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Exercise bikes have become a flourishing part of modern home gyms because they’re low-impact, easy to use, and come in so many different options. However, the wide array of exercise bikes is a wonderful advantage, it is also a hassle to deal with as the market continues to grow.
Which type of exercise bike is the way to go? With brands such as Echelon and Bowflex marketing their bikes as being world-class, it becomes challenging to find a good fit.
This comparison is going to take a deeper look into the Bowflex C6 and Echelon Smart Connect to figure out which one is best for your needs.
Price Battle: Is the Echelon or Bowflex Bike Cheaper?
1. Bowflex C6 Pricing
- Bowflex C6 – $949
2. Echelon Smart Connect
- EX1: $839.98
- EX3: $1,039.98
- EX5: $1,239.98
- EX5S: $1,639.98
Bowflex only has one model, which means it is the only point of comparison when looking at both brands. Echelon offers a base model (EX1) which comes in at a cheaper price point than the Bowflex C6. The difference is more than $100 making it an efficient option for those who want a budget-friendly solution.
For those who are looking to go with something packed with features, it becomes important to look at what the other three models by Echelon have to offer. Whether it is the EX3, EX5, or the flagship EX5S, each bike has something unique to offer including the all-powerful HD screen that is a joy to look at.
The Winner?
Echelon has the cheaper starting point, and more pricing options to choose from.
Features Battle
Bowflex C6 Features
- 100 Resistance Levels
Starting with the resistance levels, there are 100 levels available to riders as they sit on the bike. This provides more than enough room for customization along with being able to keep up while following a workout app.
Whether it is Zwift or Peloton, these apps are going to require specific usage patterns, which this exercise bike can handle easily.
The 100 resistance levels are ideal for those who want to make micro-adjustments along the way. Rather than having to take large leaps in progression, these micro levels are easy to manage and will continue to help with growth as a biker.
- Live On-Demand Workouts
Bowflex doesn’t have a personalized workout app or program but does provide quality features to integrate with other apps such as Zwift and Peloton.
This makes it easier to run through a live, on-demand workout depending on what the apps have available. Find the workout program that is available for your device and start using the bike.
It works well with all of the programs and isn’t going to give trouble in this regard. This is a benefit for those who are thinking about focusing on a bike that works with one of these apps and doesn’t slow them down along the way.
- Integration with Peloton App
One of the primary benefits of riding on the Bowflex C6 has to do with the Peloton app. While there is no built-in HD screen to use the app through, it is still possible to simply place the app in front of you through a TV or smartphone.
The simplicity of this setup is what makes it such an appealing fit for those who are fixated on the Peloton app.
The benefits include:
- Easy to follow the different workout programs
- Designed to work with multiple devices
- Easy to set up
This is one of the more empowering workout apps on the market, which is why bikers want to use it. If that is something you are looking for, the Bowflex C6 is able to integrate nicely with what the app requires from its bikers.
See all Bowflex Bike features at Bowflex.com
Echelon Smart Connect Features
- Magnetic Resistance
The magnetic resistance in place allows bikers to quickly toggle through and find what works best for their session. This is essential when it comes to switching through multiple levels, following a live training class, and making sure to focus on pushing harder than before.
The seamless controls for changing resistance levels adds to the experience and makes it easy for those who want to think about biking before anything else.
- Built-in HD Screen
The EX5S provides a state-of-the-art HD screen and that is why it is noted as being the brand’s flagship model. For those who are looking past budgetary needs and simply want a high-grade bike with loads of features, this is where the EX5S stands out.
The gorgeous HD screen is a joy to use and works well with the brand’s workout program.
Going through the differing live, on-demand classes while using this screen makes the process a breeze.
- Live Training and Classes
With 14+ live training classes going on throughout the day, there is always something for you to enjoy. This is essential when it comes to making sure your biking experience is fine-tuned for what you are after. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned athlete, this bike will keep up due to the depth in classes.
The benefits include:
- Instructor-led classes
- Fresh fitness content added daily
- 24/7 coverage for everyone in the world
It is these classes that push the bike to the next level and make it a joy to use.
- Adjustable Bars and Seat
For those who want to make sure they can quickly adjust their position on the bike, it’s best to start here. The adjustable bars and seats are competitively designed making them perfect for athletes.
When it comes to fully personalizing a bike, these adjustments are a major plus point.
Workout & Fitness App Battle
Bowflex Workout Options
- Works with Multiple Workout Apps (Zwift, Peloton, Explore the World)
- Live On-Demand Training and Classes
- 100 Resistance Levels
Learn more about how Bowflex syncs with Peloton app
Echelon EX Workout and App Options
- 14+ Live Classes Every Day
- Live On-Demand Training and Classes
- Instructor-Based Training Programs
See all Echelon workout options and get the full App details
When looking at what these bikes have to offer, the Peloton app doesn’t provide enough depth to be as valuable as what Echelon has designed. There is a noticeable difference in this regard due to the level of customization in place.
Echelon has taken the time to build a full-fledged, instructor-heavy program that is tailored to its machines. This is far better than going with a Peloton app for those who want to have everything customized to their setup.
Echelon continues to offer considerable training advice during the workouts and this can be empowering for those who want to follow meaningful live classes. While the Peloton app does offer value, it doesn’t have the depth or the quality on offer in comparison to the Echelon app.
Summary: Which Bike Should You Buy?
Both of these exercise bikes are powerhouses when it comes to quality, durability, and general performance. You are going to be confused as to which one is worth spending your hard-earned money on and rightly so.
In the end, it comes down to personal preference and what you are looking to get out of a new exercise bike.
For example, a person that is hoping to go with an exercise bike that is compatible with the Peloton app then it’s time to consider the Bowflex C6. However, for those who are thinking about leaning towards more of a well-rounded solution with a fascinating selection of live, on-demand workouts then it may be best to go with the Echelon Smart Connect.
These are high-grade bikes and you are not going to go wrong with either option.
That said, if I had to pick one to start with, I’d look at Echelon first – they’re bikes work seamlessly with the Echelon app, they have multiple pricing points to pick from, and the EX5s even comes with a beautiful built-in HD screen. Learn more below:
