Can You Use the Peloton App with Any Bike?

Since Peloton launched, they have been known for its dynamic cycling workouts and more. Peloton has excelled at creating a fantastic at-home workout. The Peloton bike has a screen affixed to the front, so you can be engaged in a live or on-demand class as you pedal along. Although many want to participate in Peloton’s workout, they do not want to participate in the hefty price tag that comes with purchasing the bike and a membership. Luckily, these same classes are also available on the app which you can download on a phone or tablet. The ability to use the app to do Peloton classes has been a question for those who do not have a Peloton-branded bike.

Yes, you can use any indoor bike in conjunction with the Peloton app to take classes, but the system will not be connected to your bike. Therefore, you may not be able to get accurate metrics such as output, resistance, and cadence. To track progress, you can purchase a cadence senor and attach it to the bike’s pedal.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about using the Peloton digital app. Including the best bike to use it with, additional bike equipment you may need, and using the Peloton app with a treadmill.

What Is the Peloton Digital App?

The Peloton Digital App gives you access and membership to Peloton’s library of on-demand and live classes without purchasing a Peloton bike or treadmill. You are able to use this app on a phone, tablet, computer, or smart tv.

Coming in at just $12.99/month, this app-only membership is much more budget-friendly than the typical $44/month. Additionally, you receive a free 30-day trial upon signup, so you can give it a try without worrying about fees. Discounts are offered for students, military, etc.

The app offers not only cycling classes, but instructed classes for meditation, running, strength training, boot camp style programs, boxing, and many more. There is a wide variety of class durations and levels of ability, from beginners to advanced. Each class comes with an instructor to lead you through the workout.

If you want to get out of the house for your workout, you can also download the app on your Apple Watch and use it to track an outdoor run.

Does Peloton App Work with Other Bikes?

We mentioned that the peloton app can be used with other workout bikes. But you may be wondering if the digital app will work with the specific workout bike you already have.

Let’s talk about the compatibility with a few of the most popular at-home workout bikes.

Can I Use the Peloton App on My NordicTrack Bike?

Yes, you can use the Peloton App with the NordicTrack bike. Because it will not sync to the bike, you will need to work out in freestyle mode. Freestyle mode allows you to track your general process on the bike while you follow an exercise program on a different screen.

To set up your NordicTrack with the Peloton App, follow these simple steps:

Turn on your NordicTrack bike
Open the Peloton App on your phone
Place your phone somewhere secure where it is easily visible
Start pedaling!

The bike will automatically begin calculating the metrics of your workout after pressing start.

Can I Use Peloton App with ProForm Bike?

Yes, you can use your Peloton app with ProForm bike. The ProForm Carbon CX Bike is meant to mimic the Peloton at a lower price point. Additionally, it comes with a rack for weights, which allows you to participate in the Intervals and Arms and Arm Toning classes.

The ProForm has a small, built-in screen that shows basic stats, but it doesn’t have a full touch screen like the Peloton. You can set your phone or tablet on the stand to follow along with the class.

Can I Use Peloton App on MyX Bike?

Unfortunately, you cannot connect the MyX Bike’s screen to the Peloton App. The two brands have their own hardware and software, so they are not compatible with each other. However, you can still use your phone or tablet propped on the bike and pedal along with your Peloton class of choice.

Using Wahoo with Peloton App

Not being able to accurately track your progress on another bike while using the Peloton App can be frustrating. A cadence sensor will assist with this. By offering speed and cadence information, you will be able to follow along with the cadence instructions called out by the Peloton instructor during class.

You’ll need to attach the sensor to the bike’s pedal and connect to it wirelessly via the Peloton App each time you ride.

How to Use Peloton App Without Peloton Bike

We have established that you don’t need to purchase the pricey Peloton bike to reap the benefits of its workouts. You can use the Peloton Digital App with essentially any other at-home workout bike. To use the app with your non-peloton bike, follow these steps:

Download the Peloton digital app and sign up for a membership
Log into the app on your phone, tablet, or television located near your workout bike
Turn on your workout bike
Select freestyle or manual ride on your workout bike
Select your Peloton app class
Start and enjoy!

If you are interested in additional classes such as strength training, boxing, or yoga, you can access these on your app as well. Simply go to “Classes” and filter for the specific type you are looking for. You can also filter duration, instructor, music, and intensity level.

