Peloton
Peloton Cross Training Bike
$1695
Released 2025-10
Best Exercise Bikes · head-to-head
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) is cheaper at $1299. Every spec and price links to its source.
Peloton
$1695
Released 2025-10
Bowflex
$1299Cheaper
Released 2021
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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✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | | |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $1695 | $1299 |
| Brand | Peloton | Bowflex |
| Released | 2025-10 | 2021 |
| 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).
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
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.
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.