Peloton Tread Review: Is It Worth the Investment?

The Peloton Tread Delivers A Big Experience With A Price To Match

Overall

4.6

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User Review

0 (0 votes)

Summary

The Peloton Tread is a solid piece of gym equipment that provides a commercial-grade experience with some of the best on-demand classes in the industry.

Pros

• Peloton classes are best-in-class
• 24” touchscreen is very high quality with amazing sound.
• The belt can be adjusted as needed, although ours has never slipped.
• The left and right rail flywheels provide a smooth adjustment experience.
• The 12.5″ incline is more than enough for most people.

 

Cons

• It’s a high-priced item that will cost you more than $3500.
• The tread might feel a bit narrow if you’re more comfortable using bigger units.
• The tread doesn’t fold up for storage.
• There could be a lack of “bounce” for some runners looking for a lot more cushion.

In the world of fitness equipment, Peloton has quickly become a household name. Their high-end exercise bikes have gained immense popularity for their interactive classes, personalized training programs, and robust community features.

Building on their success, Peloton eventually launched the Peloton Tread. It’s a modern, tech-forward treadmill that provides a full-body workout with personalized coaching and community engagement. In this article, we’ll review the Peloton Tread from all angles to help you determine whether it’s worth investing in.

Unboxing and Initial Setup

The Peloton Tread is an impressive piece of equipment that will transform your home workouts. As you eagerly await its arrival, you may be wondering what to expect during the unboxing and setup process.

Thankfully, the Peloton Tread setup process requires absolutely no work from the buyer.

Setting Up Your Peloton Tread

The Peloton Tread includes a full white glove service for installation. Once you order your Tread you’ll be asked to choose a delivery day. After that day is selected you’ll be provided with a delivery timeframe window.

The tread is my third piece of Peloton equipment. I also own the Peloton Bike and Peloton Row (which tops my list for the Best Rowing Machines for a home gym. For every piece of equipment being delivered an area outside of your residence that is large enough for a delivery truck with a lift gate must be provided.

When the Peloton Tread arrives two employees will unload the unit from a freight truck. The unit is basically comprised of a base, monitor, and side rails. The delivery workers will then set up the product.

It only took about 20 minutes for the two reps to set up my tread. There are only a few components that are put into place and that makes the setup process very easy to complete.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Peloton Tread MUST be connected to its own dedicated 15 AMP circuit. If you attempt to use the tread without a dedicated outlet you’ll likely trip a breaker and potentially cause a fire.

Connecting to the Peloton App

Once the Tread is set up, you’ll need to connect it to the Peloton app via your Wi-Fi network. This is an easy process that only takes a few minutes. Once connected, you’ll have access to all the features of the Peloton Tread and the Peloton app.

The Peloton app is a game-changer for home workouts. With thousands of on-demand classes and live classes every day, you’ll never run out of ways to challenge yourself. You can also track your progress over time and compete with other Peloton users.

You’ll pay less than $15/month for a single Peloton device. If, like me, you have multiple devices, you can pay $44 and gain access to all of your Peloton products and every available exercise type.

Peloton allows up to 20 users on a single account so you’ll never have to worry about family members using your personal account. You can even invite friends to your account.

Design and Build Quality

The Peloton Tread is not only a high-performance treadmill, but it is also a stunning piece of equipment. The sleek and modern design of the Tread is sure to impress anyone who sees it. The matte black finish gives it a sophisticated look that will complement any home gym or fitness studio.

Peloton has always made incredibly sturdy products that look amazing and the aesthetics of the Peloton Tread are second to none.

Among its features are a plastic storage tray. The rubberized cup holders are a very nice feature in terms of build quality, however, they are incredibly small and only fit standard compact water bottles.

I often find myself placing a larger water bottle in the middle shelf area instead of inside the cup holders. Still, the tray is functional even if a bit small.

But the Tread is not just all looks. It is built with high-quality materials that make it a durable and sturdy machine. The steel and aluminum frame can hold up to a weight capacity of 300 lbs, making it suitable for a variety of users.

Frame and Treadmill Construction

The Tread’s construction is top-notch. The shock-absorbing slat belt provides a smooth and quiet running experience, reducing the impact on your joints. The running deck is spacious, providing ample room for jogging and running, and the slat belt design ensures that you have optimal traction during your workout.

Overall, the Tread feels like a premium product that can withstand intense daily use. The attention to detail in its construction is evident, and it’s clear that Peloton has put a lot of thought into every aspect of the machine.

Touchscreen Display

The 23.8-inch touchscreen display is the centerpiece of the Peloton Tread, and it’s one of the most impressive features of the machine. The display is crisp, clear, and highly responsive, providing an immersive experience for the user.

