Let’s be real, if I had a dollar for every time I wished for a Peloton’s motivating instructors while staring at my dusty old treadmill…well, I could probably just buy a Peloton. But as a film crew member with unpredictable hours, that just wasn’t happening. Upgrading from my rusty old exercise bike, the Echelon EX5 feels like stepping into the future. Suddenly, I have on-demand classes and instructors who make me work harder than I ever thought possible.
So, why did I choose this bike? Because sometimes, after a 14-hour day where they somehow run out of decent snacks on set, the only cardio I’m capable of is the walk from the couch to the fridge. The EX5 lets me squeeze in a sweat session even on THOSE days. Plus, it doesn’t judge me if I’m still in my pajamas… or if I secretly wish the instructors were bringing me pizza instead of pushing me harder.
Echelon EX5 Smart Bike Review: A Peloton Alternative Worth Considering?
Echelon EX Features & Specs
- Smooth Ride (That Won’t Wake Up Roommates) I’m no Tour De France contender, but I hate a jerky, noisy ride. Good news – the EX5 is surprisingly smooth and quiet. Think more ‘gentle spin’ than ‘frantically trying to escape a bear.’ You could probably sneak in a workout while the family sleeps… not that I’ve tried that. Definitely not.
- Resistance to Challenge You (Or Humble You) This bike has enough resistance levels to satisfy hardcore cyclists AND beginners like me. It’s a great option if you’re looking for an affordable smart bike that can grow with your fitness level. Word of advice: don’t go all-in on day one unless you enjoy questioning your life choices halfway through a class.
- Workout Classes: Your On-Demand Motivation Turns out, I DO like instructors yelling at me… as long as it’s through a screen and I can mute them if I want to. The Echelon app has tons of classes, not just spin, so you won’t get bored. Plus, searching for workouts is like browsing Netflix – good chance you’ll stumble on something new to try!
- Workout Classes: Your On-Demand Motivation Turns out, I DO like instructors yelling at me… as long as it’s through a screen and I can mute them if I want to. The Echelon app has tons of classes, not just spin, so you won’t get bored. Plus, searching for workouts is like browsing Netflix – good chance you’ll stumble on something new to try!
- A Note on the Peloton Alternative Angle: While the EX5 might not have a leaderboard to fuel your competitive fire (or crush your self-esteem), it nails the motivating classes at a fraction of the price. Think of it as the budget-friendly smart bike perfect for those of us who prefer to sweat in private.
The Competition: How Does the EX5 Stack Up?
| Feature | Echelon EX5 | Bowflex C6 | Schwinn IC4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $$$ | $$$$ | $$$$ |
| Resistance | 32 Levels | 100 Levels | 100 Levels |
| App Access | Subscription | Subscription | Subscription |
| Built-in Screen | No | Optional | Optional |
| Heart Rate Monitor Included | No | Yes | Yes |
| Dumbbell Holders | No | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 2 Years | 10 Years (Frame), 5 Years (Mechanical), 1 Year (Electronics) |
The Bowflex and Schwinn boast 100 resistance levels, but trust me, the EX5’s 32 will be MORE than enough to challenge you (and maybe make you regret that extra slice of cake). Don’t get caught up in the hype – the EX5 proves that a great workout doesn’t require the fanciest features.
App Matters: Find Your Motivation
Let’s be honest, half the battle with any home spin bike is finding an app that makes you WANT to workout. The Echelon app is surprisingly good, with instructors you might not secretly wish would fall off their bikes… Plus, tons of class variety (not just cycling!) keeps things interesting.
Keep It Simple, Save Money: Focus on What Matters
Some bikes try to dazzle you with built-in screens and fancy extras. The EX5 keeps it focused on the essentials: a sturdy bike, motivating classes, and the ability to use your own tablet. This budget-friendly approach means you won’t end up with an expensive clothes rack if something breaks.
EX5 vs. The Competition: Alternatives to Consider
Let’s be real, I’m not getting paid to shill for these other bikes. But if the EX5 isn’t your perfect match, here’s a quick look at a few others in the same ballpark:
- MYXFitness Bike: For those obsessed with having a built-in screen, this does the trick. Me? I’m happy using my cracked iPad and saving the cash. Plus, if you want workouts beyond cycling, the Echelon app has way more options – yoga, kickboxing, even stretching for days when you’re feeling stiff.
- Sunny Health & Fitness Bike: If “barely over $200” is the absolute max budget, this exists. If you just want a super-basic bike and don’t care about apps or classes, the Sunny exists. But, you get what you pay for – the EX5’s sturdier build quality is worth the slightly higher price if you plan on using it a lot.
