Amid a booming endurance sports culture marked by the rise of run clubs and record marathon participation, connected fitness giant Peloton is making its largest-ever push into the running market. The company recently unveiled three new treadmill models—including its first-ever foldable design—alongside a suite of AI-powered running features.
Marking one of Peloton’s biggest moves under CEO Peter Stern, former Apple Fitness+ executive who took the helm two years ago, the launch reflects a strategic push to expand beyond its pandemic-era identity as primarily an at-home bike brand.
Hardware Innovation: From Entry-Level Foldable to Commercial-Grade Slat-Belt
Peloton has revamped its treadmill portfolio into three distinct tiers targeting different spaces, budgets, and athletic goals:
Peloton Tread Flex ($2,195):
The company’s first-ever vertically foldable treadmill and its most affordable treadmill to date—significantly undercutting its previous entry-level model priced at $3,295.
Design & Space Efficiency: Folds upright to reduce its footprint by roughly half, features built-in wheels for easy maneuvering, a two-step soft-drop release mechanism, and a locking pin for secure upright storage.
Specifications: Includes a 21.5-inch Full HD pivoting screen and outputs roughly 70 dB of noise at max speed (12.5 mph) when running empty. It omits the built-in camera and Sonos speakers found on pricier models.
Target Audience: Built for space-constrained homes, entry-level runners, walkers, and budget-conscious consumers.
Peloton Tread Vision ($3,495):
The upgraded flagship model features enhanced deck cushioning with new dampeners, physical “Jump Buttons” for rapid speed and incline adjustments, a cooling fan, a phone tray, a 23.8-inch screen, and a movement-tracking camera.
Peloton Tread+ Vision ($6,695):
Designed for hard-surface runners and high-performance training.
Deck & Cushioning: Built with a commercial-grade slat-belt deck utilizing a ball-bearing system for maximum impact protection—a feature typically reserved for high-end boutique gyms like Equinox.
Sled Mode: Engineered in connection with Peloton’s broader partnership with the Hyrox fitness-racing series, this mode applies software-controlled resistance (30 to 300 lbs) against the belt to simulate weighted sled pushes.
Intelligence Upgrade: Expanding the Peloton IQ Ecosystem
Beginning October 1, Peloton is expanding its AI-driven Peloton IQ platform to deliver personalized dynamic coaching across its treadmill range:
Run Analysis: Utilizing computer-vision technology on the Tread Vision and Tread+ Vision, the system tracks biomechanics—including vertical oscillation, cadence, and stride length—to deliver an efficiency score along with actionable tips to help reduce injury risk.
IQ Pace Targets: After evaluating a user’s initial 10 running workouts, the system generates customized target speed ranges across 10 personalized levels.
Zone 2 Training: Responding to high user demand, the software introduces dedicated support for heart rate zone training, with a specific focus on low-intensity Zone 2 cardio.
ReRuns: Allows users to import outdoor running routes tracked via the Peloton App or Apple Watch and recreate them on the treadmill, matching real-world elevation profiles.
Additionally, Peloton announced that users can now sync Whoop wearable accounts directly with the Peloton App, leaning into the growing demand for screenless health tracking.
Executive Strategy: Expanding Modalities While Keeping Humans at the Center
Speaking at a press briefing, CEO Peter Stern highlighted that while cycling remains a foundational pillar of Peloton’s business, the company is committing fully to multi-modal growth across running, walking, and hiking.
“Having a product at that price point [$2,195] unlocks all sorts of opportunities for us,” Stern noted regarding the Tread Flex. “We’re making a big move beyond the bike.”
Since joining Peloton, Stern has driven initiatives to broaden the brand’s reach—including streaming content integrations with Spotify, class programming tailored for Hyrox competitions, and an increased push to sell equipment into commercial gym environments.
Despite the heavy integration of machine learning via Peloton IQ, Stern emphasized that AI will augment, rather than replace, Peloton’s human instructors.
“When everyone is zigging toward undermining the role of humans in this world, we are zagging,” Stern said, reaffirming that elite human instructors will remain the focal point of the Peloton experience.