The touchscreen display allows you to access a vast library of classes and programs, ranging from running and walking to strength training and yoga. You can choose from live or on-demand classes, and you can filter by instructor, duration, and music genre.

The display also allows you to track your progress, monitor your heart rate, and connect with other Peloton users.

As an added safety feature, you can’t turn on the treadmill or access the monitor without inserting your safety key and putting in a user-generated four-digit safety pin.

Sound System and Speakers

The Tread comes with built-in speakers that produce high-quality sound. The speakers are located on the side of the display, providing clear and balanced audio, even at higher volumes. The sound system is powerful enough to fill a room, creating an immersive workout experience.

I’ve used dozens of treadmills and none have come close to matching the sound quality Peloton delivers with this product.

If you prefer, you can also use Bluetooth headphones to listen to your music or class audio. The Tread’s Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to pair your headphones with the machine, so you can work out without any distractions.

I have to admit, there have been multiple times when I’ve had to disconnect my Apple Airpod Pro’s and reconnect them from the start, but in general, it’s a pretty smooth process when I’m getting on and off the tread.

In conclusion, the Peloton Tread is a high-performance treadmill that is built to last. Its sleek design, high-quality construction, and impressive features make it a standout product in the fitness industry. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, the Tread has something to offer, and it’s sure to help you achieve your fitness goals.

Heart Monitoring

I personally use my Apple Watch 7 to track my heart rate while running on my Peloton Tread and the results have been excellent. My watch syncs the moment I start a new class and it typically remains attached to my Tread throughout my entire routine.

There have been a few times when I have lost connection in the middle of a class and I have been unable to reconnect without stopping the class but that’s few and far in between.

If I had one suggestion for Peloton it would be to allow for easier access to the Tread’s settings features while remaining engaged with a run.

On a happier note, my wife uses the Peloton Heart Rate Band and she absolutely loves it. The heart rate band is comfortable, holds a charge that can last for up to 10 hours and can be shared between her and our daughter.

In testing the heart rate band against her Apple Watch, my wife has found that the heart rate readings are pretty even in even on both devices, although the Heart Rate band offers a more snug and moisture wicking design that is better for longer workout sessions.

Preview	Product	Price
	Peloton Heart Rate Band | Arm Band with Rechargeable Battery, Sweatproof Design, and Bluetooth®…		Buy on Amazon

Workout Programs and Features

The Peloton Tread is an excellent investment for anyone looking to take their fitness to the next level. With its wide range of workout options, it caters to different fitness levels, interests, and preferences. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, the Tread has something for everyone.

Live and On-Demand Classes

One of the standout features of the Tread is its live and on-demand classes led by world-class instructors. These classes are available in different lengths and intensities, making it easy to fit them into your schedule. Whether you prefer running, walking, strength training, yoga, or any other type of workout, the Peloton Tread has a class for you. And with new classes added regularly, you’ll never run out of options.

But it’s not just the variety of classes that makes the Tread special. It’s the quality of the instructors. Peloton carefully selects its instructors based on their expertise, personality, and ability to motivate and inspire. When you take a class on the Tread, you’re not just working out—you’re being coached and guided by some of the best trainers in the world.

In on-demand classes there is also the option to allow your instructor to auto-adjust the incline on your treadmill, providing a more interactive experience.

Scenic Runs and Just Run Mode

Another unique feature of the Tread is its scenic runs. With this feature, you can virtually run through different parts of the world, from the streets of New York City to the beaches of Hawaii. It’s a great way to add some variety to your workouts and escape the monotony of running on a treadmill.

If you prefer to run without any instruction or coaching, the Tread also offers a Just Run mode. This feature gives you the freedom to do your thing and run at your own pace. It’s perfect for those days when you just want to zone out and get lost in your thoughts.

Leaderboard and Community Features

The Tread also includes a leaderboard where you can see how you rank against other Peloton users. This feature can be a great motivator, pushing you to work harder and improve your performance. And if you’re a competitive person, it can be a lot of fun to see how you stack up against other users.

But the community features on the Tread go beyond just the leaderboard. You can also follow other users, like their workouts, and connect with them through messaging. This can add a fun and social aspect to your workouts, making them feel less like a chore and more like a way to connect with others who share your interests.

In conclusion, the Peloton Tread is an excellent investment for anyone looking to take their fitness to the next level. With its wide range of workout options, world-class instructors, scenic runs, and community features, it’s a treadmill that’s truly in a class of its own.

Performance and User Experience

Performance is the ultimate test of a fitness machine, and the Peloton Tread delivers on this front. Here are our thoughts on the treadmill’s performance and user experience.

Running Experience and Cushioning

The Tread provides a smooth and comfortable running experience for anyone looking for more cushioning than outdoor running but less bounce than you’ll find on more expensive treadmills.

