Bowflex Bike Review – Is the Bowflex C6 Right for You?

Pros and Cons of the Bowflex C6 Bike

 

The C6 Bowflex bike is a new indoor cycle from one of the biggest names in fitness.

As usual, Bowflex has stepped into the ring fighting.

Their new bike is designed specifically to be a much cheaper alternative to the Peloton.

Instead of a console that streams workout classes, you get a tablet holder and a Bluetooth Connection.

So you can stream whichever bike apps you want – including the Peloton classes- through your tablet directly.

You could also attach your tablet and watch Netflix, Hulu or YouTube videos as you ride.

So is the Bowflex C6 bike a good choice for you?

Here’s a review of the pros and cons to help you decide:

 

 

Basics:

Price: $999 + Click Here for Free Shipping

Resistance: Tension Knob

User Weight Capacity: 330 lbs

Footprint: 21.2″ x 48.7″

Console Displays: Calories, Time, Distance, RPM and Heart Rate

Warranty: 10 years frame, 3 year parts warranty, 1 year on labor

 

 

Bowflex Bike Review – the Pros:

 

More Affordable Alternative to the Peloton 

This is really the best feature about the Bowflex C6.  Peloton came out with their bike a few years ago and changed the game for indoor cycling bikes.

You could now stream cycling classes directly to your home bike – which was very cool.

The problem?

The Peloton is over-the-top-expensive coming in around $2245 plus the cost of the monthly streaming subscription package.

 

 

The Bowflex C6 gives you a stable, adjustable indoor training bike – with the option to stream cycling apps by using your tablet attached above the console – for around $1300 LESS than the Peloton.

You can then choose to get the Peloton digital app if you want to stream Peloton classes.

You can also use another general streaming service app like Ride the World or Zwift. So you have more control over which riding apps you want to try.

 

Click Here (and Scroll Down) for a Full Comparison to the Peloton

 

 

Simplified Console with Tablet Holder

You get a simplified, smaller console on this bike which gives you all of your basic workout feedback – plus a tablet holder. So you can attach your tablet and stream the cycling app of your choice through that.

Along with Bluetooth you can stream everything from the Peloton monthly classes to Zwift to Explore the world and ride different trails all over the world.

The trails will speed up or slow down as you adjust your speed, giving you a more virtual reality-style experience.

 

 

Free Handweights

Another plus on this bike is that you also get a pair of 3-pound handweights included. They fit neatly into the wire rack on the bike and you can use them to work your upper body as you ride.

 

 

100 Micro-Resistance Levels

The Bowflex C6 bike also comes with an adjustable tension knob with 100 micro resistance levels. So there are lots of ways to challenge yourself with this bike as your fitness level improves over time.

 

 

 

 

Adjustable Handlebars & Seat

The handlebars are curved with multiple grip positions. So you can choose a grip that feels comfortable for you.

You can also adjust them both vertically and horizontally to suit your preference.

The seat is also adjustable both vertically and horizontally.

 

 

Backlit LCD Screen

While the console is basic it is backlit – so you can easily read your workout stats as you cycle.

 

 

Wireless Heart Rate Arm Band

Another thing you get included with this bike is an arm band that will wirelessly monitor your heart rate as you cycle. So you can stay in your target heart rate fat-burning zone as you cycle.

 

 

 

 

Bowflex C6 Review – The Cons:

 

Lightweight

Coming in around 106 pounds when assembled, this bike is fairly lightweight. It’s not going to give you the stability or heavy, substantial feel of a commercial indoor training bike.

 

 

Limited Bike Reactions

While you can stream apps to this bike (and save some money), most people don’t realize that there is a small drawback to this setup. The bike does not automatically react to the programs – like higher end bikes will.

For example, if you go up a hill, the bike will not automatically increase the resistance or incline for you (like it does on bikes like the Nordictrack S15i for example).

If you’re watching a class and the instructor wants you to increase your resistance, you have to do that yourself – the bike does not automatically do it for you – as with some other streaming bikes. So this is something to keep in mind.

 

 

 

Bottom Line?

If you’re looking for a much cheaper alternative to the Peloton bike – from a solid name in the industry, you’ll love the Bowflex C6.

It’s simplified and a bit more basic than other training bikes. But it still gives you what you need for a good cycling workout – including adjustable seat and arm bars – as well as an easy-to-read backlit console.

Plus with the Bluetooth connectivity and tablet holder, you can easily go online and stream different workout app programs through your tablet for more challenge.

 

 

Where to Buy and Save:

While it’s new and can be hard to find, you can get the C6 bike directly from the Manufacturer here. Use the link below to get Free Shipping and Free Handweights included with your bike.

 

Click Here to Save on the C6 Bowflex Bike

 

 

 

Related: Nordictrack S22i Review – Is It A Good Buy for You?

Nordictrack S15i Studio Cycle Review – Worth Your Money?