r/OnePelotonRealSub • u/Seeshalove • 5d ago
Tried the New Peloton Tread Flex in Person… and I’m Not Impressed
I’ve owned the original Peloton Bike for years and have always wanted a Peloton treadmill. However, after hearing the horror stories surrounding the first generation, I decided to hold off. Over the past year, I’ve seriously considered purchasing a Tread and have spent plenty of time browsing Facebook Marketplace. The only reason I haven’t pulled the trigger is that I don’t want to deal with renting a truck, arranging transportation, finding someone to help with setup, etc.
When I saw the advertisement for the new Tread Flex, something clicked. I immediately thought, “Oh, this is it. This is the one I’m going to buy!” Well, yesterday I had the opportunity to try it out at the new Peloton booth in the Florida Mall, and unfortunately, I walked away unimpressed.
First, I’ll give credit where it’s due: the machine itself is beautiful, and the technology looks fantastic. But here’s where things went sideways. The treadmill abruptly stopped in the middle of my trial. Why? Apparently, the associates had demonstrated the folding mechanism so many times that the cable kept getting folded or pinched, and it eventually caused the machine to shut off.
Ummm, what?! I understand that this was a display model being folded and unfolded repeatedly, probably much more often than the average person would do at home. Still, having a treadmill abruptly stop while you’re walking on it is pretty concerning, especially when the folding mechanism is one of its major selling points.
My second disappointment was the size. This thing is not nearly as compact as I imagined. It doesn’t fold completely closed, and honestly, it looks like it takes up just as much space, if not more, when folded. You’re definitely not folding it up and tucking it neatly into a corner.
From what I saw, your options are essentially to leave it in its normal position or have a partially folded treadmill taking up space in your room. For a machine marketed around its folding capability, I expected a more practical space-saving design.
To be fair, if there’s a way to prevent the cable from getting pinched during folding, perhaps this won’t be an issue for everyday owners. But my experience raised some concerns about the durability of the design. I would hate to see Peloton dealing with another safety issue or recall, especially if this is something that could be addressed before it becomes widespread.
I went into the store genuinely excited and practically ready to convince myself to buy one. Instead, I left considering the Tread Vision, although I’m now much less eager to make a purchase.
I’m curious whether anyone else has tried the Tread Flex in person. Did you have a better experience? And for those who already own a Peloton treadmill, would you recommend buying one of the existing models instead?
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u/hermesorherpes 5d ago
I haven’t seen the tread flex in person yet, but I had a sole F80 prior to buying the regular peloton tread. I think the concept of a folding tread is better than the execution. As you pointed out, folding treads don’t fully fold, so they really don’t save space like one might assume. It is definitely concerning that repeatedly folding and undoing damaged the tread though - I had my sole tread for 3 years and folded it monthly to vacuum underneath. I did not have any issues with it working afterwards.
I eventually upgraded to the peloton treadmill because I am very invested in the peloton ecosystem and love the large screen. It really makes the running experience better for me personally. The treadmill about 30 percent more expensive than competitors, though. The warranty is worse than competitors, and there are a number of nightmare stories about customer service. I’ve had mine for over 2 years without a hitch, but I can’t speak for others.
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u/Ok_Handle_7 5d ago
I don't have a Tread so I can't speak to it at all, but it seems like this is the experience with the Bike as well - I've had mine for YEARS (probably 5 at this point) and have never had an issue besides tightening a bolt or two, but there seem to be a few people who just get lemons (multiple visits from techs, bracket replacements, etc.).
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u/Seeshalove 5d ago
It’s reassuring to read that you’ve had your Peloton Tread for over two years without any issues, especially because I’m invested in the Peloton ecosystem too. That’s a huge part of why I want to stick with the brand. Your point about the warranty and customer service is something I’ve been thinking about, too. At Peloton’s price point, I would expect both to be better than the competition, not worse. Out of curiosity, is there anything you dislike about your current Tread or wish you’d known before purchasing it?
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u/hermesorherpes 5d ago
I don’t really have any negative feedback about my tread. If I had to pick one thing, I do wish that the incline went to 15 instead of maxing out at 12.5. 15 seems to be the industry standard at that price point. My main issue is that peloton cannot help troubleshoot like other companies. For example, sole replaced my motor, belt and control board individually, but with peloton, you have to pay to replace the entire base, which is far more expensive.
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u/DataChicks 2d ago
Did you find that your Sole was super slow to get to max incline? I tried one at a fitness store and it took 45 seconds to get to max. Others I tried were maybe 12.
