Are you considering getting a fitness bike? Ready to get in shape and burn those calories right from the comfort of your home? Then the Echelon bike is right for you.
The Echelon bike is a fitness bike that is more affordable compared to its other alternatives. Their bikes are also very popular amongst many fitness enthusiasts and individuals because it is budget-friendly and give you the same feeling you will get on other high-end brands like Peloton, NordicTrack, SoulCycle, WattBike Atom, and Bowflex.
Echelon has an array of models you can choose from. They also have on-demand classes, live classes, or virtual bike rides that you can choose from. If you are looking for ways to burn lots of calories and work your muscles right in your home without having to hit the gym then you can get the bikes.
Echelon Bikes Models
Echelon has many bike models with something for everyone to pick from depending on their budget and specifications. The different models of Echelon’s Connect bikes are used with Echelon Fit, a subscription-based app that offers live and on-demand streaming workout classes. Each model is unique and has a different set of features and slight variations in its technical specs and measurements. These variations can be but are not limited to bottle holders, weight racks, and power ports.
Below are a few Echelon bikes and their prices (shipping and tax excluded):
- Echelon GT+ Connect Bike -$899.99
- Echelon EX-5 Connect Bike -$999.99
- Echelon EX-5s (10’’ and 22’’) Connect Bike – $1499.99
- Echelon EX-8s Connect Bike – $2299.99 (Illuminate your ride!!)
How Does the Echelon Connect Bike Work?
Echelon connect bikes work with the Echelon an application called FitPass. FitPass gives bike owners access to scenic rides, fitness instructors, a wide range of workout videos, a community, and great music from real artists. The app can work on mobile devices and tablets.
The scenic rides transport you instantly to locations all around the world. Imagine riding through the streets of Rome and Paris right from your home – splendid! Your riding sessions don’t have to be boring because you can always explore new places every single day.
You can also exercise live with your friends, share your performance ranks and do more with the interactive Leaderboard.
The GT+ and EX-5 Echelon connect bikes both have a built-in console, which allows you to use your smartphone or tablet to stream workout classes via the FitPass. While the EX-5S and EX-8S connect bikes are fitted with touchscreens that are connected to the FitPass. The EX-5S comes in two variants:
- EX-5S-10 (10” screen)
- EX-5S-10 (22” screen)
PRICING
Echelon has different discounts, financing options, and freebies when buying directly from its website.
Membership is required to access most of the bike’s features although up to five riders per household can share a subscription.
The monthly membership costs $34.99 and gives access to over thirty-five (35) live classes daily, several on-demand classes, and access to FitPass. Up to five profiles can be covered under this membership.
You can also choose to pay for yearly or biannual membership plans which cost $399.99 for 1 year or $699.99 for 2 years. Choosing any of these plans will save you $100.
PROS
For this Echelon bikes review, we have decided to state some reasons why they are awesome.
- Echelon connect bikes are budget-friendly compared to their contemporaries like Peloton and Nordic tracker.
- Compared to a yearly gym membership, Echelon is much cheaper as you will have access to the app to do different exercises like yoga, rumba dance, etc right from your Fitpass app.
- Fitpass makes it easy to enjoy a variety of workouts in addition to the cycling classes.
- The Echelon bikes come with 35+ pre-installed workout videos on the EX-5S and EX-8Sseries compared to their competitors within that range. The screens can also be flipped 180 degrees, this can be used for other workouts.
- You will have access to different fitness instructors and can become a member of the Echelon community.
- Everyone knows that music can make or break your workout session. Echelon works with top record labels to get great music from Pitbull, Lady Gaga, Daddy Yankee, and Jessie J. You will feel pumped and motivated listening to great music while working out.
- You wouldn’t have to bother about not being able to go to the gym because of heavy snow or downpour. With your connect-bike, you can easily cycle and even use scenic drives and virtually drive through a beautiful sunny place anywhere in the world.
- Some professionals have linked indoor cycling to some health benefits like reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and help with weight loss by helping you burn some calories.
What’s more, regular physical activity has been shown to help extend the life span, improve quality of life, and protect against a number of chronic health conditions.
CONS
Although Echelon bikes may be associated with several benefits, there are a few downsides to consider.
- Some models do not come with in-built touchscreens and this is not very comfortable for everyone.
- In addition to the price of the bike itself, you need to pay to use the Echelon Fit app, which can become expensive over time.
- The pedals from Echelon bikes are made of SPD-compatible pedals, which means that you may need to get a pair of cycling cleats to use with this pedal type.
- The bikes come with a 1-year limited warranty on parts and labor, which falls short when compared with many of its competitors.
The Bottom Line
Echelon bikes are more cost-effective than some other bikes like peloton and NordicTrack. Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose to get any of the Echelon bike models. Some of the models do not come with HD- touchscreens, if you would not mind using your phones or tablets it will be a great choice. Based on the Echelon bikes review, consider the other costs that come with the bike like the Echelon Fit membership and SPD-compatible cleats that are not included in the bike cost. Overall, investing in an Echelon bike is worth it.