Choosing Between New, Used, Refurbished, or Rented Peloton Cycling Equipment: A Guide for Buyers
Revised Article
When my budget-friendly Amazon spin bike broke down, I yearned for an upgrade. I'd been following along with Peloton videos on their app, but thought getting an actual Peloton was beyond my reach. However, as I looked around, I began to change my mind: Even a quality off-brand spin bike would set me back high triple digits, and Pelotons can be rented or even purchased used. Thus, commenced my mission to find a cheaper Peloton, and in the end, I nabbed a used model I'm thrilled with.
My ride cost me $950 on Facebook Marketplace in 2022. I could have likely found one for less with some time and haggling (used Pelotons are cheaper now than they were then). But before I could score a bike to buy, I had a slew of questions to answer. Let's embark on a tour of my shopping process.
Peloton Indoor Exercise Bike $1,195.00 at Amazon $1,445.00 Save $250.00 $1,195.00 at Amazon $1,445.00 Save $250.00
Peloton Bike: The Basics
Before you dive headfirst into shopping, you'll need to know if you're after a Peloton Bike or a Peloton Bike+. The Bike is the standard Peloton, while the Bike+ boasts additional features and a higher price tag. As I knew I wanted a regular Bike, I narrowed down my search.
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Ready for a breakdown of the key differences between the two models? Let's dig in.
- The Bike+ has its touchscreen on a swivel, allowing you to do strength or yoga classes next to the bike instead of behind it. However, an All-Access Peloton membership also enables you to watch strength and yoga classes from your phone, making this a nice-to-have, but not a necessity.
- The Bike+ can automatically adjust the resistance as you follow along with a class. With a regular Bike, you have to adjust the resistance yourself based on the instructor's instructions.
- The Bike+ boasts a larger touchscreen (24 inches versus 22 inches) and a better sound system, as well as nicer components throughout, including a faster processor and more RAM.
Peloton Bike+ $2,145.00 at Amazon $2,495.00 Save $350.00 $2,145.00 at Amazon $2,495.00 Save $350.00
Peloton Subscription Fees: Need-to-Know
Peloton's Bikes are designed for use with an All-Access subscription, which costs $44 per month. This subscription grants access to spin classes of all kinds, scenic rides, and Lanebreak rides (Lanebreak is essentially a video game you play while riding the bike).
If you don't have a subscription, you can still use the Bike in "Just Ride" mode, which displays a black screen with basic metrics like your cadence, resistance, output, and time. You can even use a device called the DFC to broadcast data to watches or third-party apps. So if you just want to get a workout without Peloton-branded content, you can do that without a monthly fee, though you'd probably be better off buying a non-Peloton spin bike.
Cost Breakdown: New, Used, Refurbished, or Renting
Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty pricing details. All prices below are current as of April 2025 and subject to change.
- Used Peloton bikes vary greatly in price and quality, with some in excellent condition and others showing significant wear and tear. I'm currently seeing asking prices ranging from $400 to $850 for the standard model Bike, and $900 to $1,200 for the Bike+ (subscription not included, of course).
- New Peloton bikes retail for $1,445 for the standard model or $1,650 for the Starter package, which includes shoes, hand weights, a water bottle, and a mat. Both options include delivery and setup, as well as a 12-month warranty. But remember, the All-Access subscription—which you'll need for the platform's famous video classes—is not included. Peloton bikes have been on steep discounts during major sales events, even going as low as $1,095 during Black Friday.
- Peloton Bike rentals cost $119 per month for the Bike+ and include a subscription, plus a one-time $150 delivery and setup fee. There is also a warranty for the duration of the subscription period.
- Certified refurbished Peloton bikes are currently going for $1,145 for the Bike and $1,995 for the Bike+. Both are a significant savings compared to the full price, but still more expensive than a used Bike. As with new bikes, delivery and setup are included, and the warranty is valid, although you'll need to purchase the All-Access subscription separately.
