Peloton sparks sexism mockery over commercial
12-03-19, 03:41 PM
#51
Tragically Ignorant
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 15,613
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8186 Post(s)
Liked 9,095 Times
in
5,053 Posts
I‘ve done some Soulcycle classes and ridden a Peloton at hotel gyms, usually the class is 80-90% women. I think a lot of women like the idea of riding a bike for exercise but are fearful of riding alone on trails or being hit by a car in the road. Also, group led exercise is more motivating and has higher appeal for some people than solo activities. Soulcycle class three times a week would run you $2~3K/year, this is Peloton’s intended target audience. I don’t think they’ve priced themselves out of their target market at all. The bike itself seems like a solid piece of gym equipment and if you went and purchased a ‘smart’ trainer bike like a Neo smart bike or Wattbike it would be a similar amount.
What I dislike is the whole recent thing of fitness shaming on social media (MAMIL anyone?). I’m sure this woman feels better and stronger after avidly riding her Peloton for a year. Good for her. I bet her FTP is way higher than anyone who is leaving a negative comment on YouTube.
What I dislike is the whole recent thing of fitness shaming on social media (MAMIL anyone?). I’m sure this woman feels better and stronger after avidly riding her Peloton for a year. Good for her. I bet her FTP is way higher than anyone who is leaving a negative comment on YouTube.
I think it would be pretty foolish to think that they have priced themselves out of their target market. They basically invented their product category and have been one of the great marketing success stories.
As to your last paragraph, that's pretty silly. You do realize that the people in commercials are actors reading scripts, right? I'm sure the woman feels better (if not stronger) after getting her paycheck, but nothing about the commercial is real.
Likes For livedarklions:
12-03-19, 03:47 PM
#52
Tragically Ignorant
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 15,613
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8186 Post(s)
Liked 9,095 Times
in
5,053 Posts
I use the elliptical at high resistance when I have to use a machine. It's more of a full-body workout, and burns calories faster. If I'm on a bike, I want to go somewhere.
I'm sure I'd hate their product because I can't stand that cheerleading/yelling bit, plus the leaderboard thing would annoy me because I can't think of anything I less want to get competitive about. But I'm just not their target audience.
12-03-19, 04:01 PM
#54
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,604
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10947 Post(s)
Liked 7,473 Times
in
4,181 Posts
Wait a minute- social media is outraged about something?!? I am shocked!***
I have seen that commercial a bunch of times, but its always an abridged version- I hadnt seen that the husband gave it to her for christmas. I always wondered(not really) why she was videoing herself then sharing it at the end.
1- That commercial sucks. Just plain sucks, whether you choose to see sexism or not. Its stupid.
- Why is she nervous to start riding it in her own home?...thats odd.
- Why keep the bike in the middle of their modern open concept main floor?
- Who keeps a vlog of their activity for a year to then splice and share with their spouse?!? I thankfully have actually important things to do- even laying on the couch is more important that that. My wife would agree with this too.
- If she didnt realize how the gift would change her, then why did she commit to vlogging the experience?...makes no sense.
2- After reading the article and some twitter outrage, I am convinced that those who find the commercial to be misogynistic or domineering or whatever are projecting. They are projecting their frustration, insecurities, or whatever onto the commercial's characters. A husband gets a present for his wife and she ends up using it a bunch and thanks him. Oh the horror!
- Perhaps they were at the mall, she saw the Peloton kiosk, and commented in an interested manner. Husband then decided to get it since she commented in interest. How is that bad?
- Perhaps she mentioned to her husband that she was struggling to dedicate time to exercise with all of life's responsibilities so the husband thought this would make exercising easier and more frequent. How is that bad?
- etc etc etc. There are tons of very realistic scenarios where this is a nice present and none of the cynicism projected by the outraged applies.
3- luxury item commercials always suck because the scenarios and situations seem absurd to most of us since, you know, they are absurd.
I have seen that commercial a bunch of times, but its always an abridged version- I hadnt seen that the husband gave it to her for christmas. I always wondered(not really) why she was videoing herself then sharing it at the end.
1- That commercial sucks. Just plain sucks, whether you choose to see sexism or not. Its stupid.
- Why is she nervous to start riding it in her own home?...thats odd.
- Why keep the bike in the middle of their modern open concept main floor?
