How to Build a DIY Peloton Bike For Less than $300
UPDATE: January 4, 2022
I wrote this post last year after having my faux peloton for just under 6 months! Since then, the price of the bike has become significantly cheaper – making this whole set up under $300 (excluding the ipad, but you can use your iphone!) The prices do fluctuate depending on amazon! I still use my bike all the time and really enjoy the peloton instructors. Someday I may decide to upgrade to the actual peloton bike but for now I’m still really happy with this set up!
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This summer a friend of mine (hi Alexis!) told me about how her and her fiance got a Peloton experience with a stationary bike off amazon! After thinking about it for a while I realized it would be a great fit for me to have something to workout at home. Before purchasing the bike, I tried out a few of the Peloton Digital classes and really loved them. If you don’t love cycling but just want some good at-home fitness, just getting the app might be a good fit for you too.
What You Need
The first thing you need is a bike! I got the Sunny Bike with a 49lb flywheel. It was slightly more expensive than the super entry level model but I heard it was nicer and felt more solid.
Next, you’ll need an iPad or iPhone holder. I got this one and it has worked perfectly. It easily snaps around the handlebars and can be moved however you need. I like using an iPad because of the larger screen but I have used my phone for strength, yoga, or stretching classes when we weren’t home and it worked just fine.
You’ll need a subscription to the Peloton Digital App. It costs $12.99 per month but has TONS of classes included. You can do everything from cycling classes to Barre to outdoor running or walking classes. The instructors are truly incredible and make the workouts so much fun. They go by so quickly because I’m so entertained.
The most important thing to get is the Wahoo Cadence Sensor. This hooks up with your iPad through Bluetooth and makes it so that you can see how fast you are pedaling.
Lastly, I’m not sure everyone would call this an essential but IT IS! You need a gel bike seat cover. Dang, the bike seat is hard so I would 100% get this cover to make it a bit more comfy. It will still take a little getting use to but you’ll adjust.
Cost of Peloton vs. Sunny Bike Set-up
The latest Peloton starts at $2,500 whereas the setup I have is under $450 (prices of the sunny bikes do change but it seems pretty low right now!).
The Benefits
One of the big benefits is that Sunny Bikes ship quite quickly, especially if you get them from Amazon, versus a 10+ week for the latest Peloton bike. I also like that it’s an easy way to try out having a spin bike without a huge investment.
The Differences
The largest difference is that you can’t see your resistance on the screen and the Sunny bike does not have a numerical resistance monitor. Instead it just offers a dial that you can turn up or down. Because of this, you don’t have an output number either. This output is what puts you on the leaderboard so you don’t have access to the competitive side of the Peloton. Also, the Peleton bike is nicer quality-wise, and has a larger screen.
My Thoughts
I LOVE this bike and I’m so glad we purchased it. I really enjoy the classes and the convience is so so nice. Personally, I enjoy not having as many numbers or stats. I feel like I get a great workout in but instead of focusing on being competitive with myself, I get to enjoy moving my body! I like that I don’t really have a reference for how “well” I do except for how I feel after a ride.
As always, I encourage you to check-in with yourself and find movement that sounds fun to you! There are SO many virtual options now that there really is something for everyone.
I hope this was helpful if you’re interested in setting up a fake Peleton! Thank you SO much for reading! XO, CK