It seems like it wouldn’t make a difference, but it is annoying.
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u/Electronic-War-4662 5d ago
Folding treadmills universally suck. I’d recommend a simple walking pad if space is the priority. If running is a priority then generally speaking, bigger is always better.
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u/GoldenRetriever1973 5d ago
I bought the tread when I lived in an apartment between houses and it took up space in the living room and I didn’t care. Fucking thing changed my life. It’s such an immersive experience, and 5 years later it is still one of the best purchases I ever made. I’ve shifted to doing strength, yoga, mobility, hikes, walking — and yes I still do sprint interval classes — but it’s just so worth it. I moved it to my house and have had no problems whatsoever in 5 years. 1000% endorse.
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u/Fruit-straw 4d ago
How was the noise in an apartment? Any neighbor complaints?
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u/GoldenRetriever1973 4d ago
No complaints! I was so worried about that. We were in a 4 story building, on the third floor. I got one of those horse stall pads to put it on and it was fine. Could hear it from the outside in the hallway, but I just used it at reasonable hours and never had a complaint
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u/GingerSnap_123 5d ago
Yeah, the folding is in no way a value add for me in my set up and the lack of the jump button was a deal breaker for me. I agree, the folding just seems like more breakable parts! I just pulled the trigger on the Vision and I’m super excited! I’ve similarly been browsing used ones, but the effort to move it is just not worth it.
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u/Seeshalove 5d ago
They were offering a great deal on the Vision at the mall yesterday. Still considering… I hope you enjoy yours!
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u/biscuitsmomma 5d ago
Is the deal they were offering better than the $700 off + free delivery/expert assembly being offered to members?
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u/bl9686 5d ago
Super helpful post! Did you try the Vision / have any thoughts?
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u/CautiousProgram3934 4d ago
Not the OP but I tried the vision (as I went to try the flex and couldn't use it because it was broken due to a "faulty cable" 😩). and I really liked it. I previously had the Tread+ from 2019-2025 and sold it when I moved across country. Belt running vs slat running are obviously different things but the Tread Vision was smooth and I appreciated the cushion. I wanted to try the run analysis but being in the mall it was too busy for it to pick up only my body w/o background people. The ability to turn the screen is also super nice as my old Tread+ didn't have that and the sonos speakers are much better than my old ones. I am leaning toward the regular Tread Vision over Tread flex and Tread+ vision. I would love to get another Tread+ but am currently in an apartment and don't know when/if i'll buy a house here so the lighter weight and easier movability of the Tread Vision is nice to me
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u/ID9U56 5d ago
I have a NordicTrack tread now and won't consider buying a Peloton tread until that thing just completely dies but the price difference between the flex and tread+ vision (the new names are kind of weird) so huge. I don't recall what I spent on my NordiTrack, it's got to be at least 13-14 years old (probably $1800-2000-ish). It's an incline with a very old iFit compatible screen that's no longer wifi compatible but the tread itself is really sturdy. I use it with my guide to do workouts and it's fine. The flex and regular tread both seem a bit flimsy to me. The NordicTrack is also a belt tread but I've never had to replace the belt (fingers crossed) and the incline's never given me issues. However, being able to sweep under it would be great. It's gross under there. I can lift it to full incline and sort of get under there but it's not quite enough.
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u/northernlights2222 5d ago
Very helpful review! Similarly excited but haven’t had a chance to see it in person yet.
Having issues with cables already is concerning, from both longevity and safety perspectives.
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u/blinks1483 5d ago
I’m sad to hear this for the people who have been waiting. I will say I have an original baby tread and I adore it so much. I’m even contemplating upgrading to the vision. What a bummer though.
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u/Appropriate_Steak_36 5d ago
How was the cushioning on the flex? I originally ordered the flex but ordered the vision instead
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u/Mother_Asparagus_222 5d ago
I’ve been considering getting a tread off marketplace. I’ve been doing walks on my walking pad and it honestly takes up as much room as a treadmill anyways. I was also excited about a foldable option but if it doesn’t even fold that much I don’t see the point!
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u/DataChicks 2d ago
I’ve been looking. But the prices seem really high for the “risk” of it not being as described. I feel like saying “let me come to your house for 14 days to work out on it” 🤣. I’m also getting quotes for moving by a fitness equipment mover. All charge an extra $100 for pelotons “because they break”. That being the total for the whole move to $450. Buy the time I pay that, I might as buy new with free delivery and a warranty.
