The indoor cycling market has split into two camps: connected bikes with screens and subscriptions, and traditional bikes that just pedal. If you’re looking at a connected bike, three brands dominate the UK market — Peloton, Echelon, and Wattbike — and they’re so different in approach that choosing between them is less about which is “best” and more about which matches how you want to train.
Peloton sells entertainment. Echelon sells affordability. Wattbike sells data. Each does their thing well, and each has trade-offs that matter depending on your fitness goals, budget, and tolerance for monthly subscriptions.
In This Article
- Quick Comparison
- Peloton Bike: The Entertainment Platform
- Echelon Connect: The Budget Connected Bike
- Wattbike Atom: The Training Tool
- Subscription Costs Compared
- Build Quality and Durability
- Which Bike Suits Your Training Style
- Space and Noise Considerations
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Comparison
Peloton Bike: £1,345 (Bike) or £2,295 (Bike+). Subscription: £12.99/month. 22-inch screen (24-inch on Bike+). Class-led entertainment with live and on-demand sessions. Music-driven, community-focused.
Echelon Connect EX-5: £800–1,000. Subscription: £29.99/month (Echelon United). 21.5-inch screen. Budget alternative to Peloton with live and on-demand classes. Similar format, lower hardware cost.
Wattbike Atom (Next Gen): £1,999–2,499. No mandatory subscription (Wattbike Hub app free). No built-in screen. Power-accurate training platform used by British Cycling and professional teams. Data-focused, Zwift-compatible.
Peloton Bike: The Entertainment Platform
What You Get
The Peloton is a stationary bike with a large touchscreen that streams live and on-demand cycling classes. The classes are instructor-led, music-heavy, and designed to be motivating rather than technically demanding. You follow along, match the instructor’s cadence and resistance calls, and compete on a leaderboard with other riders.
The hardware is solid: a belt-drive system that’s near-silent, magnetic resistance with 100 levels, and a build quality that feels premium. The screen is bright and responsive. The standard Bike uses the screen for resistance guidance; the Bike+ adds auto-resistance that adjusts automatically to match the instructor’s calls.
The Subscription
£12.99/month (recently reduced from £39/month) unlocks the full library: thousands of cycling classes, plus running, yoga, strength, and meditation content. Without the subscription, the bike is an expensive clothes hanger — you can pedal freely but without classes, the screen shows nothing useful.
Who It’s For
People who need motivation to exercise. The class format, instructor energy, music playlists, and community leaderboard create accountability that a solo bike ride can’t match. If you’ve tried and failed to maintain a gym habit, the Peloton format has a proven track record of keeping people engaged — the class completion rate is notably high compared to other home fitness equipment.
Weaknesses
- The subscription is mandatory for the core experience
- Power accuracy is ±5–10%, which means the numbers on your screen don’t match reality precisely (fine for entertainment, frustrating for structured training)
- The ecosystem is closed — you’re locked into Peloton’s content and metrics
- At £1,345+, the entry cost is high for what is essentially a screen-plus-bike bundle
Echelon Connect: The Budget Connected Bike
What You Get
Echelon positions itself as “Peloton but cheaper.” The EX-5 (the model most comparable to the Peloton Bike) has a 21.5-inch screen, magnetic resistance with 32 levels, and a library of live and on-demand classes through the Echelon United app.
The hardware is decent at the price point. The ride feel is smooth, the frame is stable for most rider sizes, and the screen quality is good enough for a class you’re sweating through. Where Echelon saves money: the resistance system is less refined (32 levels vs 100), the screen is slightly smaller, and the overall build feels lighter.
The Subscription
£29.99/month for Echelon United, which is more expensive than Peloton’s subscription. The content library is smaller and the production quality of classes doesn’t match Peloton’s polish, though it covers the same range of workout types. There’s a free tier with limited content, but the full experience requires the subscription.
Who It’s For
Budget-conscious buyers who want the connected class experience without the Peloton price tag. The hardware saving (£400–500 less than Peloton) is offset by the higher monthly subscription, so the total cost of ownership over 3+ years can end up similar. The real saving is in year one.
For comparison, our budget exercise bike guide covers non-connected alternatives under £200.
