Do you desire the chance to experience many different cycling apps without being locked into a
Comparison of C6/IC4, EX3 & EX5
The Nautilus’s Bowflex C6 and Schwinn IC4 are two fantastic and affordable models. With their sleek designs and commercial-grade construction, these cycles offer a superior riding encounter at a reasonable price. With 100 levels of resistance, riders of all
The EX3 and EX5, created by Echelon, provide a heart-pounding experience when paired with the Echelon Fit app. Scenic, live, and on-demand rides are available in addition to a collection of other formats. With a 180-degree swiveling device holder, riders can easily experience app workouts on and off the
| Bowflex C6 & Schwinn IC4 | Echelon EX3 | Echelon EX5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resistance Type/Levels | Magnetic / 100 Levels | Magnetic / 32 Levels | Magnetic / 32 Levels |
| Metrics Available Without Subscription | Yes | No | No |
| Flywheel Placement / Weight | Front / 40 lbs. | Rear / 28 lbs. | Rear / 28 lbs. |
| Max User Weight | 330 lbs. | 300 lbs. | 300 lbs. |
| User Height Range | 4’6” – 6’6” | 4’11” – 6’4” | 4’11” – 6’4” |
| Bluetooth Armband Included | Yes | No | No |
| Touchscreen | No | No | No |
| LCD Metrics Console | Yes | No | No |
| Bike Specific App | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Detailed Reviews
Bowflex C6 & Schwinn IC4
An excellent alternative option to Peloton or other streaming bikes. A quiet magnetic resistance bike, proficient enough to link with the many available streaming devices such as Peloton® and Zwift®.
Comes equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to link to several apps such as Peloton® and Zwift®. The Schwinn really does offer excellent quality at a very affordable price.
Nautilus continues to improve its Bowflex C6 and Schwinn IC4 to make them one of the best bikes on the market. Recently, Bowflex’s JRNY app became available with these models through the use of a tablet or phone. JRNY is more than a place where you can take invigorating classes and view scenic rides, but now you can enjoy your favorite streaming services, including Disney+, HULU, Netflix, and Prime Video. Not purchasing the JRNY app has no impact on the
In the following video, you can see a quick review of the Bowflex C6
Bowflex C6 and Schwinn IC4 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordably priced at under $1,000
- Includes 6-month JRNY app free trial
- App integrations with Peloton, Zwift, and more
- Membership is not required to enjoy
bike functionality - Well-constructed
- Superb customer service
- Dual pedals included
- Comfortable saddle
- Warranty-10-year frame, 3-year parts/electronics, 1-year labor
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Tablet or iPad not included in price
- Front hand weight location causes weights to fall out if riding vigorously out of the saddle
Bowflex C6 and Schwinn IC4 Bike Specs
- User height range: 4′ 6″- 6’6″
- Height: 51.8″
- Width: 21.2″
- Length: 48.7″
- Item weight: 106 pounds
- User weight maximum: 330 pounds
- 100 levels magnetic resistance
Echelon EX3
32 levels of silent magnetic resistance lets you vary your workout intensity – Handlebar mounted 180 degree rotating console let’s you incorporate off bike exercises – 6” lever makes it easy to adjust the seat position fit any body
The Echelon EX3 is affordable, with an initial purchase price of $799. This 4.5 out of 5 rated cycle is commended for its sleek and sturdy design. In addition, the Echelon Fit app provides riders with a plethora of formats and duration options to keep workouts exciting and versatile, whether you are taking a cycling class or enjoying other off-the-bike classes such as yoga.
