I have a Peloton and absolutely love it. I agree it is expensive compared to others, but you can do interest free payments of 50 quid for 39 months for the bike (total 1950) plus the 39 quid for the app. Comes to just under 90 quid a month but split between me and my husband that's 45 each which is a reasonable gym membership price IMO. Also this isn't just for a spin class... More on this later.
Now I am never the type to go for luxury brands or status symbols. I don't even own a designer bag or watch, can't understand why people would spend hundreds on shoes. Hate those who measure their own worth and others by how much designer tit they own.
But the Peloton really does seem to be a cut above the rest. We did SO much research-believe me my husband spent ages watching YouTube videos and reviews etc as did I. We almost went for the wattbike or nordic track instead and were going to just use the Peloton app (which is only 12.99 without the bike).
However I have never ever treated myself to anything premium or 'top of the range' before and after speaking to a couple of people who have the Peloton we just went for it. Initially its a 30 day trial anyway so if you decide its not worth it you can send the bike back.
I don't regret it at all. Firstly the bike looks amazing, it's so sleek and streamlined. Stream quality is amazing. The bike just feels good, much better than any spin bike I have been on, and I've been on a lot! But also the class quality is amazing, there's so many different instructors and class types to suit everyone. Plus if you used this app on another bike you wouldn't get the metrics show up on screen which is personally what pushes me to go further and improve upon every time I ride. It also shows you on a leader board against every other person in the world who has done that particular ride so its good for friendly competition etc.
Also the app isn't just spin classes. There's yoga, strength, cardio, running, bootcamp, stretching and they've just introduced barre (I'm hoping pilates is next!) Also bike bootcamp which is where you spend part of a class on the bike and part of the class in the floor with weights. Again all really good quality classes with decent music. If you have a few weights and a mat at home you're all set. Les Mills pales in comparison, I found this app horrendously cheesy, outdated and most of the music is awful cover songs.
Finally there's also a massive 'Peloton community' which isn't really my thing but there's Facebook groups and forums you can join where you all decide to ride together at a certain time etc. Plus lots of support, people have made friendships etc.
I must just sound like I work for Peloton but I genuinely love it and it's been worth it for me.