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The EX5 and EX5S are two popular options in the Echelon bike line-up. Find out the differences and which option is the best for what people.
Some of the main differences between the Echelon EX5 and EX5S are that the EX5S has a built-in 21.5″ HD touchscreen that can be swiveled around 180 degrees but does not have a separate device holder.
On the other side, the Echelon EX5 is a good amount more budget-friendly but does require your own screen (if you want to see tracking) and only offers two device holder positions.
Something important to note is that the screen of the Echelon EX5S is not that versatile. You cannot take it with you and it is only built to use the Echelon Workout Membership and a few other entertainment apps.
Additionally, not everyone likes the Echelon Workout App Membership.
If you are fine with the app options of the built-in screen, don’t have a tablet or other suited device for the EX5, and/or want a big screen, the Echelon EX5S can save you money overall and be the right choice.
In other situations, you will likely prefer the versatility and lower initial investment of combining the Echelon EX5 with your own devices. Even if the Bluetooth connection of this exercise bike does not always work perfectly.
Differences Echelon EX5 vs EX5S
As their names imply, the Echelon EX5 and EX5S are very similar indoor cycling bikes. Even so, there are still a few differences, sometimes very small ones, that can influence your decision.
In the first table below, you can find an overview of these.
| Feature | Echelon EX5 | Echelon EX5S |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | Not Included | 21.5″ HD Touchscreen |
| Device Holder | Yes, 5.5″ – 12.9″ (14 cm – 23.8 cm) Screen Capacity | Not Included |
| Adjustability Screen Or Device | Flips 180 Degrees | Swivels 180 Degrees |
| Weight | 106 lbs (48 kg) | 123.5 lbs (56 kg) |
| Dimensions | 52″ L x 20″ W x 55″ H | 54″ L x 21″ W x 56″ H |
| Price Category* | $$$ | $$$$$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Price category at the time of writing
Common features Echelon EX5 and EX5S
Before making your decision between the Echelon EX5 and Echelon EX5S you may also want to see the features these two exercise bikes have in common.
| Feature | Echelon EX5 | Echelon EX5S |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Handlebar Adjustment | Height & Fore/Aft | Height & Fore/Aft |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Bottle Holder | 2 Large | 2 Large |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
Differences Echelon EX5 vs EX5S explained in depth
Most people will be able to make a decision between the Echelon EX5 and EX5S with a look at the table of differences and the prices.
That being said, you may also still be somewhat unsure about the impact of the differences on your workout programs and results.
Below you can find the most important differences explained more in depth, for who they are important, and to what extent they are applicable to your situation and preferences.
Screen
The first and main difference between the Echelon EX5 and EX5S is that the S version comes with its own 21.5″ HD touchscreen with built-in speakers.
You can still connect the Echelon EX5 to external devices but you have to provide these yourself. In theory, you can also use this exercise bike without devices but this way you don’t see any workout tracking measurements.
These screens, whether you get the Echelon EX5S or get your own screen, can benefit your workouts in a few ways.
First of all, using an exercise bike can definitely offer health benefits. Even so, some sequences of time, intensities, and rest periods are more effective than others for improving health.
You can connect both the Echelon EX5 and EX5S to the premium version of the Echelon workout library app. Keep in mind that this requires an extra investment after the initial trial.
Additionally, you can also use your screens to stream entertainment like your favorite TV shows. This can make your workouts more enjoyable and in turn improve exercise plan consistency.
One important thing to note is that the Echelon EX5S screen has relatively limited functionality in these areas. For example, when it comes to workout apps, the screen is only intended to work with the Echelon app.
Additionally, the range of entertainment streaming apps is somewhat limited, especially when you compare this to phones, tablets, and smart TVs.
The main benefits of the Echelon EX5S screen are that it is relatively big and can be budget-friendlier than getting your own Echelon EX5-compatible device.
Winner: Echelon EX5S if you like the available workout and entertainment app options
Winner: Echelon EX5 if you want app options that are not available on the EX5S screen
Device holder
This next difference was shortly mentioned before but deserves its own section. The Echelon EX5 has a separate device holder so you can use your own phone or tablet.
More specifically, screens that are between 5.5″ – 12.9″ (14 cm – 23.8 cm).
The Echelon EX5S does not have a separate device holder. This difference comes with upsides and downsides.
First of all, third-party phones, tablets, and smart TVs typically have many more workout and entertainment app options.
These devices are also a lot more versatile than the EX5S screen in other areas. For example, you can take a tablet with you when traveling or just easily take it around the house.
