If you are looking for a new indoor cycling
Read on to learn about six fantastic cycling models that are available on the market today.
Key Differences Between Freebeat, Echelon, and Bowflex Bikes
While all three brands offer quality cycles, their features are quite different. When you look at these bikes, you can instantly tell that one
Another significant difference between these models is the app options that they include. Out of six models, only one Bowflex option allows you to select the app you use with the
Freebeat | Echelon | Bowflex | |
---|---|---|---|
Resistance | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic |
App Required | Yes | Yes | Not all models |
Flywheel Placement | Front | Back | Front |
Freebeat Bikes Review
Freebeat cycles offer riders a unique gamification riding experience through their Smart Saddle Detection+ and video game-style graphics. These affordable cycles are shaking up the cycling market, competing with other more expensive models available today. Currently, Freebeat offers the Lit and Boom bikes.
Although these two models offer the same great features, such as automatic resistance, a personal trainer algorithm, and Smart Saddle Detection+ technology, the design of these two bikes does vary. The Lit
Pros & Cons of Freebeat Bikes
Comparison of Freabeat Lit vs. Boom Bikes
Freebeat Lit | Freebeat Boom | |
Price | Starting at $1,199 | Starting at $649 |
Resistance | Magnetic | Magnetic |
User Height Range | 4’11” – 6’4” | 4’11” – 6’4” |
User Weight Maximum | 300 lbs. | 300 lbs. |
Screen Size | 21.5” diagonal | 15.6″ diagonal |
Dimensions | 49.3” L x 58.8” H x 22.6” W | 51.5″ L × 51.5″ H × 24.7″ W |
Flywheel Weight | 28.6 lbs. | 15.4 lbs. |
Bike Weight | 113 lbs. | 79 lbs. |
Echelon Bikes Review
The Echelon EX 5s series offers a premium cycle at an affordable price. The 5s 10 and 22 indoor cycling bikes include 32 levels of magnetic resistance and a wider ergonomic saddle compared to similar bikes on the market.
Pros & Cons of Echelon’s EX-5s-10 & EX-5s-22 Bikes
Comparison of Echelon’s EX-5s-10 vs EX-5s-22 Bikes
EX-5s-10 | EX-5s-22 | |
---|---|---|
Price | $899.99 | $1,299.99 |
Resistance | Magnetic | Magnetic |
User Height Range | 4’11-6’4” | 4’11-6’4” |
User Weight Maximum | 300 lbs. | 300 lbs. |
Screen Size | 10” | 22” |
Dimensions | 58” L x 22” W x 61” H | 58” L x 22” W x 61” H |
Flywheel Weight | 29 lbs. | 29 lbs. |
Bike Weight | 124 lbs. | 124 lbs. |
Bowflex Bikes Review
Nautilus is the manufacturer of the Bowflex C6 and VeloCore bikes. These two cycles offer excellent designs and craftsmanship. Positioned at two different price points, these bikes provide two tiers of features.
The C6 offers a more simplistic design since it does not offer a monitor but a smaller console with a USB port and tablet rest. Since this
Pros & Cons of Bowflex’s C6 & VeloCore
Comparison of Bowflex’s C6 & VeloCore
C6 | VeloCore | |
Price | $999 | $1,799 |
Resistance | Magnetic | Magnetic |
User Height Range | 4’6″ – 6’6″ | 5’1”-6’5” |
User Weight Maximum | 330 lbs. | 325 lbs. |
Screen Size | n/a | 16″ or 22″ |
Dimensions | 54.6″ L x 30.7″ W x 51.8″ H | 59.8″ L x 25.5″ W x 52.5″ H |
Flywheel Weight | 40 lbs. | 33 lbs. |
Bike Weight | 112 lbs. (with dumbbells) | 158.3 lbs. |
Detailed Comparison of Freebeat, Echelon, & Bowflex Bikes
Riding Experience
Since the riding experience is undoubtedly one of the biggest reasons for purchasing a specific
Bowflex
While the C6 offers a smooth ride, the VeloCore takes the experience to a whole new level with the introduction of Lean Mode. You can click the frame out of the locked position and mimic riding on the open road with one simple click. Not only does this feature change the indoor cycling experience, but it also helps engage muscles better for a more efficient workout. The Lean Mode feature earned the VeloCore the CES 2021 Innovation Award. The VeloCore is also compatible with many streaming apps, such as HBOMax, Hulu, and Netflix. The JRNY app is $19.99 per month.
