Even Peloton fans have their limits.
As Peloton Interactive Inc. races to meet demand for its connected stationary bikes and treadmills, promoting equipment it may not deliver until 2021, some would-be owners are losing patience as they endure monthslong delivery delays.
Consumers are griping online, flooding customer-service lines, defecting to competing brands and sharing tips to re-create the Peloton experience on rival bikes and treadmills.
Peloton is known for selling $2,000-plus bikes equipped with a screen that shows subscription workout classes. The company said it has nearly doubled subscriptions since March as the coronavirus pandemic has closed gyms and led more people to work out at home. In September, it dropped the starting price on its bikes to $1,895.
“We’d probably still be waiting today,” said Debbie Bullen, of Newton, N.H., who ordered a $4,565 Peloton treadmill in early August, but canceled the purchase after a seven-week wait.
