Echelon EX5 Review

I am often gobsmacked hearing the high price of advanced exercise bikes. Over the top, you will have to pay for the app’s monthly subscription. Sure, they have interactive classes, a durable frame, competitive resistance, adjustability, and many cool features. But people always seek quality in budget. That’s where the Echelon Smart Connect Bikes enters. Such an affordable and brilliant choice is Echelon EX5 spin bike. It has almost all the great features that are possessed by some renowned brands. A perfect rip off you can say, in a good way. So, today you will learn in and out from this Echelon EX5 Review.

Let’s start with its specifications.

Specifications:

• Weight: 112 lbs.
• Dimension: 20” width x 54” length
• Type: Spin Bike
• Material: Welded steel frame with powder coating
• Resistance: 32 Magnetic
• Resistance Type: Flywheel type
• Drive: Belt
• Seat: Competition seat, 6” lever-style adjustment
• Handlebars: Aero handlebar system
• Console: No available
• Programs: Fit App offers interactive Live and on-demand classes. Such as stretching, yoga, Kickboxing, Zumba, Pilates, pre-and post-workout sessions, and more.
• Connectivity: Bluetooth connectivity
• Smart Device Mount: Available
• Pedals: SPD compatible pedals with toe cages
• Colors: Red and Black
• Extras: Dual water Bottle Holders, weight rack behind the saddle
• Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

Now, we will look at its remarkable feature to have a quick overview of what Echelon EX5 can provide its users.

Features:

• The Echelon EX5 is made with a strongly welded steel body that can endure a weight limit of up to 112 lbs. Its powder coating will give a rich touch when spinning.
• A competition seat can help you in getting better performance. You can change the seat height with its 6″ lever style adjustment.
• Handlebars of the Echelon EX5 are designed in an aero handlebar system. Here, you can have fore and aft adjustments to attain multiple training positions.
• The EX5 features a smart device mount that can swivel around 180°. Hence, you can also perform off-machine workouts.
• You can get a challenging yet fruitful workout experience with the 32 magnetic resistance levels.
• With a heavy flywheel, you can have smooth and quieter exercise sessions. Besides, it can exactly mimic the outdoor riding experience.
• The pedals are SPD compatible and have fully adjustable toe cages to secure your feet while spinning. No, specific cycling shoes are required.
• Like any other Echelon connect bike, the EX5 supports Bluetooth connectivity. So you can track your fitness stats or use stream online exercise classes.
• With a subscription to Fit App, you can enjoy tons of Live and on-demand classes from trained professionals. Join any time of the day and you won’t feel vacant anymore.
• Dual water bottle holders are designed in the EX5 so you can drink plenty of water during a tiring workout.

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Product’s Description:

Build Quality and Weight Capacity:

First of all, I am impressed by the sleek, matte black frame of the Connect EX5. Powder coating is given in the bike to exhibit a premium vibe. You are getting this in two different colors, black and red. They look striking in both gym and home apartments.

The durability of equipment comes from its material. The EX5 is built with a top-notch, welded steel frame that feels sturdy and solid. It is can withstand all the abuse of the workout. Feels stable and doesn’t shake when you are working out rigorously.

The EX5 is strong enough to hold a weight up to 112 lbs. Surely, it can also adjust a few more pounds. Here, the width of the bike is 20” where the length is 54”. Even though it is made of steel, feels lightweight and has a compact design. You can easily use it in a small apartment. Besides, it incorporates a horizontal stabilizer, leveling feet, a front wheel to move the bike anywhere you want.

Resistance and Flywheel:

The Echelon EX5 features 32 levels of resistance that initiates a smooth and quieter ride with adequate challenges. Newly, the exercise bike has added an advanced motor that enables precise magnetic resistance. Here, two magnets oppose the flywheel motion and create frictionless resistance.  You can adjust the resistance with the adjustment knob in the down tube. Screwing it up and down, you can make the workout easier or more intense. Initially, controlling the resistance with the knob can be somewhat tricky but you will get used to it.

In this EX5 spin bike, you will find 28 lbs. flywheel which has an okay weight and is situated at the rear part.  But it can provide you with the exact feeling of outdoor cycling. The belt drive system connects the flywheel to the crank. As a result, you get a fluid pedaling motion. And the due to frictionless magnetic resistance, your flywheel won’t damage over time.

Seat and Handlebars:

Here, in this Echelon EX3 spin bike, you will get a competition seat that is designed ergonomically. It is large, well-padded, and offers optimal comfort. Plus, assist you in getting a great workout. Thus, you can push yourself further in the spin bike for more grind. It has a 6″ lever adjustment system. So, you can change the seat height as you require. Besides, you can shift the seat forward and backward to get a better riding position.

The Aero system handlebars in EX5 offer a greater range of movement. You can have fore and aft adjustment and it suits various wrist positions. So, you can perform multiple training programs easily. Besides, it has a sleek arm design fit that gives a premium feel.

