To Peloton or to Stryde, that is the question. Both studio bikes offer tremendous value between their solid construction and myriad of industry-leading features, but you only need one!
The purpose of this comparison is to enlighten you on the differences between the Stryde bike vs Peloton and get your wheels turning about some considerations that you perhaps haven’t thought of yet.
With two spin bikes that are so similar, we really need to dig into the nitty-gritty details so that you get the full picture and can make the most informed decision which will lead you to purchase the right studio bike for your style. Let’s get started!
Let’s Compare Specs and Features: Stryde Bike vs. Peloton
Let’s begin with a table comparison between Peloton and Stryde, and then we’ll dissect each category and really hone in on the similarities and differences between the two home spin bikes.
Comparing | Stryde | Peloton |
|---|---|---|
Starting Price: | $1,745, free shipping | $1,895 original, $2,495 Bike+, free shipping |
Membership Cost: | Optional, $29 per month (biggest difference) | Required, $39 per month |
Footprint: | 49.6″ long by 24″ wide | 48″ long by 24″ wide |
Weight Capacity: | 350 lbs. | 305 lbs. |
Frame: | Welded steel | Welded steel |
Resistance: | Magnetic with 100 levels | Magnetic with 100 levels |
Pedals: | SPD with toe cages | SPD |
Touchscreen: | 21.5” HD | 21.5” HD |
Programming: | Live classes from studios around the country | Live workouts and on-demand classes recorded in the Peloton studio |
Connect Bluetooth headphones: | Yes | Yes |
Best Price: |
The Stryde Bike hit the market in early 2020 right alongside some other Peloton alternatives like the MYX Fitness bike. We all know that 2020 was a doozy and that the fitness industry saw a massive spike during that time, so when Stryde rolled onto the market with its attractive design and unique features, plenty of people paid attention.
Related vs article: MYX Fitness bike vs Peloton
Besides the fact that it looks compact and sleek, it's also great for small spaces.
Constructed from welded, powder-coated steel, this sleek home spin bike fits perfectly into nearly every home’s aesthetics. It utilizes a magnetic micro-resistance system that offers 100 levels of resistance, just like Peloton. Magnetic resistance is thought to be the best, smoothest resistance, which gives Stryde a leg up on competitors like the MYX bike. Sitting atop the sleek handlebars is a 21.5” HD touchscreen that streams cycling programming and classes from top fitness studios from around the country.
Related vs comparison: Stryde vs MYX vs Echelon
It's like having the peloton bike, but with even more apps with Stryde's unlocked screen!
Programming is what makes the Peloton experience, and the same can be said for Stryde. But there’s a huge caveat here - you aren’t required to subscribe to Stryde’s membership to access programming and workouts. Instead, Stryde’s screen is unlocked which means that you can download any app of your choice (yes, you can use Peloton digital!). So whether you choose to spin along with renowned spin instructors at studios across the country, integrate with the Peloton app, or watch Netflix while you ride, the Stryde bike offers you the freedom and flexibility to do what you wish. This is hands-down the most unique and best feature of the Stryde. Read my detailed review of the Stryde Bike to get even information on it!
Watch your instructor on 1 side of the screen while watching the newest Netflix's Ozark on the other!
Pros
Cons
Get the best price with Fit Healthy Momma's link below:
The Peloton Bike At a Glance (More than just the peloton app)
Peloton almost needs no introduction as it has steadily climbed its way to the top of the fitness industry, becoming one of the most recognizable names in the fitness space. Since 2014, Peloton has been delivering their world-famous “Peloton experience” to homes all around the world. They did it first, but did they do it best?
They designed it first, but do they keep designing it best?
Just like Stryde, the Peloton bike offers a solid design that’s both sleek and comfortable. It's constructed of a welded, powder-coated steel and features 100 levels of whisper-quiet magnetic resistance. With a small, compact footprint and an attractive design, folks all around the world are finding how much space they need in their homes to accommodate their Peloton bikes. In fact, the term “Peloton nook” is a newly coined phrase.
It's what's been separating great gym equipment brands from the bad - programming.
