To begin with, both bike brands are quite exceptional and they have fallen in many people’s list of favorites. Let us look into models of their magnetically charged resistant bikes and try to determine which brand is better.
Upright, stationary bikes have become the fastest growing bikes in terms of sales and popularity. Compared to other brands such as Peloton or NordicTrack, they do provide a welcome relief to the budget buyer.
Hello, I’m Jack and my friend owns a gym and a body fitness work shop. Through his influence, I have grown into a pretty buff guy. Having had my experiences on both bike types, here’s what I think sets these two apart.
What are the differences between Bowflex and Echelon?
Bowflex C6 |
Echelon EX5S |
|
Flywheel |
40-pound |
29 pounds |
Resistance |
100 levels magnetic |
Magnetic with 32 levels |
Seat |
Padded and adjustable |
Race bike seat adjustable |
Monitor |
22-inch display |
21.5-inch HD |
Pedals |
Dual Link with toe cages |
Toe-cage design- sports shoes lbs |
Handlebars |
2- way Adjustable |
2-way adjustable |
Price |
Bowflex vs Echelon: How they compare
Performance
Echelon’s 29-pound flywheel is run by magnetic currents that provide a smooth and quiet yet powerful riding experience. The resistance can be adjusted effortlessly with the knob that is placed right below the monitor or screen.
There are up to 32 levels of resistance for you to choose from to keep giving yourself new and exciting challenges. There is a feature that allows you to take a ride simulating an outdoor cycle in virtual fashion.
Bowflex C6 has 100 levels of magnetic resistance that you can choose from. These levels are achieved by manual adjustment using the controls provided.
Getting a bike with a 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.
Bluetooth connection on both bikes allows you to hook your Bluetooth enabled heart rate arm band to your bike and for it to work seamlessly.
The handlebars come in handy in that they are adjustable which adds to the ease of access to the resistance adjustment knobs.
Owing to the fact that Bowflex have a bigger flywheel with more available levels of resistance, it gives them a leg up over the Echelon Bikes.
Design
Echelon EX5S features a 21.5-inch screen that displays your vital information and gives you a clear picture of the training programs and on-demand live streaming classes. A cool factor about Echelon’s screen is its ability to flip to a 180 degree.
This allows you to get off the bike and make use of the other training workouts provided like yoga, Pilates and weight training with the dumbbells.
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.
The 22-inch screen on Bowflex bikes shows vital information as you work out and the resolution is clear for your live streaming on-demand classes. It also allows for mobile phone integration between mobile apps and the bikes’ software.
The pedals on the Echelon feature a toe-cage option and a clip-in option when flipped. This makes it convenient for you to use your normal gym shoes and if you have a pair of cycling shoes, you can try them on the bike as well.
Echelons ability to flip the screen to 180 degrees gives it a leg up over the Bowflex which you can’t even swivel.
Bowflex vs Echelon: 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 are available 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 t 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
Echelon EX5S Overview
This bike rides on a magnetic resistance mechanism to push a 29-pound flywheel with 32 levels of adjustable resistance. To make resistance adjustments, use the knob provided that is easy to operate and easily accessible mid-training.
it is built on a sturdy steel frame with a sophisticated design finish and powder coated. This frame holds up a 6-inch lever style adjustable seat built with as much comfort as is found on race bikes.
Pedals are both compatible with SPD shoes and they are designed to flip over to the other side which is fitted with toe cages to secure any size footing. To track your performance, vitals and progress in training, you must connect the bike’s Echelon App to your mobile phone to see that information.
Handlebars on the EX5S use the Aero system which allows for more movement for enhanced comfort and performance. A device mount is featured as well as water bottle holder just underneath for quicker access mid-training.
Unique to the EX5S is its provision of a touchscreen holder that can swivel 180 degrees and is filled with more workouts other than cycling. By getting of the bike and flipping the screen, you can proceed to try out other workout techniques such as yoga meditation and Zumba.
The speakers are inbuilt but they are not compatible with your device to play any of your favorite music. The 21.5-inch touchscreen of Echelon only works if you are under subscription and cannot stream any other material other than from the Echelon Fit program.
Pros
- 180 degrees flip touchscreen
- Durable steel frame build
- Compact and transportable
- Magnetic resistance with 32 adjustable levels
- 29-pound flywheel
- Handlebars of Aero system provide great movement
- Statics visible while training even without subscription
- Pedals are SPD compatible and fully adjustable
Cons
- Limited Functions with the Echelon Fit subscriptions
- No other apps are compatible other than Echelon Fit
Verdict: So, which between Bowflex and Echelon brand is better?
It is obvious that both companies recognize and appreciate your need to make use of your bike as often as possible and the importance of creating a fun experience to keep you motivated.Handle bars on both Bowflex and Echelon can be adjusted along the frame by forward or backward motion to make room for various body proportions and provide varying levels of comfort.
The best brand is the Echelon because it provides everything that Bowflex does and more like the 180-degree flip screen and the online streaming options once you are connected online. The ability to cross train off it also adds to the Echelon bikes’ appeal.