One of my favorite parts about the Peloton is that whenever I’m sick of cycling, I can roll it away and switch up my workout with one of Kristin McGee’s yoga classes. But there’s nothing worse than being in the middle of a killer leg lift and having to strain my neck to see what McGee is demonstrating next because the screen isn’t in my line of sight.
That’s why I was so excited when the Peloton Bike+ came out. It has a 360-degree swivel screen, which means I’d finally be able to see everything from a comfortable angle if I’m doing yoga, Bike Bootcamps, or any of the floor classes. But after considering the hassle of trading in my current Peloton for the rebate — on top of investing hundreds of dollars — I decided I’d hold off on the upgrade.
Thankfully, one brand has released an amazing, affordable alternative. Top Form Design’s The Pivot ($60), much like the Bike+, allows you to swivel, angle, and rotate the screen to a full 360 degrees. This attachment is quick and easy to install with no major modifications, as it’s placed right underneath your monitor. And, while some Peloton mods and off-brand accessories don’t really match the aesthetic of the Peloton, this one blends in seamlessly. Still, I had some questions about how exactly it works. Here’s what I’ve learned.
How Sturdy Is The Pivot?
Between cycling shoes and bike mats, anyone who frequently does high-impact rides knows that stability is essential, and it applies to the screen, too. I know I’m not alone when I say I’ve tried to prop up my iPad on my Peloton and quickly decided against it due to the fact that it would not stop shaking during my ride. Fortunately, you shouldn’t have to worry about The Pivot destabilizing your screen, because it’s designed specifically to fit the Peloton bike. It also comes with additional bolts and washers for extra support.
How Do You Install The Pivot?
Installing the Pivot onto the frame of your Peloton is a very straightforward process, because The Pivot sits right where the original monitor was attached, and you’ll use the same bolts to secure it. Everything you need is already on your Peloton or comes in the box, so don’t worry about digging up any extra tools. If you’re not sure where to start, Top Form uploaded a helpful step-by-step tutorial to their YouTube channel. The Pivot will raise your monitor slightly higher, but if your knuckles tend to hit the bottom of the screen when you’re holding the handlebars, this higher placement will only serve to make your rides even more comfortable.
Will You Lose Your Ride Streak When You Unplug Your Monitor?
You’ll need to unplug your monitor and detach it from your bike while installing The Pivot, but it isn’t like unplugging an Xbox and losing all your video game progress. You won’t lose your ride streaks, stats, or any preexisting data. Even if something were to happen to your monitor, all your progress would be safe on your Peloton account and across all the devices where you have the app installed.
Will The Pivot Void Your Warranty?
As with any modification to the hardware of the Peloton, this one could technically void your warranty, but as long as you’re careful, it’s unlikely that it will. The Pivot is easy to install, which means it’s easy to uninstall, too — so unless there’s a mishap during installation, you probably won’t have to worry about voiding the warranty. Nonetheless, The Pivot adds a ton of functionality to your Peloton for the 60 bucks it costs. If you were planning to upgrade to the Bike+ solely for its screen capabilities, this one attachment is well worth the investment.