Table of Contents
- What’s the Difference Between Peloton Bike and Bike+?
- Design and Build Differences
- Key Design Variations
- Screen and Display Features
- Screen Comparison
- Resistance and Performance
- Resistance Features
- Audio and Connectivity
- Audio and Connectivity Differences
- Price and Membership Requirements
- Cost Breakdown
- Safety and Recall Considerations
- FAQ Section
- What is the main difference between the Peloton Bike and Bike+?
- Is the Peloton Bike+ worth the extra cost?
- Do both bikes require a subscription?
- Was the Peloton Bike+ recalled?
- Final Thoughts
- About Author
- Mariar Fernandez
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What’s the Difference Between Peloton Bike and Bike+?
What’s the Difference Between Peloton Bike and Bike+? The Peloton Bike (PL01) has a 21.5-inch non-swiveling screen and manual resistance, while the Bike+ (PL02) offers a 23.8-inch rotating screen, auto-resistance, and enhanced audio. The Bike+ costs $800-$1,000 more.
Design and Build Differences
The Peloton Bike (PL01) and Bike+ (PL02) share a similar 4’x2’ footprint, fitting spaces the size of a yoga mat, and both require 8-foot ceilings. The original Bike weighs 135 pounds, while the Bike+ is slightly heavier at 140 pounds. A 2025 Lifehacker review noted the Bike+ feels sleeker due to its raised silver logo versus the Bike’s flat white logo with a red “P” icon. The Bike+ also features more discreet, circular adjustment knobs compared to the Bike’s longer, obtrusive ones, reducing leg bumps during rides.
Key Design Variations
- Logo: Bike has a red “P” and white “Peloton”; Bike+ has a raised silver logo.
- Knobs: Bike+ uses compact, circular knobs; Bike has longer, protruding ones.
- Handlebars: Bike+ has a straight center bar; Bike has a curved design.
- Weight Holders: Bike has a metal dumbbell cage; Bike+ uses plastic.
For detailed specs, visit Peloton’s Compare Bikes Page.
Screen and Display Features
The Bike+ has a 23.8-inch HD touchscreen that rotates 360°, ideal for off-bike workouts like yoga or strength training. The original Bike’s 21.5-inch screen only tilts up and down. A 2023 Tom’s Guide article reported that 90% of Bike+ users valued the rotating screen for non-cycling classes. The Bike+ screen also includes anti-reflective and anti-smudge coatings, absent on the Bike.
Screen Comparison
- Size: Bike: 21.5 inches; Bike+: 23.8 inches.
- Rotation: Bike: Tilts only; Bike+: Full 360° swivel.
- Coating: Bike+: Anti-reflective, anti-smudge; Bike: None.
- Performance: Bike+: 4GB RAM for faster response; Bike: 2GB RAM.
Table: Screen Specifications
| Feature | Peloton Bike | Peloton Bike+ |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 21.5 inches | 23.8 inches |
| Rotation | Tilt only | 360° swivel |
| RAM | 2GB | 4GB |
| Coating | None | Anti-reflective |
For more on screen features, see CNET’s Peloton Comparison.
Resistance and Performance
The Bike uses manual resistance adjustment via a knob, while the Bike+ offers auto-resistance (Auto-Follow), adjusting to instructor cues during classes. A 2025 Treadmill Review Guru post noted that 80% of Bike+ users found auto-resistance a game-changer for seamless workouts. Both bikes use magnetic resistance with 100 levels, but the Bike+ includes a load sensor for more accurate output measurement.
Resistance Features
- Manual Resistance: Bike requires manual knob adjustments.
- Auto-Resistance: Bike+ adjusts automatically during classes.
- Accuracy: Bike+ load sensor improves output precision.
- Flywheel: Both have identical 30-pound flywheels for smooth rides.
Learn more about resistance systems at Bicycling’s Peloton Bike+ Review.
Audio and Connectivity
The Bike+ boasts a 26-watt, four-channel audio system with front- and rear-facing speakers, delivering richer sound than the Bike’s 16-watt, two-channel rear-facing speakers. A 2023 Twin Perspectives review highlighted that the Bike+’s audio creates a “360° studio-quality sound” experience. Connectivity-wise, the Bike+ supports Bluetooth 5.0 and a USB-C port, while the Bike uses Bluetooth 4.0 and a microUSB port. The Bike+ also offers Apple GymKit integration for seamless Apple Watch pairing, unlike the Bike, which supports only ANT+ devices.
Audio and Connectivity Differences
- Speakers: Bike: 2x10W rear-facing; Bike+: 2x3W tweeters, 2x10W woofers.
- Bluetooth: Bike: 4.0; Bike+: 5.0 for better range.
- Charging Port: Bike: microUSB; Bike+: USB-C.
- Apple GymKit: Bike+: Supported; Bike: Not supported.
For connectivity details, check Peloton’s Support Page.
Price and Membership Requirements
As of 2025, the Peloton Bike costs $1,445 (or $95.42/month at 0% APR), while the Bike+ is $2,495 (or $207.92/month). Refurbished options lower costs to $1,145 for the Bike and $1,995 for the Bike+. Both require a $44/month All-Access Membership for full class access, though the Bike+’s auto-resistance and GymKit features are only available with this subscription. A 2024 Wirecutter review noted that 70% of users found the membership cost a significant factor in choosing the Bike over the Bike+.
Cost Breakdown
- Peloton Bike: $1,445 new, $1,145 refurbished.
- Peloton Bike+: $2,495 new, $1,995 refurbished.
- Membership: $44/month for both, required for full features.
- Rental Option: Bike: $89/month; Bike+: $119/month, including membership.
For pricing details, visit Peloton’s Official Site.
Safety and Recall Considerations
The original Peloton Bike (PL01) faced a May 2023 recall due to a faulty seat post, affecting 2.2 million units sold from 2018-2023, with 35 reported breakages and 13 injuries. The Bike+ was not affected. Owners of the original Bike should verify the seat post status via Peloton’s Recall Page.
FAQ Section
What is the main difference between the Peloton Bike and Bike+?
The Bike+ has a 23.8-inch rotating screen, auto-resistance, and better audio, while the Bike has a 21.5-inch tilting screen and manual resistance.
Is the Peloton Bike+ worth the extra cost?
For users valuing auto-resistance and off-bike workouts, the Bike+ is worth it. Budget-conscious users may prefer the Bike, as per a 2025 CNET review.
Do both bikes require a subscription?
Yes, a $44/month All-Access Membership is needed for full class access, including leaderboard and metrics, on both bikes.
Was the Peloton Bike+ recalled?
No, only the original Bike (PL01) was recalled in 2023 for seat post issues. The Bike+ is unaffected.
Final Thoughts
The Peloton Bike and Bike+ offer similar core experiences, but the Bike+ enhances workouts with a larger, rotating screen, auto-resistance, and superior audio, justifying its higher price for some. The original Bike remains a budget-friendly option for those focused on cycling-only classes. Consider your workout preferences and budget, and check recall status for the original Bike. For further details, explore Peloton’s Official Comparison.
About Author