Best Bike to Use with Peloton App

With the news that using the Peloton App with a non-peloton branded bike is easier than ever, you might be wondering which bike is the best to use for this experience. Below is a list of the top three bikes to pair with the Peloton App.

1. Stryde Bike

The Stryde allows you to use a variety of fitness apps, including Peloton. Additionally, this is the only bike that offers a split-screen feature. Meaning, you can use one half of the screen to view a Peloton class, and one side to watch Netflix – talk about multitasking!

2. Joroto X2 Cycling Bike

The Joroto X2 Fitness Bike is crafted with quality materials that stack up to the Peloton. This bike does not have a screen affixed to the front, so you will need to use your phone or tablet. This option is exceptionally budget-friendly, sometimes coming in at under $500 when it is on sale.

3. Schwinn Indoor Cycling Bike

This bike is also designed to measure up to the Peloton’s quality. Additionally, you will receive two 3 lb. dumbbells to participate in arm toning workouts. The Schwinn Indoor Cycling Bike also does not have a screen, so the experience will be less immersive.

Use Peloton App at Gym

The Peloton Digital App is designed to avoid the gym and stick to at-home workouts. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t take it with you to the gym to take advantage of some equipment you may not own. Because of the ease of taking the digital app anywhere, this means you can easily take it to any gym.

To use the Peloton app at the gym, simply:

Pick the class you want to participate in, such as cycling, yoga, or strength training.
Find a spot in the gym that makes the most sense. For example, if you are doing a strength training class, you’ll need some space to move. If you’re running, hop on a treadmill.
Pop in your headphones, hit start and you’re ready to work out.

How to Connect Cadence Sensor to Peloton Digital

With the Peloton App, you can connect a Bluetooth-powered cadence sensor directly to the app so that you can track your speed in real time. This is useful for your workout because it allows you to follow along with the cadence number your instructor is calling out during class.

To connect your cadence sensor, turn on the device and attach it to your shoe or crank arm (depending on the model). Then, follow the steps below:

Start a cycling class on the Peloton app
Select the connected devices button
Click “Cadence”
Pick the name of your cadence monitor device to pair the device with the app
Your live cadence metrics will appear on the screen!

Note that this will only work with an Apple® iOS device. Cadence metrics are not displayed on Android®.

Additional Bike Equipment

To get started on your new at-home cycling journey, you may want to invest in some additional equipment besides just a bike and the Peloton App. We’ve gathered a list of the top items you may need to really rock your workout!

1. Indoor Cycling Shoes

These shoes allow you to clip into the pedals of your workout bike. Clipping in provides a smoother and more aerodynamic workout than using regular sneakers. You are able to pedal faster and harder when you “become one” with the bike.

2. Bicycle Speedometer

This tool allows you to track your speed and distance, which some at-home bikes may not have. If you are tracking your distance progress, this is a must-have.

3. Cycling Fitness Mat

Placing a mat underneath your fitness bike will provide stability as you ride. Additionally, it will prevent any scrapes or scratches that may occur if you are placing the bike on a hard floor like tile or wood.

4. 3 lb. Dumbbells

We mentioned that bikes like the Schwinn come with dumbbells. If your bike does not, you may want to invest in these 3lb weights. These will allow you to participate in the interval and arms class, which provides arm toning sessions within the cycle class.

Benefits of Using the Peloton App on Any Bike

There are a number of benefits associated with using the Peloton Digital App and Any Bike. Take a look below:

Save money on bike purchase and monthly membership
Avoid going to the gym
Ability to participate in various classes beyond cycling

Disadvantages of Using the Peloton App on Standard Bike

Of course, there are also disadvantages to using the Peloton App instead of purchasing a true Peloton. Here is the list of cons:

Must purchase additional equipment to track cadence
No tracker for resistance or output
Cannot participate in the leaderboard, which is part of Peloton culture

Can You Use the Peloton App with Any Treadmill?

In addition to a bike, Peloton also offers Peloton Tread, which is a branded treadmill. It comes with a 23.8” touchscreen to immerse you in running classes. You can stack classes and build a customized workout routine. The Peloton Tread price tag rings up at over $2,000.

If that is not in your price range, we have some good news! You can participate in running classes using the Peloton App and a regular treadmill, similar to cycling classes.

To do so, simply:

Log into your app
Select the running class that fits your fancy
Set up your phone or tablet in a secure place on or around the treadmill