While both Echelon and Peloton are two of the most popular exercise bike brands in the market, which is the right choice for you? We've compared the two brands and looked at construction, performance, and accessories to see which is the better brand in 2021!
Echelon Fitness is one of the newest brands in the exercise industry, but it's already leaving its mark. The company was founded in 2017 and launched its first smart bike a year later. After the release of the Connect ECH-01, the brand gained 50,000 members within its first 90 days.
Echelon soared in popularity due to creating machines that stand apart from the competition. It prides itself in superior customer service where the trainers congratulate you on social media for achieving a milestone.
Peloton has been around for a little while longer; founded in 2012. The idea behind the company was simple: it wanted to bring the perks of a boutique gym into people's homes.
With a robust advertising campaign, consumers know Peloton is designed for the best. The bike, along with a membership consisting of trainer-led regimens, allows you to feel like you're in a class but in a more accessible, efficient manner.
Echelon
Echelon bikes are remarkably similar in construction to Peloton with these noteworthy features.
These are top-of-the-line bikes for people who value stability and versatility with their exercise equipment.
Peloton
Pelotons look remarkably similar with the following add-ons.
The main difference is that Peloton bikes come with strapped pedals that require a special shoe. That means on top of your bike purchase, you also need to buy the right footwear, which sets you back a little more money. If you want to cut back on additional expenses, then you may want to opt for Echelon.
Echelon
Echelon bikes have smaller and/or narrower frames than Peloton models. Lower end models tend to measure 22" x 42" while more sophisticated bikes measure 20" x 54". The frames are made out of solid steel and capable of supporting weights of up to 300 pounds. They also weigh less, often between 105 and 124 pounds.
Peloton
Most Peloton bikes tend to measure 24" x 48". The frames are also made out of steel, and the maximum weight capacity also tends to be around 300 pounds with the bikes themselves weighing up to 150 pounds. Both bikes are perfectly sturdy, so it really comes down to how much space you have in your home to dedicate to your machine.
Echelon
You're going to need to opt for the Echelon Connect EX-5s if you want the machine to come with its own screen. Otherwise, you need to supply your own tablet to partake in trainer-led workout videos. Either way, you receive a 180-degree adjustable console, so you can alter the angle to whatever's easiest for you to see the screen.
Peloton
Depending on the model you purchase, you either receive a 22" or 23.8" HD color touchscreen. This is because you need a Peloton membership subscription to access trainer-led workout videos no matter what. Both machines have remarkably similar console displays, but if you want the clearest video possible, then Peloton is your best bet.
Echelon
Both bikes have flywheels that are incredibly similar. For Echelon that involves a front-drive wheel that's typically fairly heavy. The Echelon EX-5s comes with a wheel that weighs roughly 28 pounds. All this comes with quiet, smooth operation.
Peloton
Peloton flywheels are comparable to Echelon. It's also located in the front of the bike, which helps keep the machine quiet. You get heavier flywheels with the Peloton's highest-quality model, which clocks in at 38 pounds. As such, Peloton offers a greater range of resistances to constantly push yourself.
Echelon
Both bikes have resistance levels that are simple to adjust. For Echelon, that involves up to 32 different levels consisting of magnetic resistance.
Peloton
Peloton is equally easy to adjust, even mid-workout. However, Peloton provides a gradual resistance level that goes from 0 to 100. It's more fluid as opposed to going through stepped levels. You have more room for growth with the Peloton.
Echelon
To get the full experience, you need to sign up for the Echelon subscription. Monthly, yearly, and multiple yearly plans are available with greater discounts available the longer you sign up for. With Echelon FitPass, you gain access to thousands of regimen led by top-of-the-line trainers to help you get in excellent shape.
Peloton
The basic Peloton subscription costs $12.99 a month. With that, you gain access to a similar wide range of programming, including thousands of workouts. This includes live classes so that you can hop on your bike at any time and partake in a lesson taught by an instructor who knows when you log on and can provide personalized motivation.
Echelon
Every Echelon bike is compatible with Bluetooth for you to sync it with the Fit app. You can also link it to your Strava, Fitbit, and/or Facebook accounts to track progress. Either way, you can see how much time, how much distance, and how many calories you burn with every session. With this technology, you receive far greater reliability with the stats you receive.
Peloton
Peloton utilizes similar integrated fitness metrics. The Peloton consoles connects with any Bluetooth device to log all useful data. You can take advantage of even more data by using a wireless heart rate strap to ensure your cardiovascular systems remain in a healthy range.
Echelon
Every Echelon machine is backed up with a 3-year extended warranty, which protects you against any kind of damage that occurs within that time frame. However, you need to make sure you register your device once you receive it.
Peloton
Peloton backs up its bikes with various coverages, including:
When compared side-by-side, it's easy to see that the Peloton warranty is far more robust.
With a cursory glance, Echelon and Peloton bikes may come across as incredibly similar. They both come with excellent apps to help you train better, and each one offers a solid range of resistance levels to allow you to continually challenge yourself.
Echelon offers a certain level of customizability since you can use your own tablet instead of whatever the company gives you. If you already have an iPad, then you can save some money by getting an exercise bike that doesn't necessarily have all the bells and whistles.
However, Peloton has been around longer and has a longer track record of excellence. Plus, when you spend extra on the app, you gain access to a ton of programs to make you feel like you're in a cycling class.
Aside from some cosmetic differences, both brands offer similar products. It really comes down to your needs and budget.
Whether Echelon is a better fit for you, or you prefer the benefits Peloton has to offer, the options to buy these are endless (and a little overwhelming). Fortunately, we've done the work for you. We've researched high and low and found the best pricing for each of these exercise bikes to be on Amazon!
Get Echelon and Peloton here, today!