Determining the differences between the different Peloton generations and choosing the one that’s correct for you can be a little tricky.
In this article, I’ll go through the details of each generation, what you can expect from it, and who can benefit from it the most.
Let’s take a look.
Key takeaway:
As of 2022, Peloton has released two bike generations, Peloton Bike and Bike+, and three screen generations. You can determine which screen generation you have by taking a look at the serial number on it.
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How many Peloton generations are there?
Before I answer this question, you should know that Peloton produces both bikes and screens, and the number of generations for both differs.
When it comes to the Peloton bike, there are two generations. The first is the older generation or the standard Peloton bike, and the second is the newer generation or the Peloton bike plus.
First-generation Peloton bikes are nearly as old as the company and are what made the company famous. In fact, it was introduced in 2014.
Meanwhile, the second-generation Peloton bike plus was introduced in September 2020.
Let’s now talk about screen generations. There are basically three different screen generations introduced to date.
What screen generation do I have?
It’s quite easy to determine the screen generation you have. All you have to do is take a look at the model number or the FCC ID present on the label at the back of the touchscreen.
According to Peloton, the serial number of first-generation touchscreens starts with 72010. These were produced before September 2016.
Second-generation Peloton screens start with RB1V1, while third-gen screens begin with RB1VQ.
What are the differences between the two Peloton bike generations?
The new generation Peloton bike+ is a little different from the last generation, not just in terms of appearance but in terms of performance and features, too. Let’s take a closer look at these differences.
Year of manufacturing & cost
The first-generation Peloton spin bike was introduced back in 2014. At the time of introduction, it cost $2295, but that price was brought down to $1895 when the Bike+ was introduced. Today, you can get it even cheaper.
Meanwhile, Peloton’s second-gen bike was introduced in 2020 and costs $2495.
Console features
Perhaps one of the biggest differences between the two generations is the console. The new model comes with a larger 23.8-inch screen, while the old generation features a 21.5-inch screen.
In addition to that, it was possible to tilt your old-generation bike vertically so that you could adjust it according to your cycling style and height while sitting on the bike.
With the bike plus, this feature has gotten better. Apart from tilting vertically, you can also rotate the monitor horizontally by 180 degrees on either side. As a result, you get greater user convenience when doing off-bike workouts like meditation, yoga, and strength.
Performance
The RAM and processor of the touchscreens in the screens in the two bikes also differ. The first generation has a 2 GHz Mediatek MT8173 quad-core processor along with 2 GB of RAM.
Meanwhile, the newer model has a Qualcomm QCS605 2.5 GHz processor and 4 GB of RAM.
This makes the latter faster than the older model. The updates in the newer model also easily conform with the system.
Audio experience
The speakers in the two are also very different. The speakers in the new-generation bike use 4-channel audio, full-range drivers, and even tweeters to deliver studio-quality sound. In addition, the woofers face the rear while the stereo speakers face the front.
In contrast, the older-generation bike has just two speakers, both facing the rear.
Charging cable
The new model comes with the USB type-C charging port that’s used to charge the phone. So you can charge the tablet or phone with the charger, eliminating the need for a personal charger on the bike.
In comparison, the old model comes with a unique micro-USB port.
Resistance
The second-generation Peloton bike+ features a relatively better resistance feature. Just like the previous model, it is magnetic, but the difference is that it has digital controls, while the first generation had manual control.
The new generation also features auto-resistance, which lets you preset your preferred resistance range and adjust it automatically during the class.
Are there any similarities between the two bike generations?
You might be surprised, but there are, in fact, numerous similar features between the two generations. Here’s a quick rundown of these:
- Both have the same footprint of 4×2’
- Both feature an internal flash drive along with 16 GB of internal memory
- Both generations provide users with all-access Peloton membership along with a free digital app membership
- You can connect both bikes to external devices like speakers, headphones, ANT+, and heart-rate monitors
- Both are Wi-Fi compatible and the screen has 10 multitouch points
- Both bikes are made using ED and welded steel. They also feature powder coating.
