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In most comparisons, there are trade-offs between features and prices. Even so, the choice between the Echelon EX5 and Bowflex C6 is relatively easy.
The main differences between the Echelon EX5 and Bowflex C6 are that the Bowflex C6 has a higher weight limit, more resistance levels, a heavier flywheel, a longer workout app membership, more flexible Bluetooth connectivity, a built-in LCD screen, longer warranties, and a more budget-friendly price.
It is hard to find anything where the Echelon EX5 is better. Its device holder can flip 180 degrees and it can access the Echelon Premier Membership app but that is about it.
That means you will almost certainly prefer the Bowflex C6.
This article will also give you an overview of some of the smaller differences and commonalities. You can also find more in-depth explanations about some of the bigger differences.
Most important differences Echelon EX5 vs Bowflex C6
The Echelon EX5 and Bowflex C6 are different in a few important areas. These differences will influence what indoor cycling bike is the best choice for you.
At the same time, not all of these differences are equally important. In the first table below, you can find the ones that will generally be the most important when making a decision.
| Feature | Echelon EX5 | Bowflex C6 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Limit | 300 Pounds (136 kg) | 330 Pounds (149 kg) |
| Resistance Levels | 32 Levels | 100 Levels |
| Flywheel Weight | 28.7 Pounds (13 kg) | 40 Pounds (18.1 kg) |
| Workout Programs | Free 30-Day Echelon Premier Membership Trial | 1-Year JRNY Membership Included |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes But Only Connects To Echelon App | Yes |
| Screen | Not Included | LCD Display With Speed, Time, Distance, And Calories |
| Warranties* | 12-Month Limited Parts And Labor Warranty | 10 Years Frame Warranty, 3 Years Parts And Electronics Warranty, And 1 Year Labor Warranty |
| Price Category** | $$$ | $$$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
**Price category at the time of writing
Other features Echelon EX5 and Bowflex C6
You may also want to see the smaller differences and common features between the Echelon EX5 and Bowflex C6 before making your choice.
| Feature | Echelon EX5 | Bowflex C6 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 52″ L x 20″ W x 55″ H | 48.7″ L x 21.2″ W x 51.8″ H |
| Resistance Type | Magnetic | Magnetic |
| Position Flywheel | Back | Front |
| Handlebar Style | Elevated Bullhorn With Comfort Features | Elevated Bullhorn With Comfort Features |
| Handlebar Adjustment | Height & Fore/Aft | Height & Fore/Aft |
| Seat/Saddle Style | Vented Competition | Vented Competition |
| Adjustable Seat | Height & Fore/Aft | Height & Fore/Aft |
| User Height Range | 59 to 76 Inches (150 cm to 193 cm) | 54 to 78 Inches (137.2 cm to 198 cm) |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Display On App With Your Own Bluetooth Measuring Device | Bluetooth Heart Rate Armband Included In Certain Locations |
| Device Holder | Yes | Yes |
| Device Holder Size Capacity | 5.5″ – 12.9″ | Not Specifically Mentioned |
| Adjustable Device Holder | Flips 180 Degrees | No |
| Weight | 106 lbs (48 kg) | 106 lbs (48 kg) |
| Pedals | Dual-Sided with Toe Cage & SPD-Compatible Clips | Dual-Sided with Toe Cage & SPD-Compatible Clips |
| Transport Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Dumbbells | Not Included | Two 3-Pound (1.4 kg) Dumbbells Included |
| Bottle Holder | 2 Large | 2 Large |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
Differences Echelon EX5 vs Bowflex C6 explained in-depth
Most people will be able to make a choice between the Echelon EX5 and Bowflex C6 after taking a look at the feature and price differences. The Bowflex C6 is just better in the most important areas.
That being said, you may be unsure about what certain features mean, why they are relevant, and to what extent the two exercise bikes vary.
Resistance levels
Exercise bikes can be good for your health because they offer a way to challenge your body. By doing this, you start a variety of internal processes that can make you fitter and happier in the long term.
On the other hand, you also don’t want to make your workouts too challenging. This can reduce the quality of your exercise and potentially lead to injuries.
That is why cardio machines and more specifically exercise bikes typically offer a way to adjust the resistance of the pedals. This allows you to exercise at intensities that are more suited for your fitness level.
The Echelon EX5 has 32 resistance levels. The Bowflex C6 has a good amount more at 100 resistance levels.