- Who keeps a vlog of their activity for a year to then splice and share with their spouse?!? I thankfully have actually important things to do- even laying on the couch is more important that that. My wife would agree with this too.
- If she didnt realize how the gift would change her, then why did she commit to vlogging the experience?...makes no sense.
2- After reading the article and some twitter outrage, I am convinced that those who find the commercial to be misogynistic or domineering or whatever are projecting. They are projecting their frustration, insecurities, or whatever onto the commercial's characters. A husband gets a present for his wife and she ends up using it a bunch and thanks him. Oh the horror!
- Perhaps they were at the mall, she saw the Peloton kiosk, and commented in an interested manner. Husband then decided to get it since she commented in interest. How is that bad?
- Perhaps she mentioned to her husband that she was struggling to dedicate time to exercise with all of life's responsibilities so the husband thought this would make exercising easier and more frequent. How is that bad?
- etc etc etc. There are tons of very realistic scenarios where this is a nice present and none of the cynicism projected by the outraged applies.
3- luxury item commercials always suck because the scenarios and situations seem absurd to most of us since, you know, they are absurd.
12-03-19, 04:21 PM
#55
So it is
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Westminster, CO
Posts: 21,327
Bikes: Luzerne, 684, Boreas, Wheelhouse, Alize©®, Bayamo, Cayo
Mentioned: 246 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11393 Post(s)
Liked 4,729 Times
in
2,756 Posts
Wait a minute- social media is outraged about something?!? I am shocked!***
I have seen that commercial a bunch of times, but its always an abridged version- I hadnt seen that the husband gave it to her for christmas. I always wondered(not really) why she was videoing herself then sharing it at the end.
1- That commercial sucks. Just plain sucks, whether you choose to see sexism or not. Its stupid.
- Why is she nervous to start riding it in her own home?...thats odd.
- Why keep the bike in the middle of their modern open concept main floor?
- Who keeps a vlog of their activity for a year to then splice and share with their spouse?!? I thankfully have actually important things to do- even laying on the couch is more important that that. My wife would agree with this too.
- If she didnt realize how the gift would change her, then why did she commit to vlogging the experience?...makes no sense.
2- After reading the article and some twitter outrage, I am convinced that those who find the commercial to be misogynistic or domineering or whatever are projecting. They are projecting their frustration, insecurities, or whatever onto the commercial's characters. A husband gets a present for his wife and she ends up using it a bunch and thanks him. Oh the horror!
- Perhaps they were at the mall, she saw the Peloton kiosk, and commented in an interested manner. Husband then decided to get it since she commented in interest. How is that bad?
- Perhaps she mentioned to her husband that she was struggling to dedicate time to exercise with all of life's responsibilities so the husband thought this would make exercising easier and more frequent. How is that bad?
- etc etc etc. There are tons of very realistic scenarios where this is a nice present and none of the cynicism projected by the outraged applies.
3- luxury item commercials always suck because the scenarios and situations seem absurd to most of us since, you know, they are absurd.
I have seen that commercial a bunch of times, but its always an abridged version- I hadnt seen that the husband gave it to her for christmas. I always wondered(not really) why she was videoing herself then sharing it at the end.
1- That commercial sucks. Just plain sucks, whether you choose to see sexism or not. Its stupid.
- Why is she nervous to start riding it in her own home?...thats odd.
- Why keep the bike in the middle of their modern open concept main floor?
- Who keeps a vlog of their activity for a year to then splice and share with their spouse?!? I thankfully have actually important things to do- even laying on the couch is more important that that. My wife would agree with this too.
- If she didnt realize how the gift would change her, then why did she commit to vlogging the experience?...makes no sense.
2- After reading the article and some twitter outrage, I am convinced that those who find the commercial to be misogynistic or domineering or whatever are projecting. They are projecting their frustration, insecurities, or whatever onto the commercial's characters. A husband gets a present for his wife and she ends up using it a bunch and thanks him. Oh the horror!
- Perhaps they were at the mall, she saw the Peloton kiosk, and commented in an interested manner. Husband then decided to get it since she commented in interest. How is that bad?
- Perhaps she mentioned to her husband that she was struggling to dedicate time to exercise with all of life's responsibilities so the husband thought this would make exercising easier and more frequent. How is that bad?
