Best Exercise Bikes · head-to-head

Peloton Cross Training Bike vs Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console)

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) is cheaper at $1299. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the Peloton Cross Training Bike or Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console)?

The Peloton Cross Training Bike wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) is the cheaper at $1299. Get the Peloton Cross Training Bike for the stronger spec sheet, the Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) to spend less.

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Full spec sheet

marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.

Spec Peloton Cross Training Bike Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console)
US price $1695 $1299
BrandPelotonBowflex
Released2025-102021
Bike type indoor indoor
Resistance type magnetic (manual knob) magnetic
Resistance levels 100
Touchscreen (in) 21.5 22
Flywheel (lb) 33
Max user weight (lb) 297 325
Subscription required Yes No
Release 2025-10 2021

Sources — Peloton Cross Training Bike: onepeloton.com (verified 2026-06-15). Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console): bowflex.com (verified 2026-06-15).

What's the difference between the Peloton Cross Training Bike and Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console)?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.

  • Resistance type: Peloton Cross Training Bike magnetic (manual knob) vs Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) magnetic
  • Touchscreen (in): Peloton Cross Training Bike 21.5 vs Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) 22
  • Max user weight (lb): Peloton Cross Training Bike 297 vs Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) 325
  • Subscription required: Peloton Cross Training Bike true vs Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) false

What reviewers say

Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.

Peloton Cross Training Bike

Three whitelisted outlets (TechRadar, Tom's Guide, BarBend) each rode the base, non-Plus Peloton Bike — the model listed here as the Cross Training Bike — hands-on. All praise the deep library of live and on-demand classes with energetic instructors plus the premium, compact, durable build, while flagging the steep cost (bike price plus a $39-$44/month membership) and a fixed screen that won't swivel for off-bike work. None published independent lab measurements, and the higher-spec Bike+ was excluded. (3 sourced reviews, 3 lab-tested.)

Praised: Deep library of live and on-demand classes with energetic, motivating instructors; Premium, durable hardware with a sleek, compact footprint that fits a home; Smooth, quiet ride quality (smooth pedaling per TechRadar; quiet magnetic resistance per BarBend).

Flagged: Very expensive: high bike cost plus an ongoing $39-$44/month membership; Little value without a paid subscription (only a basic 'Just Ride' mode works unsubscribed); Fixed screen does not swivel/rotate for off-bike (floor) workouts.

Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console)

Three hands-on reviewers — Tom's Guide, BarBend, and Garage Gym Reviews — recommend the 22-inch VeloCore as a fun, stable Peloton alternative whose signature side-to-side lean mode engages the core. Reviewers flag difficult assembly, an uncomfortable seat, and a sub-par warranty. Reviews were qualitative; none published lab-measured numbers. No Wirecutter or RTINGS body found. (3 sourced reviews.)

Praised: Side-to-side lean mode is fun and engages the core; Large, vivid 22-inch touchscreen with plenty of ride metrics; Sturdy, stable build that stays put even in lean mode (supports 325 lb).

Flagged: Difficult assembly with unclear instructions; Uncomfortable seat / lacks padding; Sub-par, short warranty for a premium-priced bike.

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