Peloton has been able to create a cult following thanks to their stellar programming, highly recognizable instructors, and their dedication to offering a wide range of workouts and always mixing things up with special collaborations and programming. If you ask any diehard Peloton riders why they love it so much, there’s a good chance that it has to do with the programming, which is all recorded and streamed from the NYC studio headquarters. And part of what makes the programming so desirable is that there’s a community behind the brand that brings people together. Users can interact and connect with other community members and instructors via the app. The real-time leaderboard helps motivate and encourage many.
Live leaderboards are intense if you like competition.
Peloton keeps track of your metrics and progress, encouraging you to continue to grow and strive for your best during every workout. Classes available on the Peloton app include HIIT rides, themed rides, running workouts, strength training, yoga, and much more. It’s a complete home fitness solution all wrapped up into one package and delivered by instructors that are hard not to love.
Pros
Cons
How do these 2 spin bikes compare head-to-head across multiple criteria?
Comparing Peloton Bike vs Stryde Bike Head-to-Head
Let’s dig in a little deeper here, shall we? Since both studio bikes seem to be very similar, it’s only fair that we pull them apart a bit more to see what’s really cooking beneath the surface.
To accomplish this, we’ll compare Peloton to Stryde in these categories:
Each category will be assigned a winner. Let’s see who takes the cake and triumphs as the best studio cycling machine.
Is STRYDE resistance the same as peloton?
So quiet a baby could sleep through your ride! Both STRYDE and Peloton have the same magnetic resistance - they are identical.
Yes, Stryde’s resistance is identical to the resistance on the Peloton Bike. Both of these bikes offer the same 100 levels of smooth, magnetic resistance and an easy to use resistance knob to control it. Interestingly, both bikes offer similar premium hardware features making Stryde a very lucrative option for those seeking the Peloton experience.
Resistance Winner: Tie (both are identical)
Footprint
Footprint and space needed between Peloton (left) and Stryde (right)
Before you purchase a spin bike, you’ll want to map out where you’re going to put it and make sure that you have the space to accommodate it. This is where the footprint becomes important because it’s essentially the space that it will take up. Again, Stryde and Peloton are very similar in this regard, with both bikes being about 4 ft long and 2 feet wide. If we’re splitting hair here, the Peloton is actually about 1.6 inches shorter than the Stryde, so if space is that tight, keep that in mind. Otherwise, both machines present very similarly.
Footprint Winner: Peloton by a hair
User Capacity
Ok, now we’re starting to get somewhere. There’s actually a pretty big difference in weight capacity between Stryde and Peloton. Peloton is rated for users up to 305 lbs and Stryde for up to 350 lbs. This can be a make-it-or-break-it situation for some. It’s not safe for anyone over the max weight to use these bikes, which means that folks over 305 lbs will be much safer and more comfortable riding the Stryde. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the higher the weight capacity, the more sturdy the cycling machine is, which is always reassuring even if you aren’t anywhere near the weight limit.
User Capacity Winner: Stryde
Fitness Classes and Programming
Here’s where we start to get into the fun stuff - the workouts! Both Peloton and Stryde offer studio cycling classes, but they take a different approach. All of Peloton’s rides are recorded inside their NYC studios and feature their unique team of peloton instructors. Every day, there’s a live class schedule with a variety of new cycling workouts to choose from. If you can’t make the live ride, every workout gets added to their on-demand section shortly after it’s recorded so that you have the flexibility to take the class on your schedule.
The gang at high ride makes it fun and exciting!
Stryde, on the other hand, features classes from cycling studios all across the country. Some of their partners include High Ride Cycle in Denver, CO, Prime Cycle in Hoboken, NJ, City Cycle in Seattle, WA, and Vibe Ride in Atlanta, GA, to name a few. Both offer stellar programming and challenging workouts, but Peloton keeps it in-house and Stryde allows you to experience a broader range of instructors, studios, and workouts, with more than 200 classes available on Stryde's app and more added every day.
Tap into Stryde's cycling partners spin classes - how cool is that?
However, Stryde does not require users to purchase their app to use their bikes the way that Peloton does. Stryde allows users to use any app they want on their screen, including Peloton! Which, by the way, you’ll gain access to use the peloton app for workouts for less money doing it this way as the monthly subscription to Peloton digital is $12.99 per month vs $39 per month for a membership. Riders can even choose to “free ride” on their Stryde bike and watch other apps like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, or any other cycling app. The freedom to choose your apps within the screen is by far one of the best benefits of Stryde and something that helps them shine bright when standing up against powerful competitors like Peloton.
