(Part 2) Top products from r/pelotoncycle

I was just thinking about posting something about this. Would love to see setups and get tips for the best experience.

I have a pic on my Instagram - @peloton_clarkie. I’ll take some more and upload when I get home.

We turned our second bedroom into a spin studio of sorts. We have two bikes separated by a yoga mat for post ride stretching.

Mats are a huge win. You can either get the Peloton mat, an off brand mat from Amazon, or go to a carpet/flooring store and get a remnant of some garage flooring or otherwise. At most you’ll spend $60, but sweat clean up and saving the floor is absolutely worth it.

I am going to hang some hooks by the door for headbands, towels, hr monitors, etc. Right now we hang our gear on the handlebars, which isn’t ideal since you have to move a bunch of stuff before a spin. I also want to find a place to put a bench that we can store shoes / get ready. Name of the game is less barriers to working out...

Fan is a major bonus as well. I have the plus of being next to a window so we put a box fan there when spinning. Another upgrade would be to get fans that are mounted on the wall. I’ve seen those on amazon for $60 or so.

I had a major issue with Bluetooth headphones and getting them synced with the video, which ultimately pushed me to buy a better audio system. I have both bikes running into a Sony receiver, which powers two bookshelf speakers and Bluetooth 4.1 to my headphones. I highly recommend upgrading the speakers on the bike if you can. It’s made the experience infinitely better to have in sync, exceptional sound.

I have the Sunny Magnetic Resistance . Got it for $480 (watch camelcamelcamel for price drops). I got the wahoo cadence monitor ($40), I received the wahoo heart rate monitor as a gift, and both cadence and heart rate display on the app screen on my iPad. I put on my pedals/bike shoes from my road bike, as I started in the winter (and recently got new pedals for the road bike now that I know I will get use out of both).

Regarding resistance, the resistance knob turns 10 full revolutions, so I count each half turn as 5 points. If you are lighter or heavier, your “starting point” could be different. I get a great workout.

So what I’m ‘missing out’ on from the true experience is the leaderboard and metrics - specifically output. I am more interested in getting a good workout for myself and don’t need to compare to others on the leaderboard, so that’s not a loss for me. Output and metrics over time would be neat, sure, but for saving about $2k upfront and $20/month, it’s not that worth it for me. I have a friend who has a real Peloton bike, and uses it a small fraction of what I do - it’s about you, not about the bike itself.

I’m super happy with my setup, and would recommend it to you.

My husband and I have our DIY setup in our garage and absolutely love it! I was hesitant to purchase a new Peloton since I had never been the workout-at-home type and was worried this expensive piece of workout equipment would become a dust collector in our garage. We decided to try the DIY workaround before investing a lot of money into the "real" thing.

We use a Sunny B1805 with the Wahoo Cadence sensor attached to the crank arm. I really wanted a magnetic belt drive and this one was probably the most affordable we found. I wish we had spent a little more and invested in a bike that comes with SPD pedals since I know we will be upgrading those in the near future. Other than that the bike is great and I highly recommend it!

We live in CA where the weather is mild pretty much all year so we decided to put the bike in our garage. We screen cast the classes to a TV we have hung up on the wall using an AppleTV and use our phones to view cadence in the Wahoo app. I also have a FitBit Versa that I use for HR purposes, though it does not sync with the Peloton app (huge bummer).

Other odds and ends we have in our setup: WiHoo Mini Handheld Portable Fan we attach to the tablet holder, floor fan, a set of Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbells for strength classes (we don't do weights on the bike), and a basic Yoga mat.

It has surprised me just how happy I am with this setup! I thought I would feel like I was missing out by not having the leader board and not being able to track my stats. But I have yet to take a live class since the times don't work well for us west coasters with 9-5 jobs and commutes. And while I would like to be able to see output and resistance, I don't feel like my workout is suffering for not having them. I used to take spin classes regularly and most of those were about feel rather than exact numbers.

We've been using this setup since July and, honestly, I don't see myself buying a Peloton now. If anything I may upgrade to a better bike at some point. But for $20 a month I am getting an excellent workout that dips and sways with my schedule. I don't think I could justify being locked into $40 a month when I don't feel I am missing out much on the extras that come with the full price.

Here's a pic of our setup.

Swapping pedals isn’t difficult, but would definitely be a tedious chore to do on a regular basis. One of the first things I did when I got my bike this past weekend was swap the pedals out for some Shimano SPD-SL pedals. They’re not very expensive and work great on the bike, but your mileage may vary.

As with all bike components there is a strong correlation between weight and price, the lighter an item the more it costs. If you decide to go the pedal route, don’t buy something top of the line. The weight doesn’t matter on a stationary bike like it does in an Ironman.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Here’s a link to those pedals if you’re interested:

Shimano SPD-SL PD R-540 - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000P9TOHQ?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Welcome here! I'll jump in on some of this....

I've worn Fitbits for several years - like 'em and think they're probably very good as pedometers and overall activity trackers during the day. But they really don't work well for strenuous exercise. The technology with the optical sensors simply doesn't react quickly enough to be accurate.

