The battle for connected fitness supremacy is heating up. And the latest entrant taking on the Peloton juggernaut is none other than LG Electronics. Best known for TVs and appliances, the tech giant is breaking into the digital spin scene with its Excicle bike.
Unveiled at CES 2023, the LG Excicle promises a hybrid indoor/outdoor riding experience powered by some seriously innovative tech under the hood. But does it have what it takes to overtake Peloton‘s gold standard and win the hearts (and quads) of discerning home spin enthusiasts?
As an expert analyst immersed in the digital fitness space, I‘ve had my eye on the Excicle since rumblings of the "Peloton killer" first surfaced. Now it‘s time to put it through its paces. I‘ll break down the features, tech, content, and X-factors that matter most. Then I‘ll render a verdict to help you decide which bike deserves pole position in your pain cave. Clip in and let‘s roll.
Tale of the Tape: LG Excicle vs Peloton
First, let‘s lay out the key specs and features of these two spin contenders:
| LG Excicle | Peloton Bike | Peloton Bike+ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | TBA (est. $1,500-$2,000) | $1,495 | $2,495 |
| Display | Bring your own device | 21.5" HD touchscreen | 23.8" HD touchscreen (360° rotating) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, WiFi | Bluetooth, WiFi, ANT+ | Bluetooth, WiFi, ANT+ |
| Resistance | Switchable freewheel motor | Magnetic (100 levels) | Auto-adjusting magnetic |
| Speakers | TBA | 2×10-watt | 4-channel audio with 2×3-watt tweeters, 2×10-watt woofers |
| Processor | TBA | 2.0 GHz Mediatek MT8173 quad-core | 2.5 GHz Qualcomm QCS605 quad-core |
| Memory | TBA | 4GB DRAM, 16GB internal flash storage | 4GB DRAM, 16GB internal flash storage |
| Pedals | TBA | Delta-compatible aluminum | Delta-compatible aluminum |
| Seat | TBA | Ergonomic sports saddle | Ergonomic sports saddle |
| Handlebar | TBA | Adjustable, ergonomic | Adjustable, ergonomic |
| Dimensions | TBA | 59"L x 23"W x 53"H | 59"L x 22"W x 59"H |
| Weight | TBA | 135 lbs | 140 lbs |
| Max rider weight | TBA | 297 lbs | 297 lbs |
Sources: LG Excicle CES 2023 announcement, Peloton Bike specs, Peloton Bike+ specs
The Tech Showdown
Of course, the proof is in the pedaling when it comes to any exercise bike. But in this new era of connected fitness, the technology under the hood matters just as much as the hardware. Let‘s take a closer look at how LG and Peloton‘s tech stacks up.
LG Excicle: The Switchable Freewheel Secret Sauce
The headline feature of the Excicle is undoubtedly its namesake switchable freewheel motor system. This proprietary technology automatically adjusts the flywheel‘s resistance to simulate different terrains and road conditions. Pedal through virtual mud, gravel, pavement, and more as the flywheel seamlessly adapts under your feet. It‘s a game-changing innovation for riders who want to replicate the challenges and varietyof outdoor cycling from the climate-controlled comfort of home.
While LG hasn‘t released detailed specs yet, I expect some serious processing power to pull off this real-time terrain simulation. Sensors likely monitor cadence, speed, and power output to dynamically alter the ride feel on the fly. An electromagnetic braking system akin to those found in motor vehicles and high-end bike trainers is probably involved to modulate resistance so quickly and precisely.
The switchable freewheel is an impressive feat of mechanical and software engineering. But it remains to be seen how realistically it captures the nuances of rolling over real roads. Hands-on (or feet-on) testing will be crucial to assess if it truly delivers on its hybrid promise.
Peloton: The Buttery Smooth Magnetic Resistance Benchmark
In contrast, Pelotons employ a tried-and-true magnetic resistance system controlled digitally. Powerful rare earth magnets precisely manage the drag against the flywheel based on the resistance level you select or class you follow.
The original Peloton Bike offers 100 micro-adjustable levels which can be changed manually or auto-followed based on instructor cues. The higher-end Bike+ introduced in 2020 features an auto-follow mode that automatically scales resistance to match coached targets—no knob-twisting required.