To Rent or Not to Rent: The Big Decision
I considered a rental before I started hunting for used bikes. If you're unsure about committing to a Peloton, or if you plan on moving soon, the rental might be worthwhile. Peloton will pick up the Bike for free if you decide you no longer want it. Rentals may be new or refurbished—Peloton sends whatever it has, but promises that the machine will be in good condition, even if it has a few dings or scratches. Options exist for both the Bike and Bike+. Here's a look at pricing for the standard Bike.
The deal on renting a Peloton
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You can opt to buy your rental at any time, and the buyout price varies based on how long you've been renting. If you decide to purchase the Bike+ on the day it arrives, it will set you back $2,345. By this point, you would have already paid the $150 delivery fee and your first month's $119 rental fee, resulting in an effective price of $2,614—slightly more than the full price of a brand-new Bike+. (Keep in mind that your rental Bike might actually be a new Bike, but it could also be a refurbished model, which sells for less.)
As time goes on, the deal stays comparable: After a year, the buyout price is just $1,995, but you'll have already paid $1,578 in rental fees (including the delivery fee), totaling $3,573. However, you've saved $44/month on the All-Access subscription. So when you factor this savings into the equation, you've effectively paid the same amount, in total, as if the Bike had cost $3,045 in the first place. Not a great deal.
In conclusion, buying a brand-new Bike+ at full price is a better deal than renting, no matter when or whether you decide to buy out your Bike+.
The Attraction of Used Pelotons
I ended up buying mine used, and I'd say they're definitely worth considering. However, there are a few factors to take into account. First, you'll want to consider resale value. When I was shopping for mine, $950 was a great deal compared to the costs of new, rental, and refurbished models. Since then, prices on the used market have dropped, while sales on new bikes have become more frequent.
As of now, at least, prices on used Pelotons remain high enough that you'll be able to recoup a significant amount of your money if you decide to sell your Bike or Bike+. That said, prices have been gradually decreasing. If I wanted to sell my $950 Bike now, I'd likely get $600 back at best.
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Besides the price, there are two other aspects to think about when deciding whether to go for a used bike.
The Fine Print: Activation Fee & Warranty
Activation Fee
Peloton now charges an activation fee of $95 for any used Bikes bought from someone else. To offset this cost, they'll give you a $25 credit towards replacement parts and a 50% off coupon for cycling shoes (Peloton branded cycling shoes aren't exactly top-notch, so you might want to buy your own elsewhere).
Warranty
New and refurbished Pelotons come with a 12-month warranty that covers the touchscreen, parts (including pedals), and the labor to replace them. If something breaks, Peloton will send someone to fix your Bike for free. However, the warranty does not transfer to new owners. If the original owner bought an extended protection plan (which can last up to four years), these benefits may be transferable for a fee.
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Without a warranty or protection plan, you'll be responsible for any repair costs, including labor. I had to replace the bearings on my Bike shortly after I got it, and Peloton charged me around $45 for the part. Fortunately, it was an easy DIY job. On the other hand, if the touchscreen went south, it would cost $375 to replace (with labor not included).
The Wear and Tear of a Peloton
A bike is made up of moving parts and mileage equals wear and tear. While indoor bikes accumulate less damage than their outdoor counterparts, it's still worth examining the parts that might show signs of wear when buying used.
- The pedals should be replaced annually unless the owner skips this maintenance step (the pedals tend to last much longer than this).
- Watch out for the 2020 pedal recall. If the pedals have an orange Peloton logo, they should have been replaced as part of this recall.
- Seat post eites were recalled in 2023 due to possible breakage. Make sure that the owner has installed the new post.
- The bearings in the center of the flywheel won't last forever. You can expect them to endure roughly a year of regular use, although this will vary greatly. If a used Bike is a few years old and hasn't had them replaced, that's a repair that is probably due.
- Look for cosmetic damage such as dents, scratches, or worn areas on the handlebars. Refurbished Bikes may have minor cosmetic issues, while all bets are off when it comes to a used Bike.
When to Pass on a Peloton Bike
Peloton only has two models of bikes, which makes shopping simple. Both the original Bike and the Bike+ feature a large touchscreen that displays workout videos and ride statistics.
