workouts? | There are many workout apps. Determine what you like to do and find the app(s) that work best for you (types of classes offered, live vs on demand, amount of classes available, do you want a leaderboard/shout outs during the class to motivate you, etc.) Consider the cost of the app and if it’s limited to certain bikes, etc. Other apps with biking/spin workouts: Zwift, Explore the World, Sufferfest, Rouvy, FulGaz and more. Also consider if you want to synch to a tracking app like MyFitnessPal or Apple Health, also can you synch with an Apple Watch if you use one. Whatever you want to track, make sure your bike can do it. | Peloton: tons of classes, with more added every day. Leaderboard/shout outs available only if using Peloton bike. Not all stats displayed in app if using a non-Peloton bike. $39/mo with Peloton bike, $12.99 without | can synch with Zwift, Explore the World, Sufferfest, Rouvy, FulGaz, MyFitnessPal, Apple Health, and more. | MYX app – newer entrant, so have less classes than Peloton, but say they add more often. | Classes on their YouTube site. I didn’t research much about them. |
Do you want to use and/or synch with workout apps? | If yes, make sure your bike can connect to those apps. Many people want to use the Peloton app with a less expensive bike. If that is you, make sure it’s possible. Connection ability runs the gambit. | Peloton app completely integrated into the bike screen. However, you can only use the Peloton app. Requires wifi. | Can connect and synch with multiple apps via Bluetooth. MYX: App integrated into bike screen. | Couldn’t find any info on ability to use or synch with outside of having MYX bike. | No synch capability. Possibility of adding your own cadence monitor and connecting to an app. |
Shipping times | Many bikes have shipping delays due to demand. If you want a bike sooner, this could be a factor in deciding. But if there is a bike you love, you may want to wait it out. | 8 – 10 weeks | 4 weeks | 2 – 5 weeks | 1 – 2 weeks Sunny site. Less than a week – Amazon |
Do you want other accessories? | Some may want things like weights, kettlebells, mats… do you need to buy that with a bike or buy elsewhere? | multiple packages that add on weights, shoes, mat, water bottles, heart rate monitor, headphones for additional cost. | heart monitor, 3 lb weights | heart monitor, MYX + package includes weight, mat, etc. | Buy separately |
Do you need financing? | Some bike manufactures offer financing. Be sure to check out the terms and understand the impact on your credit rating. Payment plan length and rates may vary. | 0 % for 39 months | 0% if pay off within 18 months. 29% after that. | 0 % for 36 months | Couldn’t find any info on |
Do you care about appearance? | Maybe this is silly, but if you’re going to look at it every day, you should like the way it looks. Complete personal preference. For me, I don’t like a lot of flashy colors. | Black, slick | Mostly black, slick | White or black. | Grey |
Do you need to move the bike in your house? | Look out how much the bike weighs, if it has wheels and the quality of the wheels. | Bike: 135 lbs Bike +: 140 lbs | 106 lbs | 150 lbs | 101 lb |
Warranty | Not the sexy part, but you should be aware | 12 months parts and labor 5 year bike frame Extended warranty available for additional cost | 3 years parts & electronics 10 year frame Labor 1 yr Extended warranty available for additional cost | 1 yr | 3 year structural frame 180 days other parts and components |
Will the bike fit in your space? | Check out the measurements as they do vary | 59″ L x 53″ H x 23″ W | Bike 48.7” L x 51.8” H x 21.2” W Bike + 59″ L x 59″ H x 22″ W | 55” L x 47” H x 21” W | 49.5L x 49H in x 20W |