Exercise bikes are great if you want to change for the better. They can help you burn fat and shred calories without stepping into the gym.
The Bowflex brand is one of the most popular and reliable brands when it comes to exercise bikes, with the C series being their most popular model.
However, their new VeloCore bike is quickly becoming a household name. If you’re looking to buy an indoor cycling bike, it might be hard to choose from these great options.
Today, we put the Bowflex C6 and C7 against the VeloCore series to see which exercise bike comes out on top!
Bowflex VeloCore Bike Overview
The Bowflex VeloCore bike is exceptional. On the smaller side to some, it is well-equipped with amazing features that aren’t found on your typical exercise bike.
Our first impression is that it’s quite compact and has a rear-facing flywheel with a slender back design.
Bowflex claims it can fit a wide variety of users from 4 feet six inches to six feet six inches.
It has a max user weight capacity of 325 pounds and has a magnetic frictionless resistance system to ensure smooth cycling under strenuous conditions.
What impressed us the most about this exercise bike was its smoothness and quietness.
The Bowflex VeloCore bike ensures your neighbors won’t be distracted whenever you do your daily fitness routine.
Depending on what model you pick, the Bowflex VeloCore stationary bike comes with a 16″ or 22″ HD touchscreen. It also comes with Bluetooth connectivity ensuring your cycling apps are integrated into the system.
The Bluetooth connection is also Android-compatible, allowing you to connect your headphones whenever you ride. It also allows you to monitor your heart rate.
The VeloCore is compatible with various apps, but Bowflex highly recommends the JRNY Adaptive Fitness Membership app, which includes virtual coaching, on-demand classes, and much more.
Pros
- Adjustable seat for better comfort
- Comfortable toe cages
- Media rack to put your phone and a free mat to mount it on
- Quiet ride when cycling
- Amazing build quality
- Includes free shipping for both variants
- Offers a leaning feature option for racing
Cons
- Needs more floor space
- Quite expensive
- Only provides a 2-year warranty
- It can only accommodate users up to 325 pounds
Bowflex VeloCore
Bowflex C6 and Bowflex C7 (C Series) Overview
The Bowflex C6 and C7 series of indoor cycling bikes are also some of our favorite bikes because of their adaptability. They cater to the needs of many different users.
The main difference between these two similar stationary bikes is their price and that the C7 comes with a 7″ touch screen monitor that gives you free access to various fitness streaming apps.
Both stationary bikes are equipped with a front-facing flywheel and are intended to be indoor cycling bikes.
However, the magnetic resistance levels on these two bikes are perfect for mimicking an outdoor riding style.
Both models share the same maximum weight capacity, adjustable seats, handlebars, dual-sided pedals, and more. The C6 and C7 both come with 40-lb flywheels, which offer more than enough power to provide a smooth workout.
Overall, these Bowflex C-series bikes are identical in terms of overall performance, functionality, and resistance levels.
Both bikes are impressive in their own way and are a fantastic addition to any home gym.
Pros
- Included armband heart rate monitor
- Dual water bottle holders
- It comes with a tablet holder
- Fully adjustable seat and handlebars
- More affordable options
- Magnetic resistance levels are great for higher-intensity workouts
Cons
- Both products have different consoles
- The C7 is more expensive
- They offer smaller consoles than the Bowflex VeloCore bike
- They don’t come with leaning mode for more intense cyclists
Bowflex C Series
Bowflex VeloCore Bike vs. Bowflex C Series: Head-to-Head Comparison
To better understand what separates the C-series machines from the VeloCore, we’ve pitted them against each other.
Let’s compare their features and see which bike is superior to the other:
Features
Each Bowflex bike has features that make it a better option than the other. It’s not just a bike, after all. It is equipped with features to help users transition to a healthier, more active lifestyle.
VeloCore Bike
The Bowflex VeloCore is an amazing bike; some would even call it a smart bike because its many features can help users achieve their dreams of living a healthier lifestyle.
This bike offers an interactive console that you can easily connect to the Internet. It provides unparalleled access to different online tutorials, virtual lessons, and more.
In addition, it has online streaming capabilities, letting users watch Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Hulu.
The bike is also compatible with the Peloton App, and the bigger screen provides easy access to fitness metrics.
What we liked the most was the leaning mode, an option that allows the user to either lean on the left or right to mimic the experience of a professional cyclist when cycling outdoors.
