The latter, which the company sent me for this review, costs $2,199, while the 16-inch version is priced at $1,699. During these workouts, the trainer will tell you to unlock Lean Mode at certain points, then they might say to hard lean left or right for about 30 seconds or weave from side to side. The new Velocore bike from Bowflex has a full color touchscreen and a side-leaning frame so users get a greater core challenge and enjoy a realistic experience as they ride The Velocore bike is designed to … All of that makes the VeloCore a compelling piece of fitness equipment, but the Peloton Bike retains our Editors' Choice award thanks to its devoted rider community, regular schedule of live classes, competitive leaderboards, and vast selection of floor-based exercise classes to supplement your cycling workouts. Since certain parts of the machine are heavy and cumbersome, assembly requires two people. (Testing smart fitness equipment for a living has its perks, but the assembly and setup process isn't always fun.) If you prefer, you can replace the stock pedals with any 9/16-inch ones. The Velocore is a versatile bike that will work for a variety of trainees. The added motion of the bike adds another level of simulated reality for those riders that just can’t be achieved by any other bike on the market. Trainer-led videos mimic the experience of an indoor cycling class. At $1,700, the VeloCore indoor cycling bike barely qualifies as an "affordable Peloton bike alternative" -- and if you opt for the model with the 22-inch screen, now you're up to $2,200. In the preview photo, you can see which machine the trainer is working out on. How to Use Your iPhone to Get Better Rest. On one side, it has an adjustable toe cage for secure footing while wearing regular workout sneakers. You can also sync your workout data to the Peloton and Zwift apps, if you like. Your subscription has been confirmed. Some of you might remember RealRyder, a brand that’s been around for a good while now, but not one that ever really took off in the home gym space. This is where I update the Bowflex VeloCore review to let you know if there is a better spin bike for the price. Now I almost prefer the combination of watching Netflix while doing an Adaptive Workout over the platform's trainer-led videos. Right now the only place to buy the … As with other smart home gym equipment, you'll pay extra for a membership, but the VeloCore's JRNY platform offers a growing library of on-demand trainer-led videos, artificial intelligence-powered Adaptive Workouts that get harder as your fitness level improves, and a nice variety of entertainment options to relieve boredom, including access to streaming services so you can watch TV shows and movies while working out. It weighs 175 pounds and has wheels on the front that allow you to move it around fairly easily. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/bowflex-velocore, Unique Lean Mode engages core and upper body, Works with Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and Netflix, Dual-sided pedals support clip-in cycling shoes or regular athletic sneakers, Supports Bluetooth headphones and heart rate monitors, Can sync workout data to Peloton and Zwift apps, Limited number of workout videos that incorporate Lean Mode, Google-Free Android Smartphones Are Now Available in the US, Verizon Support Suggests Turning Off 5G to Conserve Battery, Strike Up the C-Band: Opening New Lanes on the 5G Highway, Exclusive: Here's Where Americans Are Using Starlink's Satellite Internet Service, How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad, How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill, How to Find Free Tools to Optimize Your Small Business, How to Get Started With Project Management, Read NordicTrack RW900 Rowing Machine Review, Read NordicTrack Commercial 2950 Treadmill Review, The Best Smart Home Gym Equipment for 2021, How to Stop Blue Light From Disturbing Your Sleep, Is Your Sleep a Nightmare? In Learn, there's a three-minute video that goes over the VeloCore's key features and a one-minute video explaining Lean Mode. In the smart indoor exercise bike market, the VeloCore stands out for its unique Lean Mode that lets you tilt left and right, and weave side to side as you ride, a feature you won't find on any competing machines at this time. She is a graduate of West Virginia University's Perely Isaac Reed School of Journalism. It has d. multi-grip handlebars to target different muscle groups each time you work out. : Following the traditional indoor cycle model, the Velocore has 100 micro-adjustable resistance levels allow you to perfectly fine-tune your resistance and gradually ramp up the challenge as your progress. It is similar to the other bikes available on the open market while going … Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. When connected to the Peloton app, the bike