- The user weight (297 pounds) and height (4’11” to 6’4”) limits are the same for both generations. Both need a ceiling height of a minimum of 8 feet to cater to all user heights.
Is the second-generation peloton bike better than the old one?
Like any other device, the newer Peloton bike is better than the old one. But you need to keep in mind that the additional features in the new model are just for added convenience and luxury. The actual experience is the same on both.
And yes, the older generation is missing the rotating feature, but you can just get a rotating pivot to solve that problem. But apart from that, both of them have the same qualities, the same warranty coverage and are even made from the same material from the pedals to the frame.
That said, I can’t deny that the enhanced features are worth the money. For instance, with the new bike, you can get better audio and camera, but that’s not available in the old one.
How is Peloton better than other spin bikes?
There are many reasons why a Peloton is better than most of the spin bikes available on the market today.
Design
A peloton has a sleek design along with commendable durability. And it can cater to riders of all sizes. In contrast, the weight-holding capacity of spin bikes is less than that of a peloton.
Peloton bikes also feature smart handles and have an adjustable secondary mechanism. They also feature flywheel turn wheels, and it’s easy to rotate them quickly. Other features include a comfortable saddle and electromagnetic sensors. The bike seat is also completely water-resistant.
Features & add-ons
Moreover, there are clips on the pedal, built-in speakers, and a secure touchscreen holder. And it’s really easy to use. All you have to do is wear specially designed Peloton shoes. The touchscreen is also very responsive and sensitive to further ensure ease of use.
Another feature that makes Peloton bikes stand out from other spin bikes is that the latter often doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth speakers or live sessions.
Workout details
In addition to all that, the bike can tell you a lot of details about the workout, like the revolutions per minute, cadence, speed, distance, and riding time. All these features are hardly present in other spin bikes.
But, perhaps, the best part is that a peloton also tells you your workout intensity, the number of calories you’ve burnt, your body size, effort level, and heart rate. You don’t even need to use a heart rate monitor; the bike will tell you that itself.
Why are live peloton bike sessions so popular?
There are a number of reasons why peloton’s live sessions are so popular. But the primary reason is that they help you meet your body goals in relatively less time.
Before getting started, all you have to do is put in some details like the location, name, age, and gender and set your goals. Beginners can set a goal between 200 and 500 pedals. And as you start to pedal, your rank will change.
The peloton classes are available at different times throughout the day, and you can choose a peloton cycle that’s most feasible for you.
The type of class also depends on the intensity level and goes from warm-up sessions to more intense sessions. The intro sessions last for about ten minutes, while the extended sessions go up to 100 minutes.
The timing of the session also varies from instructor to instructor. The level of difficulty can also be changed from easiest to toughest.
Frequently asked questions
How you can tell a gen 1 peloton?
There are many easy ways to determine if you have a gen-1 Peloton. The power button on the touchscreen will be orange and round. You’ll find it at the top of the screen.
These touchscreens were also produced before September 2016, so if you purchased your bike before that, you have a gen-1 bike.
You can also take a look at the touchscreen serial number to know the generation. First-gen touchscreens start with 72010.
Do people sell a used peloton?
Yes, you can easily find a used Peloton on local online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay. In most cases, selling locally is more profitable since it’s easy for the buyer to handle pickups.
What is the latest peloton bike model?
The most recent bike model is the second-generation bike, also known as the bike plus. It’s quite an improvement over the company’s initially-introduced stationary bike and is designed keeping in mind feedback from users.
As a result, the new bike has a bigger 23.8-inch touchscreen that you can rotate by 180 degrees to easily view the class in case you have to get off the bike.
What content can you get access to without the membership?
If you don’t activate or plan on canceling your all-access membership, you won’t be able to access the live classes and the extensive workout library. But you can still get access to the Just Run feature, Just Ride feature, and 2 pre-recorded (pre-selected) classes.
Last Updated on October 14, 2023 by Daniel White