The first downside is that these other workout apps are often not compatible with the Echelon EX5 bike. To look at your exercise bike workout measurements you have to keep a second device close.
Additionally, your own phone, tablet, or smart TV can cost more than the price difference between the Echelon EX5 and EX5S. Phones and tablets also tend to be smaller than the 21.5″ HD screen of the EX5S.
Lastly, there are a few customer mentions about the Bluetooth connection between devices and the Echelon EX5 nog being great.
In short, the benefits of having a device holder instead of a built-in screen include more app versatility, having more ways to use your screen, and potentially saving money if you already have a device like this.
Winner: Echelon EX5 if you want app options that are not available on the EX5S screen
Winner: Echelon EX5S if you like the available workout and entertainment app options
Adjustability screen or device
Both the Echelon EX5 and EX5S have some way to put a screen in front of you. Another area where these two exercise bikes vary is the position options of these screens.
The Echelon EX5 allows you to flip the device holder over to the other side. The Echelon EX5S allows you to rotate the screen 180° degrees with positions in between.
How much these things matter to you depends on what you plan to do outside of your exercise bike workouts. For example, the Echelon Premier Membership also includes regular workout videos without your exercise bike.
To watch these you want enough space to move but still want to be close enough to the screen to follow along. The different screen positions mentioned are mainly helpful in situations like this.
Since the screen position options of the Echelon EX5S are more versatile than the EX5, it has a small advantage in this area. This may or may not be relevant to you.
Winner: Echelon EX5S
Weight (and dimensions)
If you are interested in the Echelon exercise bikes you are likely choosing a new addition to your home gym. Sizes of home gyms can vary but you likely have at least some type of space limit.
This is relevant because the Echelon EX5 and EX5S both have transport wheels. These make it easier to move the exercise bikes out of the way so you can do other workouts or use the room for other purposes.
The weight of each stationary bike influences just how easy or hard it is to move.
In the case of the Echelon EX5 and EX5S, there is a 17.5-pound (7.9 kg) difference. The Echelon EX5 weighs 106 lbs (48 kg) and the Echelon EX5S weighs 123.5 lbs (56 kg).
This difference is not that big and will likely not influence your decision in any way but for some people, it is something to keep in mind.
You may also be interested in the small dimension differences between these exercise bikes. The Echelon EX5 is two inches (5.08 cm) shorter, one inch (2.54 cm) narrower, and one inch lower than the Echelon EX5S.
Winner: Echelon EX5
Price
In terms of features, the decision between the Echelon EX5 and EX5S depends on how much you like the included screen vs using your own device. Something that may help you choose is the price difference between the bikes.
Exactly how big this will be depends on where you get your models and can change over time. Even so, at the time of writing, the Echelon EX5 is a good amount more budget-friendly than the Echelon EX5S.
Keep in mind that no matter what Echelon bike you choose, there is an extra cost if you want the Echelon Premium Membership App after the initial free trial.
At the same time, you don’t necessarily need this premium app to use these exercise bikes.
Winner: Echelon EX5
User reviews
When looking at two similar exercise bikes from the same brand like the Echelon EX5 and EX5S, looking at the differences in features generally offers the most objective comparison.
Even so, sometimes customer reviews can uncover unexpected downsides or quality control issues. This is somewhat the case in this comparison.
There are a few customer mentions about the Echelon EX5 dropping the Bluetooth connection with the device in use for no good reason. Since the screen of the Echelon EX5S is built-in, it does not really have these issues.
Besides that, there are a few exceptional quality control issues which are not helpful but somewhat common for bigger cardio machines with many moving parts.
Overall, customers do tend to be happy with their investments. The people who chose the Echelon EX5S are just a bit more satisfied.
Is the Echelon EX5 or EX5S right for you?
In short, the Echelon EX5S has a built-in 21.5″ HD touchscreen that can be swiveled around 180 degrees.
On the flip side, the Echelon EX5 is a good amount more budget-friendly but requires your own device and only offers two device holder positions.
Some of the main things that will influence your decision are that the Echelon EX5S screen is rather limited in terms of what workout and entertainment apps you can use. Not everyone likes the Echelon Workout App Membership.
In combination with not being able to take the screen anywhere like you can do with a tablet or phone, most people will just prefer the Echelon EX5.
Even if the Bluetooth connection of this exercise bike does not always work perfectly.
If you do find the app options on the Echelon EX5S screen enough and don’t have a tablet or other suited device, this exercise bike can save you some money in the bigger picture.
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