There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission on anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
The Echelon EX3 and EX5 are two very similar indoor cycling bikes from the same brand. Find out the exact differences and whether the EX5 is worth the higher price.
The main differences between the Echelon EX3 and EX5 are that the Echelon EX5 has an additional forward-backward handlebar adjustment, a higher-positioned device holder, extra handles in the middle, and larger bottle holders.
On the other hand, the Echelon EX3 is available in three different colors and is a nice amount more budget-friendly.
Unless you really want to get the position of the handlebar exactly right because you will use the exercise bike a lot and/or you really don’t like tilting your head forward to look at your device, the Echelon EX3 is likely the right choice for you.
The extra features of the Echelon EX5 are nice to have but likely not worth the extra investment.
This article will also give an overview of all of the exact differences and common features of the Echelon EX3 and EX5. Additionally, some of the differences are explained in just a bit more detail.
Differences Echelon EX3 vs EX5
The Echelon EX3 and Echelon EX5 are very similar indoor exercise bikes but there are some differences that can influence your decision. The table below offers a quick overview of the features these models vary in.
| Feature | Echelon EX3 | Echelon EX5 |
|---|---|---|
| Handlebar Adjustment | Height Only | Height & Fore/Aft |
| Device Holder Position | Device Holder Positioned Somewhat Lower | Device Holder Positioned Somewhat Higher |
| Handlebar Difference | Nothing Extra | Extra Handles In The Middle |
| Bottle Holder | 2 Small | 2 Large |
| Dimensions | 54″ L x 20″ W x 55″ H | 52″ L x 20″ W x 55″ H |
| Weight | 104 lbs (47 kg) | 106 lbs (48 kg) |
| Color Options | Black, Red, And White | Black |
| Price* | $$ | $$$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Price difference at the time of writing
Common features Echelon EX3 and EX5
Before deciding on one or the other, you may also want to see the common features of the Echelon EX3 and EX5. These can help you make sure the exercise bikes are right for you.
| Feature | Echelon EX3 | Echelon EX5 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight limit | 300 pounds (136 kg) | 300 pounds (136 kg) |
| Resistance Levels | 32 Levels | 32 Levels |
| Resistance Type | Magnetic | Magnetic |
| Flywheel Weight | 28.7 Pounds (13 kg) | 28.7 Pounds (13 kg) |
| Handlebar Style | Elevated Bullhorn With Comfort Features | Elevated Bullhorn With Comfort Features |
| Adjustable Seat | Height & Fore/Aft | Height & Fore/Aft |
| User Height Range | 59 to 76 Inches (150 cm to 193 cm) | 59 to 76 Inches (150 cm to 193 cm) |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Device Holder Size Capacity | 5.5″ – 12.9″ | 5.5″ – 12.9″ |
| Adjustable Device Holder | Flips 180 Degrees | Flips 180 Degrees |
| Workout Programs | Free 30-Day Echelon Premier Membership Trial | Free 30-Day Echelon Premier Membership Trial |
| Warranties* | 12-Month Limited Parts And Labor Warranty | 12-Month Limited Parts And Labor Warranty |
| Pedals | Dual-Sided with Toe Cage & SPD-Compatible Clips | Dual-Sided with Toe Cage & SPD-Compatible Clips |
| Transport Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Seat/Saddle Style | Vented Competition | Vented Competition |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
Differences between Echelon EX3 and EX5 explained in more detail
Most people will be able to make a decision between the Echelon EX3 and EX5 by taking a look at the differences in features and prices.
That being said, you may also want more details about what certain features exactly mean, for who they matter, and to what extent they should influence your choice.
Handlebar adjustment
Similar to regular bikes, the handlebars of stationary exercise bikes are an important part of the machine. These handlebars can be different in a variety of areas.
In the case of the Echelon EX3 and EX5, the difference is that the Echelon EX3 “only” has the ability to be adjusted in height whereas the EX5 also offers front-back adjustment on top of height adjustment.
Some people prefer to lean on their forearms on some models of exercise bikes. For the Echelon EX3 and EX5 you generally just want to hold the handlebars with your hands.
In turn, that means the front-back handlebar adjustment of the EX5 is not super important. It does influence the angle of your arms to some extent but unless you are very small or very tall, you likely won’t value this that much.
Winner: Echelon EX5
Device holder position
One of the things that stand out in both the Echelon EX3 and EX5 is that they don’t come with their own separate screen. You have to use your own smart device to connect to the app (if you want to).
