The Peloton Bike+ in the test: a spinning bike like a rock

I can't imagine a more unpleasant place than one. I've already tried out different studios, completed trial training sessions and I've already done the monthly payments and not going there. The gym and I will never be friends. There's nothing more than a friendly nod from across the street. The thought of exercising at home feels much more relaxing to me. The concept is more accessible and the time savings and privacy are unbeatable. But watching YouTube videos on the TV? There is no motivation for me. And then suddenly I had the opportunity to test the Peloton Bike+. I knew itthe Ferrari of spinning bikesis. I also enjoy spinning and the Peloton Bike+ can do so much more - as I soon found out.I've owned a Peloton Bike+ for six months now, and this is my experience with the luxury spinning bike.

During the Corona period, Peloton's luxurious exercise bike was the absolute hype. And to be honest: it still is today, at least when it comes to high-quality spinning bikes. In addition to the Bike+, Peloton also offers a treadmill and a rowing machine. But the Bike+ is the most space-saving device of all. The Peloton Bike+ costs around 2,500 euros to purchase - a tidy sum, no question. There is also the necessary equipment such as cycling shoes, a floor protection mat and dumbbells. You also need a membership to get access to the live courses and recordings. These not only include training sessions for the bike, but alsoYoga, HIIT, strength training, boxing and meditation. A real 360° cardio training, accompanied by trainers and supported by a global community. Quite a lot – money and content.

If you decide to buy a Peloton Bike+, the device will be delivered with a shipping company that will bring the bike directly to the desired location, set it up and install it. All I had to do was register, move and get started. Full marks! For many people, the purchase of an exercise bike often fails because of the delivery and assembly. Peloton ensures that you can concentrate exclusively on your training and your own sports and health goals. They take care of the rest. Of course you could say: “You can expect that given the price.” Yes, that’s right – and that’s exactly what you get. A few hours after delivery, the black bike was in my bedroom. It takes up less space than one might imagine. And it stood there like a rock: nothing moved, rattled or wobbled. This bike is damn well made. The first test was a spinning class for beginners - 15 minutes in which the Peloton Bike+ and all its functions were explained to you. You will also be shown the correct sitting position. Afterwards you start what is admittedly a very relaxed first ride. I knew I didn't want to make the typical mistake of giving too much straight away. At the end of this beginner ride, however, I had a sneaking suspicion: This bike definitely has what it takes to wear you down to the bone.

In addition to countless spinning classes that cover every musical taste and also take fun seasonal events such as Christmas, Pride and Carnival into account, Peloton offers lots of other workouts via the large rotating screen. What would you like then? Yoga, meditation, stretching, boxing, HIIT, strength training or perhaps an audio-guided jogging session? All of this is included in the membership, which costs around 40 euros per month. So with a mat and a few dumbbells you not only have a spinning bike, but your personal fitness club with different personal trainers at home or, like me, in the bedroom.

Once you're completely settled on the bike, you'll quickly become familiar with it. You adjust the saddle and handle according to your size and then nothing really moves. I felt safe on the bike at all times - this factor should not be underestimated, because over time this bike really has to withstand a lot and spoiler: it does. Fundamentally, the best thing about the Peloton Bike+ is that you can do anything you want to do physically at home, at any time. Whether it's ten, 30 or 90 minutes long, whether you're a complete beginner or a Tour de France professional - there's something for everyone. Two things particularly impressed me: the constant motivation through the brilliant (but also nasty) tracking of your own high scores and the Peloton trainers in general. The Bike+ records every progress. And they actually come quickly – I was surprised. If you push through and complete a ride three times a week, plus a cool-down ride where you can recover with a relaxed five-minute ride, then you'll see progress in a very short time. The power shown in the lower section is a mix of cadence and resistance. With this calculated number you rank in the leaderboard. If you start a new 30-minute ride, your previous personal best time runs alongside it on a 30-minute ride. Every time this gave me the ambition to be no worse than the last time. Sure, it's ambitious, but it also moves you forward quite quickly. You receive awards, medals and praise from the trainers*within.And these trainers are Peloton’s entire asset. Of course, the equipment is the core, but without the trainers the entire Peloton concept would not be possible. The German team is a gift: highly professional, friendly, nice, competent, demanding and it makes every day better. You can quickly find your favorite trainers, become a fan or network with the community. Peloton's likeability factor cannot be underestimated. You don't think, "I'll go to the Peloton later." You think, "I'll take a class with Eric or Charlotte later."

After half a year, this bike looks exactly as it did on the first day. Not me. I virtually rode this bike through parks in London and along the French coast. I exhausted myself so much on rides that I had to lie on the ground for a quarter of an hour afterwards because my legs wouldn't work anymore. I did a Christmas song ride, a pride ride and pedaled to techno music for 45 minutes. I outdid myself, cursed the bike because the courses were so strenuous and made up on the next ride. So what can I say other than: Yes, the Peloton Bike+ was definitely worth it for me. Will I buy it after the test phase? This has to be calculated, but otherwise there is not a single aspect that would speak against it. One last tip, I had an iron rule: never put a single piece of clothing on this bike. I have stuck to it to this day and the bike has become my very own personal rock.