How to Use the Peloton App Without a Peloton Bike
Developed and tested by Robyn Conley Downs
on Jan 31, 2020 (last updated Apr 2, 2026) If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide for how to use the Peloton App without a Peloton bike, you’re in the right place!
Read on for everything you need to know to DIY your own Peloton bike, including the best cycling bike to use with the Peloton App, the best cadence sensor, how to gauge resistance, as well as an easy tutorial for setting it all up.
Disclosure: This post is not affiliated or sponsored by Peloton–I wrote it because I spent hours researching options and wanted to save you the time. The Peloton App links are not affiliate. The Amazon links are affiliate, which means if you decide to purchase via any of the links in this post I’ll receive a small kickback at no cost to you, which helps me continue to bring you quality content.
How to Use the Peloton App Without a Peloton Bike
My workout philosophy is simple: keep it time-efficient, effective, streamlined, and most importantly, keep it fun!
Also? Preferably done at home.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good sweaty studio session, but most days my schedule simply doesn’t allow time for an hour-long class, nor the time commuting to and from a gym.
I do love a good indoor cycle class, however, so when I first heard about the Peloton Bike I was intrigued.
Here was a piece of home workout equipment that mimics a studio experience, without the commute or time commitment.
When I checked out the price of the Peloton Bike, however, I took a pause.
Currently priced (at the time of this writing) at $2,245, the bike and recurring membership fee represent a considerable investment.
To be clear, it’s not that I don’t think the bike is worth the investment–rather it’s that I couldn’t be completely sure I would be able to develop a consistent home workout habit that would justify the cost of the bike over time.
Enter the Peloton App Digital Membership.
After researching the digital membership, I realized that it is very possible to use the Peloton App with any bike.
The next challenge, then, was to find an at-home exercise bike comparable to Peloton, but for a lower cost.
After countless hours of online research, I’m excited to share that I found both a Peloton bike alternative, and a handful of relatively inexpensive accessories, that together mimic the Peloton experience all at a fraction of the cost.
What’s more, after using the system as part of my daily 20-minute home workout routine for about 9 months, I can confidently, enthusiastically recommend it.
Of course, at some point I may decide to upgrade to the real deal Peloton Bike, but for now, I’m happy with my at-home Peloton hack, and thrilled to share all the details with you.
Read on for how to use the Peloton App without a Peloton Bike.
The Best Spin Bike, Cadence Sensor, Clip-In Pedals & Gear To Use with The Peloton App
1. The Best Spin Bike to Use with the Peloton App
Sunny Magnetic Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike (what I use)
or
Sunny Silent Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike
2. Cadence Sensor (optional)
Wahoo RPM Speed and Cadence Sensor
3. Fitness Mat
5. Clip-In Pedals
SPD Compatible Clip-In Petals (optional)
I use these clip-in SPD spin shoes along with the pedals.
6. Resistance Gauge
Resistance Gauge for Sunny Indoor Cycling Bike SF-B1805 and SF-B1913
Here’s How to Use Any Bike with the Peloton App
1. Decide on the Best Spin Bike–Here’s Mine
Sunny Magnetic Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike
Cost: $599 (via Amazon at time of writing)
I chose the Sunny Magnetic Belt Drive Indoor Cycling bike because of the higher weighted wheel, and magnetic resistance, which requires virtually no maintenance and allows for micro-adjustable resistance.
The bike comes in one heavy box, and requires some assembly.
You can pay to have the bike pre-assembled.
We (my husband and I) were able to assemble it ourselves in under an hour.
Note: It’s a pretty heavy box, so if you have stairs you might need two people to carry it.
Otherwise, I think one person can assemble it alone, though it will likely take a bit longer and more effort.
Sunny Silent Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike
Cost: $299 (via Amazon at time of writing)
A lower cost alternative to the magnetic belt drive, the Sunny Silent Belt Drive doesn’t use magnetic resistance and has a slightly less weighted wheel so it doesn’t approximate the experience of the real Peloton quite as well.
However, at under $300, it’s a relatively affordable alternative that still works well with the Peloton App.
2. Set up a Peloton Account
Set Up a The Peloton App Digital Membership
You can trial the Peloton App for free for 30 days before signing up for the membership.
Tip: I personally recommend creating an account on a desktop, then downloading the app and logging in from there.
I’ve found managing an account directly through a company’s website rather than through the App Store seems to work better, however you can also go straight through the App Store.
That’s less than the $39 monthly Peloton Membership because there are fewer features included.
With the Digital Membership, you get access to Peloton classes (no Peloton equipment necessary).
3. Download the Peloton App to a iOS phone or tablet.
I recommend viewing the app on a tablet if possible, just for size purposes, but a phone also works.
As of this writing, the cadence sensor seems to work best on iPhones and iPads.
Once you’re ready to ride, pick a workout live or on-demand, place your phone or tablet on the bike handlebars, and start riding.
