Peloton has long been the monopoly in terms of interactive bike training but there is now heated competition in the industry because everyone wants a piece of that pie. So, how does Echelon compare to Peloton in terms of benefits?
Anyone who has been to a cycling or spinning class can attest to the adrenaline rush that you will feel in a room filled with other enthusiastic cyclists. Some people don’t appreciate this social gathering and prefer to have their workout in the privacy of their home.
I am one such person and after sticking with a class for a month, I opted out and started saving towards buying my own bike.
However, as I came to realize, the market is flooded with tons of new bike innovations. It became increasingly hard to make up my mind but I finally settled on two options that I found intriguing.
I tried them out and here’s what I found out.
What are the key differences between Echelon EX5 and Peloton?
Bike Model |
Echelon EX5 |
Peloton |
Handlebars |
Movable Aero Competition |
Movable |
Pedals |
Toe-cage design- SPD Compatible |
Clip-in design – cycling shoes |
Flywheel |
29 pounds |
30 pounds |
Resistance |
Magnetic with 32 levels |
Magnetic with up to 100 levels |
Weight Supported |
300 lbs |
297 lbs |
Training App |
Echelon Fit |
Peloton |
Screen |
None |
22-inch LED |
Price |
Echelon EX5 vs Peloton – How do they compare?
Riding Experience
Echelon EX5 doesn’t provide you the luxury of a display screen. It only provides a phone holding rack on the bike’s frame and using the Bluetooth connection, you could pair your device and stream workouts or access the Echelon Fit App for a variety of workouts.
The Peloton features a screen that displays your vital information and gives you a clear picture of the training programs and on-demand live streaming classes. With Peloton’s 22-inch, you are able to screen cast this display to another device.
To replicate this on the EX5, you need to connect your device to a fitness App like IFitand you will get access to all available workouts. Off-bike workouts are available too which adds to variety.
Echelons ability to flip the device holder 180 degrees gives it a leg up over the Peloton which you can’t even swivel.
Design
The pedals on the Echelon feature a toe-cage option and a clip-in option when flipped. This makes it convenient for you to use your normal gym shoes and if you have a pair of cycling shoes, you can try them on the bike as well.
Handle bars on the Echelon can be adjusted along the frame by forward or backward motion to make room for various body proportions and provide varying levels of comfort. This is possible on the Peloton as well.
The seats on EX5 are wider than the Peloton which have been built to resemble race bike seats. If these seats don’t fulfill your comfort goals, you can always swap them out for more padded options.
The Peloton requires special cycling shoes because the system provided in the pedals is SPD compatible only. Otherwise, to use a regular sport shoe, you need to buy new pedals and swap them out.
The versatility of Echelon’s pedals is what makes it better in build than the Peloton which requires special cycling shoes.
Performance
EX5 has up to 32 levels of resistance for you to choose from to keep giving yourself new and exciting challenges. There is a feature that allows you to take a ride simulating an outdoor cycle in virtual fashion.
Echelon’s 29-pound flywheel is run by magnetic currents that provide a smooth and quiet yet powerful riding experience. The resistance can be adjusted effortlessly with the knob that is placed right below the monitor or screen holder.
Peloton’s 30-pound flywheel also operated by magnetic resistance has up to 24 levels of resistance and this can be adjusted by use of a knob as well.
Both bikes can hold two water bottles and they have the provision of dumbbell holds though the Peloton requires you to buy your own dumbbells.
While the Peloton offers 24 levels of resistance, the Echelon bumps this up to 32 levels giving riders a wider range of resistance.
Echelon EX5 vs Peloton – A Comparison Overview
Echelon EX5 – Overview
[amazon box=”B07XGN9G8W” template=”horizontal” ]This bike rides on a magnetic resistance mechanism to push a 29-pound flywheel with 32 levels of adjustable resistance. To make resistance adjustments, use the knob provided that is easy to operate and easily accessible mid-training.
it is built on a sturdy steel frame with a sophisticated design finish and powder coated. This frame holds up a 6-inch lever style adjustable seat built with as much comfort as is found on race bikes.
Pedals are both compatible with SPD shoes and they are designed to flip over to the other side which is fitted with toe cages to secure any size footing. To track your performance, vitals and progress in training, you must connect the bike’s Echelon App to your mobile phone to see that information.
Handlebars on the EX5 use the Aero system which allows for more movement for enhanced comfort and performance. A device mount is featured as well as water bottle holder just underneath for quicker access mid-training.
Unique to the EX5 is its provision of a touchscreen holder that can swivel 180 degrees and Echelon Fit App is filled with a variety of workouts other than cycling. By getting of the bike and flipping the screen, you can proceed to try out other workout techniques such as yoga meditation and Zumba.
Pros
- Durable steel frame build
- Compact and transportable
- Magnetic resistance with 32 adjustable levels
- 29-pound flywheel
- Handlebars of Aero system provide great movement
- Pedals are SPD compatible and fully adjustable
Cons
- Limited Functions with the Echelon Fit subscriptions
- No other apps are compatible other than Echelon Fit
Peloton – Overview
This bike has a sleek steel frame and it carries a 32-pound flywheel. This wheel runs on magnetic resistance with 100 levels to adjust to.
This adjustment is done manually or through the touchscreen but because of the wide range, it may be hard to feel a difference or even quickly adjust your settings mid training.
Handlebars are soft but a little too thin though they do give a comfortable cushioning with their stacked design.
The pedals on this bike may be problematic and present an extra cost to anyone who does not already own a pair of cycling shoes because they use the clip-in mechanism. This is ideal because with a securely locked in footing, you can then pull up in the cycling motion much easier which is great for glutes and hamstrings.
Unfortunately, the Peloton bike is fixed and does not move meaning there is no chance to incline or decline the bike for a more exciting cycling experience.
Pros
- Ergonomic handlebars
- Light in weight
- Comfortable seat
- Engaging App with live classes
- Can sync with Bluetooth
Cons
- Adjustment knob not accurate
- No incline or decline
- Adjustments done manually
- Doesn’t give you weights
- Needs new training shoes with 3 cleats or Replace pedals
- Need to buy a heart rate monitor which has a problem pairing
Verdict: So, which is better Echelon EX5or Peloton?
TheEchelon EX5 is the better pick compared to Peloton. EX5’s ability to flip the screen and its unlimited access to pre-programmed training sessions like Yoga, Pilates, Zumba among others is impressive and keeps the user engaged.