Table of Contents
Quick Summary
For a while, Peloton has been an in-home bike brand name. The way people talk about it is like an indoor bike is a Peloton.
But their reign is finally over. Enter the Bowflex Velocore bike.
The Bowflex Velocore bike has all of the features you’re looking for – magnetic resistance, toe slips, a large HD display, and a Bluetooth heart rate monitor! The Bowflex Velocore bike has a feature that makes it stand out among the rest of these indoor bikes. The Bowflex Velocore has your normal stationary mode and the added Leaning Mode.
- Leaning Mode
- HD Touch Screen with two different sizes
- Magnetic flywheel
- Explore 25 different destination rides
- Workouts get more challenging as you get stronger
- Download streaming services to watch while you ride
- Weight Choices – Only one set of 3lbs dumbbells
- Radio Station – Music is separate from the instructors
- Assembly – It could take two people to assemble
Detailed Review
Have you ever avoided an indoor bike because it’s nothing like riding a real bike? With Leaning Mode, you are immersed in the riding experience. You’ll move side to side, bend, and sway all like you’re riding down a mountain!
Not only does this make an indoor bike more enjoyable, but it has the added benefit of building muscle!
Have you ever avoided an indoor bike because it’s nothing like riding a real bike? With Leaning Mode, you are immersed in the riding experience. You’ll move side to side, bend, and sway all like you’re riding down a mountain!
Not only does this make an indoor bike more enjoyable, but it has the added benefit of building muscle!
- Leaning Mode
- Adaptive Workouts
- Explore various locations
- Loud and excited trainers to keep you motivated
- Steaming Apps
- Use other subscriptions – Peloton and Zwift
- Track all your metrics
- 100 resistance levels
- Adjustable seat and handlebars
- Bluetooth speakers and armband
- Media rack for your phone or tablet
VeloCore Specs Reviewed
Connectivity and Compatible Apps
The Bowflex Velocore bike comes with connecting to other apps, including the Peloton app and the Zwift app. With this compatibility, you’re able to change up your workouts from what Bowflex trainers provide.
Unfortunately, you can’t stream these various apps with the screen provided on the bike and instead need to use your phone, tablet, or tv. This has been a frustration for some reviews of the bike.
However, if you decided on using Bowflex’s app, which they have named JRNY, then you’ll be able to immerse yourself in your ride fully. The app uses a feedback program of trophies and rewards to keep you motivated.
You’ll also be able to capture your data, cadence, resistance, heart rate, etc., letting you track your progress over time.
Resistance
The resistance on this bike gets to a high of 100! This is great for beginners up to pros. Don’t think you won’t feel the burn after one of these workouts.
The magnetic resistance is smooth and quiet, letting you enjoy the ride while getting the most out of it.
Using a knob between the seat and handlebars makes adjusting the resistance level seamless.
Monitor and Screen
The monitor and screen on the Bowflex Velocore bike come in two different sizes, 16” or 22”. Either of these choices will give you a fantastic HD display for an immersive experience.
Download your favorite streaming apps, including Hulu, Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+, to enjoy your most recent binge while getting an incredible workout.
The console also comes with Bluetooth speakers if you’d like to stream music, a podcast, or your favorite audiobook. The console comes with a media rack large enough to hold your phone or tablet if you’re looking to stream different workouts.
Warranty and Return Policy
The warranty on the Velocore bike is consistent with today’s in-home bikes. Although we’d like to see warranties last a bit longer, it’s no better or worse than companies like Peloton.
- Frame = 2 years
- Parts and Electronics = 2 years
- Labor = 1 year
Compared to Peloton’s 5-year warranty on the frame, two years doesn’t seem like much, but they give you an extra year on parts and electronics compared to Peloton’s one year.
There’s always the ability to purchase the 3- or 5-year protection plan, which can cost between $139-$159 or $179-$219, depending on the console size.
Their return policy is a bit strict and won’t include the cost of shipping and handling. You’ll also need to obtain an RMA number and ensure your bike is returned within two weeks of receiving that number.
If you bought it from a store, you’d need to consult that store on their particular return policies.