These models also have access to the JRNY app, which offers a wide range of live and on-demand classes. Although a membership is needed to access all the features of the VeloCore, the C6 is different. Nothing will be impacted if you do not use the JRNY app. I use the Peloton app with my C6.
Freebeat
Like a video game, Freebeat’s gamified riding experience allows you to earn points and climb the leaderboard. This
Echelon
The Echelon’s EX-5s-10 and EX-5s-22 bikes offer a straightforward riding experience on a quality-designed cycle. The Echelon Fit platform is available for $39.99 monthly, including 40 live and thousands of on-demand classes daily. The unique flip design of the monitor makes working out off your
Frame
While the frame material from these three cycling powerhouses is all steel, the designs differ. The black matte powder coating on the Echelon and Bowflex cycles provides a sleek design and non-slip, sweat-proof protection for the frame. If you are looking for a
I found that I needed to be more careful with the coating on the Freebeat as I accidentally chipped it when I was tightening the screws compared to my C6.
Flywheel
The models from Freebeat and Bowflex include a flywheel in the front position of the
Flywheels located in the rear position of the cycle, such as that from Echelon, tend to be slightly lighter but rotate faster than those in the front. Below, you can see how the different models compare by their flywheel weights.
Bowflex: C6 | Bowflex: VeloCore | Freebeat: Lit | Freebeat: Boom | Echelon: EX-5s-10 | Echelon: EX-5s-22 | |
Flywheel Weight | 40 lbs. | 33 lbs. | 29 lbs. | 29 lbs. | 28.6 lbs. | 15.4 lbs. |
Resistance
While all three brands offer magnetic resistance, the levels of magnetic resistance do vary. Echelon’s E5 models offer only 32 levels of magnetic resistance. However, the C6 and VeloCore from Bowflex and Freebeat’s Boom and Lit bikes include 100 levels of magnetic resistance.
I have had the pleasure of riding the C6 and Lit bikes, and while adding the 100 levels of resistance manually might feel similar during a class, what sets these bikes apart is the automatic resistance offered by Freebeat. You can turn the automatic resistance feature on or off while riding the Lit or Boom
Saddle
All three of these bikes offer a competitive style saddle design. However, the Freebeat includes Smart Saddle+ technology. This technology senses when you are riding in and out of the saddle. I loved how this technology enabled me to earn extra points and climb the leaderboard faster than when riding in the saddle. The Smart Saddle Technology is integral to Freebeat’s gamified riding experience.
Screen
While only the Bowflex C6 includes a console instead of a monitor, the other models offer a wide range of size options. Please look at the table below to see how these models compare.
Bowflex: VeloCore | Freebeat: Lit | Freebeat: Boom | Echelon: EX-5s-10 | Echelon: EX-5s-22 | |
Size | 16” or 22” | 21.5” | 15.6” | 10” | 22” |
Touchscreen | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Rotates | No | 180 Degrees | 180 Degrees | No-flips 180 degrees | No-flips180 degrees |
Pedals
While both Echelon and Bowflex models include a dual-sided pedal, the freebeat only offers a toe cage option. For injury prevention and a better riding experience, I always prefer riding in a cycling shoe and a dual-sided pedal for indoor cycling.
Note: Pedals can be switched out for the one you prefer, so don’t let a factory pedal option stop you from getting the
Additional Commercial Grade Spin Bike Alternatives
Schwinn IC4
The Schwinn IC4 is also created by Natulis, just like the Bowflex C6. What is unique is that while the IC4 has the exact model specifications as the C6, the only real difference is the slight design element differences. The IC4 costs the same as the C6 at $999.
BODi Bike
Since Beachbody backs the BODi
NordicTrack S22i
If you want to bring the sensation of riding outdoors inside, the NordicTrack S22i automatically adjusts the incline and decline of the
Who Should Purchase
- A Freebeat
Bike ?
If you are a rider who enjoys riding to the rhythm and prefers a more gamified riding experience that focuses on earning points, then the Freebeat might be the right choice for you.
- An Echelon
Bike ?
People who should purchase the Echelon EX-5s-10 & EX-5s-22 are riders looking for an affordable model that still offers a higher-end riding experience.
- A Bowflex
Bike ?
If you desire a great ride on an affordable
Bottom Line
Echelon and Bowflex are trusted names in the cycling industry, and while Freebeat may be newer on the scene, it is making a name for itself. These three brands offer unique riding experiences and models at various prices to accommodate a wide range of budgets.