will sync your RPM (cadence) data. At the bottom of the screen, it shows your time, distance, calories burned, burn rate, heart rate (if you have a heart rate monitor connected), cadence, and resistance. Bowflex VeloCore Features 1. Introducing the new cutting edge indoor cycle from Bowflex. They didn't haul away the boxes for me (I had to recycle them myself), but the assembly process was otherwise flawless. The bike is recommended for riders from 5 feet, 1 inch to 6 feet, 5 inches and up to 325 pounds. Bowflex VeloCore 22 Indoor Cycling Bike. The resistance knob also serves as a brake you can push down on to stop the pedals. Peloton also offers a range of workouts you can do off the bike, like yoga and strength training, a feature you don't get on the VeloCore, retaining our Editors' Choice award for premium smart indoor exercise bikes. The 22-inch model stands 55.3 inches tall, while the 16-inch version is a little shorter at 52.6 inches. During scenic rides, the imagery is clear and adjusts to your pace, so it will speed up or slow down as you do. Ride the Velocore while following along with an ‘Explore The World’ training session, and it’s about as close as you get to being out on a road bike without leaving the house. Sign up for What's New Now to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning. On both platforms, the classes are well produced and sequenced, and the instructors are engaging, which helps pass the time. Shop Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) Exercise Bike Black at Best Buy. Bowflex VeloCore Bike Review Indoor exercise bikes are a great way to stay fit at home. In some apps like Rouvy you can see virtually all your workout data in real time onscreen in the app. Echelon Smart Connect If you are looking to build muscle, NordicTrack’s Vault is innovative, but we … I didn't feel comfortable going the DIY route, so thankfully Bowflex provided in-home assembly services for my review unit. The Bowflex VeloCore is an exercise bike, that features “leaning mode” that create an amazing immersive riding experience. The bike features 100 levels of silent magnetic resistance you manually control with a knob, a 33-pound flywheel, a non-adjustable 170mm crank arm, an adjustable seat and handlebars, and a media rack for your phone or tablet. Bowflex doesn’t waste much time getting to the hyperbole, saying that it “put[s] fire to everything you knew about indoor cycling”. The Bowflex VeloCore smart indoor exercise bike justifies its premium price with a unique Lean Mode that works your core and upper body, plus a nice selection of entertainment options to help fight boredom. I've been testing the VeloCore over the past five weeks. Direct Internet Connection; While the VeloCore exercise bike does have Bluetooth, it also comes with built-in Wi-Fi. If they're working out on a different machine, you'll see a tablet connected to their bike. When browsing the Video section, you see a preview photo for each workout along with a written description and video preview you can watch. With the VeloCore, … In-home assembly costs an extra $199. Independent Reviews and Recommendations for the BowFlex VeloCore Bike The Bowflex VeloCore is the first exercise bike of its kind – it offers an interactive riding experience, that allows you to lean from … >> This post will tell you about an affordable, high-quality exercise bike that can lean and comes with a Satisfaction Guarantee.. Bowflex Velocore Bike Reviews… The company is also aiming to increase the total number of videos that incorporate Lean Mode to more than 100 in the near future. The VeloCore features Bluetooth connectivity, which lets you sync heart rate monitors and headphones with the bike. Bowflex sells the VeloCore with a 16- or 22-inch HD touch screen. All Product Information Customer Q&A's Customer Reviews … Any indoor cycling bike worth its salt can make your legs feel like Jello, but a new entrant from Bowflex, the VeloCore, promises a more full-body workout. That said, you can get a Peloton Bike for $300 less than the 22-inch VeloCore, which offers live classes with competitive leaderboards and a much larger library of on-demand workout videos. This is the first bike that we’ve seen that offers a lean option, but if you get bored with indoor fitness, you won’t any more! When it's time to speed up or slow down, you'll hear a ding. Lean Mode works well and is more than a gimmick: It helps relieve boredom, giving you something else to do as you push and pull on the pedals, and it works your core and upper body more than a traditional stationary bike, offering a more efficient workout. It ticks all the boxes and then some, all while keeping its sticker price lower than that of the Peloton bike. In front of the resistance knob is a second, smaller knob: This is the VeloCore's Lean Mode lock. If the trainer is working out on the VeloCore, you'll see its large screen in the preview photo. dumbbells for upper-body workouts. Learn how your comment data is processed. The Virtual Coach also tells you when to stand and sit down, and offers encouragement during the workout. