If you’re in the market for an indoor exercise bike then surely you’ve heard about the Keiser M3i or Peloton. Both the Peloton bike and Keiser M3i are among the best exercise bikes to purchase in 2019; however, they aren’t equal. In this article, we will compare the Keiser M3i vs Peloton and tell you everything you need to make an informed decision!
Before we go any further with the comparison, you need to know the truth about Peloton bikes. Peloton excels mostly due to their live spin classes and intuitive digital app. They currently have the most extensive database of live classes and on-demand cycling classes. Plus, they have some of the best instructors guiding you along and keeping you motivated. However, the app comes at an additional cost.
The bike on its own is a premium quality product; however, there isn’t anything particularly unique about it. And although the materials and design of the bike are excellent, only the screen and its app stand out. Therefore, if your greatest desire isn’t utilizing the Peloton digital app on a monitor attached to the bike frame, then you don’t need a Peloton. Instead, it might be better for you to consider the Keiser M3i!
What is The Difference Between Keiser M3i Vs Peloton Flywheels?
Another difference between both bikes is the position of the flywheel and its design. Keiser has its flywheel situated at the rare of the bike away from the sweat zone protected by a covering while the Peloton has its flywheel at the front directly in the sweat zone. The good thing is that Peloton covers the critical parts of their drive system under a plastic covering. But it will still get dirty and prove difficult to clean over time.
Keiser M3i Review
Keiser M3i is an excellent alternative to Peloton mostly due to being more versatile in functionality. Equipped with a digital computer that provides immediate ride data allows the Keiser M3i Indoor cycle to work apart from any one app. The digital screen is a big deal as it means you can use the Keiser M3i bike with any cycle training app. The statistics tracked by the digital computer is Power(Watts), Cadence, Heart Rate, Energy(Kcal), Distance and Functional Threshold Power(FTP). With all those tracked information you can use the Keiser indoor cycle with Peloton Digital app and other similar apps. Plus, you can also get the app to work with Zwift, TrainerRoad, TheSufferfest, etc.
Keiser M3i vs Peloton Bike Comparison
In this comparison section, we’ll be looking at all the critical features of the Peloton and Keiser indoor cycles. We’ll also look at the similarities and differences between Keiser and Peloton to further expound on why we think the Keiser M3i might be better to buy.
Design – Similarities & Differences Between Keiser M3i & Peloton
Peloton bikes are high-performance exercise bikes that feature a very stable and elegant design. It has a frame that is built using sturdy carbon steel and has all the bells and whistles you will find on an indoor bike.
On the Peloton cycle, you’ll see the innovative 22″ HD Touchscreen display attached to the height adjustable handlebar. The Peloton also features an ergonomic seat that can also be adjusted in height and forward and back. Attached to the seat is the dumbbell tray that can hold two dumbbells of varying weights. One important thing to note however is that with the basic package from Peloton dumbbells aren’t included.
Further down on the bike, you’ll see Pelotons belt drive system that is attached to a perimeter weighted flywheel at the front which provides a near quiet ride. One slightly negative that we didn’t like on the Peloton is the pedals. With the indoor Peloton cycle, you get an SPD cleat compatible pedal for cycling shoes.
However, we found that using it without the clip in shoes is uncomfortable as your feet will be slipping off during the training sessions. Therefore, you’ll have no choice but to spend extra on cycling shoes with cleats if you decide to go with this bike.
At the base of the bike, you’ll find a very sturdy stand that is wide enough to keep it very stable during your workout sessions. Also, they’ve also included two leveling feet on the front and back positions of the bike for stability.
Overall the Peloton has a footprint of 4′ by 2′ and weighs 135 lbs in total so it is just the right size and will fit just about anywhere in your home. Another negative on the Peloton is that it has a max user weight capacity of 305 pounds.
Most indoor bikes you’ll see these days will have a similar design as the Peloton. Which means that you don’t have to spend as much money as they charge you for their bike seeing that it is the same as most other bikes. What’s unique about Peloton is genuinely only the Peloton Digital App which exceeds the standard of any other Studio Cycling fitness app.
How is The Keiser Different From a Peloton in Design?
Keiser has a unique design and makeup that you will only find on Keiser bikes. The M3i indoor cycle is one of the only bikes that perfectly accommodates users of all body shapes, heights and weight.
Furthermore, Keiser produces a better road bike feel while still being quieter than Peloton bikes.
The first difference between Peloton vs Keiser bikes is the design of the frame. The Keiser M3i has a V-shaped structure that is unique in the way it can be adjusted to suit riders of varying sizes.
Unlike the Peloton, Keiser’s M3i bike has a two-way adjustable handlebar that goes up and down, forward and back to your comfort. Keiser also provides a similar sporty but ergonomic seat for the M3i.
The seat can also adjust in two ways which will allow for a better seating position that fits users from 4′ 10″ to 7 feet tall. In total, the Keiser M3i has a 4-way ride adjustment and has a user weight limit of 350 lbs.
Pelotons Perimeter Weighted Flywheel Vs Keiser M3i Poly-V Magnetic Resistance
If you’ve done any research online on flywheels, you’ll see that it is generally better to use a perimeter weighted flywheel. This is because the bikes without a perimeter weight flywheel typically produce less inertia and force you to pedal consistently; which in turn generates an unwanted Up/Down-Up/Down motion through pedaling.
You would also have seen many people saying that Peloton’s weighted flywheel is better than Keiser’s lightweight flywheel. However, those comments didn’t take into consideration all aspects of Keiser’s drive train.
The Keiser M3i indoor cycle effectively eliminates the Up/Down motion and strain caused by the lack of a perimeter weighted flywheel by using an innovative Poly-V belt drive.
The poly-v belt on the Keiser enables the bike to transmit very high loads over its small pulley thus allowing it to have a more realistic road bike feel. The poly-v belt, in turn, removes the adverse effect of a light flywheel.
Road Bike Drivetrain
Also by looking at your typical road bike, you’ll see that the drivetrain is identical to Keiser’s Poly-V belt drivetrain. As such, the Keiser M3i indoor cycle feels more similar to a road bike than a Peloton.
Peloton Bike Vs Keiser m3i Pedal Difference
The pedals on both bikes is another area that they differ. On the Peloton, you get your standard SPD cleat compatible pedals that’ll require you to have cycling shoes. While on the Keiser you get a two-sided pedal that has one side for SPD cycling shoes and a caged side for regular sneakers.
Keiser M3i’s pedals are also slightly better than the ones on the Peloton because of its angled design. This design makes the bike more compatible with users of different body types and rider footwear. It also provides a smoother pedaling experience and helps eliminate that clunky Up/Down motion you find on other bikes with a light flywheel.
Digital Display Differences
The digital display is where the Peloton shines. It’s 22″ HD Touchscreen display packs all the latest in screen technology. It’s fast, shows beautiful pictures and runs the Peloton Digital app seamlessly.
Moreover, if you’ve used the Peloton digital app and plan to stick with it then having their bike makes sense. However, if you want freedom in choosing different cycling apps and live cycling classes, then you’ll want to get the Keiser.
On the Keiser M3i indoor cycling bike you get a small, intuitive digital display with Bluetooth® Wireless Technology. This display accurately tracks all the information you need to follow along to live spin classes, other workout content and apps like zwift.
Furthermore, you can also purchase their M series converter and unlock more of its hidden potential. Their bike, unlike the Peloton indoor bike, includes a free Polar Heart Rate monitor which is a huge plus.
Price
Both indoor cycles will cost you a good amount of money right off the bat, but the Keiser is cheaper than a Peloton.
If you want to purchase a Peloton bike, you must first consider that you’ll need to buy cycling shoes, dumbbells, and earphones.
Or you upgrade from the basic package to the essential package at which point you’ll be spending roughly $2,400 that prices might vary.
Besides, you’ll also have to pay a monthly subscription of at least $39.99 or $480 per year to use the Peloton digital app. In total, PELOTON will cost you nearly $3000.
The Keiser, on the other hand, requires no additional monthly payments to use the bike’s app and will cost less than the Peloton bike costs. Moreover, you can also get amazing deals on the Keiser M3i here. Also, their bike allows you the freedom to choose any cycling app you wish to use.
Warranty
When comparing warranty between the peloton vs Keiser m3i, the Keiser bike wins hands down. Keiser provides a standard warranty for all their products of 10 years for the frame, three years for the display, two years for cables pulleys and bears, and 90 days for the aesthetics of the bike. For more information on their warranty terms click here.
On the other hand, Peloton provides a 1 Year limited warranty for all aspects of except the frame. For the structure, they give a Five-year warranty. So it should be clear which product is better to invest in if a warranty is important to you.
Pros & Cons of Keiser M3i
Pros
- The bike comes with a better warranty.
- It costs less than Peloton.
- The M3i provides a more realistic road bike feel.
- The bike has a quieter drive train and lighter flywheel.
- It has a user weight limit of 350 lbs.
- The Keiser indoor cycle comes with a two-sided pedal for Cycling shoes and regular sneakers.
- It comes with a heart rate monitor.
- Keiser M3i can utilize most of the most popular cycling apps.
- The bike has no subscription charges for the Keiser app.
- Lightweight and easy to move around.
- Sleek and beautiful to look at in your home.
- The Keiser M3i has Bluetooth® Wireless Technology
- It has a four-way adjustable seat and handlebar.
- The bike has a butterfly-shaped handlebar that allows multiple grips.
Cons
- This model costs a little more.
- You need to purchase the M series converter to make the bike compatible with some apps.
- The V-Shape bike takes a little bit of getting used to in the beginning.
- The resistance gear isn’t moved in a circular motion but Up and Down.
Pros & Cons of Peloton Cycle
Pros
- It comes with a 22″ HD touchscreen display.
- They offer the best indoor studio cycle app at a subscription cost.
- Their bike uses Premium Quality materials in its construction.
- It has a small footprint and looks impressive in any room.
- Peloton has a multi-grip handlebar.
- Comes assembled and delivered to where you want to place it in your home.
- The resistance knob is more straightforward to adjust.
Cons
- The bike only has a user weight limit of 305 pounds.
- Peloton’s indoor cycle does not have a caged pedal.
- It will only work with the Peloton Digital App.
- Their indoor bike costs over $2000 for the basic package.
The Verdict
After comparing the critical aspects of the Keiser m3i vs Peloton indoor bike we recommend the Keiser as a better buy. However, the Peloton bike is excellent nonetheless, and we can’t take away the fact that they have the best cycling app around. The only downside to the Peloton is the considerable price of the bike and the additional cost of the app. You will also need to purchase shoes, earbuds, dumbbells and a heart rate monitor for the best use of the Peloton.
In contrast, the Keiser M3i provides all the basics that you’ll need. The bike is also compatible with most cycling apps if you purchase the M series converter.
Overall both bikes are great and are among the best and most widely accepted indoor cycling solutions. So you won’t be making a bad choice with either one. However, do consider the pros and cons we’ve listed above before making your decision!