That’s it!
Note, the Sunny Magnetic Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike comes with a tablet holder built into the handle bars, so no need to purchase a separate holder.
4. Secure the Cadence Sensor to the Pedal of Your Spin Bike
Wahoo RPM Speed and Cadence Sensor
Cost: $39.99 (via Amazon at time of writing)
While a cadence sensor isn’t required, it will help you follow along with the Peloton instructor cues, and provide you with feedback related to speed and cadence.
You’ll need to install the sensor to the pedal of the bike, and then you can wirelessly connect to it via the Peloton App each time you ride.
If you have questions about syncing the cadence sensor with the Peloton App, or about how App features differ from the full Peloton experience, check out the FAQs at the end of this post.
5. Set Up the Resistance Gauge
Recently several readers have alerted me to the fact that there’s an Etsy shop offering a resistance gauge designed to help you follow along with the exact resistance prompts given in Peloton classes.
If you pick up the resistance gauge and the cadence sensor you’ll have everything you need to follow along with Peloton rides when it comes to both speed (cadence) and resistance. So cool!
Resistance Gauge for Sunny Indoor Cycling Bike SF-B1805 and SF-B1913
6. Get a Fitness Mat
Cost: $29.99 (via Amazon at time of writing)
Also not required, if you want to protect the floor under the bike, a sturdy fitness mat will do the trick.
7. Switch out the Standard Pedals for Clip-In Petals
Cost: $52 (via Amazon at time of writing)
Again, not required, but if you already have clip-in cycling shoes, you might want to switch out the Sunny pedals for a clip-in compatible option.
Tip: make sure to select an option with a Thread size of 9/16″.
I use these SPD cycling shoes that work with the pedals. Again, the pedals and shoes are definitely not required to get started with using the bike.
In short, I’ve found this home set-up to be incredibly effective and much more affordable than purchasing a Peloton Bike + Membership.
As I work from home, this DIY Peloton hack has saved my sanity–I really can’t recommend it enough!
Full disclosure: This post is in no way affiliated or sponsored by Peloton, I simply wrote it because I wanted to save you the time researching all the options and simplify your home workout.
If you have questions leave them in the comments–I continue to update this post regularly, and you’ll likely find an answer to your question is already there.
Here’s to quick, efficient home workouts. Cheers!
Update after Two Years
UPDATE: I’ve now been using the Peloton App and with my own cycling bike for over two years–here’s an honest review of the experience.
First, here’s what I’ve loved about the Peloton App and using any bike:
- The cost per month! It’s definitely cheaper than the full Peloton membership and owning the Peloton bike.
- Ease of use. Because the bike is in my house, I can jump on it anytime I have a few spare minutes. With all that’s happened in the past year, including having my daughter home for virtual school, I’ve found this setup to be invaluable. The ease of use has allowed me to use the bike consistently for over a year now, and I have no plans of stopping anytime soon.
- Variety of instructors, class types, and class lengths. I’ve really loved the variety within the app, including how many different class styles there are. Personally I’ve found most consistency with 20 and 30 minute rides, which I typically do about 5 per week.
The downside:
- No access to the leaderboard. While you can use the cadence sensor to follow along with instructor prompts and to track your own progress, the biggest downside of not investing in the full Peloton experience is a lack of access to the leaderboard. Meaning, you can’t “compete” directly with others in live classes, and you can’t see your combined output of cadence + resistance. This personally doesn’t bother me, but if competing with others in live classes or seeing your output (as a combo of cadence + resistance) in real time, and over time, is a big motivator to you, you might want to consider investing in the “real” thing.
- Less access to the rider community. While you can still ride with friends using the app, give out “high fives,” and follow hashtags, there is slightly less community access with the app, for example with competing, as described above. However, you can still follow friends, and can “see” them in the app during both live and streaming rides.
I bought a Nordic Track Studio bike…..I would like to still uses the peloton app but really only for group rides with my co workers…is it worth it? My Nordic came with a free 1 year iFit with all the same programs the Peloton has
Selita, you might consider keeping the Peloton app for a month once you have your Nordic set up and see if you end up using the Peloton app, or if it ends up being redundant. If you don’t use it after a month it makes sense then to cancel it!
Hey! I am a 65 year old Nanna who has had a partial knee replacement and fusions on both feet for arthritis issues and has ben struggling to find a good and fun way to regain some strength and lose the extra “later life”/post surgery pounds. I just returned from a visit to my daughter’s, and she is in the best shape of her adult life from using and loving her Peloton. She convinced me to try a ride and I did like it (and did not get sick, which I consider to be a plus!). We already have an exercise bike, and my daughter shared her Peloton membership with me, so I am going to give this a try. Thank you so much for all of your helpful information! I look forward to posting about how this Nanna puts the pedals to the metal and gets in better shape!