One thing that Stryde is currently missing that Peloton offers is cross-training workouts. Peloton’s app gives access to a plethora of other workout modalities like cardio classes, running, strength training, yoga classes, Pilates, and more. My guess is that Stryde will eventually add these to their lineup as well, and maybe even boost the experience by making their screen swivel for off-bike workouts similar to the way MYX did. Peloton has included a swivel screen on their Bike+, but you’re looking at a steep price increase if you want that.
Programming Winner: Stryde (only because I love the unlocked screen potential and find tremendous value and versatility there. I love Peloton workouts, though, so this was a tough call).
Warranty
This section is a little less exciting, but important nonetheless. Peloton offers a 12-month warranty on the bike parts and against any defects in workmanship and materials. Stryde offers a 12-month warranty on the HD touchscreen, labor, and parts and then a 5-year warranty on the frame. In this matchup, Stryde is offering a better warranty, giving buyers more peace of mind and confidence in their purchase.
Warranty Winner: Stryde
Pricing and Additional Costs
Because these bikes are so similar and can be used to stream the exact same programming, it might all come down to the price for you. Currently, the Stryde Bike is ringing in at $1,745 with free shipping and optional membership of $29 per month. The Peloton Bike is priced at $1,895 or $2,495 for the Bike+ and a required $39 per month subscription. Additionally, you’ll be required to have special shoes for cycling to use the SPD pedals that come standard with the Peloton, these cost around $100 and you can either purchase them through the brand or you can buy them yourself.
Take a look at this cost breakdown table for more information:
Stryde Bike All-In Price | Retail Pricing |
|---|---|
Bike: | $1,745 |
Membership | OPTIONAL monthly cost: $29 Stryde App, $12.99 Peloton Digital |
Cycling shoes | Not necessary (lower cost than peloton) |
Total yearly cost | $1,745 (if you subscribe to Stryde's App, $2,093. Peloton Digital, $1,900.88) |
Peloton Bike All-In Pricing | Retail Pricing |
|---|---|
Bike: | $1,895 |
Membership | $39/month REQUIRED ($468 per year) |
Cycling shoes | $150 to upgrade to Bike Essentials package |
Total yearly cost | $2,513 |
Money Savings Winner: Stryde by a long shot
Or...
Between Peloton and Stryde, The Overall Winner Is...
The Stryde Bike!
In terms of bang-for-your-buck, the Stryde Bike is the clear winner. With a lower cost, better warranty, a more inclusive user capacity, and a far more diverse selection of streaming workout and media options, there's no disputing that Stryde trumps Peloton.
The facts don’t lie and when we really take a look behind the curtain and dissect each of these indoor cycling bikes and the value they offer, the Stryde bike comes out on top.
I know there are plenty of die-hard Peloton fans that will vehemently disagree with me, and that’s fine. I totally understand. But for the price and the warranty, Stryde is bringing to the table a lot more than Peloton. The ability to choose whether or not you want a cycling subscription coupled with the fact that you can choose to watch your favorite apps on the screen are features that give the Stryde bike a big edge on their competition.
Which Studio Bike Is Better For You: Stryde Bike or Peloton?
Alright, you’ve analyzed both bikes side by side and you’ve seen who I chose as the winner. The question becomes, which indoor cycling bike is right for you to reach your fitness goals. Just because the Stryde Bike wins as the best studio bike for the money doesn’t mean that it’s the best choice for you. If you have no interest in doing anything on your cycling machine besides Peloton workouts, then, by all means, go for the Peloton! The footprint is a tad smaller, it’s a proven brand with millions of community members, and the workouts are nothing short of amazing.
However, if you want to save a little money, have the opportunity to choose which cycling subscription you want (or to have none at all!), and you’d like to Netflix and chill while you move your body a little, then Stryde is going to be an excellent choice. Plus, you’ll even though Stryde is a new brand, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your purchase is backed by a solid warranty.
Peloton
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