- etc etc etc. There are tons of very realistic scenarios where this is a nice present and none of the cynicism projected by the outraged applies.
3- luxury item commercials always suck because the scenarios and situations seem absurd to most of us since, you know, they are absurd.
12-03-19, 04:57 PM
#56
Advanced Slacker
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,210
Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2761 Post(s)
Liked 2,534 Times
in
1,433 Posts
I’m with the critics on this one. It is an asinine commercial.
12-03-19, 05:05 PM
#57
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,627
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3870 Post(s)
Liked 2,563 Times
in
1,577 Posts
12-03-19, 05:08 PM
#58
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,604
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10947 Post(s)
Liked 7,473 Times
in
4,181 Posts
12-03-19, 05:23 PM
#59
Disco Infiltrator
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Folsom CA
Posts: 13,446
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3126 Post(s)
Liked 2,102 Times
in
1,366 Posts
Just dropping by for my occasional observation that Peleton is a bike racing word but it's used for a spin-class product, while Zwift is a bike-racing product whose name sounds like a food delivery app
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
Genesis 49:16-17
Likes For Darth Lefty:
12-03-19, 06:33 PM
#60
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Pinehurst, NC, US
Posts: 1,716
Bikes: 2020 Trek Emonda SL6, 90's Vintage EL-OS Steel Bianchi with 2014 Campy Chorus Upgrade
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 452 Post(s)
Liked 162 Times
in
110 Posts
The ad seems a bit dull and stupid to me. But offensive seems a stretch beyond all reason.
Or maybe the Peloton marketing team is absolute genius - WAY more people have seen this ad due to the furor being raised than would every see a 'reasonable Peloton commercial'. Are all these Twitter/Whoever folks being paid by Peloton (or is all this being driven by fake accounts?).
dave
ps. Now that I think about it, you only need to 'seed' social media a couple of 'trigger postings' and you are off to the races.
Or maybe the Peloton marketing team is absolute genius - WAY more people have seen this ad due to the furor being raised than would every see a 'reasonable Peloton commercial'. Are all these Twitter/Whoever folks being paid by Peloton (or is all this being driven by fake accounts?).
dave
ps. Now that I think about it, you only need to 'seed' social media a couple of 'trigger postings' and you are off to the races.
12-03-19, 06:47 PM
#61
Senior Member
At least it's not one more ad where the white male is the stupid, clueless buffoon.
Likes For BlazingPedals:
12-03-19, 07:04 PM
#62
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Portland
Posts: 1,115
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 451 Post(s)
Liked 364 Times
in
227 Posts
I personally wasn't offended by it as a fairly socially liberal man. And it had me wondering, are these same writers and people who were upset by the Peloton ad also protesting the SI Swimsuit Edition, or everything Victoria's Secret has ever done? Women are objectified by all manner of industries. This Peloton thing isn't news, it's old hat.
My objection to Peloton is that with around $2400 or so, a person could get a nice bike with 105 or Rival (CF) or even maybe Ultegra or Force (Al) and then be able to actually enjoy riding a real bike. Add a cheap trainer and Zwift and you're all set.
My objection to Peloton is that with around $2400 or so, a person could get a nice bike with 105 or Rival (CF) or even maybe Ultegra or Force (Al) and then be able to actually enjoy riding a real bike. Add a cheap trainer and Zwift and you're all set.
Likes For bpcyclist:
12-03-19, 07:16 PM
#63
The dropped
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Columbus, OH
Posts: 2,144
Bikes: Pake C'Mute Touring/Commuter Build, 1989 Kona Cinder Cone, 1995 Trek 5200, 1973 Raleigh Super Course FG, 1960/61 Montgomery Ward Hawthorne "thrift" 3 speed, by Hercules (sold) : 1966 Schwinn Deluxe Racer (sold)
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1739 Post(s)
Liked 1,014 Times
in
696 Posts
I personally wasn't offended by it as a fairly socially liberal man. And it had me wondering, are these same writers and people who were upset by the Peloton ad also protesting the SI Swimsuit Edition, or everything Victoria's Secret has ever done? Women are objectified by all manner of industries. This Peloton thing isn't news, it's old hat.
