Bowflex VeloCore 16/22-Inch Bike
With its exceptional lean feature and a broad range of connected options, all the parts of the Bowflex VeloCore exercise bike stand out from the competition. When the VeloCore bike is in stationary mode, it is remarkably sturdy as it provides different riding modes while allowing you to play other streaming apps.
The Bowflex VeloCore bike allows you to explore — quite literally with its Explore the World feature — even though it is indoor cycling and has a heart rate sensor visible on the HD touchscreen.
The Bowflex VeloCore Bike is the first indoor exercise bike with leaning functionality, allowing users to not only ride in a stationary position but also to lean from side to side. By tilting the bike side to side while in lean mode, the rider can increase the intensity of their workout by using their stabilizing and core muscles in their workout options.
This feature is what I loved the most when I tried it out! It takes some getting used to, but it’s something you can pick up quickly the more you use this fitness equipment. The Bowflex VeloCore bike is equipped with cutting-edge technology and digital options to keep you interested, motivated, and entertained.
This Bowflex offers hand weights (3-lb dumbbells included), handle bars, a media rack to explore the world, and the option to stream entertainment. With these features alongside the JRNY app, I had the best unique indoor cycling experience for a fair amount of money.
By giving you a completely customizable experience, the VeloCore bike represents a completely new way to cycle at home at a reasonable price.
NOTE: The VeloCore bike can be purchased on the Bowflex website and is available worldwide.
When fully assembled, the weight of the VeloCore bike is around 175 pounds, making it a very robust machine.
Additionally, it accommodates riders of various weights by allowing for seat and handlebar height adjustments, which I always appreciate from brands!
In accordance with your particular requirements, the screen of the VeloCore bike can also be tilted forward or back for the best viewing and comfort. The assembly process is fairly easy for this bike, but I recommend having a helping hand as some parts can be quite heavy.
Although the pedals have toe cages, those who have clip-in cycling shoes can also use them. The bike’s spin wheel is operated magnetically, and a simple resistance knob is used to adjust the resistance, which is distributed among 100 units.
Pros
- Works with Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and Netflix
- Silent magnetic resistance system
- Supports Bluetooth headphones and heart rate monitors
- Can sync workout data to Peloton and Zwift apps
- 3-lb dumbbells included with the bike
Cons
- Might be too expensive for some
- No live classes or leaderboards
- Pricey monthly subscription
Main Features
The Bowflex VeloCore Bike has a lot of machine features, and these are:
Leaning Mode
As I said, the Bowflex VeloCore bike is the first and only bike on the market to offer such a feature — the leaning mode may be the most exciting aspect of the VeloCore bike!
Unlike any other indoor bike, the leaning mode of the VeloCore bike provides an incredibly immersive riding experience that makes you feel like you’re actually out on the road or trail.
You will rock, sway, tilt, and bend in your seat during your cycling experience when the leaning feature is activated. How cool is that?
The narrow seat of indoor cycling also improves your core work and strength training.
You can work your arms and even your entire body while engaging your legs, as these Bowflex products offer a wide range of ride training.
In essence, you can experience the exhilaration of thrilling outdoor biking as it allows you to explore the world right from your living room.
The lean feature is surprisingly simple to use and is the feature that I immensely love to use!
The additional core engagement is what I find especially appealing about the leaning feature.
You just have to depress the red button in front of the resistance knob to begin leaning during a ride!
Design
The VeloCore bike initially resembles many of its rivals thanks to its large front touchscreen and sleek, matte-black frame with red accents.
Even without any technology, the VeloCore bike is a powerful piece of machinery.
The touchscreen angle, Smart TV, handlebars, and seat are all quickly and easily adjustable despite being incredibly sturdy.
The seat on the VeloCore is quite simply quicker and simpler to ride, regardless of the weight.
The VeloCore has several places for you to attach things, including built-in dumbbell hooks for the 3-pound dumbbells that are included.
There are also two water bottle holders, a tablet stand near the bottom of the console, and a phone or tablet holder under the multi-grip handlebars.
