Is Echelon Bike Worth it?

After the invasion of Coronavirus in 2020, our life has changed drastically. Among these changes are the shutdown of fitness studios and gyms. Now, one way or another, people had to find ways to stay fit and healthy. So, they opt for the indoor exercise bike, and there is no parallel of a spin bike for rigorous training. Now, talking about spin bikes reminds me of the most bought Echelon spin bike. Though Peloton is the first choice in this category. But the high price and extra subscription cost can be a turn down for some people. Anyways, people also keep asking “Is Echelon Bike Worth It?”

Well, it is designed with unique elements that promised to take your workout to the next level. No cocky crap. Echelon has interactive training classes that make you a part of the greater fitness community. So, you don’t feel alone during this lockdown and can compete with others.

A great thing about this spin bike is it doesn’t hole your wallet during purchase. It gives you almost the same touch as the high-end Peloton bike. That’s why it has been sued by Peloton for the ripped-off design. You can’t get much of a difference. Sleek design, Bluetooth compatibility, and SPD pedals are some notable features of this Echelon spin bike. Well, I would like to talk more about it in detail.

Model:

Echelon has released its 5 Connect series spin bike in the market. Among them, the entry-level ones are Connect EX-1 LE, Connect EX-3, and Connect EX-5. While the top of the line-up is Connect EX-5s and Connect EX-7s.

Here, the entry-level ones feature a smart device mount that enables you to use your Tablet and Smartphone to stream workout classes through the Echelon Fit app.

With Connect EX-5s and Connect EX-7s, you will get a 22″ HD touchscreen, Bluetooth enabled console. They also feature adjustable handlebars and two water bottle holders where the entry-level bikes have none.

All the Echelon bike works with Echelon Fit app so you will get access to Connect Rides and classes from FitPass. Besides, the pedals are SPD compatible with adjustable toe cages. Here, you will get magnetic resistance on all the bikes for a challenging workout.

Console and Connectivity:

Echelon comes with the benefits of both console and non-console exercise bikes. Now you might ask where is the benefit in non-console? Well, some riders have a limited budget and the entry-level Connect bikes can cut some costs. So, these Echelon bikes have Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to utilize your own Smartphone or Tablet. Besides, with the smart device mount, you can attach your device ahead of you and connect to the Fit app to join the workout classes. There you will get to perform yoga, stretching, meditation, Pilates, HIIT, strength training, boxing, and many more. Plus, it allows linking your Facebook, Fitbit, and Strava accounts. So, you can track your fitness progress and challenge your friends and family.

Sometimes you may feel lazy. Then you can watch Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, etc. on your device while working out. This is only possible on the entry-level Echelon bike.

Now, if you want to enjoy the surreal performance and excellence of the Echelon, then you should have its Connect EX-5s and Connect EX-7s bike. They come with a 21.5″ HD touchscreen display. An outstanding fact about the console is it can be adjusted up to 180 degrees. It allows you to use their off-bike workouts such as stretching, yoga, boxing, etc.

App:

The Echelon has a Fit app that you can take a monthly subscription to at $39. Here, you will get unlimited access to Connect rides and other workout programs. Such as yoga, boxing, stretching, cardio, Zumba, and many more.

The app mainly has a wider range of Live and on-demand workout classes. And the Lives ones are directly streamed from the Echelon studio where highly energetic instructors take the classes. As you compete with others, your name will appear on the real-time leaderboard. Besides, your instructors will call out your name which feels pretty genuine to me. Every day new classes are added and it keeps growing as the Echelon community grows.

Here, you can choose specific on-demand classes by filtering length, difficulty level, instructor, and music genre. Join at any moment of the day and you will find an ongoing class to take part in.

Design and Setup:

Echelon is built with high-quality steel material that is rugged and can withstand abuse. It measures around 54″ x 20″ and has a weight capacity of between 105 lbs. and 124 lbs. Spin bikes are heavy and they are hard to move at times. But gladly, this Echelon bike features front transporting wheels to move it from here to there easily. Seats are adjustable however they are not so plushy and can cause inconvenience. But some say you get used to it with time. With the entry-level bikes, you will get fixed handlebars. Where the top-end Echelon bike comes with adjustable handlebars. Besides, the heavy front flywheel gives you a smooth and challenging workout session. It helps you effectively break a sweat.

Here, you need to take the duty of setting up the spin bike all by yourself. Echelon provides a weirdly interesting instructions video for the setup. It has easy steps and you can follow them to get it done easily.

Resistance:

All the Echelon Connect series bikes have manually (knob style) controlled magnetic resistance. There are 32 levels to choose from. However, you won’t get any incline or decline feature for excess resistance or a challenging workout. But the provided levels should suffice. They can give you an intense workout and mimic the real outdoor cycling experience.

Pedals:

Echelon’s pedals are two in one, universal design. One side is SPD compatible while the other side has a fully adjustable toe cage. So, you can choose as you’re your comfort and wish. Where brands like Peloton required a specific cycling shoe with Delta cleats to clip in the pedal. Echelon goes with any type of casual shoes or sneakers.

Price:

The Echelon Connect EX-1 LE starts at $839.98 where the Connect EX-3 hits the thousand buck club with $1,039.98. And the Connect EX-5 and Connect EX-5s are priced at $1,239.98 and $1,639 respectively. Now, comes the most expensive bike of the Echelon, Connect EX-7s and it costs around $2,039.98.

Let us compare it with the Peloton where the starting price is $1,895 and it comes with a basic package of the bike, warranty, delivery, and setup. But here, Echelon gives you a better deal at only $1,639 that has a 21.5″ HD display, two water bottle holders, adjustable handlebars, easy setup, and a 1-year warranty. Don’t you think it is fair trade?

Verdict:

So, finally, Is Echelon Bike Worth It? Considering the price, you are paying and the qualities and performance it provides, I think it is totally worth it. If you compare Echelon with Peloton or NordicTrack, you will see it is providing great workout equipment. At an affordable price, you are getting an interactive display, powerful flywheel, 32 magnetic resistance, dual pedal usage, and a fellow Echelon fitness community. What else one can expect? Overall, it is a steal.

Now, if you like to consider having one you can check our Echelon Bike Reviews.