Are Peloton Treadmills Worth the Money? Review After 100 Miles

Shayla Whitter

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If you’re considering buying a Peloton Treadmill and wondering if it’s worth the enormous price tag, you’re not alone. I recently had the moment to test the Peloton Tread and wanted to share my experience and thoughts on whether this high-end treadmill is worth the investment.

Peloton Treadmills have been gaining popularity in recent years, especially among fitness enthusiasts who enjoy a challenging workout from their home. 

However, with a hefty price tag and monthly app fee, some may question whether the investment is worth it. Let’s look at the Peloton Tread and assess whether it is genuinely worth the money.

What is a Peloton Treadmill?

Peloton has been selling a treadmill since 2018. This treadmill is quite expensive, with a big screen and a fancy belt for running. Last year, they developed a new, less expensive model called the Tread. However, even the less expensive model is still quite fancy and expensive compared to other treadmills on the market.

Peloton has a fancy and expensive treadmill called Tread+, which they released in 2018. Last year, they made a cheaper version of it called the Tread. Even though it’s not as fancy as the Tread+, it still has a big screen and a wide belt. 

It doesn’t have a free Mode feature, which is manageable for many people. Tread and Tread+ can hold up to 300 pounds and have similar maximum speeds and inclines. 

The Tread is better than another popular treadmill called the NordicTrack 1750 because of its bigger screen, better programming, and more excellent design, but it’s also more expensive. 

The Tread was supposed to be released in May 2021, but Peloton delayed it because of safety concerns. They added a new feature called Tread Lock to make it more secure.

When purchasing the Tread, you must include a minimum of one month of the Peloton all-access membership for $39 per month. 

This membership grants access to live and on-demand classes and the leaderboard, which shows how you compare to others who have attended the class and your previous performance in similar classes. 

Although you can cancel the membership after the first month, it may defeat the purpose of owning the Tread. Peloton also provides no-interest financing for $64 monthly for 39 months and the monthly membership fee. Delivery and assembly are included with the purchase.

Pros and Cons Of a Peloton Treadmill

Pros 

Offers Incredible Studio-Style Classes

Most Peloton users love the live and on-demand classes the equipment offers. The Tread provides four workout options between 20-60 minutes: walking, running, combined walking/running, and boot camp (a mix of running intervals and weight training). 

Live classes are available between 7 am and 7 pm ET, and additional off-Tread classes can be accessed via the Tread’s screen or a separate app-enabled device. 

These classes include HIIT, strength training, yoga, Pilates, barre, stretches, and outdoor running and walking. The instructors are charismatic, and the classes are engaging, with great playlists you can preview beforehand.

Detailed and Customizable Metric Display

The Tread’s screen is more significant than other treadmills, but it may look crowded initially because it displays plenty of information like your pace, speed, distance, time, calories burned, and the song playing. 

The leaderboard lets you see how you are doing compared to others, and you can also give virtual high fives. However, if you find it frustrating, you can hide any or all of the information. 

You can either double-tap the screen to hide everything or swipe each section away individually, such as the timer or leaderboard.

Also Read: Can You Install a Treadmill Outside?

Cons

Screen Bounces During Sprints

During intense sprints on the Peloton Tread, the screen bounces a bit because it’s bigger and taller than other treadmill screens, making it difficult to use the touchscreen. This is a unique feature of the Peloton Tread that other treadmills don’t have.

Ample Tread and No Fold Up

The Tread’s deck cannot be folded into the console, a feature many other home treadmills have, including the NordicTrack. However, the Tread’s design is very stylish and can be eye-catching in your home if you need a proper interior space for your workout equipment. 

It is large and heavy, though, at 68 inches in length, 33 inches wide, and 62 inches tall, weighing 290 pounds, so you can’t quickly move or store it away when not in use.

No Fan 

The Peloton Tread has numerous features, but unlike most other treadmills, it doesn’t have a fan. You can add a tiny fan to the water bottle holder or put an enormous fan in front. Another option is to place the Tread near an open window to get some breeze, but the machine itself won’t provide any air circulation.

Missing Free Mode 

During my test of the Peloton Tread, I felt envious of the Tread+ when taking some classes that incorporated the Free Mode feature, which the Tread lacks. 

Although the system provided instructions to run at high speed during the Free Mode segments, I still felt lost and envious while watching the instructor on the screen. 

However, since I tested the Tread before its official release, I am optimistic that future classes will cater to both Tread and Tread+ users. Free Mode segments are usually short, so it did not significantly affect my overall workout experience.

What is Peloton’s Trial, Warranty, and Return Period?

If you’re not satisfied with the Peloton Tread, you can return it within 30 days for a refund, but you’ll have to pay an extra amount for shipping and handling, and extra charges may apply if the Tread is damaged. 

The warranty could be more impressive considering the high price of the product. You get three years of coverage on the frame, motor, and belt and one year on the components, screen, and labor. 

You can buy an additional service plan for extra coverage, but it will cost $270 or $325, depending on the length of coverage you choose. 

If you finance your purchase, add on the extra coverage to ensure that you’re protected for the duration of your payment plan.

Also Read: Why Your Treadmill Shakes and Moves and How To Stop It

Should I Purchase a Peloton Treadmill?

No, the Peloton Tread comes with a hefty price tag of $2,495, not including the monthly app fee, making it an expensive investment for most people, even with the option of no-interest financing. 

Compared to other treadmills available, it may not be worth it if you only want a good-quality treadmill. However, the Tread may be worth the investment if you’re interested in Peloton’s programming.

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