Weaknesses
- Higher monthly subscription than Peloton (£29.99 vs £12.99)
- Lower class production quality
- Fewer resistance levels (32 vs 100) means less granular intensity control
- Power accuracy is approximate — not suitable for structured training
- Brand loyalty and community are weaker than Peloton’s established ecosystem
Wattbike Atom: The Training Tool
What You Get
The Wattbike Atom is a different product entirely. There’s no built-in screen. There’s no subscription-locked class library. What there is: the most accurate power measurement available on a home bike (±1%), electromagnetic resistance that simulates real road feel, and compatibility with every major training platform — Zwift, TrainerRoad, Wahoo SYSTM, and the free Wattbike Hub app.
The Atom is the bike used by British Cycling, Team GB, and professional cycling teams for indoor training. The power data is laboratory-grade, the resistance changes are instant and precise, and the Pedalling Effectiveness Score (PES) analyses your pedal stroke to help you pedal more efficiently.
The Subscription (or Lack Of)
The Wattbike Hub app is free. It includes structured workouts, fitness tests, and training plans — no subscription required. If you want guided classes or virtual riding, you connect to Zwift (from £8.99/month), TrainerRoad (from £8.99/month), or similar platforms — but none are mandatory.
Who It’s For
Serious cyclists and fitness enthusiasts who train with structure. If you follow a training plan, track power zones, care about progressive overload, and want data that means something, the Wattbike is the obvious choice. It’s also the best option if you’re already a cyclist who trains outdoors and wants indoor sessions that translate directly to real-world performance.
The data focus extends to rehab and professional settings — physiotherapists and sports scientists use Wattbikes because the measurements are reliable enough for clinical assessment.
Weaknesses
- No built-in screen — you need a tablet, phone, or TV for any visual experience
- Most expensive option (£1,999–2,499)
- No entertainment layer — there’s no instructor telling you to “push harder” with a motivating playlist. You need self-motivation or a third-party app
- Overkill for casual fitness — if you just want to pedal while watching Netflix, this is an expensive way to do it
Subscription Costs Compared
3-Year Total Cost of Ownership
- Peloton Bike: £1,345 + (£12.99 × 36) = £1,345 + £468 = £1,813
- Peloton Bike+: £2,295 + £468 = £2,763
- Echelon EX-5: £900 + (£29.99 × 36) = £900 + £1,080 = £1,980
- Wattbike Atom (with Zwift): £1,999 + (£8.99 × 36) = £1,999 + £324 = £2,323
- Wattbike Atom (free app only): £1,999
The Peloton Bike is the cheapest long-term option with a subscription. The Echelon’s lower hardware cost is overtaken by its higher subscription within 2 years. The Wattbike is the cheapest if you skip third-party apps entirely, but the most expensive with Zwift over 3 years.
What Happens If You Cancel
- Peloton: the bike becomes a basic spin bike with a large screen that shows nothing useful. You can still pedal with basic metrics, but the experience is gutted
- Echelon: similar to Peloton — the bike works but the screen becomes largely decorative
- Wattbike: nothing changes for basic use. The free app still works. You lose Zwift/TrainerRoad content but the bike remains fully functional with accurate power data
This matters. If your circumstances change and you need to cut subscriptions, the Wattbike retains its full value while the other two lose their core appeal.
Build Quality and Durability
Peloton
Well-built with a premium feel. The belt drive is smooth and quiet, the frame is stable, and the adjustment mechanisms are solid. Expected lifespan: 5–10 years with normal use. Replacement parts are available through Peloton, though not cheap.
Echelon
Adequate but lighter than Peloton. The frame can flex slightly during standing sprints with heavier riders (over 85kg). The pedals and resistance dial feel less refined. Expected lifespan: 3–7 years. Build quality reflects the price point — good for the money, not premium.
Wattbike
Commercial-grade build quality. Wattbikes in gyms and training centres survive thousands of hours of use from multiple riders. The Atom is built to the same standard. The electromagnetic resistance system has no wearing parts. Expected lifespan: 10+ years. The highest build quality of the three, which partly justifies the price.
Which Bike Suits Your Training Style
“I Need Motivation to Exercise”
Buy: Peloton. The class format, instructor energy, and community accountability are the best in the market. If the bike gets you exercising 3–4 times a week when nothing else has, it’s worth every penny.