Build Quality
While the ride system, pedals, and seat can move side to side, the bike frame remains firmly fixed to the ground.
Stabilizers, the touchscreen, and the frame are all immovable. The VeloCore’s safety is improved by this design, which prevents the entire frame to lean more.
Additionally, keeping the touchscreen in a fixed position lessens the possibility of vertigo or screen sway. We were impressed by VeloCore’s innovative engineering, which enables stability even with the side-lean option.
Resistance Knob
Many riders prefer the resistance knob found on the VeloCore. It is placed on the top tube of the frame for easy reach.
Silent magnetic resistance is something we would anticipate from a bike at this price point, and the VeloCore has it.
Due to the lack of contact or friction, magnetic resistance is both quiet and low-maintenance.
Additionally, you receive 100 resistance levels for the ride, which is perfect for scaling up for all fitness levels.
Monitor
Bowflex’s VeloCore bike has an impressive monitor. Actually, there are two sizes available, but both have HD touchscreen displays.
Depending on your preferences and price range, you can choose between a 16″ and a 22″ display.
Whichever size you select, you still receive the same features, which include:
- Adjustable Console: You can tilt it however you like so that you can comfortably see the screen while working out.
- JRNY App: You have access to Bowflex’s fitness app, JRNY, which features instructor-led classes, personalized exercises, virtual coaching, fitness evaluations, and more.
- 3rd Party Apps: You can watch Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Disney + from your console using the entertainment apps.
- Metric Tracking: From either of the large HD screens, you can easily track all the standard fitness metrics.
- Heart Rate Tracker: Heart rate monitoring is possible with both consoles via Bluetooth, and Bowflex includes an armband monitor.
- Bluetooth Speakers: The console comes with a sizable Bluetooth speaker that you can use to wirelessly listen to your favorite workout music. This can be paired with your phone or tablet.
The 16″ screen costs $1,699, and the 22″ screen is an upgrade size that costs $2,199. Other than that, the bike’s ride functionality is unchanged.
It’s great that customers can choose the screen they want without lowering the bike’s functionality!
While you ride the bike, the console tilts, but is still very sturdy regardless of your weight.
You can view all of your performance metrics on the screen while you ride, including time, distance, calories burned, heart rate, and lean rate, as it offers 3rd party applications.
Phone Holder
The VeloCore offers a tablet ledge where you can place your phone or tablet. It will partially obscure the screen, so be mindful of that.
A tablet might not be completely stable in this scenario because of the bike’s side-to-side motion and the screen’s angular tilt. Also, the tablet’s size and weight may not be suitable.
Inside the handlebars, there is a small pocket for a phone.
Pedals
The VeloCore bike has dual-sided pedals with an SPD clip on one side and a flat, conventional pedal with a cage and adjustable strap on the other to support the weight.
This feature of the VeloCore bike allows the user to have a hassle-free cycling experience regardless of weight.
This enables riders to use their preferred SPD cycling shoes or any other athletic shoe when using the flat side of the pedal to lean.
This gives more options when riding, so you are not required to wear cycling shoes but can do so if you choose.
JRNY
When you hop onto the Bowflex Velocore Bike and hit the touchscreen to begin your workout, it will immediately ask for your login information.
From there, it will guide you through the ride, how it functions, and how to access the various features and workout options.
The Bowflex VeloCore Bike comes with a free 1-year subscription to the adaptive fitness platform JRNY.
The variety of options JRNY provided for workouts is one of the things we liked!
JRNY offers its own cycling classes in addition to full-body classes, which are exercises performed off a bike, such as stretching, yoga, and strength training.
Adaptive workouts led by a virtual coach and streaming on-demand workouts led by trainers are some of the categories offered by JRNY.
Other adaptive features of JRNY’s platform include the way it creates a list of workouts for each user based on their performance, preferred workout style, and preferences.
The platform does a good job of figuring out your preferred workout type; if you prefer quick, intense workouts, the app will suggest 15-minute workouts.
JRNY has an integrated streaming service called Bowflex Radio, which some of the old customers love as we read in their reviews.
The VeloCore’s speakers are located below the screen and sound great.
