Known as producers of quality indoor bikes, fans of these two brands have no quarrels about paying the price to have one of them in their home. To find out what is the hype about and which between the Wattbike and Peloton bike brands is worth the investment, read on.
I love to work up a sweat by running on the treadmill or attending a heart-wrenching spin class at the gym. There is just something about being in the same room with other health and fitness enthusiasts like myself that gets me in a die-hard mood.
However, I’m also a bit of a loner and I appreciate the calming and private confines of my home sometimes when I don’t want to be around many people. So, I work out on a Wattbike at home and a Peloton while in the gym.
It’s now been about a year since I bought my indoor bike and I have noted a few differences between the two and I thought it would be helpful to share my experience.
What is the difference between Wattbike and Peloton?
Brand |
Wattbike |
Peloton |
Console |
Tablet Holder |
22-inch touchscreen |
Resistance |
Magnetic |
Magnetic |
Programs |
Pre-programmed |
Live on-demand |
Seat and Handlebar Adjustments |
Needs Allen tool |
No tools needed |
Availability |
Wattbike vs Peloton: How do they compare
Monitor
The Wattbike does not offer any monitor but it does have a tablet holder which pales in comparison to Peloton’s 22-inch HD touchscreen.
where you can place a smartphone or tablet and link it to the bike for data tracking having paired the device with the Hub app.
Peloton’s touchscreen displays performance metrics such as cadence, distance cycled, heart rate, and calories burned.
What’s more, is the 5-megapixel camera added that facilitates video calls and chats with other users of the app in live classes.
Hi-Fi stereo speakers are also a part of the console allowing you to enjoy some music as you work out. if you prefer to use headphones instead, there is a headphone jack included for this.
The Peloton screen is also sweat resistant so you don’t have to worry about dripping on it and causing damage.
Seat and Handlebar adjustments
You will need an Allen key to adjust the Wattbike which is an inferior method to the Peloton which needs no tools for adjustment.
On the Wattbike, adjustments are ideally very easy when you have your Allen key handy and the bike is designed to allow you to move both the handlebars and seat back and forth or upwards and downwards.
On the Peloton bike, no tools are needed to make adjustments to your seat and handlebars. However, it is important to note that the handlebars can only be moved either upwards or downwards.
This is the drawback in Peloton because it will not be possible to move them forward or backward. Anyway, to make these adjustments, you only need to loosen a lever on the side of the bars and fix them to your desired level and lock that position in by tightening the lever again.
To adjust the resistance on the Wattbike, it takes the use of the Hub application and the connected device to automatically make the changes by a tap of a button.
For Peloton resistance, a red knob positioned on the frame makes for easy adjustments by the convenience of reach and the turn.
Programs
Wattbike does not offer access to live-on demand classes featuring personal trainers as is the case with Peloton bike users.
While Wattbike doesn’t offer the personal trainer or live on-demand classes, it provides you with multiple connectivity to facilitate pairing with quality training apps like Zwift and Strava.
The Hub is Wattbike’s training and analysis platform that is loaded with programs, training plans, live races, famous tracks, and multiple challenges. It is designed with seasoned cyclists looking to better their form and fitness in mind.
The app synchronizes with the bike and gives you options between a manual ride where you make your adjustments and pace or the ergo option that lets the app make adjustments to the bike giving you the feeling of an outdoor ride.
Peloton is a rush of excitement given its option between live or preprogrammed lessons. These classes have more variety and you can pick the length, type of class, instructors, and music genre.
The instructors are motivational and they prescribe to you the desired resistance and cadence that you should cycle on.
For more challenge and interaction, there is the leaderboard that shows you scores and rankings of other cyclists who match your metrics and who have cycled the same route as you.
This board will also show you your metrics from previous training to help you gauge your progress and to challenge you further to beat your best performances.
Peloton additionally offers users yoga, Pilates, stretches, and strength training which is all streamed on the monitor and makes your training wholesome.
Wattbike vs Peloton: A Comparison Overview
Wattbike Review
Wattbike is made of steel making it lightweight. It is available in many versions that have unique features like the sensational pedaling, polar view, and the resistance systems.
Adjusting resistance on the Wattbike, requires the use of Hub’s application and the connected device to automatically make the changes by a tap of a button.
This bike stands out from the others as a one that gives accurate data in regards to heart rate when connected to a tablet or phone and with the Wattbike Hub app downloaded to it.
Uses Bluetooth for connectivity and has an adjustable saddle, handlebars, and pedals which is perfect for accommodating many different users.
The pedals on this bike are clip-on meaning they require SPD shoes for you to operate them.
Pros
- Accurate data
- Sturdy structure
- Comes ready assembled
- Customizable parts including pedals
Cons
- Limited to the UK
- Limiting pedal type
Peloton Review
Peloton features a sweat-proof 22-inch touchscreen console that is interactive and also displays your training metrics such as your speed, cadence, and distance cycled.
Resistance is incremental which tests and challenges the riders limit and helps them work up a sweat. You need SPD shoes to exercise on this bike and you can trust the grippy handlebars for support.
The software presents riders with a leaderboard with scores and is customizable to list details of interest to individuals.
This board automatically updates itself and allows you to invite and follow friends and family who might be taking the same classes.
By purchasing the Peloton membership, you get full access to both cycling and non-cycling classes like yoga, Pilates, and many more.
Pros
- Interactive and intuitive user interface
- 22-inch Touchscreen
- Wi-Fi enabled
- Customizable saddle
Cons
- Takes up a lot of space
- Limited to use with SPD shoes
Verdict: So, which is better – Wattbike or Peloton?
The Peloton beats the Wattbike on so many fronts like the interactive touchscreen, the live classes, and ease of adjustment.
With features such as the leaderboard that keeps you challenged and the motivating trainers in your ear that won’t let you quit, it might be just what you need to start and keep your fitness goals in check all year round.
FAQ
How best can I take care of my Wattbike?
All you need to do is to wipe off sweat from the surfaces after every use and occasionally spray some antibacterial solution over it to keep it germ-free.
The Peloton saddle is a bit too uncomfortable. What can I do?
Throw a saddle cushion over it.