Hacker News Reader

Comment by ConsumerLed | Hacker News Reader

Incredible marketing from Peloton and they builds on the Spinning/Indoor cycling trend that SoulCycle and FlyWheel started.

But I can't help but think a lot of people would be better off with a real bike, a smart turbo trainer and an iPad to access a variety of training programs (i.e. Zwift TrainerRoad). Less lock in, the ability to ride outside, and all possible for a similar price to Peloton bike.

As a cyclist I've also heard the power-meter readings from Peloton aren't as accurate as those from a Wahoo or Tacx turbo trainer.

Still congratulations to Peloton on the success and getting so many people exercising at home.

View on HN

Yes, probably, but getting setup on Zwift/TrainerRoad/SmartTrainer is a more complex experience, and the class aspect isn't the same.

You've got to set up your bike, pair your Bluetooth accessories and get the app running. Something that often takes a few tries on my setup.

Additionally, now that it's summer and my bike lives in the garage, there are times when I would have gotten in a workout on Zwift, but I didn't want to deal with the hassle of bringing my bike in and setting it up again.

Nevermind the cost. By the time you've got a wheel-off smart trainer, HR sensor and cadence meter, plus some kind of stand for your iPad or laptop, you're probably pretty close to the price of a Peloton.

Right now, the market seems to be pretty divided, where cyclists looking to train indoors are gravitating towards Zwift/Smart Trainers, while people looking for spin classes at home, or just an easy at home cardio workout are gravitating towards Peloton.

I'm not likely to switch platforms, but I definitely understand the unique appeal of the Peloton.

As a shut in and professional hobbyist, this is far more valuable if it is engaging enough to get me to use it. I don't want to go get all sweaty and dirty riding a bike outside, and I'm clumsy so I would be terrified of seriously injuring myself (also I live in the middle of a city). This bike works in my climate controlled house, I can make it work with my schedule regardless of the weather, and the ease and availability makes it easier to work out every day without cutting into the few precious hours I get to devote to creative work each day.

I agree. So much so that I built a website to support that same theory - that you are better off with your own equipment selection and an internet-connected screen.

The website, Slipstream https://slpstream.com is a human-curated (high quality only) aggregator/reviewer of the best content for treadmill/indoor bike workouts.

Inspiring documentaries, guided workouts (I've used the GCN ones for several years and love them), podcasts...

There's a filter so you can find what you need fast and if you register (free, username + password) you can bookmark your favorites and save them to a playlist.

My goal is to reduce the friction between wanting to workout and getting it done. To flip the switch from a chore to something you are excited to get to.

I'm trying to prove product market fit right now so would love any feedback :)

Agree regarding preferring Zwift and a turbo but the sort of setup you describe seems to appeal to cyclists whereas the Peloton seems to appeal to the spin class crowd, many of who would never consider riding outside. The market is weirdly bifurcated between the two without a ton of overlap.

> seems to appeal to the spin class crowd

This is the reason I don't see this as a good long term investment. The market seems to be people who are already really into spin classes and pay the premiums they demand. To them, having their own equipment and a lower monthly fee will seem like a good deal. But your average gym-goer won't be willing to drop thousands upfront and more per month just on a nice exercise bike.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com