But it would be easy to see peloton fitting in with gym classes for people that like to work out everyday but adding 1hr around a gym class to travel and get ready on days that time may not be available
I'll attempt to change your mind with a bit of math. And some context. I've used/use Peloton, Zwift, Future, and finally brick-and-mortar 24 Hour Fitness and Equinox.
My EQX membership is $240/month. My Peloton membership is $40/month.
You're saying that people are going back to the office and want their classes/gyms, but that's not exactly true. I'm going back to the office, at most 3x a week, typically 2x a week. Work in Manhattan, live in Westchester County (30 min commute).
$240 / 8 visits per month (2x per week) = $30 per visit. $240 / 12 visits per month (3x per week) = $20 per visit.
That $240 made sense when I could go to the gym 4x+ per week. And use multiple locations linked to the membership. It's now a very expensive line item on my credit card statement for doing something 8x per month.
Meanwhile, I can hit 2 or 3 Peloton classes per day, for $40 per month. Some of the most basic supplemental equipment (bands, dumbbells, etc.) can go a long way with some care after dealing with their upfront cost.
So, I agree with you that people want their gyms and classes but I don't agree that people are willing to pay for things they can't physically use as often. Meanwhile, anything you've built up at home is right there waiting to be used with almost no lost time.
To be fair Peloton was doing ok before pandemic I think. They got disproportionally hyped since pandemic and now returning back to what is realistic value. Myself, I would not touch it with a wooden pole but that's just personal preferences - I do not participate in organized activities. Do everything on my own.
But the narrative that they are essentially a failed company, when they are still growing their user base, and haven't even really done much of an international expansion, is so far off from the reality that their management just spent money like drunken sailors on new businesses that no one wanted.
EDIT: apparently some of you disagree. Change my mind.