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Exercise bikes are a joy to use at home because they’re great for the joints, fun, and offer a slew of high-grade features that make them entertaining.
Keeping this in mind, the average rider doesn’t know which bike is worth it and which one is not. This is where two fitness companies have taken the time to develop high-end bikes that are the real deal. These companies are Bowflex and MYX.
Here is a peek at what their exercise bikes are all about, how they work, and which one is the right option for your home gym.
Features Comparison: Bowflex Bikes vs MYX
1. MYX Key Features and Benefits
- Interactive Touchscreen Tablet
The interactive touchscreen tablet has to be the first feature on your mind with the MYX bike. You are getting the type of gym equipment that is beautiful to the eyes and is going to be a lot of fun to use during a workout session.
You can easily toggle through the different settings, stream high-value content, and just enjoy what the bike has to offer in one place.
This is essential for those who want a robust touchscreen experience that isn’t going to get in the way of your workout. This touchscreen also tends to do well whether you have sweaty hands or not.
- MYX Membership
One of the core features that come along with this bike would be the MYX membership that you are going to pay for. Take the time to invest in this membership because you are going to see tremendous value from day one.
The workouts are fun to go through and there is enough variety to win you over.
The benefits include:
- Full Integration and Immersive
- Unique Data
- Fun-Filled Experience
Not only are you going to enjoy the various workouts but also the on-demand classes that come along with the MYX bike.
This is great when you are trying to integrate your data into the process. Due to the heart rate monitoring, all of the data is going to be relevant and ideal for making adjustments.
- Polar OH1 Heart Rate Monitor
The heart rate monitor is brilliant and is designed to offer real-time data.
If you are pushing through a difficult workout, you will want to keep tabs on your heart rate at all times. This is one of the more important details to have in mind during a workout session.
As the resistance ramps up, you will want to maintain a level heart rate.
This is why the Polar OH! heart rate monitor is a major plus point for the MYX bike.
- Stationary Star Trac Bike
One of the details people don’t think about would involve how refined the bike is. You are going to know it will perform well and it is going to maintain the type of performance you are after while riding.
It should also bode well once it is set into place.
The benefits include:
- Refined Performance
- Consistent Ride Quality
- Ideal for the Joints
This is an exercise bike that has been designed with a tremendous amount of care.
This shows through the finishing, how well it settles into a home gym, and how effective it is in performing at high levels. This is key for those who are advanced users and want to push the bike a little bit.
- On-Demand Classes
The on-demand classes are incorporated with the MYX membership and will be among the best you are going to see in the fitness industry.
These classes are detailed, engaging, and just offer a lot of benefits.
You are going to get enjoy the perks that come along with these classes and learn a lot about your body along the way. If you are new to the world of riding, you will want to have these classes guiding you.
Just having this type of information in front of you on the screen is empowering.
2. Bowflex Bikes Key Features and Benefits
- Adjustable HD touchscreen
It all starts with the adjustable HD touchscreen, which is gorgeous and truly remarkable when compared to anything else in the fitness industry.
This is a touchscreen that makes you want to sit and just watch what is being played in front of you. The reason for this type of screen being set up has to do with the JRNY app.
All of the content that is streamed through the app is going to be displayed on the screen. This is when the adjustable touchscreen is going to shine and showcase its worth.
RELATED: MYX vs NordicTrack
You will love being able to play around with how the screen is set up based on your height and viewing angle.
- JRNY Experience
This is the biggest feature associated with the Bowflex bikes and why they are a top-tier solution for those who want to buy a good exercise bike.
The JRNY app is all about creating an immersive riding experience.
The benefits include:
- Immersive Content
- Trainer Videos
- Adjustable Riding
You are going to feel as if you are riding through a real-life outdoor location that might not be possible during the day.
It is soothing and is going to get you into the workout right away. Just being able to do this is unique and something that might not be possible with other machines.
- Bluetooth® Heart Rate Armband
When tracking your heart rate during a riding session, you will want to have accurate information. This is where Bowflex shines because they have a robust heart rate armband that streams information straight to the screen in front of you.
