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Yes, you can use the Peloton app on just about any bike; however, you’re going to need some instructions on how to get this done effectively.
This comprehensive guide will give you all the details needed to get your bike up and running with the Peloton app faster than you can whistle Dixie! Okay, that may have been a cheesy comparison, but in all fairness, it really is that easy!
Below you will find everything you need to know on how to use the Peloton app without actually having a Peloton bike.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Using the Peloton App on a Standard Bike
If you’ve spent any time looking at Peloton bikes, then you already know the price tag is quite steep. But the good news is that for a significant price difference, you can easily use the Peloton app with any other more reasonably priced bike.
In fact, I use the Joroto X2 bike.
This is a great indoor bike that offers all the main key features you want on an indoor bike all whilst being very affordable!
You can check out the Joroto X2 here on Amazon
Now, there are some really cool benefits of using the Peloton app on your bike, and below you will discover everything that you can accomplish without actually having a Peloton bike!
Once you install the Peloton app on your media device, you can have access to all the benefits of using the Peloton app on a standard bike, such as:
- Access to the Digital Membership
- Choose From an Array of Peloton Classes (Including Live Classes)
- Enjoy the Basic Leaderboard Experience
- Saves You a Ton of Money!
Suppose you’ve been thinking about getting a Peloton bike but just can’t swallow the cost. In that case, this is the best alternative to having everything you need available whenever you want to use it without crushing your bank account!
We would like to emphasize that in no way, shape or form are we saying the Peloton bike isn’t worth the cost. If you can justify that price without having to give up other necessities in life, then, by all means, go for it.
But for the rest of us out there, using the Peloton app with your standard bike is an incredible hack that comes with a ton of benefits – Peloton benefits!
If you’re interested in what I use for my own indoor cycling, check out my recommended gear page.
Want to see my own personal Peloton setup, check it out here.
How to Connect the Peloton App (Peloton Digital) & Measure Your Performance
Connecting the Peloton app to your bike is quite simple; it’s just a matter of downloading the app and getting a membership to use the Peloton Digital App.
You don’t need to do anything crazy to your bike in order to use the Peloton app; however, you will want to make sure you have a stable holder for either your smartphone or tablet that allows you to see the Peloton digital programs while cycling.
Once you have downloaded the Peloton App and signed up for the membership, you’re going to need some additional equipment if you want to measure your performance effectively.
Here is what we suggest connecting to your bike for the ultimate experience with the Peloton app:
Wahoo Speed and Cadence Sensor
The Wahoo speed and cadence sensor are wirelessly integrated with Bluetooth, so you don’t need to rely on any magnets for attaching your device. You’ll be able to follow the many programs on the Peloton app by tracking your speed and cadence in real-time.
If using the Peloton Digital iOS app, then you can connect your cadence sensor (Bluetooth enabled) directly to the Peloton app to gain access to your real-time cadence during all your workouts while cycling.
This is ideal for being able to follow all the Peloton instructor’s directions and cues during all your cycling workouts and maximizing your total experience. You’ll also be more aware of your pedal stroke, making measuring your cadence even more accurate.
Wahoo Tickr Heart Rate Monitor (HRM)
The Wahoo Tickr HRM can track your heart rate accurately during any of your workouts. It allows you to see what zone you are in and if you’re able to meet the desired rates that the Peloton class is suggesting you should be at.
You can check out my full review on the Wahoo Tickr here!
How to Connect Your Cadence Sensor or HRM to Peloton Digital
Connecting your cadence sensor and HRM to the Peloton digital app is very simple. Once you have turned on your devices and installed them in the proper place, you will just need to do the following to get started:
- Open Your Peloton Digital App
- Choose a Cycling Class to Start
- Click on Connected Devices
- Tap Cadence or HRM
- Find the Name of Your Devices to Pair
- Once You Tap on Them, They Should Be Visible
- Verify the Candence Metrics Have Appeared on Your Screen
- Visually Locate Your HRM on Your Screen
- You’re Ready to Begin
You will only need to pair your devices one time with the initial use, then each workout session where you are wearing your cadence monitor or HRM, the app will automatically pair them each time you start a workout.
It’s essential to make sure that your devices are not paired with anything else while trying to use them with the Peloton digital app.
Android users won’t be able to see the cadence displayed in the Peloton Digital app, nor will it be visible for anybody accessing the Peloton Digital app with Airplay on an Apple TV.
Note: If you have problems pairing your devices, check your batteries, and then you should try the above steps again. If that does not work, we suggest using the troubleshooting section on the Peloton digital app.
What Peloton Digital Offers
Getting a Peloton Digital Membership is necessary for accessing all the Peloton classes and a ton of other features. Once you download it, you’ll have access to their massive library of cycling classes that can easily be viewed on any smartphone, tablet, or even on your TV.
The Peloton Digital Membership costs $12.99 per month and requires absolutely ZERO hardware or equipment from Peloton. You can try the app out for 30 days for free to make sure it’s something you will regularly utilize before committing to the monthly fee.
When considering everything you will have access to (see below) through the Peloton Digital app, this is not a bad deal since you will be able to do some incredible workouts all in the privacy of your own home without even owning any Peloton equipment.
This is also a considerable saving compared to the Peloton All-Access Membership that costs $39 every month and is recommended for all the people using a Peloton Bike, Bike+, Tread, and Tread+.
Here’s what’s included with a Peloton Digital Membership:
- Access to Both LIVE and On-Demand Classes
- Choose From Cycling, Running, Yoga, Strength, and More
- Excellent Training Programs
- Challenges to Keep You Motivated
- Achievement Recognition with Badges
- No Equipment Required
- Access to Basic Leaderboard
- One Account Membership
There is a wide selection of playlists from just about every genre to choose from, and you can look for an expert instructor that offers a unique coaching style that motivates you and keeps you focused on the big picture.
There are literally thousands of on-demand classes in the Peloton Digital app library, so you don’t have to get bored doing the same course over and over. Basically, your choices are unlimited when it comes to getting fit.
You can cancel your Peloton Digital Membership at any time since there is no contract or time commitment required.
How to View Your Peloton Indoor Classes
When using the Peloton Digital Membership to access any of the live or on-demand classes, you will need a way to view your Peloton indoor classes. There are plenty of options for viewing your courses which include:
- Using Your Smartphone or Tablet on a Phone Holder
- Connecting to Your TV via HDMI
- Using Google Chromecast
Peloton Digital is available in both the Apple Store for iOS devices and also in the Google PlayStore for any Android users.
If you are using a smartphone to access all of the classes, you’ll want to make sure that you have your device close enough to you for the best viewing.
If your bike doesn’t already have a phone or tablet holder installed, we suggest getting one and installing it before trying to attach your media device to your indoor bike.
Using your TV or even a tablet to view your Peloton classes will give you a better experience due to the screen’s size, but both your phone or tablet will also work sufficiently.
Whichever connection source you choose to use, just be sure that you have a good view of the screen so that you can follow along with all of the Peloton classes.
Conclusion
If you’ve been dying to try the Peloton classes and thought you needed to buy an expensive Peloton bike in order to do so, then now you know that everybody can enjoy the Peloton classes without having to spend a fortune on any new equipment.
Peloton has created a workout experience like no other, and it truly keeps people motivated to work out regularly. By taking advantage of the free thirty-day trial, you really have nothing to lose! Download the Peloton Digital Membership today to get started.