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology. We review this swirving cool smart bike. In the Profile tab, you can manage your goals, your subscription, set your bike's date and time, log out, restart, change your password, or submit feedback to Bowflex. There are three tabs at the bottom of the JRNY interface: Workouts, Journal, and Profile. I work out on it for about 30 minutes per session, five times a week, and always end my workouts very sweaty, with a feeling of accomplishment. It would be nice if the platform offered these filtering options, as well as a way to show only workout videos that incorporate Lean Mode, because not all of them do. PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering Labs-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. The Bowflex … Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle. The Bowflex Velocore is an interesting bike to score based on first impressions. With … It’s easy to say that the Bowflex Velocore isn’t for everyone, and that (if anything) it’s a bit too hardcore for the recreational indoor cycling enthusiast, but for those who want to challenge … Some Adaptive Workouts feature a Virtual Coach, which offers verbal instructions guiding your cadence and resistance. Compete with other cyclists via Zwift or enjoy a cycling trail across the world via Explore The World. Bowflex VeloCore Bike Review - Peloton Challenger The latest addition to the line of Bowflex exercise bikes, the VeloCore takes your workout to the next level with its innovative dual mode system. A Bowflex spokesman tells me that the company is currently evaluating whether to add live classes, so there's a chance we could see them on the platform in the future. During the workout, you will see the trainer on their own bike, and the same metrics along the bottom of the screen shown during an Adaptive Workout. Welcome to the Bowflex Velocore, effectively the new benchmark in the indoor cycling category when it coms to those looking for the most aggressive and calorie crushing ride they can get. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. Burn rate is a measurement of your calories burned per minute. Mary from Canada, “This bike has proved to be a boon for me as I can keep an eye on my children during my riding sessions. Save my name, email, and location in this browser for the next time I comment. The smart indoor exercise bike that leans. This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Initially, I was drawn to the trainer-led workout videos on the platform. Beyond that, this is the new go-to recommendation for cyclists looking to train indoors during the off season or when weather is less than cooperative. In Programs, you can browse all Adaptive Workouts by duration. As of this writing, there are only about 75 trainer-led workout videos on the JRNY platform, some but not all of which incorporate Lean Mode. It doesn't feature live classes or leaderboards, but it starts at $1,199 and keeps you engaged with a focus on personalized heart rate zone training. In the Just for You section, the platform serves up recommended Adaptive Workouts and trainer-led workout videos you might like based on your goals, fitness level, and workout history. Your goal during an Adaptive Workout is to stay within the target burn rate range shown on screen. It's compact and sturdy, measuring 59.8 by 24.1 inches (LW). Bowflex tells me its video content has been very popular, so it plans to add "hundreds" of new trainer-led classes in the coming months. It's a good thing they arrived separately, because the box with the bike parts was left on my driveway in the rain while I was at yoga. If you go that route, you'll pay $95 per month for the 16-inch model or $123 per month for the 22-inch version. Overall, it's very fun to lean side to side and weave. During Adaptive Workouts, you can listen to a Bowflex Radio music station (pop, rock/alternative, top 40, hip hop/rap, EDM/dance, country, 90s, 80s, international pop, or international EDM) and view your stats on the screen. Bowflex sells the VeloCore with a 16- or 22-inch HD touch screen. You will get free standard shipping if you live within the contiguous United States. Unlike the Peloton Bike, which requires special cycling shoes, the VeloCore comes with dual-sided pedals that can be used with or without clip-ins. In Lean Mode, I can feel my arms and core working way more than they do when the bike is in the locked, stationary position. Their bikes were designed for a club environment, are devoid of any tech whatsoever, and sell for a hair more than the Velocore, which delivers a lot more than just leaning capability. This workout