“I Want a Connected Bike on a Budget”
Buy: Echelon. Lower upfront cost, similar class format. Be aware the subscription cost adds up — budget the monthly fee before buying.
“I’m a Cyclist / I Train with Structure”
Buy: Wattbike. Accurate power, open platform, no subscription lock-in. The best indoor training tool available. Pair with Zwift for entertainment or TrainerRoad for structured plans.
“I Just Want to Pedal at Home”
Buy: None of These. A budget exercise bike under £200 or an air bike does the job without subscriptions, screens, or complexity. Save your money for something simpler.
“I Can’t Decide Between Cardio Machines”
Our rowing machine vs exercise bike comparison and home gym equipment guide cover the broader decision of which machine suits your fitness goals. And don’t forget space requirements — all three bikes need roughly 1.5m × 0.6m of floor space plus room to mount and dismount.
Space and Noise Considerations
Footprint
All three bikes need similar floor space — roughly 1.2m × 0.6m for the bike itself, plus clearance for mounting and swinging legs. The Peloton is the heaviest (57kg for the Bike+), which makes it the hardest to move. The Echelon is lightest (around 40kg). The Wattbike sits in between at 42kg.
Noise
The belt-drive systems on all three bikes are quiet — you can ride at 6am without waking the household. The main noise source is you: breathing, pedalling cadence, and any screen audio. The Peloton and Echelon have built-in speakers; the Wattbike requires your own audio solution. For noise reduction tips beyond the bike itself, a rubber mat underneath dampens any residual vibration.
Screen Position
Peloton and Echelon have fixed screens. The Peloton Bike+ screen swivels for off-bike workouts. For the Wattbike, you need a tablet holder or nearby TV — the free-standing approach actually offers more flexibility in where you place your screen. For a full home gym setup on a budget, the Wattbike’s lack of integrated screen may fit better into a multi-purpose space.
Delivery, Setup and Returns
Peloton
Peloton offers white-glove delivery — two people carry the bike in, assemble it, and show you how to use it. This is included in the price and is one of the smoother buying experiences in the fitness equipment market. Returns are accepted within 30 days, though Peloton charges a £200 pick-up fee, which stings.
Echelon
Delivered boxed. You assemble it yourself, which takes 30–60 minutes with basic tools. The instructions are adequate rather than excellent. Returns are possible within 30 days but you’re responsible for packaging and return shipping, which adds cost and hassle.
Wattbike
Delivered assembled on a pallet to your door. You may need help carrying it inside (42kg is manageable for two people). Wattbike offers a 30-day trial — if you don’t like it, they collect it free of charge. The most generous return policy of the three.
Warranty
Peloton: 5-year frame, 1-year parts. Echelon: 1-year full warranty. Wattbike: 2-year full warranty. The Wattbike’s commercial build quality means warranty claims are rare, and the brand’s presence in gyms and sports centres means repair infrastructure exists. Peloton’s support is responsive but parts can take time. Echelon’s support receives mixed reviews.
For creating an effective workout plan around whichever bike you choose, structure matters more than the equipment itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Peloton worth it without the subscription? No — the subscription is the product. Without it, you have an expensive spin bike with a large screen showing basic metrics. The hardware is good, but it’s built as a delivery mechanism for the class content.
Can I use Zwift with Peloton or Echelon? The Peloton Bike+ has some third-party app support, but it’s limited and awkward. The standard Peloton Bike doesn’t support Zwift natively. Echelon doesn’t support Zwift at all. The Wattbike connects to Zwift natively via Bluetooth. If Zwift compatibility matters, the Wattbike is the clear choice.
Which bike is quietest? All three use belt-drive or electromagnetic resistance and are very quiet. The Wattbike Atom is marginally the quietest due to its electromagnetic system having no physical contact mechanism. In practice, the difference is negligible.
Do I need special shoes? Peloton and Wattbike use clipless pedal systems (Peloton uses Look Delta cleats; Wattbike uses SPD). You’ll need compatible cycling shoes (£40–80). Echelon comes with toe-cage pedals that work with regular trainers, with an option to swap for clipless. All three can have pedals changed to your preferred system.
Which has the best resale value? Peloton, due to brand recognition and established secondhand market. Wattbikes also hold value well, especially among the cycling community. Echelon resale values are lower, reflecting the lower initial price.