Much more accuracy with a chest strap heart rate monitor (I think gold standard) - my choice, a Wahoo tickr (https://www.amazon.com/Wahoo-TICKR-Monitor-iPhone-Android/dp/B00INQVYZ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496324625&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=heart+rate+monitor&psc=1). But I've used cheaper models in the past like this Garmin (https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-MAIN-61562-Heart-Rate-Monitor/dp/B000UOD5QM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1496324625&sr=8-4&keywords=heart+rate+monitor) and they do fine. A lot of people seem to like the Scosche arm bands (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JQHTJS2/ref=twister_B00KWHQJJW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1) - I can't speak to the accuracy of those compared to a chest strap.

Regardless of what you go with, you'll want accurate heart rate feedback to sync with your bike (Bluetooth and/or ANT+ connectivity). Unless they've changed things with the newer Fitbits, I don't believe your Fitbit will sync with the bike's Android tablet - you'll want your HR monitor to "transmit" to your tablet so you can follow your heart rate data/zones on the tablet as you ride. [One nice thing you've probably noticed tho - the bike now syncs/uploads your workouts to your Fitbit page - with accurate heart rate data from the bike assuming you're using an accurate HR monitor, so you don't have to log your workouts separately to Fitbit.]

Here's the mat that we use under our bike (https://www.amazon.com/SuperMats-P-V-C-Treadmills-Machine-2-5-Feet/dp/B004IJI7HW/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1496325854&sr=1-1&keywords=supermats) - priced reasonable enough, and works fine. One note - if you're putting the bike on anything other than a hard surface (i.e. carpet), get a thick piece of plywood to go under the mat - really helps with stability.

I use Jaybirds and wouldn't ride without them, but there are much cheaper (and more expensive) options for Bluetooth earbuds. My wife doesn't like riding with earbuds and went with a small external speaker (https://www.amazon.com/SoundTorch-Generation-Bluetooth-Portable-Waterresistant/dp/B01GY84TFI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496325454&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=bluetooths+speakers&psc=1) that seems to put out pretty decent sound. Regardless of what you go with, you'll want to use something other than the speakers on the bike - they put out plenty of volume, but they're on the back of the tablet and sometimes the instructors sound "muffled" and can be hard to hear.

For what it's worth, my input.... ;-)

ps - Final thought on your concerns about moving the bike. Wheels are at the front, where most of the weight is with the flywheel and tablet, so I think you'll be fine - it's designed to be tipped at the front and wheeled into place.

1. If you’ve got 100, I’d grab shoes for your wife. But specifically regarding your mat question, you definitely want a mat below the bike. Tile+sweat+riding cleats=something broken.
   
   2)Shoes are very personal. I’d try some on. Their shoe is perfectly fine if it fits, and if you have a credit it is a nice way to spend it.
   
   3)3lb for bike work will get both of you started.. A variety is nice though and you will probably want to add a different size or two.
   
   
2. Lots of decent options on Amazon. Here is one:
   https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018APC50Y/
   If you’re a sweater I’m sure your wife would appreciate her own pair. These are reported to be good value and no lag.
   
   
3. not sure on the Samsung. I use a TICKR fit. It and the Scosche are highly recommended here, but aren’t “cheap”.
   
   
4. Got the warranty. Haven’t had to use it, but am glad I have it.
   
   
5. Not for a minute.

I found these shorts to be pretty good (note, they aren't "real gel" -- i used to have a pair of specialized ones that had real gel that were better, but they cost at least 3X)

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072BHZYF8/

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Also a lotion like this:

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https://www.amazon.com/DZNuts-Chamois-Cream-ounce-120ml/dp/B001C6DIF0/

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really helps

Agreed, its a good idea for folks who already have a shoe with different cleats. I already had SPD compatible shoes and didn't want to spend the extra $ on the Peloton shoes. Did something similar but with Shimano pedals:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MZ2AGO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Allows my 15 y.o. daughter who does not have cycling shoes to take advanced beginner rides and a couple of friends who have been curious have also been able to try out the bike.

Here's a good seat that only cost $9.99:
https://www.amazon.com/Zacro-Gel-Bike-Seat-Resistant/dp/B01H71AZ36/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1482343598&sr=8-5&keywords=bike+seat

And here's a referral in case you want two free months:
https://www.pelotoncycle.com/r/?rc=e49388c79e43449cb20f9fdfbee0c7d6

Mat for under bike: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00113M6UC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Sweat bands (get at least 2): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07J1MKFFS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Tall Standing fan (amazon basic one is great): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BNK6T5Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Cotton Hand towels work great: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C41SYJ7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Cell phone holder (optional, but I have to keep up with work at all times): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015PS3ME2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Most will say you'll get used to it. But I personally ended up just buying this seat for $18 and it's a big improvement in comfort due to it being wider along with dampened springs.

I just bought these pedals and has been awesome

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NJR278C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I bought some no-names on Amazon called "Venzo Sealed Fitness Exercise Spin Bike CNC Pedals ARC Delta & Shimano SPD Compatible" that I've been happy with. They're SPD on one side, Delta on the other. Went with those because I switched to SPD before my wife, because I travel more often and wanted to use commercial Peloton bikes, but she's now SPD too for the same reason. So far we're four or five months in and they're holding up fine.