My objection to Peloton is that with around $2400 or so, a person could get a nice bike with 105 or Rival (CF) or even maybe Ultegra or Force (Al) and then be able to actually enjoy riding a real bike. Add a cheap trainer and Zwift and you're all set.
My objection to Peloton is that with around $2400 or so, a person could get a nice bike with 105 or Rival (CF) or even maybe Ultegra or Force (Al) and then be able to actually enjoy riding a real bike. Add a cheap trainer and Zwift and you're all set.
12-03-19, 07:17 PM
#64
Advocatus Diaboli
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Wherever I am
Posts: 8,631
Bikes: Merlin Cyrene, Nashbar steel CX
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4729 Post(s)
Liked 1,531 Times
in
1,002 Posts
Tell that to Wahoo. The KICKRbike is listed at $3,499. Most of the smart trainer market hovers around $1,200, and you still need a bike, and all of the tech to pipe in Zwift, TrainerRoad, etc.
In the cycling world where $15k bikes and $600 derailleur cages are actual things, a $2,200 exercise bike doesn't seem so crazy to me.
In the cycling world where $15k bikes and $600 derailleur cages are actual things, a $2,200 exercise bike doesn't seem so crazy to me.
Seen the Elite Fuoripista? $17K at CleverTraining.. Hurry while supplies last
12-03-19, 07:27 PM
#65
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,604
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10947 Post(s)
Liked 7,473 Times
in
4,181 Posts
12-03-19, 07:27 PM
#66
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,604
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10947 Post(s)
Liked 7,473 Times
in
4,181 Posts
Likes For mstateglfr:
12-03-19, 07:35 PM
#67
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Posts: 8,721
Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4227 Post(s)
Liked 2,488 Times
in
1,286 Posts
It's a silly commercial but no more silly then any other commercial. I can't see anything offensive about it. Anybody who feels offended is because their minds have been poisoned by political correctness bull****.
Likes For wolfchild:
12-03-19, 07:43 PM
#68
Non omnino gravis
__________________
12-03-19, 07:51 PM
#69
The dropped
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Columbus, OH
Posts: 2,144
Bikes: Pake C'Mute Touring/Commuter Build, 1989 Kona Cinder Cone, 1995 Trek 5200, 1973 Raleigh Super Course FG, 1960/61 Montgomery Ward Hawthorne "thrift" 3 speed, by Hercules (sold) : 1966 Schwinn Deluxe Racer (sold)
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1739 Post(s)
Liked 1,014 Times
in
696 Posts
Challenge your preconceived notions and explore where they come from. Another term for "politically correct", as it's frequently used in conservative circles, is empathetic.
12-03-19, 07:57 PM
#70
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 5,791
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1020 Post(s)
Liked 463 Times
in
293 Posts
Politically correct has become a culture of oppression and intolerance. There is a world of difference between feeling empathy for others, and trying to tell everyone else how to run their lives.
I am old enough and have seen enough to know the difference between the two.
Last edited by eja_ bottecchia; 12-03-19 at 08:08 PM.
Likes For eja_ bottecchia:
12-03-19, 07:58 PM
#71
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Portland
Posts: 1,115
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 451 Post(s)
Liked 364 Times
in
227 Posts
Yeah, I am certainly no expert, but it does seem like there are some more affordable options these days than there were a couple of years ago. One that comes to mind off the top of my head is the Tacx Satori. Depending on what kind of shopper you are, you can find it for around 200-270 bucks or even less, sometimes--if you time it right.
Likes For bpcyclist:
12-03-19, 07:59 PM
#72
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,627
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3870 Post(s)
Liked 2,563 Times
in
1,577 Posts
Likes For ThermionicScott:
12-03-19, 08:03 PM
#74
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 5,791
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1020 Post(s)
Liked 463 Times
in
293 Posts
https://www.kurtkinetic.com/zwift-compatible-trainers
12-03-19, 08:05 PM
#75
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 5,791
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1020 Post(s)
Liked 463 Times
in
293 Posts
Yeah, I am certainly no expert, but it does seem like there are some more affordable options these days than there were a couple of years ago. One that comes to mind off the top of my head is the Tacx Satori. Depending on what kind of shopper you are, you can find it for around 200-270 bucks or even less, sometimes--if you time it right.
Here are some: https://www.kurtkinetic.com/zwift-compatible-trainers