- Bowflex C6 & Schwinn IC4: These were my close contenders. Similar idea to the EX5, but I found the Echelon bike felt a bit more solid, and its app has a wider range of classes to keep things interesting. And hey, saving a few bucks never hurts!
Bottom Line: The EX5 is about getting the motivating workouts you want, without the unnecessary bells and whistles (or their ridiculous price tags).
Pros & Cons: The Honest Breakdown
Let’s be real, no bike is perfect – even those with price tags that rival a used car. Here’s the honest look at the EX5:
Pros
- Wallet-Friendly Workout: This is the EX5’s strong point. Get those Peloton-style classes without the luxury price tag.
- Surprisingly Sturdy: Don’t let the price fool you, this bike feels solid!
- App = Variety: Cycling, yoga, kickboxing… the Echelon app keeps things fresh.
- The Community Vibe: Instructors and live classes add that motivating feel, even in your own home.
Cons
- No Built-In Screen: Using your own device isn’t ideal if space is tight.
- Tech Can Be Glitchy: The app can occasionally lag, especially in live classes.
- It Won’t Do Your Taxes: Sadly, no spin bike solves ALL of life’s problems.
The Bottom Line: If you want the absolute cutting-edge of fitness tech, the EX5 isn’t it. But, for those seeking a motivating, effective, and affordable smart bike, the EX5 is a fantastic option.
Tip: When deciding if the Echelon EX5 is right for you, remember to factor the monthly app subscription into your budget.
My Experience: From Peloton Lover to EX5 Convert
Okay, I’ll admit it – I was a Peloton snob. After that hotel stay, I was hooked on those high-energy classes… and dreading the price of getting that Peloton-alternative experience at home.
Then I stumbled upon the Echelon EX5. Could it REALLY deliver something similar for a fraction of the cost?
- My Doubts: Honestly, I was worried the bike would feel cheap, the app would be a laggy mess, and I’d end up throwing it on Craigslist a month later.
- Happy Surprises: The EX5 is surprisingly sturdy, even when I’m giving it my all. The app, while having the odd glitch, has way more class variety than I expected. And the instructors bring the same motivating energy (even if they’re not mega-celebrities like on the Peloton).
- Why THIS Bike Wins: It’s about what you prioritize. I realized I don’t need all the fancy bells and whistles of a top-tier smart bike. I want a workout that makes me sweat, pushes me to be better, and is FUN. The EX5 delivers that and lets me keep money in my pocket for those occasional post-workout pizza splurges…
- Important: I’m not saying the EX5 is a perfect Peloton clone. But if you, like me, fell in love with the workout experience and want a home spin bike without the luxury car price, this bike is absolutely worth it.
Echelon EX5 In Action: How It Fits My Life
- Taming the Schedule Tetris: My life is a neverending game of schedule Tetris. The EX5 fits perfectly, with those quick-burst classes for crazy days and longer sessions when I’ve got more time. The app makes finding the right length a breeze.
- No More “Too Tired” Excuses: The hardest part of working out used to be leaving the house. Now, my gym is a few steps away. Turns out, convenience is a powerful weapon against laziness. Plus, it helps that the EX5 is surprisingly quiet (so far, no angry knocks from downstairs…), and its footprint is way smaller than that old treadmill. No more “my workout space is too tiny” excuses!
- Setup Surprisingly NOT a Nightmare: Let’s just say I’m the reason instruction manuals have those “don’t eat this” warnings. Thankfully, the EX5 assembly wasn’t horrible. Getting MYSELF motivated to ride… that’s a much tougher battle.
- Motivation on Demand: The instructors bring that same high-energy vibe I loved on the Peloton, and the Echelon app’s class variety is a boredom-buster. Those motivational speeches (cheesy as they are) WORK when I’m halfway through and want to quit.
- Workout Dread Begone: Do I still occasionally look at the bike and sigh? Absolutely. But the difference is, now I actually get ON the thing more often than not. The convenience and fun classes make that happen.
- The Verdict: The EX5 removed my biggest workout obstacles – lack of time and the whole ‘getting to the gym’ ordeal. If your schedule’s also insane, this budget-friendly smart bike is a lifesaver.
Related Article: Best Bowflex Home Gym Guide: 9 Top Picks
Echelon App: The Heart of the Experience
- Beyond the Bike: Okay, cycling is great, but sometimes you want to mix it up. The Echelon app surprised me – yoga, strength, kickboxing, even stretching classes for those moments when I feel like I’m turning into a creaky old person.