While lacking the all-terrain versatility of the Excicle‘s freewheel drive, Peloton‘s magnetic resistance is incredibly smooth, quiet, and low-maintenance. There‘s no physical contact between the magnets and flywheel, so it doesn‘t wear down over time.
Peloton‘s resistance has been a gold standard for home spin bikes. But LG‘s innovative freewheel system—if implemented well—could be a clear differentiator for riders seeking to break the monotony of studio-only spins.
The Brains Behind the Bikes
What about the digital brains powering these bikes? On the silicon front, Peloton pedals ahead with beefier specs:
- The original Bike packs a 2.0 GHz Mediatek MT8173 quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM—similar to a decent tablet.
- The premium Bike+ bumps that up to a zippier 2.5 GHz Qualcomm QCS605 SoC and adds a dedicated audio processor for its symphony-grade speaker system.
Both Peloton models come with 16GB of onboard storage for buffering rides and saving preferences. WiFi, Bluetooth, and ANT+ connectivity keep you synced to the Peloton mothership.
LG has been tight-lipped on the Excicle‘s compute components thus far. But as a dominant force in display tech, I‘d expect nothing less than a lightning-fast proprietary chip solution to power the terrain algorithms and any smart features.
The lack of an integrated display on the Excicle means you‘ll rely on your own device‘s processing power to run the LG app and stream content. Hopefully the Excicle‘s "brain" focuses on doing one thing really well—making the ride feel amazing.
Diving Into the Digital Ecosystems
Engaging content, social features, and overall user experience can make or break a connected fitness platform. Let‘s explore what each brand brings to the table.
Peloton: The Cycling Social Network
Peloton‘s greatest asset is its passionate community. With 6.6 million members and counting, it‘s become the Facebook of home fitness—a one-stop hub to ride, train, compete, and connect with fellow fitness fanatics.
The magic happens in Peloton‘s digital universe accessed through the integrated touchscreen on the Bike or Bike+. Riders can join live studio sessions and compete on a real-time leaderboard, or choose from a sprawling on-demand library of cycling and cross-training classes.
Peloton‘s star instructors have achieved celebrity status, amassing millions of loyal devotees who flock to their classes for personalized shoutouts and contagious energy. It fosters a sense of tribe in an isolating world.
The app‘s non-cycling offerings have also exploded to include treadmill runs, yoga flows, strength sessions, and Pilates routines. Peloton is building a one-stop ecosystem for all your fitness needs.
Beyond the bike, Peloton‘s digital touchpoints keep the community engaged between rides:
- A slick app for scheduling classes, viewing stats, and connecting with friends
- Vibrant Facebook groups for every region and rider niche
- High-production YouTube vlogs from instructors sharing their daily lives
- Experiential showrooms where you can test ride the Bike and shop branded athleisure
Peloton has set the standard for omnichannel community-building in the connected fitness space. The question is whether LG can create enough gravity to pull some of those riders into its own orbit.
LG Excicle: The Content Contender
As an upstart, LG faces the challenge of building a digital ecosystem and content library compelling enough to make cyclists sweat.
The Excicle‘s success will hinge heavily on the caliber of the content in its companion app. Riders will expect:
- A diverse library of spinning soundtracks and terrain-focused rides
- Engaging coaches on par with Peloton‘s roster of record-breaking athletes and Instagram influencers
- Seamless integration with the freewheel drive to make scenic rides feel immersive
- Robust tracking of performance metrics like heart rate, output, and climb rate
- Easy profile syncing across devices and integration with other health apps
It‘s a tall order, but LG‘s pedigree in consumer electronics gives me hope. As a dominant force in smart TVs, LG knows how to produce pixel-perfect displays. Its smartphone division has also made huge strides in mobile videography with innovations like gimbal-level stabilization.
I‘m optimistic we‘ll see some of this trickle into the Excicle content experience—think ultra-crisp visuals, smooth virtual drone shots, and maybe even some neat LG OLED integrations down the line.
Ultimately, LG doesn‘t need to out-Peloton Peloton on the community front from the jump. Even a small starting library of exceptionally produced rides that show off the Excicle‘s mixed terrain talents could be enough to sway some outdoor-starved spinners. The freewheel drive is the star—the content just needs to make it shine.
LG Excicle vs Peloton: The Brass Tacks
So where does this leave our head-to-head hardware battle? Let‘s boil it down:
The LG Excicle is for you if:
- Realistic road feel trumps all else. The switchable freewheel resistance could be revelatory for cyclists craving escape from the hamster wheel.
- You‘re an early adopter drawn to what‘s new and next. Bleeding edge tech and beta-test bragging rights are part of the thrill.
- You want to save a few bucks by BYO-screen. No tablet, no problem—your iPad or Android device will do just fine.
- You‘re confident LG‘s tech chops and content quality will catch up to Peloton‘s head start.
Stick with a Peloton if:
- You live for the live leaderboard. The energy of pounding pedals with thousands of riders in real-time is non-negotiable.
- You‘re all-in on the Peloton cult community. If your feed is filled with fawning instructor reposts, Excicle FOMO need not apply.
- Dependability is at a premium. With a decade of R&D and 3+ million paying subscribers, Peloton is the proven platform for content, competition, and low-drama connectivity.
- Money is no object to get the most immersive experience. The Bike+ is still the only game in town for an inertia-matching electromagnetic resistance engine.
Calling the Race
LG is picking a bold line by pitting the Excicle against Peloton. But the switchable freewheel concept is a truly exciting innovation that could redefine what we expect from a stationary bike.
The Excicle‘s success will come down to execution. Can LG deliver on the outdoor ride feel and quickly ramp up enough high-quality, terrain-tailored content to stand out from the studio cycling pack? The jury is still out.
One thing is certain—connected fitness will never be the same. With the COVID-19 bike boom ushering in waves of new riders to the digital ranks, there‘s more incentive than ever for brands to bring groundbreaking tech from the R&D lab to the living room.
Peloton will need to pedal hard to protect its pole position. There are already rumblings that an electromagnetic resistance system similar to its commercial-grade bikes could find its way into future consumer models. I wouldn‘t be surprised to see some sort of freewheel-adjacent feature added to maintain tech leadership.
LG also has much more up its sleeve in the fitness tech race. If the Excicle launch meets expectations, expect an entire connected cardio line to follow with both outdoor simulation and studio smarts.
The ultimate winners will be consumers spoiled for smart fitness choice. So regardless of where you place your bets in the Peloton vs. LG Excicle showdown, it‘s an exhilarating time to be along for the virtual ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the LG Excicle bike work with the Peloton app?
A: No, the Excicle isn‘t currently compatible with the Peloton app or any third-party cycling platforms. You‘ll need to access content through LG‘s own companion app designed for the Excicle‘s unique functions, like terrain-synced resistance.
Q: Can I use my Peloton bike without a subscription?
A: Yes, but with limited features. Without an active $44/month All-Access Membership, you can only access 3 pre-loaded classes and a "Just Ride" mode that displays basic ride metrics. The vast majority of content and community features requires a subscription.
Q: Does the LG Excicle bike come with a warranty?
A: LG hasn‘t announced warranty details yet. But based on their other fitness equipment, expect at least a 1-year parts and labor warranty, with the option to purchase extended coverage. Stay tuned for specifics closer to launch.
Q: How much will the LG Excicle bike cost?
A: LG hasn‘t released official pricing, but I expect it will undercut the original Peloton Bike‘s $1,495 price tag to be competitive. With the lack of a built-in display, somewhere in the $1,000 to $1,500 range is likely. Factor in the cost of a tablet if you don‘t own one already.
Q: Can you watch Netflix on the Peloton?
A: No, Peloton doesn‘t currently allow streaming of third-party video apps like Netflix. You can only view Peloton‘s own content on the touchscreen. But you can always set up a separate TV or device nearby and ride along to your favorite shows.
Q: Does cycling build muscle or just burn fat?
A: Cycling is primarily a cardiovascular exercise, so it‘s great for torching calories and shedding fat. But by riding at a high resistance and incorporating standing climbs, you can definitely build and tone lower body muscles in your quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. Upper body engagement is fairly limited on a spin bike.