The minor complaint in the reviews is having to adjust the volume on a touchscreen while trying to use the device.
Price
The Bowflex VeloCore Bike 22″ has an MSRP of $2,199 and a shipping cost of $99.
While the Bowflex VeloCore Bike 16″ has an MSRP of $1,699 and a shipping cost of $99.
Also included with the bike is a $149 one-year subscription to JRNY and an adaptive fitness platform integrated into the Bowflex VeloCore Bike.
If you are debating whether to buy this product because it is quite expensive, I still recommend purchasing it! The product has everything you need and more for its price, I can assure you!
Connectivity
The VeloCore is a connected exercise bike that uses Bluetooth to pair with wireless accessories and WiFi to access the JRNY app.
Although the JRNY app shares some similarities with other apps, it stands out from the crowd thanks to its features.
These features are adaptive virtual coach classes, scenic rides around the world, and compatibility with third-party apps to stream entertainment like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
WiFi is necessary for the VeloCore to connect to the JRNY app.
The bike is very easy to connect to, and I never encountered any connectivity problems during testing.
Additionally, it uses Bluetooth to connect to wireless headphones and the armband that comes with a heart rate monitor.
Through the touchscreen, connecting to wireless accessories is also very simple to do.
Any personal devices, including a heart rate monitor, can be charged using the USB port on the side of the screen.
Warranty
- 2 years on the frame and parts
- 1 year for electronics
- 1 year for labor
In the case of the technologically advanced VeloCore, we’re a little taken aback by how limited things currently are.
Bowflex warranties seem to be constantly changing like the wind. Even so, they still offer a warranty that is superior to that of tech startups like Peloton, Stryde, and MYX.
I purchased an extended warranty at the time of purchase, so it is an additional fee and not suitable if you have a tight budget.
I would think about spending an additional $139 to $219 on Bowflex’s 3-year/5-year protection plan, given the degree of complexity of this bike. And I hardly ever suggest something like this in this category.
The VeloCore’s warranty is somewhat disappointing, given the price. I am given a two-year warranty on the frame and parts and only one year for labor and electronic components.
The typical industry warranty for an exercise bike is one to two years for labor and parts and a frame warranty of ten to fifteen years.
I am not sure why the frame warranty is so brief because it feels sturdy and long-lasting, but the duration should be considered.
To put it simply, the Bowflex VeloCore Bike is covered under the following policies.
Exercise Quality
The VeloCore is a high-end exercise bike with exercise quality to match, plus the special lean feature lets you supplement your workouts with some whole-body training.
The JRNY app is a little different from the competition and provides a wide range of classes and programs for both on and off the bike.
It also integrates with some third-party apps and even streams entertainment.
The VeloCore looks very similar to other high-end exercise equipment, but its subtle frame design conceals the special lean feature.
To enter lean mode, where the rider can tilt the bike to the right or left on a pivot in the frame, you must unlock a locking mechanism below the handlebar.
Many of the workouts on the JRNY app include leaning on the bike, which forces the rider to use various muscle groups as they move from side to side.
Until you give the lean feature a try, it might sound a little bit like a gimmick.
I am actually very impressed by this bike’s stability, given the ability to shift your weight so dramatically. This makes it an exceptionally FUN bike to exercise on!
The VeloCore’s front and rear stabilizers are a couple of inches wider than other models to compensate for the forces involved with leaning the bike.
Even when you’re pushing the pedals as hard as you can while the bike is locked in stationary mode, there is very little side-to-side play.
Dimensions
The VeloCore weighs 175 pounds, has wheels on the front that make it relatively easy to move around, and has a black-and-red design reminiscent of the Peloton Bike.
It is sturdy and reasonably sized, measuring 59.8 x 24.1 inches (L x W).
The 16-inch model is slightly smaller at 52.6 inches, while the 22-inch model is slightly taller at 55.3 inches.
Riders with heights between 5 – 6′ 5 ” and weighing up to 325 pounds are advised to use the bike.
The VeloCore must be placed in an area that is at least 48.4 inches wide in order to accommodate the bike’s Lean Mode.
