Peloton is working on an in-app video game where you control a wheel

If pumping your legs while watching similarly sweaty people shout at you in an “encouraging” manner isn’t your idea of a good time, Peloton hopes you’ll like its new cycling game. Currently under the naming “Lanebreak,” the in-app game has you control a freewheeling wheel along a neon track.

The Verge had some hands-on (or should that be feet-on) experience with the new game mode, which will eventually be available for all Peloton bike owners and subscribers.

Their words? It’s like “Rainbow Road in Mario Kart, with a track trailing off into the universe.” Those pedaling to keep their tire moving on track have to change cadence and resistance to meet goals set by the app and to keep on rolling forward.

READ MORE: Peloton machines now work with Apple Watch

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You’ll be able to change the music you want to hear, the length of the track, and the difficulty level before you start, and Peloton will be starting a member-only beta later this year.

Gamification elements include the three types of challenges to gain points: Pickups, which gives you points if you’re in the right lane; Streams, which gives you points based on cadence; and Breakers, which gives points based on how much you sweat energy you use.

Was it enjoyable for The Verge’s Ashley Carman? Well, no, but they did say it might depend on if you like playing games or not. For our part, we like that Peloton is trying something different, which might bring in new subscribers that don’t particularly want to do instructor-led classes.

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Editors’ Recommendations:

• Peloton is making users cough up $40 a month just to use their Tread+
• Peloton is recalling all of its treadmill machines over some serious safety concerns
• OnePlus is releasing a cheap fitness band to help out with those lingering New Year’s resolutions
• Apple’s Fitness+ on-demand workouts are now available

Joe Rice-Jones

Maker, meme-r, and unabashed geek with nearly half a decade of blogging experience. If it runs on electricity (or even if it doesn't), Joe probably has one around his office somewhere. His hobbies include photography, animation, and hoarding Reddit gold.