This is amazing!! So excited and happy for you. Here’s to lots of good rides. 🙂
Thanks for your recoendations!
Just a note for a correction that may give readers more confidence in your recommendations:
Bikes have pedals, not petals. “Petals” refers to a part, but they’re typically a part of a flower. The only petals I’ve seen on a bicycle were on cutesy plastic flowers decorating a wicker handlebar basket.😉
Haha, recommendations!
Hey Robyn!
I just wanted to say thank you for all this information! I noticed a similar comment in a lot of comments and wanted to post what I found in case it helps someone else. Someone on Etsy is selling a resistance gauge that attaches to the Sunny bike which is on the 1-100 scale that Peloton uses so it makes it easier when you’re riding with the app. This is the think to the one that pairs with the SF-B1805. (https://www.etsy.com/listing/945344496/resistance-gauge-for-sunny-sf-b1805sf?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=sunny+bike+resistance&ref=sr_gallery-1-2&organic_search_click=1&bes=1) They do make ones for the other versions of the Sunny bikes. I hope this helps some other people as much as it has helped me.
Thanks again for all the info!!
Madeline, wow, thanks for sharing this! I’ll add a link to the post as well. Thanks again!
Thank you so much for this. I was looking at buying Peloton bike but just cannot afford it at this time. I am going to try to set up as you have and the info is amazing. Happy spinning from Australia.
Oh yay, so happy you found it useful, Liz. Cheers!
Do you think SF-B1714 model bike would work too?
Hi Robbie, any model stationary bike should work with the cadence sensor!
Thanks so much for this info! Truly helpful. Now I have to think about whether I want to invest the money, and if I will truly stick to it!
Peggy, I’m so happy you found the information helpful! I’m still using my spin bike + cadence sensor 3 x week and loving it. Good luck making your decision!
Kind of a personal question but I too have a small child, I’m working from home some but also don’t have time to go to a gym membership nor want to waste the money cuz I don’t have the time to go…. But I also would like to know “if” the consistency of using the bike / app has helped change your lower body physique? I don’t want to invest in a system that even with being diligent doesn’t change the composition of my thighs and butt. I’m not a large or heavy person but I hate to run, squats make my thighs and butt bigger- want to know if biking has slimmed ur lower body? Thanks again for all the groundwork u did!! I was literally about to do the same! U saved me the headaches! Thanks
Hi Crystal, I find the bike to be amazing for the strength of my legs and butt, as well as my cardio fitness. However, like squats, they can might those muscles bigger. I have found pilates and barre to be better for the toning + long lean muscles overall. Hope that helps!
Your article was very helpful! I was looking at the Pelton but the price of the bike and the $39 monthly app fee was more than I wanted to spend. So glad I came across your article.
I bought a used Spinner Fit Spinning Bike for $100. My question is, will the Wahoo RPM Speed and Cadence Sensor work with this bike?
Thank you!
Hi Wendy, I’m glad it was helpful! I haven’t tried, but it should. The Wahoo cadence sensor connect via bluetooth to the Peloton app on your iPad or iPhone, so the bike itself shouldn’t matter. Hope that’s helpful!
Okay great! Thank you
Do you think the Resistance Gauge that you recommend would work with this bike as well?
Wendy, the resistance gauge is made by and Etsy seller. If you click the resistance gauge link in the post it will take you to his shop, and you can view the specs and also ask him if he has an option for your particular bike!
Thank you for the information. I have followed the advice in this article, but there is a step that I guess I assumed would just follow from what you wrote but that is stumping me. When I do a spin class in the Peloton App, with my cadence and HR monitors connected via bluetooth, I get these great metrics as you describe – I can follow the cadence the instructor calls out by seeing my cadence on screen, and heart rate, heart rate zone and calories burnt as I go. But as soon as I close the class, that information is all gone and I can’t figure out how to get it back. How can I record these numbers so I can track my progress over time? The only way I can think of is to screenshot them and then record them manually later – surely that can’t be what people are doing at the end of every ride?
Hi,
great article, lots of useful knowledge.
Maybe you know if the method you describe is feasible in relation to the Peloton application installed in a mobile or tablet with the Android system?
Best Regards
Hi Darek, hmmm, unfortunately I don’t think the Peloton Android app supports bluetooth connection to a cadence sensor at this time, so this method only works if you have an iPhone or iPad.
Hello,
I was wondering how to actually connect the Wahoo sensor to the peloton app? I know you said it was in FAQs but I couldn’t find it. I use the peloton app on a Roku so it’s on my TV but I also can’t figure out how to connect it to my iPhone.
Thanks,
Rachel
Hi Rachel, I’m not sure, but I don’t think you can use the Wahoo sensor with the Roku. You might try downloading the wahoo app on your phone, then connecting to that app while your ride, so you’d be able to view your cadence on your phone via the Wahoo app. Hope that helps!