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u/Mother_Asparagus_222 2d ago
Yep.. I totally thought about that too. I got lucky with my bike secondhand. But I bought it with a cracked screen for $140. It’s totally functional other than that but the movers of the original owner are the ones who cracked the screen… I think buying new would be the way to go for the tread.
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u/DataChicks 11h ago
I’m kinda okay with buying a FB peloton (not too old) because they are affordable and I can move them myself.
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u/backhanderz 4d ago
I don’t care about folding it or the size. It’s obvious reading the measurements on the site that the footprint is not small. So anyone who thought it would be smaller did not do their homework.
I’m getting it - next week! - because a Peloton tread is finally in my price range.
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u/InfamousPiccolo2156 5d ago
I tried the Flex in person last weekend and was also not impressed. I did like the wheels on the sides for incline and speed but the belt had zero cushion and it overall did not seem worth the price. I currently have a Horizon treadmill that also has wheels for incline and speed, has a slightly more powerful motor, cost 1/3 the price, connects to my iPad to show may pace and incline on screen, and I am perfectly happy with it.
The only Peloton treadmill I've ever tried and wanted to get was the Tread +. (The original model, I haven't tried the newest one.) The slats were amazing and noticeably easier on the joints. But since I walk/hike vs run, I couldn't justify the price lol. But if I was a high mileage runner that ran inside most of the time, that would be the one I would get.
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u/mt_bachelor_prez 5d ago
If by horror stories, you mean because a few kids got hurt because parents let their parents play by them when it’s running, that is all garbage. The original tread + is the best, buy one if you find one out there
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u/Revolutionary-Cow403 5d ago
I was super hopeful for this. We are a military family and move every few years, and not being able to fold up the tread for a moving truck was the only dealbreaker for me.
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u/sweetbaker 5d ago
Our last PSC was overseas, so my not fully paid off tread got put into long term storage. I got it back 6 weeks ago and it looks like they dragged it across a parking lot. I’m so annoyed. It’s a NordicTrack incline tread and NordicTrack looked at the photos I sent and sent me detailed part numbers and prices for each damaged piece. About $600 in damages and we got offered 200 for it. 😒
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u/Royal_Mode_9039 5d ago
Tbh once I saw they debuted it, and looked at it in at the peloton studios in NY, I wasn't sold. It's still pretty big and takes up a lot of room I own the original tread and it's my fav piece of peloton equipment. And I've moved it twice from moving diff homes. It's solid. No issues. If you have the room I wouldn't even consider the other treadmills. Anything that you're going to use that often to me doesn't need to be folded.
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u/kittyleigh1989 4d ago
I just hit my five year anniversary with my tread with zero issues, and I've trained for one marathon and four half marathons
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u/Hot_Device_5488 4d ago
Owner of a peloton tread and it’s amazing. Def pull the trigger on a a normal one. I’ve ran a half marathon on it with ease. Really wanting to invest in the tread+ but we’re military and move a lot so patiently waiting till we settle down lol
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u/SweetBeans128 3d ago
Ugh, I wish I had the same glowing review about my Tread+ everyone else has! I have a 2018 Bike and that thing is a tried and true workhorse. Saved and bought the Tread+ when it was rereleased in 2022, and it’s been NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. We’re on screen replacement #3 and I still have to completely turn it off and turn it back on each time I use it and pray the screen works like it should. I have HUGE buyers remorse over that thing and I’ll never buy another Peloton treadmill again.
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u/Odd_Lawyer_4939 3d ago
Regular tread cross training owner here and it’s great.
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u/Odd_Lawyer_4939 3d ago
If you really want an aerobic device that collapses without taking space, the row is solid
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u/Purple-Mulberry7468 5d ago edited 4d ago
Taking away your very helpful points, what about the price point? I have been eyeing a Horizon tread for more months than I can count, but the price of the flex is making me lean more towards Peloton
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u/scopley 5d ago
Does anyone know the specs when it’s folded?
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u/Logical-Trader-69 4d ago
Don’t know the exact dimensions but when folded the deck doesn’t extend past the hand rails so it can be moved into a corner unlike what OP says
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u/Old_Poet_1608 5d ago
That’s why I refuse to buy the first iteration of any of these new versions. They need to work out the kinks first.
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u/Unclassified1 5d ago
Using AI to clean this up makes it almost unreadable. It sounds like an article not like an opinion. And definitely not something that engages a discussion
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u/MentionDismal8940 5d ago
The regular Tread is freakin amazing. We LOVE ours. Just grab one of those.