Proform Vs. Peloton Bikes: Similarities and Differences

Proform and Peloton have quality and competitive bikes, and their similarities are not easy to ignore. After all, they make a choice between the two brand bikes quite tasking.

They both have live and on-demand classes, which let them stand out among other competitors in the market. So, how different are they, and why is Peloton more expensive than Proform anyway?

Proform and Peloton Bikes

Proform has a range of recumbent and spin bikes, while Peloton currently only features spin bikes. For this reason, we have selected only the most competitive of the spin

bikes that Proform offers, which compete fairly against Peloton bikes.

Therefore, we will take the Peloton bike and bike plus head-on head against Studio Bike Pro and Studio Bike Pro 22 from Proform. So, are you ready for the match?

Proform Studio Bike Pro Vs Peloton; Head to Head Comparison

Similarities Between Peloton and Proform Bikes

Being spin bikes, the two brand bikes have a lot in common, which is obvious and conspicuous. Let’s get down to these similarities;

1. Classes

Both bikes come with HD screens, which have in-built classes. The tablets allow bike owners to stream classes using the in-built apps. Peloton uses the Peloton app, while Proform bikes use the iFit app.Whether you use Peloton or iFit, the subscription cost for the class platform is $39 per month. 

With this subscription, you get live classes that resemble a real gym class. On top of that, you gain access to the thousands of workouts that each fitness app library to practice with at your will.

On top of that, your metrics record on the fitness app, and you get yourself on the Leaderboard. Unfortunately, the competitive nature of the Leaderboard will just not let you relax, at least not when you want your name in a good position.

You also get to interact with your instructor and fellow riders, helping you get rid of your loneliness.

Finally, you can connect your heart rate monitor to get your metrics on the bike tablet. With Peloton, and heart rate monitor that is either Bluetooth or Ant+ compatible is good to go for both the bike and the bike plus. However, Proform bikes sync with SmartBeat Forearm Heart Rate Monitors only.

2. Bike Seat and Handlebars Adjustments

Fortunately, both bikes are comfortable for a range of user heights. The best way that this is possible is through bike seat and handlebar adjustments. Peloton and Proform bikes have height and depth adjustments while featuring handlebar height adjustments.

Differences Between Peloton and Proform Studio Bike Pro

Let’s skip to the differences between Proform studio bikes and Peloton, which will finally make your decision easier;

1. Cost

Cost is the major difference between Proform and Peloton. The expensive Peloton bike, the bike plus, is worth approximately 1000 bucks more than the expensive version of the Proform Studio Bike Pro 22. But, on the other hand, the peloton bike costs approximately $500 higher than Proform Studio Bike Pro.

The closest the bike costs come is between the Peloton bike and Studio Bike Pro 22, whose cost is almost the same.

All in all, the Proform studio bike pro options win as far as price goes.

2. Console Features

Both Peloton and Proform bikes take advantage of the HD screen in-built apps. Therefore, users don’t have to struggle downloading fitness apps for their bikes. The best part is that you get both live and on-demand classes, which are too many to exhaust.

Nevertheless, the Peloton bike touchscreen is quite large compared to the Proform bike screens. Proform did a great job with the new bike pro 22 model, whose screen is 22 inches. However, the studio bike pro has a screen that is 10 inches, which is way too small for any Peloton’s touchscreen.

Peloton bikes, on the contrary, have quite substantial screen sizes. For example, the peloton bike tablet is 21.5 inches, while the bike plus boasts a good 23.5 inches.

Today, most gadgets are getting wireless, and it is easier to get wireless earphones, heart rate monitors, and audio speakers. Peloton has taken advantage of this technology and is compatible with any gadget that is either Bluetooth or Ant+ compatible. For versatility, Peloton still features ports for wired audio systems.

On the other hand, Proform bikes only have auxiliary audio connectivity. As for the heart rate monitor, you have to use their company’s heart rate monitor for successful syncing.

Though both bike options have amazing music and clear instructor voice projection, Peloton bikes’ projection is still way better than the Proform bikes. Maybe it has something to do with the speaker quality and quantity for the bike plus.

Anyway, in the case of console features, the Peloton has the upper hand.

3. Resistance

The bikes may both feature the smooth magnetic resistance that every indoor biker wants. However, that is as far as the resistance similarity goes.

First, the bikes differ in resistance levels. For example, Peloton has a maximum of 100 resistance levels. On the other hand, Studio bike pro 22 has 24, while bike pro has 22 levels.

