Reviewing the significant distinctions between brands and their models helps one keep informed about the reason behind costing and builds their expectations. In the case of Life Fitness IC5 and Peloton, which one is the better choice?
As an athlete, my legs and their health are my prime priority and I seek to make them better and stronger every day. they are literally my bread and butter.
In the quest to achieve this fitness goal, I have come to appreciate the value of combined workouts and this was my reason behind buying the Peloton bike when it came out.
For the longest time I relied on running both outside and on the treadmill, swimming and the occasional hiking to keep my bones strong and my joints well flexed.
I tried the two models before settling on Peloton and here are my reasons why.
Key differences between Life Fitness IC5 and Peloton
Bike Model |
Life Fitness IC5 |
Peloton |
Handlebars |
Adjustable |
Movable |
Pedals |
SPD and Toe-caged |
SPD compatible |
Flywheel |
9 pounds |
30 pounds |
Resistance |
Magnetic with up to 100 levels |
Magnetic with up to 100 levels |
Weight Supported |
330 lbs |
297 lbs |
Training App |
ICG Training |
Peloton |
Screen |
Backlit LCD |
22-inch LCD |
Price |
Life Fitness IC5 vs Peloton – How they compare
Display
With the Life Fitness IC5 you get a backlit LCD monitor that runs on batteries and brings with it pre-installed programs to measure your training effort and your heart rate.
IC5 also introduced a special feature known as Coach by Color which shows color changes to reflect your performance in five different colors. The console can connect to the ICG training app and it displays vital training metrics.
A wireless chest strap is included in your purchase of the IC5 and this heart rate can be displayed on the console or cast onto another screen with the use of Bluetooth connection.
Peloton features a large 22-inch LCD touchscreen that connects to the Peloton training app to give you access to some of the best trainers worldwide. Their training programs are exhaustive and extensive and you can never be bored training on the Peloton.
Peloton’s screen is larger than Life Fitness IC5 and their trainers and apps are more engaging and interactive.
Pedals
The IC5 is built into two-way pedals meaning you can either use the side with the toe-cage or, if you prefer to, you may opt to flip the pedal to ride on the flat surface like on an outdoor bike.
Peloton spots special pedals with three clip-ins on them meaning that you must incur an extra cost of buying cycling shoes with three cleats to clip-in to the pedals for a secure footing. With Life Fitness IC5, any sports shoe will do.
The pedals on these bikes could be swapped for other alternatives if you have a specific type of pedals that you like to cycle on. Peloton supports a weight up to 297 pounds while the IC5 can hold up to 330 pounds.
Choose the IC5because it has versatile pedals and their placement has taken into consideration the narrow q-factor for even more comfort.
Performance
A ploy-V belt drive system is fitted in IC5 and needs weekly manual adjustments because it does not stretch. This system is safely positioned at the rear of the bike to keep sweat away from critical parts of the bike.
Resistance on IC5 is up to 100 levels to choose from and the adjustments are done with the help of a lever that is built into the bike’s handlebars. For Peloton, adjusting resistance is done by using the touchscreen.
Life Fitness IC5 features adjustable handlebars that are curved and anti-slip. They give multiple users the option to customize their handlebars to fit their form, height and comfort levels.
Pelotonhandlebars are soft but a little too thin though they do give a comfortable cushioning with their stacked design.
The seats on IC5 and Peloton are adjustable as well and completely removable if you do not like their comfort levels. With both bikes, you can raise and lower the handle bar height, seat post, move seat forward and backward and align the angle.
You will love the curved design of the IC5 handle bars and the convenient resistance adjustment lever placed on them.
Life Fitness IC5 vs Peloton – A Comparison Overview
Life Fitness IC5 – Overview
[amazon box=”B075KMF8J3″ template=”horizontal” ]Features a high-performance, heavy-duty steel frame with adjustable handlebars that are customizable for people of all sizes. The bike’s design is built in a way that draws sweat towards the bike’s front to protect the exposed bearings.
Magnetic resistance is driven by a belt drivetrain with a 9-pound light flywheel for a quiet riding experience. The belt drive system is low maintenance and does not need regular greasing like with a chain drive system.
The resistance is adjustable by use of a lever that is conveniently positioned on the handlebars for easier reach in training. Seats are totally adjustable as well on the IC5 and though they are built for comfort, you may swap them out if it doesn’t cut it for you.
Curved and movable handlebars are fitted into the IC5 which presents many options of customization. These multi-grip bars provide riding comfort to the trainer.
Double sided pedals are featured on this bike with options to ride using normal gym shoes or special SPD cycling shoes. The in-built console that comes with IC5 is a colored TFT computer that is self-powered.
To track your heart rate, pair up with a compatible monitor using Bluetooth connectivity that also syncs with phones, TVs and tablets.
Pros
- Magnetic resistance for quite ride
- Adjustable handlebars and seat
- Self-powered console
- ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity
- Belt drive system require no maintenance
- Compatible with ICG training apps
Cons
- Expensive
- Better console at extra price
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, Life Fitness IC5 or Peloton?
Although Life Fitness IC5definitely has the best value for money because of the features and benefits that it has been built with, thePelotonmakes a strong case in terms of the variety in highly engaging and interactive classes with inspiring trainers. Their big screen also enriches the riding experience and makes them the better alternative.