Echelon EX3 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Echelon Fit App offers live and on-demand classes
- Bluetooth capability
- More affordable
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Resistance level only displays with Echelon Fit App Membership
- Monthly membership of $39.99 required to access Echelon content
- No Bluetooth heart rate monitor included
- Handlebars only move up and down
- Lighter flywheel
- Tablet not included
- Only 12-month warranty
Echelon EX3 Bike Specs
- User height range: 4’ 11″- 6’4″
- Height: 54.33″
- Width: 19.88″
- Length: 54.92″
- Item weight: 103 pounds
- User weight maximum: 300 pounds
- 32 levels magnetic resistance
Echelon EX5
Aero handlebars feature ergonomic design to help align your upper body for optimum performance. - 32 levels of silent magnetic resistance lets you vary your workout intensity – Handlebar mounted 180 degree rotating console lets you incorporate off bike exercises
The EX5 includes the vast majority of features as discussed above in the EX3. This model is available for $999.99 and also received a 4.5 out of 5 consumer rating. This upgraded model includes greater versatility in securing the ideal riding form. Since this model boasts that it accommodates riders beginning at 4’11”, it is imperative that the handlebars have four-way adjustability, which this model does. The upgraded Aero ergonomically designed handlebars and larger cushioned seat help make this cycle more comfortable than other bikes on the market. This model does include a tablet holder that can swivel up to 180 degrees.
Echelon EX5 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Live and on-demand classes through the Fit app
- Bluetooth capability
- Handlebars include four-way adjustability
- Aero ergonomically designed handlebars
- Easy to assemble
- 32-levels of magnetic resistance
Cons
- Monthly $39.99 Echelon Fit App Membership required for resistance to display and to access Echelon content
- Heart-rate monitor not included
- Lighter flywheel
- Only 12-month warranty
Echelon EX5 Bike Specs
- User height range: 4’ 11″- 6’4″
- Height: 52.36″
- Width: 19.88″
- Length: 54.92″
- Item weight: 112 pounds
- User weight maximum: 300 pounds
- 32 levels magnetic resistance
Which bike is for me?
The Bowflex C6 and Schwinn IC4 are for riders that don’t want to be required to purchase an additional membership to enjoy all
*The Bowflex C6 is the model that I ended up purchasing, and I couldn’t be happier. I can ride while my family is asleep since this
The Echelon models are for riders who desire an extensive class library at their disposal and the availability of live classes all within the Echelon family. For those riders that are shorter in stature, the EX5 is a better option than the EX3 since the Competition Aero handlebar system allows the handlebars to move forward and backward.
Unique Alternatives
Take a glance below at three other bikes on the market that we feel all offer something a little different than their competitors.
Bowflex VeloCore Bike
Provides the rider with an incredibly realistic riding experience, closely simulating riding outside on roads or up and down your favorite mountain climb.
Get ready to take your workout to the next level with the Bowflex VeloCore, allowing riders to click out of static mode and experience Lean Mode easily. In addition, riders better engage their core and upper body during Lean Mode as the
Related:
Velocore: A Detailed Review from a Personal Trainer
Whether you enjoy watching Netflix or Hulu, the Bowflex VeloCore can make it happen with its JRNY app on the built-in console while enjoying an incredible indoor cycling session.
MYX 2 Bike
Used in elite cycling studios and gyms, MYX comes with a monthly membership that gives up to 5 people access to the widest range of workouts available.
The power of the whole Beachbody experience is now available with the recent introduction of the
Peloton
Maybe the most popular indoor cycle, and for a good reason. Excellent quality with an excellent app for beginners and experts. The only downside it that users cannot change resistance when using apps like Zwift etc.
Strive to be at the top of the class with Peloton’s Leaderboard, a feature that can’t be found anywhere else. This empowering community of over 5.4 million members offers thousands of live and on-demand classes with all of your favorite hits. Besides cycling, members can enjoy other class formats, including strength, yoga, cardio, meditation, running, outdoor (audio workouts), stretching, tread and
Bottomline
The Nautilus and Echelon models we examined are comparable in price and quality. However, in our opinion, Bowflex and Schwinn offer users more. The most significant point we want to convey is the flexibility of the riding experience that the C6 and IC4 offer. Without sacrificing functionality, riders of these models can indeed find which cycling application, if any, they want to enjoy and at a price point they decide.
