When you fall in love with Peloton workouts but the cost or access of the bike is too much for you, do you just quit? Of course not. Since Peloton allows you to access the digital app without either the Peloton bike or tread, you can look for alternative equipment and still enjoy the workouts.
The best part is that you will still access the live and on-demand classes on the app, just as if you had the Peloton bike. And the better part is that you can actually transform your regular spin bike into a Peloton with this DIY guide.
DIY Peloton Bike
Basically, a DIY Peloton refers to another spin bike, other than Peloton, that you use in the same way that you would have used a Peloton bike. You transform the bike and add all the necessary accessories that make you feel that you actually have a Peloton bike in disguise.
Moreover, you are able to follow the Peloton workouts without feeling out of place at all. So, let’s take the bus on the road on how you can put your Peloton dream into reality with less than 1000 dollars.
Why Would One Choose a DIY Peloton?
There are several reasons why you would opt for a DIY Peloton as opposed to the real bike. Here are a few;
- The Peloton bike is way too expensive for a budget pocket. However, there is a wide range of cheaper fitness bikes that are alternatives to the Peloton bike.
- Peloton digital app is available for other bike brands. So if all you want are Peloton workouts, you can get them using the digital app even without the bike. After all, the digital subscription is cheaper, at $12.99, compared to the Unlimited Peloton bike subscription of $39.
- The Peloton bike user weight limit is lower. If your bodyweight exceeds 297 pounds, then the Peloton bike is not for you. However, you can get other fitness bikes that accommodate your body weight, then convert one into a Peloton.
Transforming Your Regular Spin Bike into a Peloton: DIY Guide
Are you looking forward to transforming the bike you have into a Peloton? You will need the following;
- A regular spin bike of your choice
- Delta compatible pedals
- Delta-compatible cycling shoes/ cleats
- A cadence sensor
- A smart TV/ Phone/ Tablet
- A heart rate monitor
- A fitness bike mat
1. A Regular Spin Bike
I wanted a budget spin bike that would allow me to spend less than 1000 bucks even after buying other Peloton accessories. I came across this Cyclace Exercise Bike. Given my 320-pound weight, slightly higher than most spin bike maximum user weights, it was my best choice, including a Peloton bike. (Staying indoors for almost a year, coupled with my belly baby fat, had surprised me with increased weight hence my spin bike workout option).
Just like the Peloton bike, the spin bike’s seat adjusts both in height and depth. In addition, the handlebars go an extra mile, as they have both height and depth adjustments.
Rather than the large Peloton screen, this bike comes with a smaller LCD screen, which only takes heart rate, calories burned, distance, time, and other general metrics. For this reason, I needed a tablet. Good thing the bike came with a tablet holder.
Read Also: 5 Best Spin Bikes to Use with Peloton App
2. Smart TV/ Tablet/ Phone
Unfortunately, not all smart TVs are compatible with the Peloton app. However, Roku, Appstore, and Android TV will mostly have the app. But what if your gym is further from the living room, and you are looking for a personalized workout?
Your phone, iPhone, iPad, or tablet comes in. I prefer a tablet, which is larger for a better view and a more live Peloton experience. So I got this Fire HD, which is 10 inches. Quite smaller compared to the Peloton screen, but enough to get a vivid view of the workouts training. I also figured that it was a great non-guess option for streaming Peloton workouts being a Fire tablet.
Its battery lasts around 12 hours, which allows me to use it in workouts without the fear that the power will run low. Then there is the large 32-GB storage, coupled with an octa-core processor and a 3GB ram for faster loading and convenience.
Download the Peloton app once you get the tablet, phone, or TV where you want your Peloton workouts. Then, check out our explicit guides on how to download and install the Peloton digital app.
3. Peloton Style Pedals
Most budget spin bikes like mine come with toe cages. They are great because you can ride the bike in casual shoes. However, for a Peloton conversion, clipless pedals are always part of the deal.
And this is where Venzo Sealed Fitness pedals come in. They are compatible with spin bikes, and the installation on my bike was a quick one. They come with a simplified manual that is easy to work with. And this is not even the hottest deal;
The pedals are compatible with both Look Delta and SPD-style cleats. This means that you can use Look Delta shoes to complete a Peloton ride, as with a Peloton bike. More amazingly, the package comes with Look Delta cleats, saving you 20 or so bucks. There are also SPD cleats, in case you would want to use them as well.
With these pedals, now you have three cycling options, riding with casual shoes, using Peloton Look Delta shoes, or using your regular SPD design spinning shoes.
Now that we have sought the pedals and power transfer, let’s skip to the shoes;
4. Cycling Shoes
The Look delta pedals are only compatible with shoes that are in the Look Delta cleat design. Therefore, a suitable pair that is suitable for both men and women and at a value cost is this road bike cycling shoe option.
The shoes have a rigid outsole that also comes in handy in facilitating power transfer. Its breathability comfortable fit adds a valuable accessory to your Peloton conversion process.
5. Heart Rate Monitor
A heart rate monitor is an essential feature of every serious workout. Peloton metrics also include the heart rate, calories burned, time, and distance, which you can only measure using a heart rate monitor.
I chose this inexpensive Wahoo Tickr Piece, compatible with Bluetooth and Ant+ devices ( suitable for my Fire tablet). It is a slim chest strap, hence not much of a bother riding in it. Most importantly, the heart rate monitor casts data efficiently on the Peloton app.
6. Bike Mat
A bike mat is necessary to keep the bike from damaging the flooring and keep it safe from dust and debris on the floor. Therefore, it keeps both the bike and floor safe from wear and tear. Better still, it is an inexpensive addition to the Peloton bike conversion.
My choice is this Equipment Mat from SuperMats, which is only $30. It effectively dampens the bike’s vibration, which gives me the confidence to ride with more vigor and confidence.
7. Cadence Sensor
Finally, it is important to note that Peloton workout output is measured by cadence and resistance. For cadence, my Vigboy obviously did not give the metrics. Therefore, I considered this Garmin Cadence Sensor 2, which keeps my cadence in the record. Therefore, when the instructors on Peloton call out a certain cadence, I can always get my pace accurately.
8. Resistance Conversion
My bike has a manual magnetic resistance, which resembles a Peloton bike resistance. However, while the Peloton has resistance levels from 0 to 100, my bike does not have the same metrics. Actually, you just need to turn the resistance knob right to increase resistance and left to decrease it. This is quite a downside for the bike.
However, I have no option but to find a way around it, right? For this reason, I don’t listen to the number of resistance that the instructors call. Rather, I look at their feet pedaling the bike. I then increase my resistance until I can feel my feet attaining the same speed as the instructor.
Lately, I found an even better way to get a more accurate resistance. Since I have a cadence sensor and my cadence metrics are displaying, I can use them to get my resistance. Therefore, when the instructor says that I need a cadence of 80 at a specific resistance, I use the cadence to determine my resistance levels. It’s becoming easier by day, and sometimes I find myself just adjusting to the right resistance without straining much.
Read Also: Full guide about – Peloton Resistance Conversion
In a Nutshell;
So, DIY Peloton bike? As we have seen, it is possible to have a full Peloton bike experience without necessarily buying a Peloton bike. While you will miss out on scenic rides reserved for Peloton bike owners, the rest of the workouts technically remain the same.
Therefore, you can use less than 1k bucks to convert a regular indoor spinning bike into a Peloton. And now that you know how, why not start making your arrangements?
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