Additionally, make sure your ceiling is at least 16 inches higher than the tallest person who will be riding a bike in your home.
Although Bowflex advises setting up the bike on a hard surface, it is suitable for a room covered entirely in carpet and wood, and it functions just fine and doesn’t feel unstable at all.
Riding Style
The Bowflex VeloCore and comparable bikes are primarily differentiated by the former’s ability to let users choose between two riding modes: Stationary or Leaning mode.
This feature allowed me to lean left or right using VeloCore’s leaning mode.
This offers you a road biking experience that is comparable to the real thing and may be suitable for those looking to recreate the experience indoors.
Main Benefits
The Bowflex Velocore bike has a lot of advantages that you can benefit from, and these are:
- Streaming Capabilities: The JRNY subscription and console enable users to access a variety of features while cycling, including statistics, virtual coaching, on-demand classes, and the use of streaming services. Additionally, the bike works with other fitness subscription services like Peloton and Zwift.
- Recreates Outdoor Cycling: The console’s leaning features and stream routes make it possible to simulate outdoor cycling. This makes the VeloCore Bike’s leaning options a noteworthy feature since many comparable bikes lack them.
- Suitable for Beginners and Experts: If you are a beginner like me, you can extremely benefit from the streaming options for inspiration and direction. Regular cyclists might find the two riding choices, tracking options, and online classes useful.
Main Drawbacks
In contrast to the benefits, the Bowflex VeloCore bike also has various disadvantages, and these are:
- Dependency on Membership: The bike only includes a one-year JRNY membership. After a year, customers who wish to continue using the entertainment, gaming, music, and training features must renew their subscription and pay the $149 annual membership fee.
- Warranty: The frame and parts are only covered by a 2-year warranty under the standard package. A better warranty costs more money. Some products made by rivals have longer warranties.
- Injury: Pregnancy and pre-existing medical conditions are risk factors for injury. The National Institute advises people with these risk factors on AgingTrusted Source to consult a physician to ensure that their exercise program’s advantages outweigh any possible risks.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Users
I know you have many questions in your mind about this Bowflex VeloCore bike, so I gathered possible questions and answers for your convenience!
Can You Use the Bowflex VeloCore Bike Without a Subscription?
A JRNY membership is NOT required to use the VeloCore, but it greatly improves the experience. You can only perform manual exercises on the bike without a JRNY membership, and no workout data is saved.
How Heavy Is the Bowflex VeloCore?
This model weighs 158.3 lbs and can accommodate users up to 325 lbs. Note that the VeloCore also has a set of 3-lb dumbbells, a Bluetooth heart rate armband, and adjustable handlebars and seat.
Is Bowflex C6 the Same as Schwinn IC4?
Peloton offers enjoyable classes on a high-quality bike. The Bowflex VeloCore has slightly more flexibility in terms of outdoor routes and third-party apps (plus the lean function), but its in-class content isn’t quite as strong.
In all honesty, the bike that you like the best will be the “better” bike.
Bowflex VeloCore Bike Bottom Line Review
A major player in the spin bike market, the Bowflex VeloCore indoor exercise bike ensures cutting-edge and excellent performance in any gym, studio, or workout area.
Because of the robust construction, long-lasting flywheel and drive, and versatility of the SPD pedals, riders can engage in various workouts!
The Bowflex VeloCore spin bikes set a new standard for stationary bikes by providing compelling performance capabilities that were previously uncommon in many bikes.
And, of course, its lean function is the standout new feature.
This bike offers a sizeable selection of regularly updated workout programs and videos and the ability to connect to apps like Peloton and Zwift.
Given its high price tag, the Bowflex VeloCore indoor exercise bike is a potent spin bike that performs admirably all-around.
In the world of spin equipment, a Bowflex VeloCore bike is unquestionably a worthwhile investment.
It has a strong and durable resistance system for intense workouts that will gradually increase your resistance intensity and spinning confidence.
The Bowflex VeloCore bike is the spin bike for you if you value creativity, perseverance, and accuracy. I know it is for me!