Cost and Assembly
This bike comes with all the bells and whistles, and that’s shown in its cost. For the 16” console, the bike is $1,699, and the 22” will cost you $2,199. You’ll also need the membership to their JRNY experience, which is required, but they do provide a 2-month free trial.
There is the ability for an 18-month financing option, but you’ll need to apply for a Bowflex credit card.
You can either assemble this bike yourself, which may take 1-2 hours with two people, or you can have Bowflex send a qualified technician to build your bike for an additional $199.00.
Bowflex Velocore Alternatives: How They Compare to the Velocore Bike
A. Bowflex C6 & Schwinn IC4
The Bowflex C6 and Schwinn IC4 are both great indoor bikes. They both have incredible frames, adjustable resistance levels, heart rate tracking, and Bluetooth connectivity, and they both come from reputable brands. However, comparing them to the Bowflex Velocore bike is not a fair comparison.
The main differences are
- The Velocore bike comes with Leaning Mode giving you a more immersed experience
- The Velocore bike comes with its own monitor, so you won’t need to use a tablet or phone to stream workouts
- The Velocore bike is more expensive, but you get quite a bit more
Related
Bowflex C6 vs. Schwinn IC4
B. Peloton
Obviously, at this point, Peloton is a household name. The Bowflex Velocore does put that title up for grabs. These bikes will compete at every level, and for most consumers, the choices will come down to the small things.
The main differences between these bikes are
- The Velocore bike allows you to download your favorite apps like Netflix and Hulu to stream while you use
- With Peloton, you can only use their ecosystem, and you cannot use outside apps like Zwift
- Peloton does have more add on features like shoes and weights
C. Echelon
Echelon is a top competitor to the Bowflex Velocore bike. With their suite on indoor bikes, it makes a tough decision. Their ultimate motorcycle, the EX-7S, is a heavy-duty beast of a bike, and it could give the Velocroe bike a run for its money!
The main differences are
- Echelon is an entirely stationary bike and doesn’t have the immersive nature that the Bowflex Velocore bike has
- You are kept in Echelon’s app without the ability to stream other services
- Echelon’s bikes do have a rotating monitor making it easier to use the other exercise functions they provide
D. Keiser M3i
The Keiser M3i doesn’t remind me of an indoor home cycle, but one that a competitive cyclist would use. The M3i comes in a V shape frame that is said to accommodate riders of all sizes. You also won’t get a monitor with this bike, but just an LCD screen with your metrics.
The main differences are
- Assembly on this bike is a pain. There is a grocery list of tools you will need to assemble your bike, compared to the easy assembly of the Velocore bike.
- The resistance in the Velocore bike will give you a more demanding workout compared to the Keiser M3i
- The V shape frame has caused some consumers to complain about knee pain
E. Nordic Track s22i
A long-standing company with a great history has provided consumers with a great bike. The s22i is a comparable product to the Bowflex Velocore bike. They offer an excellent workout with world-class trainers, and you’re sure to get a great workout.
The main differences are
- The team at Nordic has allowed consumers to text the trainers in real-time and ask them questions. The trainer can also adjust your resistance levels, giving you the feeling that they’re right there!
- With the Nordic Track s22i, you can only use their iFit workouts, unlike the Velocore bike
- You will have access to a more extended warranty with the Nordic Track s22i
What’s the Verdict?
- Leaning Mode
- HD Touch Screen with two different sizes
- Magnetic flywheel
- Explore 25 different destination rides
- Workouts get more challenging as you get stronger
- Download streaming services to watch while you ride
- Weight Choices – Only one set of 3lbs dumbbells
- Radio Station – Music is separate from the instructors
- Assembly – It could take two people to assemble
The Bowflex Velocore bike is an excellent choice for your at-home gym. You get all the bells and whistles of a great bike, with the option of streaming other workouts.
Even if you’re just looking for a casual ride, enjoy your favorite show on Netflix or Hulu while getting stronger and leaner. Immerse yourself in a beautiful ride with the addition of Leaning Mode to chisel your core and feel that you are genuinely there.
There are many bikes to choose from these days, but the Bowflex Velocore bike should be at the top of everyone’s list!
Nick, is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the NSCA and a Pn L1 Nutrition Coach. He has over 10 years in the fitness world including training, coaching athletes, and working 1 on 1 with clients in the gym.