In terms of the device sizes they can carry, the Echelon EX3 and EX5 are similar at 5.5″ – 12.9″ (14 cm to 32.7 cm). However, the position of the holders is somewhat different.
In the Echelon EX3, the device holder is basically connected to the handlebars. In the Echelon EX5, the device holder is connected to a mount that is connected to the handlebars. This results in a slightly higher position.
When using indoor cycling bikes like these Echelon models, your upper body is typically tilted at least somewhat forward. Because of this, a lower-positioned device holder is not the end of the world.
At the same time, most people will still prefer the position of the Echelon EX5. There are of course exceptions to this due to different body proportions and upper body angle preferences.
Winner: Generally Echelon EX5 but there are people who prefer the lower position of the Echelon EX3.
Handlebar difference
The handlebar styles of both the Echelon EX3 and the Echelon EX5 are described as elevated bullhorns with comfort features. Even so, when taking a closer look, you will notice there is a small difference.
More precisely, the Echelon EX5 has an extra handle bow in the middle on top of the same handlebars as the Echelon EX3.
This is definitely not the biggest difference but it is a nice addition for people who like this position or want to switch things up somewhat.
Winner: Echelon EX5
Water bottle holders
The next area where the Echelon EX3 and EX5 are different is in the capacity of their water bottle holders. For the EX3 this is described as room for 2 small bottle holders. The EX5 has 2 large bottle holders.
One of the benefits of a stationary bike is that you don’t have to worry as much about supplies compared to cycling on the road.
That means these water bottle holders of the Echelon bikes are generally not that important. The extra capacity of the Echelon EX5 can be welcome but this difference will likely not really influence your decision.
Winner: Echelon EX5
Dimensions and weight
The dimensions and weight of indoor cycling bikes sometimes matter when choosing between two models.
Dimensions influence how much storage and usage space you need. For individuals with small home gyms, even just a 10-inch (25.4 cm) difference could be important.
Additionally, for exercise bikes with transport wheels like the Echelon EX3 and EX5, how much a bike weighs influences how easy it is to move it around.
That being said, the differences between these two Echelon bikes are basically not relevant. The Echelon EX5 is two whole inches (5.08 cm) shorter and the Echelon EX3 is two pounds (0.91 kg) lighter.
Winner: Unimportant differences
Colors
This next difference is relatively straightforward. The Echelon EX3 is available in three different colors which include black, red, and white. On the other side, the Echelon EX5 is only available in the black color.
When it comes to the workouts themselves, these color differences don’t really matter.
To achieve the best home gym look, the color choice options of the Echelon EX3 will be better. Even so, this difference will likely not influence your decision all that much.
Winner: Echelon EX3
Price
The differences are not that big but until now the Echelon EX5 tends to take the upper hand in the areas that matter the most. Something to keep in mind is that these feature changes do come at an extra price.
Exactly how much this is will depend on where you get your exercise bikes and can change over time. That being said, at the time of writing, the Echelon EX3 is a nice amount more budget-friendly than the Echelon EX5.
For both of these Echelon exercise bikes you have to keep in mind that if you want the Echelon Fit App premium membership, you will have to invest extra per time period. This does add up over time.
On the other hand, the Echelon EX3 and EX5 can also be used without the premium version of the app and with certain other apps.
Winner: Echelon EX3
User reviews
When comparing two exercise bikes from the same brand and product lines like the Echelon EX3 and EX5, the feature and price differences are generally to make a decision.
Even so, sometimes customer reviews uncover unexpected downsides and quality control issues. In the case of the Echelon EX3 vs EX5, the customer reviews are very similar.
There are a few cases of quality control issues where the Bluetooth connection of the bikes was not optimal. These Bluetooth systems sometimes disconnected for no good reason.
Additionally, similar to other big cardio machines, there were a few quality control issues here and there.
That being said, while customers often don’t recommend the premium Echelon app subscription, they are generally very happy with their investments and workouts these exercise bikes offer.
Is the Echelon EX3 or EX5 right for you?
In short, the Echelon EX5 has additional forward-backward handlebar adjustment, a higher-positioned device holder, extra handles in the middle, and bigger bottle holders.
On the flip side, the Echelon EX3 has a budget-friendlier price and is available in three different colors.
While the extra features of the Echelon EX5 are welcome, most people will not find them worth the extra investment over the Echelon EX3.
Two potential exceptions are if you really want to get the position of the handlebar right and if you really don’t like tilting your head forward to look at your device.
Related posts:
