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I am a fairly experienced road cyclist and even though I prefer to ride outside AND have a computer-controlled bike trainer, I would consider one if I had the s

by entee 7y ago

I am a fairly experienced road cyclist and even though I prefer to ride outside AND have a computer-controlled bike trainer, I would consider one if I had the space. I also have several friends who prefer this to all their other options. 1.) It's way easier to get started up without the faff of setting up your trainer. If you have a dedicated bike+trainer this is less of an issue, but that is going to cost a fair amount (something like $1-1.5K) and take up about as much space, and not be anywhere near as seamless. 2.) The coaching you get is extremely rich compared to TrainerRoad and Zwift, both costing $15/person/month. So if you have 2 people on the same account you pay a bit more per person and get better coaching. They are also branching out into strength and other types of video coaching as part of the package. I initially thought it was useless if you had a trainer for the bike, but I see the appeal now. If the app worked with my wahoo trainer, then I'd very likely buy the service and have it work with my existing equipment.

spyspy 7y ago
I see your point that, for you, there's an appeal. But with so many comments disagreeing with me and saying there's "tons" of market I'm inclined to maintain my point. I think the market (and evidenced by the way it's _marketed_) as it stands is not the general public. It's either people who are already paying gobs of money for cycling classes à la SoulCycle or already dishing out money for their cycling hobby. On the topic of a looming IPO, I don't see their growth continuing to accelerate for much longer.
- gamblor956 7y ago
  Generally the people that use HN are not the target market for Peloton. In contrast to your POV, I know dozens of people who do already have Pelton subscriptions, or plan to get some. My office is planning to get 2 or 3 bikes for our exercise room. Peloton is too expensive to see startup-type growth much longer, but they've got something better: actual revenue and a path to profitability (if they're not already there).
eitally 7y ago
It's not "better" coaching, just directly engaged instruction. TrainerRoad/Zwift workouts are tailored to specific goals, whereas spin classes are aimed at general fitness... and I've never seen one that lasted over 45 minutes.

by entee 7y ago

spyspy 7y ago

I see your point that, for you, there's an appeal. But with so many comments disagreeing with me and saying there's "tons" of market I'm inclined to maintain my point. I think the market (and evidenced by the way it's _marketed_) as it stands is not the general public. It's either people who are already paying gobs of money for cycling classes à la SoulCycle or already dishing out money for their cycling hobby. On the topic of a looming IPO, I don't see their growth continuing to accelerate for much longer.

gamblor956 7y ago
Generally the people that use HN are not the target market for Peloton. In contrast to your POV, I know dozens of people who do already have Pelton subscriptions, or plan to get some. My office is planning to get 2 or 3 bikes for our exercise room. Peloton is too expensive to see startup-type growth much longer, but they've got something better: actual revenue and a path to profitability (if they're not already there).

eitally 7y ago

It's not "better" coaching, just directly engaged instruction. TrainerRoad/Zwift workouts are tailored to specific goals, whereas spin classes are aimed at general fitness... and I've never seen one that lasted over 45 minutes.