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There are many differences between the Stages SC3 and Peloton Bike. Find out what these are and what indoor cycling bike you will likely prefer.
The main differences between the Stages SC3 and Peloton Bike are that the Stages SC3 has a higher weight limit, no electricity requirements, a bigger user height range, different workout app connectivity, longer warranties in most areas, and more compact dimensions.
On the other hand, the Peloton Bike has a bigger built-in screen, resistance level numbers, Peloton App connectivity, and a price that is a lot more budget-friendly.
If you really need the higher weight limit, no electricity requirements, dimensions, or bigger user height range can consider the Stages SC3 (or other exercise bikes that offer these things).
Additionally, if you really like the interaction between the Stages SC3 and workout apps like Zwift, Sufferfest, and TrainerRoad, you could consider investing more into this option.
That being said, you will likely prefer the Peloton Bike because of its more budget-friendly price, big built-in screen, and precise resistance level values.
Most important differences Stages SC3 vs Peloton Bike
While you can consider both the Stages SC3 and Peloton Bike indoor cycling bikes, these models still vary in many areas. This will make one or the other the best choice for your situation and preferences.
At the same time, some differences are more important than others. In the first table below, you can find the ones that are most likely to influence your decision.
| Feature | Stages SC3 | Peloton Bike |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 350 Pounds (158 kg) | 297 Pounds (134.7 kg) |
| Screen | Small Backlit Console | 21.5” HD Touchscreen |
| Resistance Levels | Continuous Resistance Knob | 100 Levels |
| Requires Electricity | No | Yes |
| User Height Range | 58 to 82 Inches (147.3 cm to 208.2 cm) | 59 to 76 Inches (149.9 cm to 193 cm) |
| Workout Programs | Compatible With Training Apps Like Zwift, Sufferfest, And TrainerRoad | 30-Day Trial For New App Trials |
| Warranties* | 15 Years Frame Warranty, 10 Years Carbon Belt Warranty, 3 Years Bike Components Warranty, And 1 Year Power Meter Warranty | 5 Years Frame Warranty, 12 Months Most Original Components And Labor Limited Warranty |
| Dimensions | 43.5″ L x 24.5″ W | 59″ L x 23″ W x 53″ H |
| Availability | Not Always In Stock | Tends To Be In Stock |
| Price Category** | $$$$$$$ | $$$$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
**Price category at the time of writing
Other features Stages SC3 and Peloton Bike
You may also be interested in the smaller differences and common features of the Stages SC3 and Peloton Bike. These can be important too in certain situations.
| Feature | Stages SC3 | Peloton Bike |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance Type | Magnetic | Magnetic |
| Flywheel Weight | 37.5 Pounds (17 kg) | Not Mentioned |
| Position Flywheel | Front | Front |
| Handlebar Style | Elevated Bullhorn + Drop Handlebars | Elevated Bullhorn |
| Handlebar Adjustment | Height & Fore/Aft | Height |
| Seat/Saddle Style | Competition | Competition |
| Adjustable Seat | Height & Fore/Aft | Height & Fore/Aft |
| Pedals | Dual-Sided with Toe Cage & SPD-Compatible Clips | Delta-Compatible |
| Screen Mobility | Static | Tilts |
| Device Holder | Optional Small Holder, Bought Separately And Pricey | No |
| Weight | 96 lbs (46 kg) | 135 lbs (61.2 kg) |
| Transport Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Bluetooth Heart Rate Monitor, Bought Separately | Bluetooth Heart Rate Monitor, Bought Separately |
| Bottle Holder | 2 Medium | 2 Medium |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
Differences Stages SC3 vs Peloton Bike explained
If you are somewhat experienced when it comes to indoor cycling bikes, you may be able to make a decision between the Stages SC3 and Peloton Bike by looking at the price and feature differences.
On the other hand, you may also still be unsure about what certain features mean, why they are important, and to what extent they should play a role in your decision.
Screen
Cardio machines like exercise bikes typically come with some type of display to show workout measurements. These can help you adapt your workouts and motivate you to keep going.
Additionally, some brands use this screen to add an extra dimension to the experience of the exercise bike.
When it comes to the built-in screen, the Stages SC3 keeps it relatively simple. It has a small backlit console that displays things like speed, RPM, watts, distance, etc.
You can connect the Stages SC3 to certain workout apps but for this, you need your own smart device and a smart device holder.
On the other side, the Peloton Bike comes with a 21.5” HD touchscreen which is made to only work with the Peloton App. This screen will make the Peloton exercise bike workouts and scenic rides more fun and immersive.