I have bad knees and running outside for more than a few miles tends to aggregate my patella and cause pain. Some users have complained that there’s not enough cushion on the Peloton Tread but daily five-mile runs have left me feeling refreshed and pain-free.

While not a very bouncy treadmill, this device provides a consistent experience that has yet to fatigue me while running.

I also like that there is an included red line down the middle of the treadmill that corresponds with a marker. If the tread’s belt starts to slip, directions are provided to bring the belt back into alignment. I will note that after 6 months, my belt has yet to move out of alignment even in the slightest.

Also, the belt provides excellent traction which helps avoid slipping my maintaining proper foot placement throughout my entire stride.

The Tread is 20” wide by 59” long which should provide enough stride length for most runners. I’m 5’10” and I have plenty of room left in my stride. If you happened to watch Ashton Kutcher’s Peloton classes you’ll notice his stride is also left with space at the end of the Peloton Tread and he’s 6’2″.

As you can see in the photo above, the Peloton Tread definitely takes up some space but not much more room than the Peloton Bike or even a GHD requires.

While the width of the treadmill could be wider, I find that the tighter space requires me to focus on my running mechanics which I consider an added bonus.

The Tread has a 3.0 HP motor, which as previously noted, requires its own dedicated 15 or 20 AMP circuit. The motor is incredibly responsive when changing both incline and speed options. I’ve never felt as though the motor is struggling to get the job done.

Yes, moving from 12mph down to 3.5mph may take a while but it’s a smooth transition that the 3.0HP motor never seems to struggle with at any time.

Incline and Speed Adjustments

The Peloton Tread allows you to adjust the incline and speed of the treadmill with ease. The incline can go up to 12.5%, providing a challenging workout experience, and the maximum speed of 12 mph is sufficient for most runners. The treadmill responds quickly to adjustments, providing a seamless and smooth adjustment process.

The adjustment wheels are perfectly placed for include (left wheel) and speed (right wheel). It’s easy to fine-tune slight adjustments in both incline percentage and speed and you can even place presets on your touchscreen display so you can easily jump between up to three incline and speed settings.

One of my favorite features found on the scroll wheels is the ability to press on the inner part of the wheel to jump up to the next full incline percentage while increasing speed by a full one mph.

One of the unique features of the Tread is its ability to simulate outdoor running experiences. The treadmill has a feature called “Just Run,” which allows you to choose a location from around the world and simulate running outdoors. This feature adjusts the incline and speed of the treadmill to match the terrain of the selected location, providing a more immersive and engaging workout experience.

Noise Level and Stability

The Tread is a relatively quiet machine, producing minimal noise during use. It’s built with high-quality materials, providing maximum stability and minimizing vibrations during workouts. Overall, it’s a sturdy and reliable machine that can withstand intense and prolonged use.

In addition to its stability, the Tread also comes with a variety of safety features that ensure your workout is as safe as possible. The treadmill has a safety key that must be inserted before it can be turned on, and it also has a built-in emergency stop button that can be used to quickly stop the machine in case of an emergency.

Overall, the Peloton Tread is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-performance treadmill that delivers on both performance and user experience. Its cushioning, incline, and speed adjustments, and stability make it a top choice for runners of all levels, while its safety features and immersive workout experiences make it a standout machine in the crowded fitness equipment market.

Final Thoughts – Is It Worth the Investment?

The Peloton Tread is undoubtedly a premium machine that provides a high-quality, immersive workout experience. Its sleek design and advanced features make it stand out from other treadmills on the market.

The Tread’s belt is designed with middle-grade shock absorption that provides a comfortable and low-impact running experience. Additionally, the Tread’s incline and speed adjustment feature allows you to simulate many types of outdoor terrain while challenging yourself in new and exciting ways.

One of the most significant advantages of the Peloton Tread is its extensive library of on-demand and live classes. With thousands of classes to choose from, you’ll never run out of new and challenging workouts. The Tread’s instructors are some of the best in the industry, and their coaching and motivation will keep you engaged and inspired to reach your fitness goals.

The initial cost of the machine is high, and the monthly membership fee for access to classes and community features can add up quickly. If you’re on a tight budget or prefer to work out without a machine, the Peloton Tread may not be the right investment for you.

Overall, if you’re willing to make the investment, the Peloton Tread is undoubtedly worth it. It’s a fitness machine that can genuinely transform your workouts and help you achieve your fitness goals. The combination of advanced features, high-quality classes, and a supportive community makes the Peloton Tread a standout machine in the fitness industry.

If you buy at the right time you might even be able to score some free Peloton weights with your purchase, that’s exactly what I did with my Peloton Row and it was an excellent high-value-added purchase.