Peloton Cross Training Series Bike+

Ray Maker from DC Rainmaker highlights the Peloton Cross Training Series Bike+ as a highly polished and reliable smart exercise bike that significantly improves on its predecessor with features like a larger swiveling touchscreen and an innovative Auto-Follow digital resistance system. After extensive real-world use, he praises its exceptional power accuracy—comparable to top-tier smart bikes—and seamless integration with the Peloton platform, which offers a vast library of structured and engaging workouts. While the Bike+ excels in stability, ease of setup, and consistent performance, Ray notes some frustrations, including limited live class availability outside the US East Coast, lack of full power broadcasting support, and incomplete integration with third-party platforms. He also critiques the Auto-Follow resistance’s handling of workout ranges and the absence of on-screen targets in Power Zone classes. Despite its premium price and subscription model, the Bike+ stands out for its “just works” reliability and feature longevity, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a comprehensive indoor cycling experience.

Angela Moscaritolo from PCMag highlights the Peloton Cross Training Bike+ as a versatile and innovative fitness machine that excels in both cardio and strength training. Praising its AI-powered movement-tracking camera, which provides real-time rep counting and form feedback, she emphasizes how this feature elevates the bike beyond traditional indoor cycles. The review applauds comfort upgrades like the redesigned seat, built-in fan, and immersive Sonos speakers, enhancing the overall workout experience. While acknowledging the steep price and somewhat limited strength training performance tracking compared to competitors like Tonal, Moscaritolo finds the Cross Training Bike+’s extensive class library, personalized AI insights, and voice control compelling. She notes the bike’s seamless integration with Peloton’s ecosystem and the motivating presence of instructors like Cody Rigsby and Tunde Oyeneyin. Ultimately, she awards it Editors’ Choice status, recommending it as a smart investment for those seeking a comprehensive, high-quality home fitness solution that blends cardio and strength training effectively.

Lee Bell from T3 praises the Peloton Cross Training Series Bike+ as the most complete and premium home fitness machine currently available, highlighting its superb ride quality, thoughtful hardware upgrades, and the innovative Peloton IQ AI-powered strength coaching. The review emphasizes meaningful improvements such as the built-in fan, Sonos-tuned sound system, redesigned saddle, and a larger swivel touchscreen, all contributing to a top-tier user experience. Bell finds the AI-driven rep counting and form feedback genuinely useful for strength training, making the bike a versatile all-in-one fitness solution. However, the review also notes the high upfront cost, ongoing membership fees, and additional expenses for weights and shoes as significant drawbacks. The bike’s size and lack of foldability may limit placement options. While the upgrades may not justify an immediate switch for existing Bike+ owners unless they heavily use strength classes, new buyers or those with older models will find it a compelling, well-rounded investment in home fitness.

Giselle Castro-Sloboda from CNET praises the Peloton Cross Training Series Bike+ for its thoughtful upgrades, such as the cushioned seat, swiveling 360-degree HD touchscreen, and enhanced Sonos sound system, which improve comfort and usability. She highlights Peloton IQ, the AI-powered coaching feature with movement tracking and rep counting, as a promising innovation that personalizes workouts and encourages weight progression. However, her enthusiasm is tempered by concerns over the AI’s current limitations in accurately correcting form and the steep price tag, especially for existing Peloton owners who must pay full price to access all new features. While the Bike+ offers a smooth, quiet ride and useful tech enhancements, the overall revamp feels incremental rather than revolutionary. Castro-Sloboda suggests that Peloton IQ has potential but needs refinement, and she questions whether the high cost justifies the modest improvements, recommending the series mainly for dedicated Peloton fans with flexible budgets.

Lindsey Ellefson from Lifehacker highlights Peloton’s new Cross Training Series Bike+ as a thoughtful but incremental upgrade rather than a revolutionary overhaul. While the Bike+ gains notable enhancements like a swiveling touchscreen, AI-powered movement-tracking camera, voice commands, Sonos audio, and a built-in fan, the base Cross Training Bike offers more modest improvements such as an upgraded seat and better connectivity. Ellefson’s tone is measured and practical, emphasizing that existing Peloton owners don’t need to rush to upgrade unless they want the advanced Plus features. The review provides unique insights into the value proposition of the Plus line’s AI capabilities and the overall user experience improvements, balanced against the significant price increases and rising membership and assembly fees. Ellefson advises potential buyers to consider resale options and weigh the cost-benefit carefully, suggesting that the new software features largely support older models, making this a cautious but informed endorsement of the Bike+.