I’m wondering if it is worth it to get a smart trainer instead of relying on the Peloton for indoor training? Anyone have any thoughts on this? Position is not the same on Peloton as it is on tri bike but doing steady diet Peloton power zones workouts over last year plus resulted in significant increase in my FTP as measured on Peloton which translated into big improvement in my bike for Olympic Distance tris that I raced this year despite the different positions. Trying to decide between just sticking with the Peloton versus getting a smart trainer and training on my tri bike or road bike if it can lead to even more improvement.
Whatever gets you on the bike, Peloton or Smart Trainer, time in the saddle is what matters. I have both and opt for the Peloton 95% of the time, I’ve never used Zwift, however. Therefore I might be missing out on smart trainer motivation but wow the peloton really is a great tool!
Whatever gets you on the bike, Peloton or Smart Trainer, time in the saddle is what matters.
This.
Thing with a Peloton (or any fitness device) is how you use it. If you jump on and do cute 30min EDM spins for 250 calories once a week for an Instagram photo opportunity, probably is worthless. Same for Zwift. But, if you follow a plan and use structure…the devices are just there to help you get the training stimulus. Some folks require more mental stimulus than others, or different stimulus. I require a Zwift like experience to stay engaged. Others like Peloton classes. Either can be used with structure and having a plan.
So, I see no reason to ditch the Peloton if you like it and it helps you reach your goals.
The Peloton Power Zone workouts are effective because they are basically sweet spot interval workouts. You can find similar workouts on Zwift, TrainerRoad, and several other platforms. If the training has been working for you (sounds like it has), I don’t think you’ll find those other platforms noticeably more effective, so it comes down to the experience more so than the results. If you enjoy Peloton and the spin class vibe, probably no reason to change.
The real magic of Zwift on a smart trainer is the other stuff you can do like group rides, racing, meet-ups, etc. The smart trainer’s ability to control resistance in response to the virtual terrain adds an element of cycling realism that doesn’t exist on Peloton. I personally like Zwift better because it’s focused on cycling rather than spinning, and I love Zwift racing, but we have a Peloton too and I enjoy throwing in a Power Zone workout once in a while for a change of pace.
Whatever gets you on the bike, Peloton or Smart Trainer, time in the saddle is what matters.
This.
Thing with a Peloton (or any fitness device) is how you use it. If you jump on and do cute 30min EDM spins for 250 calories once a week for an Instagram photo opportunity, probably is worthless. Same for Zwift. But, if you follow a plan and use structure…the devices are just there to help you get the training stimulus. Some folks require more mental stimulus than others, or different stimulus. I require a Zwift like experience to stay engaged. Others like Peloton classes. Either can be used with structure and having a plan.
So, I see no reason to ditch the Peloton if you like it and it helps you reach your goals.
Yup, agree here.
I use all three major platforms each week: Peloton, Zwift, and TrainerRoad - almost equally.
You can get faster on any of those three easily, just depends on how you structure your training. The power zone workouts on Peloton are equal to anything that TrainerRoad or Zwift has in terms of applying a specific type of load or intensity focus. TrainerRoad does the best job in terms of figuring out the bigger picture of structure for you. Zwift has plans too, but with less individual focus than Peloton.
Thanks for the great advice everyone. Will stick with Peloton.
Be wary about watt and calorie numbers of peloton. Most inaccurate
I use all three major platforms each week: Peloton, Zwift, and TrainerRoad - almost equally.
I hope you rigged up a system so Shane gets an automated text whenever you’re on the Peloton.
Be wary about watt and calorie numbers of peloton. Most inaccurate
Depends on which unit.
For the base level Peloton Bike (original one), my testing shows it tends to be high, usually about 5-8%. Though, at least consistently high (which makes sense as it’s a fairly simple algorithm). Though, it does seem some inconsistent bike to bike.
For the Bike+, my testing shows it actually scary accurate - even more accurate than some of the fancy smart bikes people are using for Zwift/etc…
I use all three major platforms each week: Peloton, Zwift, and TrainerRoad - almost equally.
I hope you rigged up a system so Shane gets an automated text whenever you’re on the Peloton.
That’d be amazing…hmm…
I can’t find the motivation to workout unless a hot chick in leotards tells me “to give it 110%” at unpredictable moments.
Why are we even discussing this?
I can’t find the motivation to workout unless a hot chick in leotards tells me “to give it 110%” at unpredictable moments.
Why are we even discussing this?
this sounds like the ‘argument’ of someone that’s never really tried a peloton workout.
I can’t find the motivation to workout unless a hot chick in leotards tells me “to give it 110%” at unpredictable moments.
Why are we even discussing this?
this sounds like the ‘argument’ of someone that’s never really tried a peloton workout.
What???
Are you saying Peloton doesn’t have hot chicks and dudes in leotards yelling at me to “give it 110% at unpredictable moments.”
My coworkers were lying to me!!!
I guess Peloton is NOT as good as Spin Class at LA fitness.
Who needs it then?
I would imagine most endurance athletes would say Matt Wilpers is their preferred instructor on the bike (and maybe on the run), because his workouts are smart, simple, and efficient. No fluff. He’s also a pretty avid and accomplished triathlete/runner. Becs Gentry is a 2:37 marathoner so her run classes are pretty much what you’d expect from someone with that sort of PR.
None of them wear “leotards.”
Be wary about watt and calorie numbers of peloton. Most inaccurate
Depends on which unit.
For the base level Peloton Bike (original one), my testing shows it tends to be high, usually about 5-8%. Though, at least consistently high (which makes sense as it’s a fairly simple algorithm). Though, it does seem some inconsistent bike to bike.
For the Bike+, my testing shows it actually scary accurate - even more accurate than some of the fancy smart bikes people are using for Zwift/etc…
Perhaps worse than 8% as time goes by and that reader degrades. Constantly annoyed on my Strava feed people putting 2x their real wattage