The Echelon Smart Connect Bike emerges as a strong contender in the home fitness market, offering features that compete well with high-end brands like Peloton and NordicTrack. It’s designed for those who value interactive, tech-driven workouts and seek a comprehensive fitness experience. Let’s check it out, because, sometimes, we have to ride, scoot, and play INDOORS!
Key Features and Benefits
- Interactive Touchscreen: A prominent feature is its 22-inch High Definition (HD) touchscreen, which provides clear viewing both on and off the bike. This screen is designed to rival those of Peloton and NordicTrack, offering an immersive experience. The screen flips 180-degrees, which can further optimize the viewing experience and viewing preferences of each individual rider.
- Variety of Workouts: The Echelon Fit app offers over 1,000 streaming workouts, including at least 14 daily live training classes. These classes cover a wide range of activities, from cycling to boxing, yoga, pilates, and more, catering to diverse fitness preferences. This is definitely an area where the Echelon smart connect bike shines!
- Magnetic Resistance and Flywheel: The bike uses a magnetic resistance system, ensuring quiet operation. It features a heavy rear flywheel, offering stability and smoothness during workouts. (You’d be surprised as we began to consider the Winter months and think about how to continue our love of riding through the inclement weather, that there are many inexpensive indoor fitness bikes that use alternative solutions to a magnetic flywheel… and those bikes are noisy!) So we consider it favorable that this bike uses magnetic resistance.
- Durability and Design: The Echelon Smart Connect bike boasts a durable steel frame and is compact enough for most home gyms. Its design is particularly favorable for taller riders due to the V-shaped frame.
- Adjustability: With four points of adjustment, the bike offers customization to fit various rider sizes. The seat and handlebars are adjustable, enhancing comfort and ergonomics during workouts.
- Pedal Options: Dual pedal options with toe clips and conventional cages provide flexibility for different riding preferences.
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Considerations
- Cost and Subscription: The Echelon smart connect bike is retail priced at around $2,000, which includes delivery and a year of membership, though we have frequently noticed it available for lower prices. It may lack some premium features compared to its closest competitors, like the NordicTrack S22i which makes the lower prices we’ve seen feel compensatory and a fair fit. Without the Echelon Fit app subscription, the bike’s functionality could be considered limited, though as an exercise bike alone, it is still a solid contender.
- Lack of Built-in Programming: The EX5-S is heavily reliant on its live training programming, and without the subscription, users might find themselves constrained in workout options.
- Target Audience: This bike is ideal for those who are tech-savvy and enjoy being part of an interactive fitness community. It might not be the best fit for individuals who prefer more traditional or self-guided workouts.
Final Thoughts on the Echelon Smart Connect Bike
The Echelon EX5-S Smart Connect Fitness Bike stands out as a viable option for those seeking an interactive, feature-rich spin bike experience at home. Its combination of a high-quality touchscreen, diverse workout offerings, and sturdy construction make it a compelling choice. However, potential buyers should consider the ongoing cost of the subscription and the bike’s reliance on it for full functionality. For those prioritizing cutting-edge technology and a wide range of guided fitness classes, the EX5-S offers a complete package, albeit at a premium price.
Overall, there seem to be a few types of people who would self-select into a particular type of fitness bike solution. We feel as a rider you would know if this type of fitness solution (excited about a premium subscription for the benefits of a collaborative and interactive fitness community) is a good fit for you. If it is, we encourage you to check it out further.