Second, they differ in the type of resistance offered. Proform has digital resistance, which the instructor can change on their behalf. Therefore, as a Proform bike user, you can easily concentrate on your workout without minding low or high resistance. 

On the contrary, Peloton bikes come with a manual resistance, which you engage on your own. The bike plus comes with both manual and digital resistance. However, even with digital resistance, one has to determine their own resistance. The digital resistance option facilitates a feature known as auto-follow on the bike plus. Auto-follow allows the user to preset the resistance level range that they want to use during the workout. Then, the resistance will auto-adjust as the workout proceeds.

Using resistance, proform bikes will give you the best for an optimal challenge, as the instructor determines resistance for different inclines and declines.

4. Pedals and Shoes

Peloton bikes come with clipless pedals, which are in the Look Delta design. Therefore, if you want to cycle in the pedals as they are, you have to use shoes in the Look Delta design. The most common of the three-hole designs are Look Delta and SPD-SL cleat designs.

However, you can purchase toe cages or toe clips for Peloton to use the pedals with casual shoes.

The best part about clipless pedals is that they offer the best pedal transfer. Therefore, you get optimal cadence from your rides.

On the other hand, the Proform bikes have clipped pedals, which means they have toe cages. Therefore, you can use casual and other non-cycling shoes on the bike. However, if you want the clipless pedal option, you can switch the pedals for clipless pedals. Proform recommends it, so you can consult customer care if this would affect your warranty.

The bottom line is that both bike pedals are suitable for different needs that different riders prefer. If you are looking for pedals that you can use with your regular shoes without the extra cost of cycling shoes, Proform stands out.

However, go for Peloton bikes if you want to reap the best results with pedals offering power transfer.

5. Warranty

Both bikes come with great warranty conditions, but if you feel safer with a longer coverage, Proform bikes are an excellent option. Their warranty stands out at 10-Year Frame, 2-Year Parts, 1-Year Labor Warranty. On the contrary, Peloton’s warranty is great, but the duration offered is shorter. It is a 12-month guarantee on parts, labor, and accessories and 5-year on Frame.

6. Delivery and Installation

Not everyone is going back to the pocket for extra delivery charges, even if they may be lower. So if you are in this category, you should take Peloton. It comes with delivery and installation for free. Even better, the delivery guys are experts in bike installation, so you will never have a challenge with this. 

In contrast, Proform bikes require that you pay separately for delivery and installation. 

7. User Weight

Peloton has a higher user weight ceiling, hence the better option if you feel on the higher end of body weight. Better still, the instructors and class features will not allow you to stay where you are, especially if you feel unhealthy. Within a maximum of three months of full dedication, you will not consider Peloton because you feel heavier. Anyway, Peloton takes a maximum of 297 pounds of body weight.

On the other hand, Proform accommodates a maximum user weight of 250 pounds, which is almost 50 pounds less than Peloton.

8. Bike Weight

If you constantly want to move your bike from one part of the house or studio to another, a lighter bike will serve the purpose. In comparison, peloton bikes are slightly lighter than Proform bikes. However, this goes the four pounds plus go a long way into making your work easier.

9. Dumbbells

Proform bikes come with a pair of 3-pound dumbbells, fitted in place on the bike at the same cost. You can use them during your rides for HIIT workouts and also for your cross-training sessions.

If you want dumbbells on your Peloton bike, you either have to purchase them separately or increase the cost of the bike to get a larger package.

Therefore, Proform bikes have a win in this scenario.

Proform Vs. Peloton Bikes?

A Proform is a great option when you need better bike challenges since the coaches adjust your resistance. They also stand out in their value cost, which is way low for their quality equipment. Not forgetting that with the low cost comes an additional pair of dumbbells. Besides, you won’t be pressured to buy cycling shoes, which is great for a budget pocket.

Peloton comes out great when you want a top and quick spinning results, coming with clipless pedals already set. Then there is the fact that you will get free delivery and large screens that make the cost worth it. And for Bluetooth and Ant + connections with other gadgets, Peloton always gets a first place in connectivity and speed.

Final Thoughts

Peloton and Proform stand out in their ways to conquer large chunks of fans in the spinning industry. Their differences make it easier to choose with a personal preference. All in all, both bikes are quality and with high performance.

So, have you decided on your next brand of workout? Here you go!

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