Peloton is getting into running for the new year.
The New York-based maker of a cultish, internet-connected indoor cycling bike has just revealed an internet-connected treadmill, one it says is “the most technologically advanced, innovative and immersive” treadmill on the market.
Like the Peloton cycling bike, the Peloton Tread will stream live daily classes — up to 10 a day, with 7,000 available on demand — on a 32-inch HD touchscreen attached to the treadmill. These running classes are led by real instructors, just like its current classes. But Peloton says the Tread isn’t just about running; it’s supposed to offer cross training-style classes, too, as well as guided hiking and walking workouts.
Unlike traditional treadmills, which often have a series of buttons that require a forceful touch to change settings while you’re working out, the Peloton Tread has two large knobs. The treadmill’s belt is made up of 59 shock-absorbing slats, for a cushioned feel, and there’s a sound bar that gives it surround sound (on a treadmill!).
The Tread will sell for $3,995, which is almost twice as much as its $2,000 bike. It starts shipping in the fall. The company will offer it in $149-per-month installment plans. It’s unclear at this point whether the live-streaming Tread classes will be bundled into the current $39 per month fee.
The Peloton-branded treadmill doesn’t come as a huge surprise: Recode (our sister site) reported in November that this product was in the works. For Peloton, which The New York Times reports has raised almost $450 million from investors, it signals a deeper push not only into the boutique fitness market, but also the hardware market, which can be tough terrain for startups. Not only that, but treadmills have a knack for collecting dust at home once the novelty has worn off. For Peloton’s business, it’s essential that people keep using the equipment because of the software subscription it sells.
At the same time, treadmills can still be some of the most popular pieces of home gym equipment that people buy. According to a report released in 2016 by Grand View Research, treadmills accounted for about $1 billion out of $4 billion in sales of fitness equipment in North America in 2016.
Peloton says it has brought its live-streaming classes to “hundreds of thousands of households” since the company’s launch in 2014, though it didn’t specify how many of those were purchasers of the Peloton bike and how many people were simply using Peloton’s mobile apps to stream classes on their own.
We’re planning on trying out the new Peloton Tread at CES later today, and will update with more details, photos, and early impressions as we have them.