It is obvious that Peloton has two bike variants, the Original Peloton bike, and the bike plus(+).
The Original Peloton Bike comes with a 21.5” HD touchscreen, and 2-channel audio with 2×10 watt speakers.
The Peloton Bike Plus (+) comes with a 23.8” HD, anti-reflective touchscreen that rotates 360º, 4-channel audio with tweeters and full-range drivers that deliver studio-quality sound, auto-follow resistance, and Apple GymKit integration.
So, what is all this about the Peloton generations?
The Peloton generations refer to the Peloton bike touchscreen generation, which evolves whenever Peloton has a new technological advancement. For this reason, the Original Peloton bike has five touchscreen generations, while the bike plus and the Peloton tread have two touchscreen generations.
It is necessary to understand the Peloton screen generations, given that each Generation comes with newer technology than the former. So, let’s dig into these details, but first;
How Many Generations of Peloton Bikes Are There?
As a whole, there are two Peloton bike generations, namely the Original Peloton bike and the Peloton bike plus. Each of the Peloton bikes has more than one touchscreen generation. Till 2022, Peloton has had five standard bike screen generations, from Generation 1 to Generation 5. As for the bike plus have 2 generations.
In general, the older Peloton touchscreens lower the bike’s cost when one is looking for a used Peloton bike. However, the processor is comparably slower, the RAM is less, and the screens quite thick.
On the other hand, you will find that Peloton bikes with newer generation screens are more expensive even when used. After all, they have a sleeker and more attractive touchscreen, the processor is faster, the speakers are better quality, and the screencast capabilities are more advanced.
Peloton Bike Generations
Let’s have a look at the different Peloton bike generations;
Original Peloton Bike Tablet generation Models
Below are the standard bike models in order of evolvement and how you can identify one using the serial number;
- Generation 1: 2AA3N-QUARTZ uses Android OS Jellybean 4.1.1. Shipped until early 2016.
- Generation 2: PLTN-RB1V1 uses Android OS Lollipop 5.1 and was recently updated to Android 7.0. Shipped from mid 2016.
- Generation 3: PLTN-RB1VQ runs Android 7.0, and the tablets have better sound, with more bass, and support Bluetooth heart rate monitors and other Bluetooth devices.Shipped in mid 2018.
- Generation 4: PLTN-RB1VO started shipping in late 2018 and runs Android 7.0, just like Gen 3.
- Generation 5: PLTN-RB1VQ-2 started shipping in late 2021 and is the latest version on the standard Peloton bike.
Note that the standard Peloton bike touchscreen is 21.5 inches in size, regardless of the Generation.
However, the peloton bike screen is quite different from the bike plus and treadmill screens, hence a difference in generations.
The greatest difference in technology between the generations is between generations 1 and gen 2. In Generation 2, Peloton added wireless screen casting capabilities and other updated features that are not on Generation 1 touchscreens.
However, there is no major difference between screens in generations 3 and 4, though the two are quite an advancement from Generation 2.
Note: The New Peloton bike is now available on Amazon.
Peloton Bike Plus and Peloton Tread Tablet Models
The bike plus and the Peloton tread have the same screen models, hence a similarity in tablet generations;
- Gen 1: 2AA3N-TTR01: This was the first Peloton bike screen that came with rear subwoofers and front speakers, enhancing the sound. It is also larger than the standard bike touchscreen, at 23.8 inches.
- Gen 2: 2AA3N-TTR02: This is the newest Peloton bike plus and treadmill touchscreen model, which started shipping in late 2021.
Determining the Peloton Tablet/ Bike Generation Models?
How do I know which Peloton bike generation I have? This is one of the most common questions revolving around the peloton bike generations.
You can check the generation model of your tablet easily on the sticker on the back of your tablet, though other factors such as color and position of the power button can help with quick identification. For example, generation 3 models have the power button at the back top of the screen, which is in grey. However, generation 2 models have the power button, and the volume buttons are orange in color at the top and side, respectively.
The serial number identifications start as follows, depending on the Generation;
- Gen 1: 2AA3N-QUARTZ
- Gen 2: PLTN-RB1V1
- Gen 3: PLTN-RB1VQ
- Gen 4: PLTN-RB1VO
- Gen 5: PLTN-RB1VQ-2
If you have a bike plus, you will also get the bike generation idea from the back of the screen as follows;
- Gen 1: 2AA3N-TTR01
- Gen 2: 2AA3N-TTR02
As you may have noticed, generation 2 ends with V1, generation 3 with VQ, generation 4 with VO, and Generation 5 VQ-2.
Peloton Gen 1 Vs. Gen 2 Vs. Gen 3
Peloton is always making updates and improvements to the tablet and hardware to optimize the rider experience. Riders purchasing used bikes often ask about how to determine the generation of the Peloton Tablet/Bike. The biggest differences are between Gen 1 an Gen 2 which added screen casting to a remote TV plus some other details documented in this video HERE. The definitive answer is to check the model number on the back of the tablet – Gen 2= PLTN-RB1V1 and uses Android OS Lollipop 5.1. Gen 3 = PLTN-RB1VQ and runs Android 7.0. Gen 1 uses Android OS Jellybean 4.1 and reportedly is model 2AA3N-QUARTZ. My new Gen 3 tablet appears to have better sound (more bass) but a slightly dimmer display and different spec. power brick.
Peloton RB1VO Vs. RB1VQ
RB1VO, commonly known as VO, is the serial number of all generation 4 Peloton bike screen models. However, RB1VQ, also the VQ, is synonymous with generation 3 Peloton bike screen models. The main difference between the two generations is insignificant, given that it is difficult to tell. Even though gen 3 and 4 are essentially the same.
What is the Difference Between the Bike and the Bike Plus?
Both the Peloton bike and the bike plus offer the same immersive cardiovascular exercises from the same Peloton content. However, the bike plus is an advancement of the Peloton bike, with a rotating and larger touchscreen that enhances off-bike Peloton exercises. The resistance is also auto-follow, which facilitates seamless rides without checking on resistance for adjustment.
Technologically, the Peloton bike plus has better features such as RAM, memory, sound, and microphone. Even the camera has a cover for added privacy and have Apple Gymkit technology.
Related: Why Does Peloton Have a Camera & How to Use It Securely?
Is Peloton Bike Generation Important?
Absolutely! Peloton bike generations will give you an idea of the type of screen technology you will deal with when using the bike. For example, Gen 1 tablets are currently outdated and not accepting any Peloton updates, hence close to useless on the bike.
When purchasing a used bike, ensure that you check the bike generation to determine the worth of the bike. If the bike is an older model, it should be cheaper than a relatively new one; all other factors are constant.
Also, Peloton is replacing Gen 1 bike tablets at $350. Therefore, if the bike is still in good condition and the cost is still worth it even after the screen replacement, you can consider the bike.
Peloton bike plus generations have better technology compared to the Peloton standard bikes. While they may be more expensive even as a second hand, you might find a range of features you will love, and the extra cost is worth every cent.
What is the Newest Peloton Bike Generation?
The newest Peloton bike generation of the touchscreen is Gen 5, with serial number PLTN-RB1VQ-2. As for the bike plus, the newest Generation is Gen 2, which you identify with the serial number 2AA3N-TTR02. The newer models have an advantage over the older models; hence Generation is an important aspect when looking for a Peloton bike.
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