Stationary bikes and rowing machines are popular at the gym and perfect for home use. However, selecting one over the other is always a tough call. So, to help you out, here is a review on which training equipment is better.
Hi, my name is Jacob and I am an auditor of a firm here in Maryland. In most of my spare time, I like to hit the gym and work out a sweat to shed off the stresses of life and work.
Recently, I have been toying with the idea of setting up my personal home gym. Aware that it will cost me a pretty penny, I had to do some background research on which equipment was best for my needs.
Based on my training preference, I had to choose between the Echo bike and a rower. So, I gathered up as much information about them as I could to help me make my decision.
If you are in the same predicament currently, this review should be of help to you.
What are the differences between Echo Bike and RowerÂ
 |
Echo Bike |
Rower |
Resistance |
Belt-Driven |
Spiral Damper |
Heart Rate Monitor |
ANT+ compatible |
ANT+ |
Display |
LCD not backlit |
LCD backlit |
Weight capacity |
350 pounds |
500 pounds |
Training |
HIIT |
LISS |
Price |
Echo Bike vs Rower – How they compare
Design
Rowing is low-impact, effective and easy for many individuals to do with varied physical capabilities and medical conditions. The rower takes up the biggest space though storage and moving of the unit is easier as it can break apart in two pieces and it has some transport wheels built into it just like the Echo Bike.
The Echo bike takes up some space but not as much as the rower. What makes this bike stand out from other upright stationary ones is its movable handles making training fun and challenging.
With ergonomic handles and a comfortable wide seat, you can flex your arm muscles on the rower with no worries about your posture. The 14†seat is adjustable along the aluminum railing and the LCD display can also be angled to your clear line of sight.
In terms of durability in design, both the bike and rower equipment have a quality steel build that is designed to last the test of time. Echo bike is 77 pounds heavier in weight and can handle an individual weighing up to 350 pounds while the rower has a weight limit of 500 pounds.
The technique done on each equipment is different but they all provide you a great cardio workout. You can make your choice based on your preferred motion. So, do you like to row or cycle?
Function
The rower goes a step further than the Echo bike in enriching your training experience because they have enabled their bike technologically meaning you can pair it with your handheld devices and through a USB port, you can share or save your workout reports.
The rower has a wide range of programs available like preset workouts, games and multiple languages. bike is preinstalled with two workout options. The first is a four-minute interval session featuring 20 seconds of workout and 10 seconds of rest. The other is a reverse with 10 second workouts with 20 second rests.
Both equipment provide a Performance Monitoring (PMS) screen which is adjustable by the monitor arm. That takes your hands off the controls and allows you to focus on how fast you are going, how quick your heart rate is, how far you have cycled and how many calories you have burned as you train.
To get a reading on your heart rate, you have to buy a compatible heart rate monitor to pair with the bike. The rower, on the other hand needs a Bluetooth or an ANT+ heart rate monitor to pair with the bike and display the information on the LCD.
While using the rower or bike, you are guaranteed to be met with powerful air resistance. This means that the flywheel of each equipment is fitted with fan blades. Both these flywheels match the pace and energy exerted by the trainee with an equal measure of resistance.
Resistance on the rower is adjusted and controlled by a spiral damper which has resistance levels from 1 to 10 from which to choose. The Echo bike’s resistance is automatic and the only adjustment you need is in your effort.
Echo bike will be best for HIIT members because it works out your whole body and the rower best fits the LISS market whose aim is to strengthen and tone their muscles and joints.
Echo Bike vs Rower – A Comparison Overview
Echo Bike – Overview
Echo bike is made of strong steel metal made to last and it is built with much heavier measurements in thickness of parts. It has a big flywheel featuring 10 blades.
Both bikes have a powder coating finish and it gives riders maximum customizing options such as moving the seat upward, forward, backward and downwards. This bikes uniquely have a set of movable handlebars which introduces arms, back and shoulders to the overall workout.
There are footrests built into the design to allow for you to focus on upper body workouts and take a break from cycling. The pedals on the Echo bike are standard outdoor bike pedals.
These bikes demand a lot of your energy with every revolution or handle bar movement. The harder you push the belt drive system automatically adjusts the resistance and the workout gets harder. This makes it a great trainer for professional or intermediate trainees.
To get a reading of your heart rate, buy a compatible chest strap to pair with the bike. Unfortunately, the bike is not Bluetooth compatible and cannot connect with Apple of Android devices.
Pros
- 2-way adjustable seat
- Movable multi-grip arms
- Infinite air resistance
- Heart rate receiver
- Low maintenance
Cons
- LCD screen not backlit
- Not Bluetooth compatible
Rower – Overview
[amazon box=”B00F74RX40″ template=”horizontal” ]With air power resistance, the rower provides smooth function with little heard movement. The rower has the option to adjusts the resistance by use of a damper or by adding or decreasing the effort you put in. This makes the equipment a great buy for both beginner and expert levels of trainees.
The rower comes with an awesome PM5 display screen that helps the rower, through Bluetooth connection to monitor your heart rate, calories burned, distance rowed and time spent. You are also able to share this data across other Bluetooth compatible devices for future reference.
For training, you have access to several pre-programmed work outs and even games you can challenge yourself on. Handles have been ergonomically placed on the bike with 10-degree bend for better support for rowing motion.
Foot rests on the rower are adjustable to accommodate different proportionate trainees and they break into two parts which makes storage easy.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Air resistance
- Wireless heart rate monitor
- Easy storage
Cons
- Size takes up space
Verdict: So, which is better, Echo Bike or Rower?
Whatever training you hope to do whether high or low intensity, the Echo Bike is the better option. Providing users with the benefit of a full body workout and featuring adurable belt drive system, this bike will help you meet your fitness goals.