This means as soon as you set it up with your body, it is going to relay information to the machine.
This is great and is going to ensure you keep tabs on what is going on with the heart rate at all times. Just having the ability to do this is engaging and keeps you focused.
- 100 Resistance Levels
The ability to change the resistance is a must depending on your experience riding on an exercise bike.
If you are someone that is trying to ramp up the intensity, you will want to do it with a bit of resistance. This is where the 100 resistance levels shine.
The benefits include:
- Constant Customization
- Ideal for Strength Gains
- Continued Resistance
The resistance levels are easy to toggle through and you can seamlessly change them while riding. This means even when you are going through a difficult riding session, the changes will be as quick as you want them to be.
This is where the real value begins to stand out.
- Stationary Mode
To the surprise of many people, riding on a bike isn’t just about going straight. It is about leaning as you would in real life whether you are turning and/or doing something that is not just going straight.
This is why Bowflex has what is called a “Leaning Mode” or a Stationary Mode.
In essence, this is going to allow you to play around with how you lean during a biking session. Being able to do this is remarkable as you are going to feel even more immersed in what is unfolding in front of you through the JRNY app.
See Bowflex bike best price at their website
Connected Workout Comparison: Is Bowflex or MYX More Complete?
MYX Workout Overview
- On-Demand Classes
The on-demand classes are perfect for those who are tired of not knowing what to do as soon as they hop onto a new exercise bike.
The MYX bike makes it possible to stream these classes and learn more about how to ride properly (source). This includes powering through a longer workout session and making sure you are timing yourself correctly.
These classes are a lot of fun and something you are going to enjoy every step of the way.
- Heart Rate Monitoring
The connected workout experience involves integrating the heart rate monitoring.
This is perfect for those who want to analyze their heart rate and make adjustments along the way. The connected experience ensures you are in sync with what your body is telling you.
The benefits include:
- Real-Time Data
- Constant Record-Keeping
- Seamless Integration with Workouts
It is information like this that can go a long way in providing peace of mind as you ride.
You will know the heart rate isn’t going to fluctuate dramatically while riding.
- Multi-Device Streaming
Do you want to stream on multiple devices at the same time?
You can do so with the MYX app and that is great when it comes to having a bit of fun. You can display it on the TV and watch it from there if necessary.
See all MYX workout options at their website
Bowflex Workout Overview
- Trainer-Led Classes
With the JRNY app, you are going to enjoy trainer-led classes that are specifically designed for Bowflex bikes.
This means you are getting a tailored solution that is fun, unique, and targeted to your needs.
- Adaptable Workouts
The workouts aren’t going to be dull because they are fully tailored to your needs.
This means if you want to increase the resistance, it will do so. These adaptable workouts are a lot of fun and something that works well for everyone.
The benefits include:
- Perfect for All Levels
- Easy to Set Up
- Intuitive Machine Learning
Instead of having to go through the same old workouts all the time, you will get something unique each time.
This is perfect for those who want to work out the right way.
- Fitness Assessments
You are also going to gain access to ongoing fitness assessments to test how you are doing. This is great data to have in your back pocket while riding.
You can make adjustments along the way as you learn more about your fitness.
See all Bowflex workout options
Price Comparison: Is MYX or Bowflex Cheaper?
1. MYX Pricing Options
- MYX – $1,299
2. Bowflex Pricing Option
- Bowflex C6 Bike – $999
Summary: Final Tips for Picking the Best Bike for You
When it comes to choosing between the two bikes, it will be a tough decision. You are going to be naturally impressed by both companies because they are right up there with the best in the business.
It all comes down to what you prefer as a rider.
You should pick MYX if…
You want the most affordable bike, a comprehensive heart rate monitor, a fun streaming experience, a beautiful screen, and good ride quality.
You should pick Bowflex if…
You want a wide array of options, immersive rides, considerable resistance, a large screen, and a robust build.
