A Brief History of Peloton and Echelon
Peloton was founded in 2012 by John Foley along with a team of cycling enthusiasts and tech professionals. Their goal was to bring the experience of high-intensity spin classes into the home. The first Peloton bike launched in 2014, combining sleek design, advanced technology, and live streaming and on-demand classes taught by elite instructors.
Echelon, meanwhile, entered the connected fitness space in 2017. Their aim was to offer competitive high-quality exercise bikes at more affordable price points compared to market leader Peloton. Echelon has expanded its lineup over the years to serve both budget-conscious and premium buyers.
Echelon and Peloton Bikes: Key Specs and Features
Echelon and Peloton take notably different approaches when it comes to their exercise bike designs and features:
Pricing and Key Spec Differences
| Echelon | Peloton | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Price | $500 | $1,445 |
| Top-End Model Price | $2,599 | $2,845 |
| Resistance System | Friction resistance | Magnetic resistance |
| Maximum Resistance Levels | 32 levels | 100 levels |
| Maximum Incline | 10% grade | 20% grade |
| Maximum Flywheel Weight | 30 lbs | Not Applicable |
| Built-In Display Screen | Only on Smart Connect Models ($1,500+) | Yes, on all models |
| Screen Size | 10" – 32" | 21.5" – 23.8" |
| Integrated Speakers | Only on Smart Connect Models | Yes |
| Bike Weight | 97 – 137 lbs | 135 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 250 – 300 lbs | 297 lbs |
As you can see, Echelon provides greater choice in terms of pricing. Their Connect Sport model starts at just $500, while the Smart Connect bikes add high-tech features like touch screens and speakers at higher price points.
Peloton only offers two bike models—the original Peloton Bike and Bike+—at premium prices. However, Peloton bikes also boast more advanced performance specs in areas like resistance levels, grade simulation, and components.
Design and Adjustability
Echelon bikes have a lightweight frame inspired by road racing bikes. Their slimmer silhouette makes them easy to move around. The seat and handlebars on all Echelon models are adjustable to accommodate riders of different heights.
Meanwhile, Peloton bikes flaunt a modern aesthetic with a heavier, sturdier build. Their adjustment knobs allow you to find the perfect fit more finely. Most riders between 4’11” and 6’4” can dial in their preferred settings.
Both bike brands also sell alternate seat cushions and bike mats for added comfort.
Workout Experience
A major distinction between the two brands lies in the actual ride experience their resistance systems produce.
Echelon uses a traditional friction resistance. Turning the tension knob increases the friction on the flywheel, making it harder to pedal like in a spin class. This allows for rapid gearing changes. Most Echelon models connect to a fitness app for class streaming.
Peloton bikes employ magnetic resistance instead. So when you increase the resistance level digitally or via the touchscreen, more magnets are deployed to create drag against the flywheel. This results in a smooth, consistent pedaling feel akin to riding a real road bike.
Another advantage of Peloton is its leaderboard feature, which lets you virtually race against other riders in real-time. This head-to-head competition further motivates you to up your performance.
Connectivity and Compatibility
While Echelon offers Bluetooth connectivity depending on the model, their bikes mainly pair with their own Echelon Fit app for accessing on-demand classes. Peloton takes connectivity a step further with WiFi and ANT+ built into all bikes. This allows instant syncing with fitness trackers, heart rate monitors, and wireless headphones in addition to the Peloton App.
Speaking of apps, it’s important to note Echelon Fit integrates with Strava as well as other third-party apps like Zwift and Kinomap for expanded class choice. Peloton classes, however, are only available through the official Peloton App.
In terms of device compatibility, Echelon Fit can be used across iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. Peloton currently only supports iPhone and iPad devices due to Apple GymKit integration in their Bike+ model.
Membership and Subscription Cost Comparison
Both Echelon and Peloton require membership plans to unlock on-demand classes and additional features:
| Echelon United Membership | Peloton Membership | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | $39.99 | $44 |
| Annual Fee | $399.99 | $429 |
| Number of Profiles per Account | 1 | Up to 20 |
| On-demand Classes | 5,000+ | over 9,000 |
| Live Classes Per Day | 10 | Over 30 |
| Class Category Options | Cycling, Rowing, Yoga, Pilates, Kickboxing, Strength, Stretching | Cycling, Strength, Yoga, Cardio, Treadmill Running, Stretching, etc. |
The number of profiles you get with each account is a key distinction. Peloton allows up to 20 users per membership, making it perfect for families and fitness studios. Echelon memberships only cover a single user.
While Peloton offers pricier plans, their classes tend to be more innovative and engaging with more daily live options. But Echelon still provides extensive variety for most workout needs.
Build Quality and Durability Comparison
Build quality impacts how long your bike will last before requiring repairs. Both Echelon and Peloton score well here, but Peloton edges out with even more durable components and sturdy welded frames:
Echelon
- Steel frames with corrosion-resistant finishes
- Aluminum structural parts like seat posts and handlebars
- Fiber-reinforced drive belts and pulleys
- Dual-sided pedals with toe cages
Echelon bikes should stand up well to vigorous cycling for their lifespan. Their more lightweight frames do resonate noise and vibration more than Peloton during intense rides.
Peloton
- Welded steel frames with powder coated paint
- Aluminum alloy structural components
- Solid chrome-plated steel crank arms
- Dual-sided SPD pedals for cycling shoes
Peloton also markets their bikes as “commercial grade” since they must endure repeated studio-cycling-style workouts filmed daily. So their bikes likely edge out Echelon‘s standard home exercise bike construction. Replacement parts may cost more than Echelon’s though.
Echelon vs. Peloton: Which Bike Is the Best Buy?
So when comparing the two brands, which comes out on top? Here’s a quick breakdown of their main pros and cons:
Echelon Pros
- More affordable price points
- Friction resistance great for fast interval training
- Fully adjustable seat and handlebars on all bikes
- Integrates with various third-party apps
Echelon Cons
- Less smooth and consistent pedaling experience
- Limited built-in tech features on lower-end bikes
- Less innovative live class programming
Peloton Pros
- Silky smooth magnetic pedaling resistance
- Highly competitive and social live class leaderboards
- Advanced performance monitoring and program adjustment
- Apple GymKit integration on Bike+
Peloton Cons
- Considerably more expensive bikes
- Must use proprietary Peloton App for classes
- Delivery/setup not included in purchase
Ultimately, beginners on a budget will appreciate Echelon’s lower prices and solid builds. The better value emerges if you’ll use third-party cycling apps anyway.
But for cyclists prioritizing a road-like ride, innovative classes, and social competition, Peloton leads as the premium “smart” exercise bike. The investment pays off through near-unlimited class variety and consistently smooth performance tracking.
Buyer Recommendations: Your Cycling Goals Decide
Evaluating your cycling priorities helps match you to the right exercise bike. Consider what matters most:
For Casual Exercisers Seeking Affordability
Echelon offers everything casual riders need for less. The Echelon Connect Sport is a top pick, providing 32 levels of friction resistance without breaking the bank.
For Serious Cyclists Prioritizing Realistic Rides
Avid cyclists will better appreciate Peloton’s magnetic drive system closely replicating outdoor riding dynamics indoors. The original Peloton Bike or the high-end Peloton Bike+ best fit these buyers.
For Competitors Who Thrive on Motivation
If leaderboard rankings and participating in intense live studio classes pumps you up most, Peloton is likely the winner. Seeing your real-time output vs. other cyclists pushes you harder.
No matter your goals, though, regularly mixing up training across different cycling classes and cross-training is key. Both Echelon and Peloton make it easy to add variety with instructor-led strength, HIIT, yoga and other modalities. So you’ll stay engaged while building full-body fitness.
The Bottom Line
When comparing Echelon and Peloton connected exercise bikes, you must balance affordability against features. Echelon provides great bang for buck across entry level and mid-range bikes. However, Peloton justifies their higher price through best-in-class technology, classes, and social interaction they build into the complete cycling experience.
Most importantly, assess your priorities around price, design preference, cycling intensity and goals. This will steer you toward the bike model and brand that best matches your needs. Both Echelon and Peloton present you exciting options to achieve fitness gains conveniently from home.
