We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
The Echelon Smart Connect bike contributes to the latest revolutionary method to work out from home.
This offers a way to stay in the comfort and privacy of your personal space while benefiting from a personal trainer along with the advantages of class camaraderie to help you stay motivated.
How the Echelon Bike and App Works
The app provides instant access to dozens instructors along with various types of classes that are on-demand and live.
A live class will become on-demand once completed, and you have the option of taking part in the live classes from Miami, Florida, or Nashville, Tennessee.
Here it is in action:
Echelon Bike Models
Echelon currently has 4 different bikes to pick from:
- EX1
- EX3
- EX5
- EX5s
Features and Specs
The EX1 is their entry-level model, with the EX5s being their best and most expensive bike. With the EX1, EX3, and EX5 you will need a tablet to stream their live and on demand rides, which can be conveniently mounted on the included tablet rack.
The EX5s features a beautiful built-in touch screen, so no tablet is needed.
Even though the foundation of the Echelon brand has to do with the workout experiences, the quality, and specs of these bikes should still form an important part of the decision making process.
The frame is made from steel, so it is designed to last. The 33 lb. flywheel magnetic-resistance offers a stable and quiet ride, which comes with 32 resistance levels. The sport seat is also padded and slightly larger made for “going the extra mile”.
The sturdy pedals are made from aluminum that allows for standard clips or shoes.
There isn’t any traditional console, but rather a bracket dedicated to holding a smartphone or tablet, where you will be able to stream classes and access your app.
When it comes to technological requirements, this bike is compatible with both Apple devices (Arm 64 Chip), and Android 6.0 and higher. You can either use the bike with Bluetooth speakers or the built-in speakers.
Echelon Bike Price: How Much do the App and Bike Cost?
Echelon App Pricing
The subscription involves 4 different levels.
Connect Rides
- Includes on-demand and live rides for $29.99/month on the Connect bike.
Connect + Extra Mile
- Includes all the Connect rides for $34.99/month and the Extra Mile (meditation, Pilates, stretching, yoga, and more).
Extra Mile
- Access to every Extra mile class (stretching, meditation, Pilates, yoga and more) for $12.99/month.
Yearly Connect + Extra Mile
- Access to all the Connect Rides and Extra Mile for $349.99/year.
Bike Price
The Echelon Smart Connect Bike is currently available in several different models:
- EX1: Starts at $839
- EX3: Starts at $1039.98
- EX5: Starts at $1239.98
- EX5s: Starts at $1639.98
The Echelon series of bikes range in price from $839 to $1639.98, giving riders a wide range of options, models, and pricing points to pick from.
The EX1 is their most affordable bike, with the EX5s being their flagship model, and also the most expensive.
Get Full Pricing Details here:
Pros and Cons
Pros
Personal Training Experience (Live and On Demand)
The main feature of this Echelon bike has to do with the virtual experiences. The app allows you to join live classes directly from your tablet or smartphone. It also allows you to interact without being physically present in a class.
Yet it still exposes you to the energy and encouragement of having a real live person right inside your home.
This means you no longer need to brave the traffic to ensure you are on time for a popular class with one of your favorite instructors or having to wait in line to ensure you actually make it into the class.
All you have to do is walk into the room where your bike is set up and if you are unable to make it for your usual ride slot, there is always the opportunity to catch this class on-demand later on.
The Frame
The steel frame makes this bike long-lasting, durable and strong.
Magnetic Flywheel
This is a heavier flywheel weighing in at 33 lbs, which ensures a stable and quiet ride.
Compact Size
This bike measures 59′ L X 53′ H X 23′ W, making it compact enough to easily fit into just about any space.
The Seat
The larger than normal padded seats are not only comfortable but can also adjust in 4 directions (down, up, back and forth).
The Pedals
Strong and reliable aluminum pedals that are made for use with both clip-in cycling shoes or regular shoes.
The Handlebars
The multi-position handlebars offer a more comfortable way to lean forward, ride, and stand up.
Cons
Programs
This bike doesn’t come with a console or any programs. It only works with personal devices that link to the app. This means you cannot ride any other way to keep track of your stats.
You have the option to manually change the resistance and to ride the bike without the app but you cannot track your distance or calories burned.
You also have to pay for your subscription even to access the basics. If you are interested in experiencing more, you have to pay for every subscription upgrade.
Warranty
There is only a 1-year warranty on this bike, yet if you want additional coverage you can purchase an extended warranty.
The warranty is a bit short taking into account that customers will only be able to use this bike with the Echelon subscription and app. Customers are basically for life, as they will have to continue paying to use the bike, so the warranty from Echelon is weak, considering that customers continue to pay towards Echelon.
Who Should Consider Riding The Echelon Smart Connect Bike?
The Echelon Smart Connect Bike is suitable for any individual who loves spinning or riding and doesn’t mind paying for the bike along with the monthly subscription.
The monthly subscription and the bike can be compared to a 2 to 3-year gym membership. While with a gym membership you have more options when it comes to equipment, other classes, and spin classes.
If you work strange hours or maybe you like working out alone, but still need the interaction, this bike may be the answer for you.
Echelon bikes are perfect for beginning and advanced riders, and they have classes and programs to meed the needs of all abilities.
Real Customer Testimonials
If you want to hear from real Echelon riders, their website features a large number of reviews from verified buyers.
Here are just a few for you to consider here:
The bike itself is sturdy and well made. It is a very nice piece of equipment for the price. Paired with the app, which is fun and engaging, it makes for an excellent workout! -Laura O, Verified Buyer
We have been looking at different options and were influenced by another company’s popular name and advertising so we’re close to going with them. However, continued research and word of mouth recommendations led us to look more closely at Echelon despite not knowing much about the brand. We couldn’t be happier with our bike and the different options it provides. The quality is excellent and the classes are plentiful for a good selection for both of us. I encourage people to do the same research and comparisons, you will end up with the Echelon like we did! -ErennLeigh K, Verified Buyer
Final Thoughts
This bike offers a way to work out at home while still interacting with people.
You won’t have to worry about making sure you make it onto the lists of those highly popular classes. With an Echelon bike, you are always at the front.
There is not much that compares to these benefits, yet it does come at a cost.
The cost of these bikes alone with the added monthly subscription costs more than a standard gym membership, where you will still have access to other equipment and classes.
Learn more and get best Echelon Smart Connect deals below:
- Echelon Doesn’t Sound Like the Bike for You? Maybe One of Our Top Peloton Competitors would be a better fit.