I use this and it definitely makes a difference.

Clear Gear Disinfecting Spray... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BMLJOLM?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I have wide feet. I used A pair of shoe stretchers to give me a little more room https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAKQEBL?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf beat buying another pair of shoes and worked like a charm

It sounds like you installed the pedals incorrectly. The pedal, if installed correctly, can no way shift in the thread. Remember that the left pedal is threaded in the opposite direction so lefty tighty. The right pedal is normally threaded. As such, the pedals are marked left and right and it’s important you install the right pedal on the right side.

Given you may have already messed up the crank arm, you might as well try to get it off. I would first get a pedal wrench. You can easily get one on amazon or a local bike shop. Park Tool PW-5 Home Mechanic Pedal Wrench https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YBEID0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_yd1PCb2BS39QV

This will give you much more torque. Then just try to take the pedal off.

It is possible you lucked out and the crank arm is fine. Otherwise, you should beg Peloton to allow you to buy a new arm. It isn’t hard to install the crank arm, but you’ll need a tool to pull it off. The tool is called a crank arm puller. Park Tool Crank Puller for Splined Cranks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001N883JS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_O31PCb86HWRPA

Someone here pointed me to this; I've been happy with it. The price is right too:
Electrode Gel

I got this one and have been happy with it.

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Schwinn Gel Cover

I went with google wifi. It was plug and play and immediately alleviated the annoyance around the numerous streaming services that rule my life.

My neighbor has the meshforce and is similarly pleased with it.

Given that I'm a heavy and super salty sweater I went with a low-end pair, assuming I'd be replacing them every 3-6 months.

I got these optim ones from Amazon. Now, they're not great headphones... but they do work, no lag... and at $20...

(It's also been 7 months and they're holding up better than expected)

I have a Sunny belt style bike, I replaced the seat, added a cadence sensor, and bought a heart rate monitor. I am looking to replace my petals with clip in ones soon but have not done it yet. In total it all has cost me about $400 (minus the future petals and shoes). I have my bike situated facing a wall with peg board and I rest my ipad on the peg board while I ride. The only down side to my set up is I have to guess on my resistance as my bike does not have a digital resistance readout.

I did recently see that Bowflex came out with a bike it costs about twice what my set up is ($899 - so still half of what a Peloton is), and it will work out of the box with Peloton with no additions needed and a few extra bonuses my bike does not have like two water bottle holders and weight racks. Hard to justify the cost when I already have a functioning set up, but if I was starting from scratch that is what I would do.

I've been using Clear Gear Sports Spray. I even use a quick spray inside my Peloton shoes after each ride.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BMLJOLM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_5j5UkMzPJ1ppr

Like other rider have mentioned it probably your position on the saddle.
But I’ve also very early on purchased a seat cover and padded shorts. I ride daily and it makes a difference during longer rides.

Zacro Gel Bike Seat Cover- BS031 Extra Soft Gel Bicycle Seat - Bike Saddle Cushion with Water&Dust Resistant Cover (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H71AZ36/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_q5HKAbS2N2AZQ

Docooler Men/Women Bicycle Cycling Underwear Gel 3D Padded Bike Short Pants (Black & Blue, XXL) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K7STULU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_f8HKAbA775S42

Have you tried the schwinn gel pad on top from Amazon?

Edit: Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000DZGLUA/

I'm new to Reddit and can't figure out how to post pictures in the comments, but here's the Amazon link:

Lysol Daily Cleansing Wipes, 240ct (3x80ct) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078XXPC1Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-yNwCb4VD2ZX6

I can't find the list of ingredients on the bottle itself though... What do you use for cleaning it?

I used to have a lot of trouble. Then I got a Google Mesh and put one of the wifi extenders 5 feet from the Peloton. Haven't had a problem since.

Here's a link if you're interested.

I use the Peloton shoes and widen them with shoe stretchers I bought on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NAKQEBL/

I had a pair of Lake shoes which are supposed to be wide but they weren’t wide enough for my practically square feet.

I've heard of getting the bi-metal cleats from peloton (chat) to using a dry teflon lube very sparingly on the cleats (like apply it with a q-tip) - https://www.amazon.com/Finish-Line-Bicycle-Chain-Teflon/dp/B002IDZXRM/

That’s not the correct crank puller. Watch out! Park Tool Crank Puller for Splined Cranks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001N883JS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9Zm1CbX482X1M this one is.

We have been using these because there is no chemical residue. Seem to be working fine!

Lysol Daily Cleansing Wipes, 3x80ct,Packaging May Vary https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078XXPC1Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8hHRCb2RXF9NG

You're going to want to go clipless (which is what clip in pedals are called - bit counter intuitive). That said, I hate that peloton comes with Look Deltas - just buy a set of Shimano SPD-SL cleats and pedals - they are the same bolt pattern as Look Deltas and far more prevalent across the cycling world.