takes around 14 minutes, and consists of four guided intervals, during which you have to keep your speed within a certain range for as long as possible. After I made my way through the 30-minute VeloCore classes on the JRNY platform, I started testing the Adaptive Workouts, scenic rides, and streaming functionality. If I was watching Netflix while working out in manual mode, I probably wouldn't push myself as much. It would be helpful if there were additional tutorial videos going over bike basics like how to adjust the pedal straps, proper foot position, and clipping in and out, though Bowflex does explain all of this in the VeloCore's instruction manual. While this seems like a brand new innovation to many, a leaning exercise bike is not an entirely new invention. Due to the bike having magnetic resistance, you … You simply press press down on it with an open hand to unlock the bike and engage Lean Mode. Justin Mastine-FrostLast Updated: October 2, 2020. Bowflex. The trainers don't sing and dance. This isn't your normal everyday exercise bike. She has also written for several newspapers, including The Northern Valley Suburbanite in New Jersey, The Dominion Post in West Virginia, and the Uniontown-Herald Standard in Pennsylvania. On the other side, it features SPD-compatible toe clip-ins. Price Match Guarantee. A JRNY membership also lets you watch Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, Netflix on the bike's console after you sign in with your streaming account credentials. Please try your search again later. Instead, the brand set out to offer something properly different, and something we’ve only seen in the space once before. You can filter these options by duration. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time. PCMag Digital Group. They’re also an excellent choice for the non-athlete since they provide a low-impact workout. That’s right, unlock the frame, shift your weight around, and you can get a more true-to-road bike feel as you power through your workouts. All I had to do was connect the bike to my Wi-Fi network, wait for it to download and install a software update, create a JRNY profile, and I was good to go. It arrived in two boxes—one for all the bike parts, and another for just the screen. You don't necessarily need a JRNY membership to work out on the VeloCore, but it significantly elevates the experience. I first chipped away at the Netflix documentary Dolly Parton: Here I Am while working out on the VeloCore, then moved on to the second season of Unsolved Mysteries. Keiser M3 Indoor Cycle The VeloCore sports a black-and-red design reminiscent of the Peloton Bike and Echelon Connect EX5S. First, those interested in the interactive training element made popular by indoor cycling studios and the ever growing popularity of Peloton should definitely give the Bowflex Velocore a closer look. And thanks to the new “lean mode” you can make it a little less stationary than before. In the Journal tab, you can view a record of all your workouts, calories burned (for this week, last week, and your weekly average), and progress toward your time, consistency, and distance goals created during the initial setup process. It's easy to forget to stretch if they don't tell you to, so I like that most of the instructors build this into the class plan. As you can see from the image above, what makes the Velocore unique is its ability to lean. It’s easy to say that the Bowflex Velocore isn’t for everyone, and that (if anything) it’s a bit too hardcore for the recreational indoor cycling enthusiast, but for those who want to challenge themselves it’s a real winner. You can assemble the VeloCore yourself, or add in-home assembly services at checkout for an additional $199. The 22-inch VeloCore is one of the more expensive smart indoor cycling bikes on the market, topping the $1,895 Peloton Bike, which features the same size touch screen. But on Peloton, instructors choose the tunes for each workout, so everyone listens to the same music. My favorite so far is a 30-minute strength- and cardio-focused session called Stairs, which consists of six climbs with two-minute breaks in between. Bowflex VeloCore review: A revolutionary stationary bike that isn’t always stationary The Bowflex VeloCore Bike with a unique feature that allows riders to lean into turns. You can click into any workout to view stats such as your time, distance, total calories burned, average sprint burn rate, average heart rate, average cadence, and average resistance, and more. First, Bowflex came to the table with its own assortment of streaming training options via their JRNY app, with the goal of matching that competitive ‘cycling class from your home’ option that’s already on offer from NordicTrack, Peloton, MYX, Stryde Bike, and others. The company gives you a four-hour window for when the assembly technicians will arrive. I usually pair