Product of the Week: Peloton Tread+ Is Premium in Every Way
Peloton’s high-end treadmill is absolutely packed with features, but is it worth its premium price tag?
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The new Peloton Tread+ has been a long-awaited release in the fitness community after the treadmill’s recall in 2021 due to safety issues. As of December 2023, the Tread+ was available for pre-order, with deliveries having begun early this year.
The Tread+ is bigger and better than ever, with a price tag to match, at $5,995. The premium version of Peloton’s treadmill comes packed with features like a 32” HD touchscreen, automatic incline, shock absorption and more. It also comes with new safety features, providing valuable piece of mind.
Athletech News tested the Peloton Tread+ to see if the connected fitness brand’s latest launch is worth the investment.
Pros
One of the biggest benefits of the Tread+ is that its large screen size and impressive sound system make the Peloton classes even more engaging. It has a 32” HD touchscreen, which is one of the largest screens I’ve seen on a piece of cardio equipment. The screen can be tilted up or down at a 30-degree angle, but not rotated from side to side.
Like the Tread, Peloton’s base-model treadmill, the Tread+ comes with customizable screen features. For example, users can swipe away the leaderboard and the stats at the bottom of the screen (including pace and incline). One of the best features of the treadmill was its automatic incline feature, which follows the instructor’s incline cues. I found it enjoyable to only have to focus on speed instructions during the workout.
The belt has rubber slats that run horizontally along its platform that are incredibly shock-absorbent, similar to the premium Woodway treadmills. Running at a range of different speeds, I felt less strain on my joints, which could be perfect for runners facing chronic injuries. Fast speeds felt more like gliding, with very little of the usual treadmill bouncing. The deck is also extremely long, at 67”, which allows for a more comfortable running experience. For taller users, this could be a key new feature.
Speed and incline are controlled by knobs that are easy to change, even during fast sprints. You can increase the knobs in increments of 0.1 mph or 0.5 mph. Jump buttons in the center of the knobs also increase speed or incline by 1.0 increments. The incline can reach grades of 15%, compared to the maximum incline of 12.5% on the Tread.
One of the most fun new features of the Tread+ is the “Free Mode” button, which turns off the motor and lets the user move the running surface alone. Free Mode works best while holding onto the treadmill and is an interesting new way to endurance train.
Other newer features that are not unique to the Tread+ include Peloton Entertainment, where users can stream TV, shows, movies, and live sports while running, and Scenic Runs, where they can follow instructors on runs in locations across the globe. Both features are elevated with the Tread+’s large screen and sound system.
As for safety, Peloton now has the standard features of a safety key and a software-based Tread lock that requires a passcode to use the equipment. It also has a rear safety guard. If anything (or anyone) gets stuck, the guard falls open and stops the treadmill’s belt from moving, providing users extra piece of mind.
Cons
The biggest potential downside of the Tread+ is its price: $5,995, which is double the price of the $2,995 base Tread model. The Tread+ extremely high-end treadmill that might be worth it to dedicated treadmill runners but could be excessive for more casual users. However, it remains cheaper than many of competitor Woodway’s treadmills, which hover around $10,000.
The Tread+ is around 430 pounds and measures 7.25” L x 36.5” W x 72” H. The dimensions of the running surface are 67 long x 20” wide. Moving the Tread+ would likely be a daunting task, so it could be better for those who are more settled in long-term homes.
For those who would use the Tread+ without headphones, it was also difficult to hear the audio over the sound of the belt at speeds more than about 8 miles per hour. This is likely an issue with most large rubber slat treadmills but could be disruptive in small spaces.
Final Thoughts
Overall, if the shock-absorbent slat-based running system, large screen, and extra running surface room are worth the Tread+’s high price tag to you, consider investing in what is likely one of the most premium treadmill experiences on the market.
Read more ATN Product Reviews here.