- Find Your Instructor Tribe: Some instructors are all about yelling inspiration, others take a calmer approach. Options are essential because let’s be real – there are days a bubbly cheerleader is the LAST thing you need on your home spin bike screen.
The Echelon app is surprisingly good, with instructors you might not secretly wish would fall off their bikes… Plus, tons of class variety (not just cycling!) keeps things interesting.
Sure, the app can lag occasionally, especially in those super-crowded live classes. But, on the days when it glitches, at least I have an excuse to slack off a tiny bit…
- Data Nerd Alert (Even for the Casual Ones): While I’m not HUGE on tracking every stat known to man, seeing my workout history in the Echelon app is surprisingly motivating. It’s good proof on lazy days that YES, you HAVE been putting in the work.
A Word of Warning: The app does have occasional glitches, like lagging during live classes. Those days REALLY test your newfound love for those perky instructors…
- The Verdict: The app adds HUGE value to the EX5 experience. The class variety alone makes it worth it for keeping things interesting. The instructors become like weird virtual friends, and that little bit of data tracking is a nice kick in the pants when needed.
Results: Not Just Hype, But What It DID for Me
- The Before Times: My idea of a “workout” was speed-walking to the fridge before Netflix loaded. Stamina? Non-existent. Consistency? Only in my ability to find new excuses.
- After a Few Weeks on the EX5: Okay, I haven’t been magically transformed into an Instagram fitness model (darn it). But those sprints on set don’t leave me gasping for air, and the scale has stopped making me cry. Progress!
- It’s NOT Magic (Sadly): The EX5 won’t fix your life if you subsist on pizza and energy drinks. However, I’ve paired it with better eating (most days…), and that’s when the changes started. The bike made the whole “exercise” part less of a torture session, which led to finally sticking with it.
- Beyond the Numbers: Turns out, not feeling like a sweaty lump after everyday tasks is AMAZING. The boost in mood and energy is an unexpected (and much appreciated) bonus with this at-home workout.
- Important: Everyone’s results will vary. But if, like me, your workout history is a graveyard of failed resolutions, the EX5 might finally help you break the cycle. It has for this former couch potato, at least.
Is Spinning a Good Way to Lose Weight?
The Echelon EX5 can definitely help! According to CaptainCalculator.com, the average person burns 250-330 calories in a moderate EX5 class, and up to 630-840 in an intense one. While weight loss depends on multiple factors, the EX5 can be a great part of your fitness plan.
Should You Buy The Echelon EX5?
This bike is NOT for everyone, and that’s a good thing. Here’s the breakdown of who this budget-friendly smart bike is perfect for:
Budget Warriors: If you want a Peloton-like experience without the luxury car price tag, the EX5 is your jam. You’ll get those motivating workouts, minus the unnecessary bells and whistles.
Busy Bees: Life unpredictable? The EX5 is great for squeezing in workouts, with quick classes or those longer sweat sessions when you have time.
Variety Seeker: If the same workout routine bores you to tears, the Echelon app’s got your back. Cycling, strength, yoga, and more mean you’ll find something motivating.
Tech Zen: You don’t need the fanciest built-in screen or every stat known to man. The EX5 keeps it simple, functional, and focuses on the WORKOUT.
A Note on the EX-8: Echelon does offer a slightly upgraded model, the EX-8s. It has a few extra features and a larger built-in screen. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, it’s worth checking out.
The Verdict: If the above sounds like you, the EX5 could be a fantastic addition to your home gym. It’s NOT about being the best of the best; it’s about delivering great workouts on a budget, and it absolutely succeeds at that.
Conclusion
The Echelon EX5 isn’t trying to outdo bikes three times its price. Instead, it delivers a fun, surprisingly effective workout experience that’s perfect for budget-minded folks and those with jam-packed schedules.
If you’re ready to ditch the workout excuses and finally get consistent with your fitness, the EX5 is absolutely worth considering.
Ready to see if it’s the right fit for you? Check out the latest pricing and deals directly on Echelon’s website
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About the author: Trent (IMDB | Youtube) has spent 10+ years working on an assortment of film and television projects. He writes about his experiences to help (and amuse) others. If he’s not working, he’s either traveling, reading or writing about travel/film, or planning travel/film projects.
What are racing style petals?
Racing style pedals are Clipless pedals, including SPD pedals, which are a system comprised of special pedals and cleats that attach to the soles of clipless cycling shoes.
They make you simultaneously more efficient by providing a better foot-to-pedal connection, and more safe by offering almost instant foot entry and release.