CNET key takeaways
- Extra reasonably priced than different train bikes at $600
- Entry to the JRNY app and third-party apps like Peloton
- Guarantee lasts for as much as 10 years
In case you’re on the hunt for an reasonably priced train bike, the BowFlex IC SE is value contemplating. It’s one in all CNET’s top-tested bikes and a stable Peloton alternative, providing an analogous expertise with out the steep price ticket.
At $600, half the worth of a Peloton bike, you’ll get a motorcycle that gives a clean trip and over 100 resistance ranges. Though it doesn’t have a big touchscreen just like the Peloton, you may entry courses by a tablet utilizing the JRNY app. The BowFlex IC SE has a 7-inch LCD display screen, which may give you a studying on resistance, pace, watts and burn price.
Adjusting resistance on this bike is easy — simply flip the knob underneath the handles. It might not be as high-tech as some opponents, but it surely will get the job finished and even features a pair of 3-pound dumbbells.
The 7-inch LCD display screen on the BowFlex IC SE bike.
In case you’re acquainted with JRNY, it’s the health app appropriate with BowFlex merchandise that provides you entry to lots of of group health courses, which embody biking exercises. You’ll get the primary two months free, adopted by your alternative of a mobile-only membership ($11.99 month-to-month or $100 yearly) or the All-Entry membership ($19.99 month-to-month or $149 yearly).
If you wish to strive a Peloton class, this bike permits you to hook up with third-party apps just like the Peloton app by your pill. You can too use different health apps comparable to Discover the World and Zwift.
My expertise utilizing the BowFlex IC SE
Whereas this bike is easy sufficient to assemble by yourself, having an additional pair of palms helps. In contrast to most spin bikes with a entrance flywheel, this one has it within the again, which might make shifting it round your property a bit trickier if you happen to plan to wheel it between areas.
You might also wish to spend slightly additional to swap out the seat. The inventory seat isn’t very comfy, however BowFlex sells an “extra comfort ” possibility for $40.
I’d used the JRNY app earlier than, so I already knew what to anticipate from the BowFlex IC SE bike’s biking courses. They’re all on-demand, letting you be a part of any class everytime you need. Even with the $20 month-to-month All-Entry membership, it’s nonetheless cheaper than Peloton’s equal at $44 a month.
One of many downsides of this train bike is that it doesn’t stream third-party music, so in case you have a Spotify or Apple Music account, you may’t take heed to your playlists whereas driving this bike. The one possibility you could have is the music provided by JRNY Radio.
After a number of rides on this bike, I appreciated how simple it was to choose courses of various lengths and health ranges. I additionally preferred having the choice to trip solo, and with my wireless earbuds and Spotify on my cellphone or pill, listening to my very own music was easy.
This can be a stable price range bike if you happen to’re after one thing with out all of the bells and whistles however nonetheless wish to cross-train or keep energetic at house. You should use the Peloton app for a semi-Peloton expertise with out the upper price ticket or obligatory membership. Its smooth design additionally helps it mix in, whether or not you retain it in the lounge, bed room, storage or basement.
One factor to bear in mind: With potential tariffs looming that would drive up the price of objects like train tools, now might be the best time to purchase this bike earlier than newer stock is available in at increased costs.
The specs
- Product dimensions: 54.7″ L x 21.5″ W x 52.8″ H
- Max weight capability: 330 kilos
- Resistance: 100 magnetic ranges of resistance
- Display screen dimension: 7-inch coloration LCD
- Guarantee: Body: 10 years; Mechanical components: 2 years; Electronics: 1 12 months; Labor: 1 12 months
- Worth: $600
CNET’s shopping for recommendation
BowFlex is a dependable model that makes train bikes, weight coaching tools, treadmills and ellipticals. At CNET, I’ve examined numerous BowFlex merchandise, and in my expertise, they’re stable items of health tools to have in your house.
What’s nice about BowFlex is which you could look out for gross sales all year long, often round holidays like Labor Day, Memorial Day or the vacation season, to get a few of its tools deeply discounted. You additionally don’t need to resort to the BowFlex web site and may verify the corporate’s storefront out on Amazon, which additionally participates in a few of these vacation reductions.
If it’s in your price range, generally it’s greatest to pay additional so the meeting ($300) is included and also you don’t have to fret about placing collectively the tools your self. In the end, we like which you could make this bike the expertise you need it to be, whether or not it’s a solo trip or a category you’re following, with out the dedication of paying a Peloton bike worth.
With the JRNY app, you’ll even have entry to mat courses much like Peloton, comparable to HIIT, yoga, kettlebell, power coaching and extra. So that you’ll have lots to select from and map out your exercises for the week.
