=An in-depth look at one of the most popular indoor cycles, the Bowflex C6, from an Owner & a Spinning® Instructor.
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Short Review
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I have owned this bike for just about a year. I get in about four rides per week in addition to the Spinning classes that I teach. So, on a satisfaction scale of 1-10, I would rate my satisfaction with the Bowflex C6 as a 10. This bike has everything you need and nothing you don’t.
== App Connectivity ==
The Bowflex C6 was to make it compatible with popular streaming apps such as Peloton App, Zwift, Sufferfest, and many others. The bike delivers and provides the user with several different options, not locking you into one specific App.
Almost all of these fitness apps will offer a free trial period and can range anywhere from 7 days to 1 month; this makes it an ideal opportunity, especially for newcomers, to get into indoor cycling.
As with any app, they all offer their pros and cons and can offer vastly different workout experiences from App to App. Zwift offers life-like virtual worlds and courses, making it feel like you are riding outside; the graphics and interface are fantastic and straightforward to use.
Some of the indoor cycling apps like Zwift allow the user to see their position on a virtual leaderboard, motivating the athlete to want to improve their performance.
To sum-up:
- JRNY: The membership is available for only $19.99/month and offers capabilities that are not available with other bikes. JRNY offers pre-recorded instructor lead content, adaptive workouts, virtual coaching, and scenic rides worldwide. Not all riders enjoy instructor lead workouts, and this bike keeps those riders in mind. This cycle can link to a Smart Trainer and help you reach your goals even while taking a scenic ride. One of the most significant features is that JRNY makes it possible to stream your favorite streaming services directly to the C6 console. Is there a new movie out that you want to watch on Disney+, Netflix, or Hulu? Now you can watch it while getting a great workout instead of just sitting on the couch. A metrics bar remains on the bottom of the screen to keep you on track.
- Peloton Integration: Using the Peloton app is very easy with this bike. An icon even exists on the console that says, “Work out with Peloton,” making it easy to find. The console directs you to grab your tablet or phone and sync it with the C6 so that the Peloton app will show your cadence, and the C6 console will display your basic metrics, including resistance and distance. The Peloton audio easily plays through the bike Bluetooth speakers for a better riding experience than your tablet or phone audio.
- Zwift Integration: Another app that works seamlessly with Bowflex C6. Once your phone or tablet with the Zwift app is linked to your bike and the power output (resistance and cadence) is selected, the power output data will be displayed within Zwift.
== Bowflex C6 vs. Peloton ==
- Where C6 is Better -
The Bowflex C6 is priced at $999, making it an affordable indoor cycling option while delivering a bike design and riding experience that you would expect from a more expensive bike. In addition, both the handlebars and saddle offer four-way adjustability, making it easier to find the correct riding position. This feature is especially critical for shorter riders.
The Bowflex C6 doesn’t come with a cycling platform built into the bike, so it allows you to have greater versatility in selecting a riding program of your choice. Many other bikes on the market, including the Peloton, lose some functionality if you decide not to purchase a membership to the riding platform associated with the cycle. The C6 can be used with Peloton®, Zwift, Sufferfest, Rouvy, FulGaz, Tacx, TrainerRoad, MyFitnessPal, and now Bowflex’s JRNY app.
- Where Peloton is Better -
Let’s be honest, the Peloton has the most incredible live class riding experience on the market, and all of the other companies are playing catch-up. That is not to say that Peloton will remain supreme in this category, but they have a corner on the market regarding the riding experience they offer. Their leaderboard is an exciting component of their riding experience, and it can only be enjoyed on an actual Peloton bike. In addition, how Peloton’s technology is built directly into the bike offers a very unique and fun workout.
== Bowflex C6 Bike Specs ==
- User height range: 4′ 6″- 6’6″
- Height: 51.8″
- Width: 21.2″
- Length: 48.7″
- Item weight: 106 pounds
- User weight maximum: 330 pounds
- 100 levels magnetic resistance