I once was a bicycle racer who competed at a national level. I have a trainer that hooks up to the internet for group rides which simulates hills and drafting other riders with video that I output to my big screen TV. It cost a fraction of what these Peleton Exercise bikes do and allows us to ride our own bikes on it, even our tandems.
Even though they are popular, I do not actually know any serious cyclists who own a Peleton. It just goes to show what millions of dollars of advertising can convince people to buy.
I became serious about road cycling when stationed in Colorado Springs. At 43 years old (now 62) I was riding with the professionals living/training in the local area. I bought a TACX trainer I hooked up my old Lightspeed Tuscany road bike. I was able to find mine for $120 off the normal price with free shipping in March. Added a 9 speed cassette and I was ready to ride indoors.
When the weather in middle of nowhere Idaho keeps me from going out on my Gravel or Road bikes I can now enjoy virtual rides online using Zwift (can quit when weather improves and reenroll when winter comes) for a significant savings over the cost of a Peleton trainer(with their subscription costs).
I just did a 3-day 120 mile trip at 53 and I didn't even train for it.
“I do not actually know any serious cyclists who own a Peleton. It just goes to show what millions of dollars of advertising can convince people to buy.”
“Sell The Sizzle Not The Steak!”, said the late Elmer Wheeler (”America’s Greatest Salesman”). In other words, Sell the Benefits NOT the Features.
The health/fitness benefits of cycling are powerful, and Peleton is a turnkey way for the uninitiated/untrained to jump right on in, with little learning curve.
If you know what you are doing, you can pay less for better gear.
But if it is the difference between a pretty well designed cycling program and nothing, Peleton will bring some impressive benefits to their users.