This difference in the number of resistance levels can come from a few different things. These include different maximum resistances, different minimum resistances, or simply more precise resistance adjustments.
There are barely any customer mentions about the Echelon EX5 resistance being too easy or too hard. That means the difference in resistance options is likely mostly because of more precision in the Bowflex C6.
Not everyone will need the extra settings but the Bowflex C6 does have the advantage when it comes to resistance levels.
Winner: Bowflex C6
Flywheel weight
With both the Echelon EX5 and Bowflex C6 you push the pedals to turn a disk called the flywheel. In turn, this flywheel is connected to the resistance mechanism.
Indoor cycling bike flywheels can vary in a few different areas including weight.
The Echelon EX5 has a flywheel weight of 28.7 pounds (13 kg). The flywheel of the Bowflex C6 is a good amount heavier at 28.7 pounds (13 kg).
Most people prefer heavier flywheels because they tend to offer smoother workouts. The heavier flywheel has more momentum which is helpful to keep it spinning when/if you don’t pedal optimally.
Heavier flywheels are also a tiny amount harder to get and keep going. However, this is not that relevant since the extra momentum helps.
In short, the flywheel of the Bowflex C6 is heavier than the flywheel of the Echelon EX5. Most people will prefer the feeling of the Bowflex C6 flywheel.
Winner: Bowflex C6
Bluetooth connectivity
Both the Echelon EX5 and Bowflex C6 have “Bluetooth connectivity”. However, in practice, the functionality in this area for these exercise bikes varies.
More specifically, the Echelon EX5 only directly connects to the Echelon Premier Membership app. You can in turn connect this platform to other apps but the functionality of this is rather limited.
For example, to transfer the data of a few workouts to certain other apps, you currently have to select and transfer each workout separately.
On the other hand, the Bowflex C6 does come with a 1-Year JRNY Membership trial but you can also connect the stationary bike to other workout apps like Peloton and Zwift.
If you only plan to use the Echelon Premier Membership, this is not the biggest issue. Additionally, you can still use the Echelon EX3 with the free version of the app.
That being said, the Bowflex C6 definitely has the advantage in this area. Its free trial to the premium workout app is also a lot longer.
Winner: Bowflex C6
Screen
When using an exercise bike and any other cardio machine, it can be helpful to have an overview of things like how fast you are going, how long you have been working out, your resistance levels, etc.
These are typically shown on some type of screen or display.
The Echelon EX5 does allow you to see a variety of measurements in both the free and paid app. However, you do need to connect your own smart device to the bike to see these.
On the other hand, the Bowflex C6 comes with a built-in LCD display that shows things like speed, time, distance, and an estimation of calories burned.
Customers are not always happy with the accuracy of this LCD display but it does offer a bit more information.
On top of that, the Bowflex C6 also still has a device holder if you do want to use your own smart device to see workout stats or entertainment.
Winner: Bowflex C6
Price
So far, the Bowflex C6 is better than the Echelon EX5 in the most important features. An important question is whether there are any big price differences that come with this.
The exact price differences will depend on where you get your exercise bikes and can vary over time. That being said, at the time of writing, the Bowflex C6 is even just a bit more budget-friendly.
On top of that, the duration of the free trial of the premium workout app of the Echelon EX5 is shorter.
Unless you happen to stumble upon any good deals, this makes the decision relatively straightforward.
Winner: Bowflex C6
User reviews
To choose between the Echelon EX5 and Bowflex C6, the feature and price differences can be a great place to start. Even so, sometimes the customer reviews uncover things like unexpected downsides or trends in quality issues.
In the case of these exercise bikes, the Bowflex C6 tends to have fewer quality control issues than the Echelon EX5. Some of these include fast wear and tear and Bluetooth connection errors.
Customers are still generally happy with both exercise bikes but this is another area where the Bowflex C6 does better than the Echelon EX5.
Is the Echelon EX5 or Bowflex C6 better for you?
In short, the Bowflex C6 is sturdier, has more resistance levels, a heavier flywheel, a longer workout app trial, more flexible Bluetooth functionality, a built-in LCD screen, longer warranties, and a slightly more budget-friendly price.
There are not really any areas where the Echelon EX5 is worth considering unless you really like a device holder that can flip 180 degrees and the Echelon Premier Membership.
That means most, if not all, people want to choose the Bowflex C6 over the Echelon EX5.
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