the Adaptive Workouts with an Explore the World scenic ride, or stream a show on Netflix at the same time to help pass the time. The Fitness Assessment ride helps JRNY's artificial intelligence technology create your personalized Adaptive Workouts and set your burn rate targets. You'll still see your target burn rate range on screen, and whether you're within that range. Trainer-led workout videos on the JRNY platform have a more relaxed vibe than the ones on Peloton. The newly released Bowflex VeloCore is designed for indoor cycling workouts, and could be the best exercise bike for anyone upgrading from their beginner-intermediate bike. As outdoor cycling … In the Workouts tab, there are five sections along the top: Just For You, Programs, Explore the World, Videos, Favorites, and Learn. f 3 lb. The Adaptive Workouts are personalized to you, and get harder as you get fitter. In Favorites, you can access all the workouts you've marked with the heart icon. ... Find answers in product info, Q&As, reviews There was a problem completing your request. Your first workout on the VeloCore is a Fitness Assessment ride, which you can do during the initial bike setup process or access in the Just for You tab if you skip it when creating your account. PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis, LLC and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. When budgeting for the VeloCore, you'll also want to factor in the price of a JRNY membership, which gives you access to Adaptive Workouts, scenic virtual rides in more than 40 destinations, on-demand trainer-led workout videos, Bowflex Radio music stations, and the ability to set up an unlimited number of user profiles. It's very easy to lock and unlock the bike, and it feels satisfying to slam down on the Lean Mode lock during a workout. That said, to take advantage of all these perks you have to be ready to push yourself, so if you’re looking for a more relaxed and low-key workout we’d suggest spending your money elsewhere. The latter, which the company sent me for this review, costs $2,199, while the 16-inch version is priced at $1,699. I'm personally only interested in the videos featuring the VeloCore, since these workouts incorporate Lean Mode. The VeloCore's screen tilts up and down, but doesn't rotate side to side. Trying to hard lean left or right, while maintaining a fast cadence like 100rpm, is very challenging. NordicTrack Grand Tour They also might tell you to leave the bike unlocked, but to try to keep from leaning side to side, which is difficult. It's more than just a gimmick, because with Lean Mode engaged, you'll work your arms, core, and back in addition to your legs as you tilt left and right. Fortunately, the box with the screen arrived earlier in the day when it wasn't raining, and was left at my front door under an overhang. In this section, you can also view any awards you've earned and the corresponding date. Peloton classes are sequenced to go with the music; when the chorus comes on, for instance, the instructor might tell you to pick up the pace to match the beat. Also make sure your ceiling is at least 16 inches higher than the tallest person in your household who plans to ride the bike. She previously spent eight years as a PCMag reporter, and prior to that was a reporter for SC Magazine, covering hackers and computer security. On the JRNY platform, there are no live classes or leaderboards. Introducing the VeloCore. In Explore the World, you can browse scenic rides filmed in picturesque locations, including the French Riviera, Zion National Park, and Shangri-La. Keep an eye on your inbox! FEATURED ARTICLE: Bowflex VeloCore Reviews. Meanwhile, if you're on a budget, we highly recommend the MYX Fitness bike, our Editors' Choice for more affordable smart indoor exercise bikes. The VeloCore is as good as it gets when it comes to connected stationary bikes. By submitting your comment you agree to our Privacy Policy. When connected with Zwift, it will sync your heart rate, power, and RPM data. iFit also takes things a step further, offering trainer-led videos in scenic locations so you can work out while getting a tour of the sights. Right now there's no way to filter these videos by duration, trainer, or equipment. When selecting a spot for the VeloCore, it needs to be at least 48.4 inches wide to accommodate the bike's Lean Mode. The selection of scenic rides available on JRNY currently pales in comparison with the number of locations you can explore on NordicTrack's iFit platform, however. On Peloton, instructors often sing and dance in the saddle, and give shout-outs to riders on the leaderboard, celebrating milestones like a person's hundredth ride. As resistance is magnetic, it will be a smooth and quiet ride. If you're not happy with the VeloCore, you can return it within six weeks for a refund, minus the cost of shipping. JRNY cycling instructors often take about a minute or so at the end of the workout to stretch. © 1996-2021 Ziff Davis, LLC. The Bowflex VeloCore smart indoor exercise bike justifies its premium price with a unique Lean Mode that works your core and upper body, plus a nice selection of entertainment options to help … Combined with the fantastic display, it could … Something to keep in mind here, however, is that data connectivity varies depending on which app you use. When creating a profile, you can select up to three fitness goals from a list. The Bowflex Velocore bike is an excellent choice for your at-home gym. The Bowflex Velocore Bike Reviews are almost positive, and the users love the enhanced features of this cycling equipment. The Bowflex VeloCore is a well-rounded, tech-friendly exercise bike that is equipped to handle a multitude of apps without slowing down. Even if you’re just looking for a casual … Standing up while the bike is unlocked feels a bit risky to me, so I typically stay seated in Lean Mode, but I'm sure with more practice I will get more comfortable. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. To lock the bike in a stationary position, just pull up on the knob until you hear a click. This bike is squarely aimed at two key groups. The trainer videos are good, but it's hard to pass up the allure of Netflix. Bowflex Velocore Bike Reviews [Save 50%] Get It Today! The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. All the Adaptive Workouts I've tried are challenging but doable. To make the price more manageable, Bowflex offers financing options to let you pay the bike off over 18 months with no interest. After each workout, you have the opportunity to rate it on a scale of "boring" to "super fun" and assess how difficult it was for you. They still motivate you to give it your all, but in a less intense way. But when paired with an Adaptive Workout, I get a good sweat in what feels like no time at all. If you're taking advantage of one of these entertainment options during an Adaptive Workout, there will be a small box on the screen, which you can position anywhere you like, showing your burn rate target range, time, calories burned, and resistance. Bowflex takes your answers into account when suggesting future workouts. Lean Mode gives you something else to do, which helps pass the time. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. Without a JRNY membership, you can only do manual workouts on the bike, and none of your workout data is saved. Albeit limited in quantity at the moment, the trainer-led VeloCore classes are excellent. Needless to say, it was a bit of a struggle getting the heavy, wet cardboard box into my home, but I managed. Of course, in our review, the best overall cardio experience is the Bowflex VeloCore, which is an immersive experience. This isn't really an issue, though, since the JRNY platform doesn't offer classes off the bike. The Peloton app only displays RPM within the app in real time. If that's too boring, you can watch a movie or TV show on one of the aforementioned streaming services, or view one of the scenic rides. If you have other JRNY-enabled Bowflex equipment, you can use the same account for everything. If you opt for the in-home assembly service, you'll get a call one to three days after the bike ships to schedule an appointment. 100 Resistance Levels The VeloCore (see our Bowflex VeloCore review) comes with 100 different magnetic resistance levels. Sole SB700 Bike Light Commercial. With the VeloCore, you're paying extra for its unique Lean Mode, which allows you to sway from side to side, a feature you won't find on any other smart indoor cycling bike at this time. Its support for streaming services like and Disney+ and Netflix adds to bike's appeal and helps justify its high price. The price includes a Bluetooth heart rate monitor armband, a set of three-pound dumbbells, free standard shipping, a two-year mechanical and electrical warranty, and one-year labor warranty. Before starting the workout, you can select which music station you want to hear from the aforementioned options. If you’re looking for a more streamlined, no-frills exercise bike, check out … Bowflex recommends placing the bike on a hard surface, but I have it in a room with wall-to-wall carpet, and it works fine and doesn't feel wobbly at all. On the day of the appointment, they will give you a call when they are nearby. The VeloCore's video streaming integration has become one of my favorite features. Bowflex being Bowflex, it wasn’t enough to just be equal. Aside from the fact that this is an element that will greatly appeal to road riders who want to keep up with training regardless of weather conditions, this new functionality also provides riders an opportunity to burn more calories, leaning on the bike and having that additional free motion will engage the rider’s core throughout the workout.