Keiser M3I Vs. Peloton Bike (Everything You Need to Know!)

You are probably looking for an exercise bike if you are reading this – and have probably heard of the Peloton and Keiser M3I bikes. However, you might also wonder what exactly it is that makes them so special – after all, aren’t all bikes created equal? Well, the truth is more complicated than that – and not all bikes will actually help you on your fitness journey.

The best bikes that are actually in use when you get into a gym setting are indoor cycling bikes, which do wonders at their job of helping you burn calories and maintaining your energy levels. They also have a flywheel, which is the main part that distinguishes them from other bikes – and these flywheels are usually heavy.

In this article, we compare and contrast both bikes and see the best pick between them, helping you make an informed decision as much as possible.

Bike model	Keiser M3I	Peloton
Screen Dimensions	–	22 inches
Handlebar adjustment	Only vertically	Both laterally and vertically
Flywheel weight	8 lbs.	–
Weight limit	300 lbs.	305 lbs.

Similarities

Both these bikes are some of the most sought-after models due to several factors: they are innovative and very fun to use, but they also tend to be more expensive compared to most other indoor cycling bikes. The Peloton is the more expensive option, and the Keiser is for you if you still want a premium experience but do not want to spend too much.

Peloton Review

This exercise bike has plenty of strong points you can lean on, but the most significant advantage is their app – it will give you access to more than 5000 indoor cycling classes that are on demand. It is well worth the money, as the package also includes 14 daily classes, which air at different points in the day – and they have plenty of these live classes on their database. Additionally, they have some of the best instructors on hand, although the app comes at an added cost – which can be a major deal breaker.

The bike does not have anything special though, even if it is a good bike. The bike build is very sleek and adjusts itself very well to riders of any size, and the tightening handles have secondary adjustments that allow you to rotate them out of the way once you tighten the bolts.

The flywheel and pedals are very smooth in their motion and almost completely silent, and like the Keiser, uses electromagnetic resistance. This resistance is so sensitive, you can change it even by one percentage point only – while the saddle is completely comfortable and easy to adjust – both in depth and height.

The pedal clips are not very challenging in terms of clipping them on or unclipping, and you can use Peloton cycling shoes when using them (although these are sold separately). Other extras that come with the package include a heart-rate monitor, bike mat (just in case you are using it on a hardwood floor), and dumbbells (one, two and three pounds, depending on your preference).

Pros

• Saves you work out time, as you do your sessions at home
• You can work out anytime you want
• There are many options for live streaming classes, and you can choose any according to your preference
• The use of instructors personalizes the process
• You can monitor your progress in real time and compare it to other riders
• You can make an account that caters to your entire household
• You can connect your Bluetooth headphones to listen to music quietly

Cons

• Very expensive, and not everyone can afford it
• The monthly memberships for an entire household is also expensive
• You must purchase the specialist shoes to be able to use the pedals properly
• It is quite big and will take up space

 

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Keiser M3I Review

This is considered as an alternative to Peloton due to its extra functionality, compared to the former, as well as the more affordable pricing. It can work from any app, thanks to the system being equipped with a digital computer that gives you and stores immediate data as you do your workouts, allowing you to sync your data through different devices.

It features the belt drive mechanism – which is why it operates quietly and fits a residential area without causing too much disturbance. The ride will also be very smooth, and reduces the maintenance burden on your end, unlike the bikes that use a chain drive system.

It also has a digital display and light sensor (just in case you have days when the whole room goes dark, ad you need some backlight). However, the display is not a touch-screen design, and it does not have any buttons. As long as the pedals work and you are using the machine, you should be able to see what your workout results look like and monitor your own progress.

The exact system is Eddy Current magnetic mechanism, which means that the flywheel will not come into contact with anything, and maintains the quiet and smooth motion. As you increase the tension, the surface of the flywheel will increasingly be covered by the magnets on the sides of the flywheel, but this also means that the parts will not be subject to friction and wear out.

It has a steel flywheel that weighs 8 lbs., but it does not freewheel, so that means the pedals and crank arms will turn as the flywheel turns – regardless of the direction.

Pros

• Easy to adjust the handlebars
• Has a multi-resistance system
• Smooth mechanism, quiet
• Strong build

Cons

• You cannot adjust the handlebars laterally, only vertically

 

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Final thoughts

Both of these indoor cycling bikes are very good at what they do and neither gives you a distinct advantage over the other. However, with all the costs involved in the Peloton bike, you might wonder whether it is worth the purchase – and it is, as long as you can afford it. We must pick a winner in this review though, ad our pick of the day is the Keiser M3I – it will give you all the basics you require for your workouts, and still guarantee quality service even at a lower cost.

Last update on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API