All versions have undergone minimal updates, with one exception: The Generation 1 Bikes (manufactured before September 2016) are no longer supported—their touchscreens will no longer be updated. These Bikes have an orange power button at the top of the touchscreen.
As long as the used Bike doesn't have the older touchscreen with the orange power button, you're looking at a bike that is effectively equivalent to what's on the market now.
The Hunt for a Used Peloton
There are plenty of bikes listed for sale on places like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, and there are also Peloton-related Facebook groups where members can post Bikes for sale. Check any platform where you'd look for used items, like OfferUp and the local search options on eBay.
As with any online sale, watch out for scams. When I was browsing listings to update this post, I found plenty with a price of $129 and a glowing description of the site where the seller had originally bought it—just an ad for that site. When dealing with a seller, make sure you're interacting with a real person, and don't part with any money until you've seen the Bike in person and are confident that you want to buy it.
Talking to the Seller of a Used Bike
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When evaluating a specific used Bike, Peloton's history tool might be able to provide insights about its history if you know its serial number. However, it's still hit-or-miss, so ask the seller to show you proof of the original purchase.
Peloton warns that rental Bikes shouldn't be resold, and if you buy one, you won't be able to activate a subscription on it. Make sure that the Bike isn't a rental, and check that the serial numbers match.
How Many Rides has this Bike Had?
Ask the seller how many rides the bike has had. While the bike doesn't come with an odometer, you can get a sense of its usage based on the time the owner has owned it and how many rides they've done on it. If you can access the bike's Peloton history through Peloton's beta program, it will give you more accurate information.
Recalled Parts: Have They Been Replaced?
Ask the seller if any recalled parts have been replaced, such as the seat post or pedals. Also, inquire about any repairs and ongoing issues.
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Can I Test Ride the Bike?
Take the bike for a spin before committing. Pedal smoothly, check for any noise (e.g., clanking noises that might indicate bad bearings), and ensure the big red resistance knob turns easily. Also, inspect the screen for cracks or chips.
Peloton also recommends checking that the adjustment levers and screws move smoothly, and that there aren't any signs of over-tightening, such as cracks. Inspect the power cable and ensure the bike is clean and well-maintained.
Moving a Peloton Bike
If you decide to take the bike home, exercise caution. These heavy machines weigh around 140 pounds, with most of the weight centrally located. When carrying the bike with a partner, be aware of this weight distribution.
Peloton provides a guide for moving bikes, which recommoves removing the touchscreen first, wrapping it in towels and placing it in the front seat of your car. They also suggest detaching the water bottle holders and the dumbbell cage on the back. Lower the handlebars and seat to their lowest position, tightening all the adjustment levers to prevent movement during transport. I didn't remove the pedals, but Peloton suggests doing so if you plans to transport the bike often.
Transferring a Peloton Bike to a New Owner
Peloton recommends doing a factory reset on a Bike before it changes hands. To do so, go to Settings > System > Factory Reset. When setting up your new bike at home, follow the on-screen prompts to register the bike and set up the subscription. Don't forget to cancel any existing subscription if you already have one.
Peloton Accessories You'll Want
You'll need cycling shoes with Delta LOOK cleats to fit the pedals. While Peloton brand shoes might suffice, they're not exactly top-notch. Padded cycling shorts are also a good investment if you plan to ride a lot.
You'll likely want a mat to place under the bike to protect your floor from sweat. A towel, water bottle, and maybe a heart rate chest strap to sync with the bike might also be handy.
Lifehacker features editor and spin instructor Lindsey Ellefson provides a more comprehensive guide to the essential accessories to pick up for your new Peloton.
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- Considering the health benefits of cycling and the satisfaction of using a Peloton, are used Pelotons worth it for their cost-effectiveness?
- When shopping for a refurbished Peloton bike, it's important to inspect key components like the bearings, which typically need replacing after a year of regular use.
- As of April 2025, used Peloton bikes can be found priced between $400 to $850 for the standard model and $900 to $1,200 for the Bike+, a significant reduction compared to their full price or rental costs.