Smart Device Mount:

With Echelon EX3, you won’t get any built-in HD console. Although the promotional pictures on the website show one. However, you can utilize your unused device at home. Yes, the EX3 comes with a smart device mount which is integrated into the handlebars. It can fit tablets or iPads but not so well at holding the smartphones in place. The smart device mount or tablet holder can flip 180-degrees. This is a great feature if you want to do some off-bike workout like yoga, meditation, or Pilates.  

App and Connectivity:

As the EX5 has no console, you can use the Echelon Fit App to take part in various interactive classes. It comes with a $39.99 monthly subscription and there is a discount on an annual subscription if you want to have one. Here, you can enjoy unlimited live classes and access to Fit Pass for any off-bike workout programs. Such as yoga, meditation, kickboxing, Pilates, strength training, and many more. I think it is better to buy a subscription. Otherwise, you can save or track your fitness progress.

The EX5 supports Bluetooth connectivity which means you can connect your smartphones or tablet to get the console-experience workout. So, you can log into your Fit App profile and can track your fitness information.  And to monitor your workout stats, (heart rate, cadence, calories burned, and distance) you can use the wireless heart-rate monitor. You can connect this wireless device to your tablet and app for tracking.

Pedals:

The Echelon EX5 features SPD compatible pedals. One side has toe cages that can be adjusted to give you a secure fit when pedaling. It can be used when you are doing a rigorous workout so your feet don’t slip out of the pedal. While the other side is normal flat pedals. So you can flip this side and clip to pedal.

Extras:

Many high-end spin bike lacks water bottle holder. But the Echelon EX5 features dual water bottle holders. I think it is a thoughtful feature for people who does strenuous workout. You will sweat a lot and get thirsty. So, if you have to run across the room for water then your focus will shift from the exercise. Hence, ruin your productivity. But the Echelon EX5 spin bike has got you covered.

There are two metal weight racks behind your seat to keep useful exercise equipment. Such as dumbbells, weight curls, towels, etc.  

Assembly:

Ahh, then comes the sweetest part and often the hardest too. Assembling exercise equipment is a daunting process. If one part is misplaced it can either hamper your performance or damage the bike. But gladly, the assembling procedure of the Echelon EX5 is easier than its other Connect series. I really like the fact, it comes almost assembled when you open the package. So, it may feel heavy overall when you take it out alone from the box. In this case, keep a helping hand and they can help you in shifting the bike in the right position. So, when you have placed it upright, it should be easier to tilt and roll it. Here, the installation process is a no-brainer. Just simply follow the manual and you will be likely done within an hour.

However, didn’t like the fact that the instruction booklet lacks troubleshooting or FAQ’s section. Some complaint about having a problem with adjusting the seat angle and tightening the pedals to the shaft. If you have issues with that, you can search google and get the answer.

Price and Warranty:

The market price range of the Echelon Connect Series EX5 is $1,799.98 where you can often get a hundred bucks off from the Echelon’s site. I think the quality they provide at such an affordable price draws more customers.

Well, people are not so happy with the warranty provided by Echelon. Because all the Echelon bike comes with a standard 1-year warranty. Usually, with the increment of exercise bike price, the warranty also increases. But this is not the case for the Echelon. However, the user can have one of the two extended warranties. Where you can get one extra year with $99 and three extra years with $199.

Alright, this was our detailed analysis over the Echelon EX5. Now we will see about its great sides and drawbacks.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. What is the power requirement for the EX5 spin bike?

Ans: You may require a voltage of 100V-240V to power up the EX5 spin bike.

2. Can I use my smartphone to use the Fit App?

Ans: Yes, you can and for this, you have to download the Echelon Fit App and pay the subscription fee.

3. Is it possible to track the workout data without the app?

Ans: No.

4. Can I wear any type of shoes with this spin bike?

Ans: Yes, you can.

5. Is the flywheel weighted?

Ans: Yes, they are heavy enough.

Buyer’s Guide:

Before buying an exercise bike, you need to go through dozens of its review articles and YouTube videos. Then calculate what type of workout you need, your fitness goals, storage space, budget, and of course health condition. When in the market, try to give a test ride to the spin bike to see if it’s perfect for you. These things will be helpful for you.

The Verdict:

If you are limited on a budget yet want an effective workout at home then there is no better option than Echelon EX5. It has never-ending interactive Fit App classes, challenging 32 magnetic resistance levels, and a heavy flywheel for a real riding experience. With a competition seat, you will better cycling experience and the aero handlebar provides a greater range of motion. SPD compatible pedals and smart device mounts will add greatness to your workout. With that being said, we are going to end here. I hope this Echelon EX5 review will be useful for you.

You can read our Echelon bike-related post  (Echelon bike reviews)