So while your own smart devices will be more flexible in features, when it comes to built-in screens, the Peloton Bike definitely has the upper hand.
Winner: Peloton Bike
Resistance levels
One of the main principles behind working out and more specifically exercise bikes is challenging your body enough.
By doing this, you start a variety of internal processes that can make you healthier and happier in the long term.
At the same time, you don’t want to overdo it. This could reduce the quality of your workouts and potentially lead to injuries.
To help you train at the right challenge levels, stationary bikes typically come with multiple resistance levels. The same goes for the Stages SC3 and Peloton Bike.
However, these models approach resistance levels in different ways. The Stages SC3 has a continuous resistance knob which is somewhat unusual.
On the flip side, the Peloton Bike has 100 resistance levels to choose from. You also adjust the resistance with a turn knob.
The lack of customer mentions about the resistance being lacking or too hard implies that the resistance range of both bikes is at least decent.
However, being able to put a number on the resistance is generally helpful to find the right challenge level fast and to see how you are progressing over time. That means people will generally prefer the Peloton Bike in this area.
Winner: Peloton Bike
Requires electricity
This next indoor cycling bike feature is relatively straightforward. The Peloton Bike requires an outlet to work whereas the screen of the Stages SC3 uses power the athletes generate.
In a gym situation where you want multiple bikes and want to be able to move them around, the Stages SC3 will definitely be more convenient.
Additionally, you get just a bit more flexibility in terms of where you can put the indoor cycling bike at home.
For many people, the electricity requirements of the Peloton Bike will not be that big of a downside. That being said, the Stages SC3 does have the upper hand in this feature.
Winner: Stages SC3
Dimensions
Stationary bike dimensions are relatively straightforward details but these details deserve a quick mention in terms of their consequences and what situations they matter the most.
Before going into these things, the Stages SC3 has dimensions of 43.5″ L x 24.5″ W (110.5 cm L x 62.2 cm W).
The Peloton Bike is longer and slightly narrower with dimensions of 59″ L x 23″ W x 53″ H (150 cm L x 58.4 cm W x 134.6 cm H).
Most people have at least somewhat of a limitation in terms of how much space their workout room has. The Stages SC3 will be just a bit easier to fit into your workout space.
Additionally, you may just want to use your workout room for other exercises or purposes. Again, the more compact dimensions of the Stages SC3 will be a bit more convenient for this.
Winner: Stages SC3
Price
The Stages SC3 and Peloton Bike both have their advantages and disadvantages. Something that could make your decision easier is a big difference in prices.
Exactly how much of an investment each exercise bike requires depends on where you get them and can change over time.
That being said, at the time of writing, the Peloton Bike is a lot more budget-friendly than the Stages SC3.
One thing to keep in mind is that you want to get the Peloton App subscription to get the most out of the bike. However, even considering this, the Stages SC3 is a lot pricier.
Winner: Peloton Bike
User reviews
When comparing two indoor cycling bikes like the Stages SC3 and the Peloton, the price and feature differences often give a good idea about what model the best choice is for you.
Even so, customer reviews sometimes reveal unexpected downsides or trends in quality issues.
One challenge in comparing the Stages SC3 and Peloton in this area is that the SC3 does not have that many reviews (yet). There are still things to say but the overall sentiment could change with more customers.
At the time of writing, customer reviews about the Peloton tend to be more positive.
The monitors of the Stages SC3 don’t always work as desired. There are some mentions of data synchronization issues and measurement calibration issues.
In the case of the Peloton Bike, there are a few exceptional cases of faulty parts. Some people also don’t like the subscription costs of the app.
So while there are not that many reviews of the Stages SC3 yet, customers currently tend to be a lot more positive about the Peloton Bike.
Is the Stages SC3 or Peloton Bike right for you?
In short, the Stages SC3 has a higher weight limit, no electricity requirements, a bigger user height range, different workout app connectivity, longer warranties in most areas, and more compact dimensions.
On the other side, the Peloton Bike has a bigger built-in screen, resistance level numbers, Peloton App connectivity, and a price that is a lot more budget-friendly.
People who really need the higher weight limit, no electricity requirements, dimensions, or bigger user height range can consider the Stages SC3 (or other exercise bikes that offer these things).
Besides these things, people who really like the interaction of the Stages SC3 with workout apps like Zwift, Sufferfest, and TrainerRoad could consider investing more into this exercise bike.
That being said, most people at home will prefer the Peloton Bike because of the big differences in price, screen size, and resistance levels measurement.
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