Bowflex C Series
On the other hand, the Bowflex C-series bikes offer a more straightforward approach.
The C6 doesn’t have an enormous console that you can typically find on a VeloCore or Peloton bike.
However, the media rack means that it is Android-compatible. While it doesn’t have a console, it allows you to connect and use your tablet or TV if you wish to be entertained during your workouts.
In addition, it also comes with 3-lb weights and an armband to monitor your heart rate. Other than that, there’s not much the C6 can offer, while the C7 has a screen much smaller than that on the Bowflex VeloCore.
Sadly, the C-series machines don’t have the lean feature, which may be a deal breaker for potential buyers.
WINNER: Bowflex VeloCore Bike
The VeloCore has all the features that the C6 and C7 offer and more, making it superior in the features department.
Build and Frame
The two bike classes don’t differ much in terms of build and frame, but we still have a few key differences to break down for you.
VeloCore
The Bowflex VeloCore is larger than the C6 and C7 stationary machines, so you might need more floor space to accommodate the VeloCore. It weighs around 160 pounds and supports a maximum weight limit of 325 pounds.
The build quality and frame are well above industry standards. This means you won’t encounter durability and weight issues down the line.
Bowflex C Series
The Bowflex C series is also made with fine and durable materials. Both have the same specification in terms of the maximum weight limit and magnetic resistance levels, with minor differences.
The C7 is slightly heavier than the C6 thanks to its bigger screen, and both take up less space than the VeloCore due to their construction.
Still, it’s a great bike and is heavy-duty enough to withstand the rigors of your daily workout routines.
WINNER: It’s a tie
We think that there’s a little difference in build quality and frame. They are almost identical, and you will be delighted to see how durable and high-quality these are compared to other bikes.
Pricing
Here’s the price difference between both the C-series machines and the VeloCore:
Bowflex VeloCore
The Bowflex VeloCore is quite expensive compared to its C6 and C7 counterparts, but it comes with a much larger console. The 16″ variant comes in at $1,699, while the 22″ console comes in at $2,199.
Its larger screen and additional features all add up to the high price.
However, we enjoyed everything that this bike could offer. The immersive experience is obvious, and the build quality is on par with the rest of the competition.
Bowflex C Series
The Bowflex C series machines come at a lower price. The C6 is half the price of the VeloCore. The price of the C6 and C7 pale compared to the VeloCore series and serve as a cheaper alternative to the latter.
WINNER: Bowflex C Series
We chose the Bowflex C series option because it offers a more affordable approach to beginners and intermediate users. You can buy both the C6 and C7, and the VeloCore would still be more expensive.
For the price of one, we’d take the C series as the winner of this department.
Final Verdict: Which of These Exercise Bikes Should You Get?
If you can’t make up your mind, we have some additional scenarios that may help you decide on which bike to choose:
Use Bowflex VeloCore If…
Use the Bowflex VeloCore if you want to have a more immersive experience when working out, as its 16″ and 22″ touchscreens allow you to be in touch with (simulated) nature.
So, if you want to have a certain affinity for riding outdoors, this might just be the one for you.
We also suggest going for this as it includes a free 1-year JRNY membership, giving you access to hundreds or even thousands of online adaptive workouts and classes to ensure you reach your fitness goals faster.
Bowflex VeloCore
Use Bowflex C Series If…
If you want to be straightforward with your workouts and cycling routines, the Bowflex C series products are more than enough to give you a pleasant, meaningful experience.
We believe that the Bowflex C6 series is intended for a different market from the VeloCore as the design isn’t for the riders’ entertainment but for their fitness.
Still, it is more than capable of delivering superior results in the comfort of your home.
If you want to save money and use that extra money for other fitness equipment, the C6 is a great place to start, whereas the C7 is the pricier route but has a bigger console.
It is really up to you which one you choose; the two C Series bicycles are almost identical in many ways.
Bowflex C Series
Final Words
Choosing the right Bowflex bike can be difficult, especially if the intended purpose is your physical well-being.
- The VeloCore can make it a more enjoyable experience, albeit with a high price tag.
- In contrast, the C Series provides a straightforward solution for people wanting to start their fitness journeys as quickly as possible.
It all boils down to your budget and purpose.
Having done the legwork, we hope this review has made your choice a lot easier when choosing the Bowflex bike product for you!
