 Selecting between two amazing stationary bikes is no easy task and if this is your first purchase, you may feel a little lost and overwhelmed.
My name is Mark, I am a fitness guru and by the end of this review, I hope to have helped you pick the best option between the Bowflex C6 and Peloton interactive stationary bikes.
Bowflex can support a weight of 330 pounds compared to Peloton’s 297 pounds. These bikes are both made of heavy-duty high-qualitystainless-steelmetal which makes them stand out and assures you of a long-term use with no concerns for damages.
Regardless of the type of training you are interested in, whether high or low impact, whether for short or long sessions, they are capable of supporting you to reach your fitness goals.
What is the key difference between the Bowflex C6 and the Peloton?
 |
Bowflex C6 |
Peloton |
Handlebars |
Movable |
Movable |
Pedals |
Toe-cage design- sports shoes |
Clip-in design – cycling shoes |
Flywheel |
40 pounds |
32 pounds |
Resistance |
Magnetic with 100 levels |
Magnetic with up to 100 levels |
Weight Supported |
330 lbs |
297 lbs |
Training App |
Online Streaming |
Peloton |
Screen |
22-inch HD |
22-inch LED |
Price |
Check Here |
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Bowflex C6 vs Peloton – How they differ
Quality Construction
Being able to quickly and conveniently adjust parts of the bike to fit your specific body proportions and body type is a key factor to consider when buying these stationary bikes.
Pedals on Bowflex can be used with normal sport shoes or special SPD shoes but the Peloton only works with the cycling shoes with cleats for clip-ins.
The seats and handlebars of both have adjustments in either up or down direction and the resistance levels are also adjustable manually or on through the LCD touchscreens.
In terms of construction, the bikes match although Bowflex can handle more weight than the Peloton.
Riding Experience
BowflexC6 gives you access to multiple live streaming options and classes which helps you do more and gain your fitness results faster. Peloton has their in-built fitness program that gives you a variety of classes to choose from.
The 22-inch screen on both bikes shows vital information as you work out and the resolution is clear for your live streaming on-demand classes.
The BowflexC6 allows for mobile phone integration between mobile apps and the bikes’ software. It is obvious that the company recognizes and appreciates your need to make use of your bike as often as possible and the importance of creating a fun experience to keep you motivated.
There is no limit to the number of apps you can integrate and the integration is made out to be as seamless as possible.
Technology has transformed workouts with the use of Bluetooth connections that have been made possible to enrich your experience with options and information. Bluetooth connection is available on the Bowflex to hook your Bluetooth enabled heart rate arm band to your bike and for it to work seamlessly.
Detailed feedback is generated and displayed on the LCD monitor which you can use to learn how much stress is exerted on the body and how better to customize your training program.
Between Pelotons pre-programmed training sessions and Bowflex’s live streaming options plus Bluetooth connectivity, it’s easy to settle on the C6 for the richest riding experience.
Resistance Settings
Both C6 and Peloton bikes have 100 levels of magnetic resistance to choose from. These levels can bemanually or automatically adjustment using the controls provided in terms of a knob and the LCD touchscreen.
A bike with wide range of resistance is great for all levels of enthusiastic players because they can challenge themselves based on their strength, health and fitness goals.
Magnetic resistance is the drive of these two bikes’ flywheel and because Bowflex has a 40-pound wheel, it has greater provision for a smoother ride with some extra resistance. Peloton holds a 32-pound flywheel which also gives the user a quiet riding experience.
Both bikes have great support whether you are doing intense workouts or the more moderate kind.
The two bikes give you the same range of resistance to adjust to. Although the Bowflex C6 has a heavier flywheel, it shouldn’t make such a big difference in performance especially to a beginner.
Bowflex C6 vs Peloton – A Comparison Overview
Bowflex C6 – Overview
Made of heavy-duty stainless-steel metal and the seats are padded, adjustable in up and down directions and they are made into the road bike fashion. Handlebars are multi-grip and also adjustable vertically or horizontally to accommodate people of varying heights.
Pedals on the C6 are dual-sided meaning you have the option to use the side with toe cages or flip the pedal to use the clip-in mechanism with your special cycling shoes. A magnetic flywheel weighing 40 pounds is fitted in the bike and runs smoothly and quietly.
Programs on the bike areavailable in multiple streaming options and if that’s not exciting enough, you can use the Bluetooth feature to pair your bike with other available workout programs such as those in Peloton or Zwift apps.
To monitor your heart rate, Bowflex C6 has a Bluetooth enhanced arm band that you can use to track and report back the results to your bike’s LCD display. The frame of the bike can hold up to 330 pounds but it lacks an accessory tray, speakers and cooling fan.
Pros
- 40-pound magnetic flywheel
- Ability to live stream classes
- Bluetooth armband monitor
- Multi-grip handlebars and adjustable padded seats
- 3-pound dumbbells provided
- Dual water bottle holder
- Compatible with independent training apps
Cons
- Monthly subscription costs for streaming options
Peloton – Overview
This bike has a sleek steel frame and it carries a 32-pound flywheel. This wheel runs on magnetic resistance with 100 levels to adjust to. This adjustment is done manually or through the touchscreen but because of the wide range, it may be hard to feel a difference or even quickly adjust your settings mid training.
Handlebars are soft but a little too thin though they do give a comfortable cushioning with their stacked design that differs to the single-bar construction of the NordicTrack S22i.
The pedals on this bike may be problematic and present an extra cost to anyone who does not already own a pair of cycling shoes because they use the clip-in mechanism. This is ideal because with a securely locked in footing, you can then pull up in the cycling motion much easier which is great for glutes and hamstrings.
Unfortunately, the Peloton bike is fixed and does not move meaning there is no chance to incline or decline the bike for a more exciting cycling experience.
Pros
- Ergonomic handlebars
- Light in weight
- Comfortable seat
- Engaging App with live classes
- Can sync with Bluetooth
Cons
- Adjustment knob not accurate
- No incline or decline
- Adjustments done manually
- Doesn’t give you weights
- Needs new training shoes with 3 cleats or Replace pedals
- Need to buy a heart rate monitor which has a problem pairing
Verdict: So, which between Bowflex C6 and Peloton is the better option?
Considering all factors possible, the Bowflex C6is the best option because it provides you with the best performance overall compared to Peloton. This is because C6 has both live streaming and Bluetooth pairing to multiple training apps which will greatly enrich your cycling experience and the fitness results you get.