So, yeah, you can use the Peloton Bike without a subscription, but you're definitely missing out on what makes it special.

Here's the deal: the Peloton Bike is a solid piece of gear, built to be quiet and smooth—great for home workouts. But if you skip the subscription, you won't get the live and on-demand classes. That's where you connect with trainers, join other riders, and get that extra push from group workouts.

Without subscribing, you're in what they call "Just Ride" mode. You can still cycle and adjust the resistance, and you'll see basic stats like time, distance, and calories. It's a workout, sure, but lacks the exciting class content and leaderboards.

From what we've found, a lot of folks think the subscription is a big value add. It offers a variety of classes at different levels, plus fun ones like themed rides or scenic routes.

Bottom line? You can totally still get a workout in on the Peloton without it, but the subscription is what really brings the bike to life by turning it into a fitness community experience, not just another exercise machine.

When it comes to noise, the Peloton Bike and Bike+ are pretty impressive. They're known for being quiet—something that's key if you're trying to avoid bothering anyone else at home.

The original Peloton Bike runs smoothly and quietly, which our research shows is a big plus for folks trying to squeeze in a workout without disturbing others. It's nice if you're an early bird or a night owl and don't want to wake up the neighborhood while you pedal away.

The Bike+ is a bit of an upgrade. It offers some extra features like a rotating screen and immersive audio, but the quiet ride is still there. Even with cool stuff like the Auto-Follow resistance that adjusts automatically, it doesn't really get any louder.

Keep in mind, you'll need a Peloton All-Access Membership ($44/month) to get the full experience, so that's something to think about budget-wise.

All in all, if you're looking for a quiet indoor bike, both the Peloton Bike and Bike+ are solid choices. According to our research, they both do a great job of keeping things peaceful while still offering engaging workouts.

So, the Peloton Bike isn't really about battery life since it doesn't rely on a battery like some other devices do. Instead, you plug it into a wall outlet, mainly to power its 22-inch HD touchscreen. This screen is pretty central because it's where you can join live or on-demand cycling classes, which are a big part of the Peloton deal as the manufacturer describes it.

You'll need a subscription service—about $44 a month—if you want access to all these classes. Our research shows that a lot of folks think this subscription is essential to keep motivated and stay on track with their fitness goals. Without it, the bike is pretty much just a regular stationary bike because features like live metrics and leaderboards won't be available.

We've found that people generally like the Peloton Bike for its smooth and quiet ride. It's also adjustable, so it can fit different body types. However, a few people say that the seat isn't the most comfortable for longer rides. You might want to think about a seat cover or a new seat if that's a concern.

Keep in mind, you'll need specific cycling shoes to use the bike since the pedals require them to clip in. If you don't have these shoes already, that's an extra cost to think about.

Even with the steep initial price and subscription fees, many folks say it's a good investment because of how engaging the workouts are. Before you buy, it's worth considering all the costs, like the subscription and any gear you might need.

If you're curious to learn more, you can check out more details and reviews for the Original Peloton Bike on Amazon.