Peloton Bike vs Peloton Bike+

The main differences

The screen is the biggest difference. The Peloton Bike has a fixed touchscreen that faces the saddle. The Bike+ has a larger touchscreen that swivels, so you can turn it round to follow strength, yoga or stretching classes on the floor beside the bike.

The resistance works differently too. On the standard Bike, you turn the knob yourself to match the instructor's cues. The Bike+ has a feature Peloton calls Auto-Follow, which can adjust the resistance to the instructor's target range for you, while you can still override it with the knob.

The Bike+ also has stronger speakers, supports Apple GymKit for pairing with an Apple Watch, and can charge a phone. Check Peloton's UK site for the current feature list, as it can change between product updates.

How to tell which Peloton bike you have

If the screen swivels on its mount, you have a Bike+. If it is fixed facing the saddle, you most likely have the standard Bike. On either bike you can also check the model in the touchscreen's settings, under the device or about section, and on the label near the base of the frame, which shows the model and serial number.

Knowing the model matters when you buy replacement parts, look up support articles or compare features with a used bike. Our guide to buying a used rowing machine or spin bike has a checklist for second-hand Pelotons.

Classes and membership

Both bikes run the same Peloton classes, and the full library on the bike's screen needs Peloton's All-Access Membership. Without it, the screen offers only basic functions. Our guide on using a Peloton without a subscription explains the options in detail.

Auto-Follow on the Bike+ only works within classes that set resistance targets. For scenic rides or free riding, you set the resistance yourself on both bikes.

Shoes, pedals and fit

Both bikes come with Delta-compatible clip-in pedals, so you need cycling shoes with Delta cleats, or you can swap to other pedals at your own risk. See spin bike shoes and pedals for the options.

Both have saddles and handlebars that adjust up and down and fore and aft. Set them up as you would any spin bike; our guide on how to set up a spin bike shows how.

Space, power and placement

Both bikes have a similar footprint to other spin bikes and need a mains socket for the screen. The Bike+ benefits from a little extra space at the side if you plan to turn the screen and use a mat beside it for floor classes. See exercise bike dimensions for typical sizes.

Neither bike folds. Place the bike on a mat to protect the floor, and keep it away from radiators and direct sunlight to protect the screen.

Which should you buy?

Choose the Bike+ if you will use the screen for off-bike classes, like the idea of automatic resistance or use an Apple Watch with GymKit. Choose the standard Bike if you mainly ride and are happy to turn the knob yourself.

If you want class riding without Peloton's hardware, compare the bikes in our best Peloton alternative bikes guide, and see our Peloton vs Echelon comparison.

See Peloton alternatives →

Frequently asked questions

Does the Peloton Bike+ swivel? Yes. The Bike+ screen swivels so you can follow floor classes. The standard Bike's screen is fixed.

Can the standard Peloton Bike change resistance automatically? No. Auto-Follow is a Bike+ feature. On the standard Bike you turn the knob yourself.

Do both bikes need a membership? The full class library on the bike's screen needs the All-Access Membership on both models.

Where is the serial number on a Peloton bike? On a label on the frame, usually near the base, and in the touchscreen's device settings.