Bowflex C6 Review

In this Bowflex C6 Review, I’ll be giving you the full lowdown on whether this is the right indoor cycling bike for you.

Over the past few years, numerous fitness brands have entered the market with indoor cycling bikes specifically designed for guided solo or group training sessions.

While Peloton stands out as the most well-known option, its steep price may make it difficult to justify, particularly for those just starting out.

This leaves many individuals seeking alternatives: affordable stationary bikes that don’t compromise on essential features.

Discovering the ideal exercise bike for your home gym can be quite a challenge, considering the vast array of options available, each with its own unique features and price range.

In this comprehensive Bowflex C6 bike review, we’ll explore its pros and cons, identify its target audience, and compare it to competing models.

By delving into specific features, dimensions, and subscription plans, we aim to help you determine whether the Bowflex C6 is the right fit for your fitness needs.

Bowflex C6 Review – Quick Verdict

Pros:

• Low Price
• Features a 40 lb flywheel
• Offers 100 levels of magnetic resistance
• Utilizes a belt drive system
• Constructed with a sturdy frame
• Supports up to 330 lbs in weight
• Equipped with an LCD console
• Includes a Bluetooth enabled heart rate armband
• Comes with a pair of 3 lb dumbbells
• Offers full adjustability for the seat and handlebars
• Features dual-compatible pedals
• Provides dual water bottle holders
• Includes a tablet holder
• Backed by a great warranty

Cons:

• The frame could be a little more substantial

To be honest, I was scratching around to find a con for this list. This is a great bike for a low price.

If you like the idea of streamed workouts, there is no inbuilt screen but you can use your phone or a tablet with the Peloton app to get yourself the same great Peloton workout for a bargain price.

Or you can use whatever program you like best, you aren’t tied into JRNY or iFit or Peloton, etc.

With this bike, you are sure to hit your fitness goals without hitting your wallet too hard.

Bowflex C6 Exercise Bike Review

Bowflex, a well-established brand, has gained popularity over the years. While they initially gained recognition for their innovative power rod based home gyms, they have now expanded to an impressive range of cardio equipment (I love their Max Trainers and treadmills)

Like many other brands, Bowflex is also investing in the concept of streaming fitness platforms and most of their new machines are JRNY compatible.

This seems to be the direction in which the fitness industry is heading.

Bowflex has a limited selection when it comes to indoor cycles. The available options include the VeloCore, the C6 (which we will review here), and the C7.

We will delve into the specific pricing shortly, but it’s worth mentioning that the Bowflex C6 indoor cycle is quite budget-friendly, priced below $1,000.

Bowflex C6 Resistance Levels

When it comes to assessing indoor cycling bikes, I always prioritize examining the resistance system as it serves as the core of the bike.

Not only does it provide resistance for you to push against, but it also determines the smoothness of your pedal motion.

This Bowflex exercise bike has been designed to emulate the sensation of riding a road bike.

They achieve this by equipping the C6 with a 40 lb flywheel and combining it with a magnetic resistance system.

The 40 lb flywheel of the C6 is undeniably substantial and ensures that you can generate enough momentum for a smooth pedaling experience. Users widely agree on this point.

Moreover, the C6 features a belt drive mechanism, contributing to a quiet workout session while eliminating the need for regular maintenance.

The flywheel weight is impressive, and it is combined with an impressive 100 levels of resistance.

This extensive range not only grants you precise control over the intensity of your workouts but also aligns with the resistance scale used by Peloton.

This compatibility is particularly valuable as you can buy the more affordable C6 bike and combine it with Peloton’s digital app.

The fact that the C6 utilizes the same resistance scale as Peloton makes it effortlessly compatible with their app.

In summary, the C6 excels in the resistance department with its substantial flywheel and the inclusion of 100 resistance levels, granting you complete control over your workouts.

Bowflex C6 Indoor Cycle Review – Frame

Nobody wants to invest in a new bike only to discover that it feels flimsy and lightweight during use.

Determining the frame’s robustness can be challenging before purchasing, especially since trying out the bike beforehand is rarely an option these days.

However, there are a few indicators to consider.

One crucial aspect to examine is the assembled weight and weight limit.

Higher numbers in these categories, particularly the assembled weight, typically indicate a more heavy-duty bike that is less prone to wobbling.

The C6 boasts an assembled weight of 112 lb, which is good for a bike in this price range.

While there are other similarly priced bikes that weigh more (such as Sole’s remarkably sturdy SB900), there are also many bikes that weigh less.

In my opinion, anything over 100 lb in this price range is generally considered good, but a heavier weight is preferable for enhanced stability.

The C6 offers a solid weight limit of 330 lb, accommodating users of most sizes safely.

In terms of size, the Bowflex C6 has a footprint of approximately 49″ x 21″, which falls within the average range for a spin bike.

Bowflex C6 bike dimensions: 51.8″ H x 48.7″ L x 21.2″ W

Bowflex C6 weight limit: 330 pounds

Overall, in regards to the frame, the C6 may not be the most heavy-duty cycle available, but it certainly isn’t lightweight either. It falls somewhere in the middle.

What matters most is that users generally find it to be stable and secure during workouts.

Bowflex C6 – Features

This Bowflex Bike is packed with the following features:

• LCD console: The C6’s console, although not extravagant, is backlit and offers clear visibility during workouts. It displays essential metrics such as resistance level, cadence, time, distance, calories, heart rate, and speed. This makes it compatible with various cycling apps and enhances the overall user experience.
• JRNY compatible: The C6 seamlessly integrates with Bowflex’s JRNY app, granting you access to instructor-led workouts, metric tracking, and more. With the purchase of the C6, you receive a complimentary one-year subscription to JRNY, after which a monthly fee applies. Additionally, the C6 easily pairs with Peloton Digital, Zwift, and other popular fitness apps, giving you a wide range of workout options.
• Bluetooth heart rate band: The C6 not only supports heart rate straps but also includes an arm band heart rate monitor with the purchase.
• Fully adjustable seat: The seat of the C6 can be adjusted in terms of height and fore/aft position, ensuring you can find a comfortable riding position.
• Fully adjustable handlebars: Similarly, the handlebars of the C6 are fully adjustable, allowing you to customize their height and fore/aft position to suit your preferences.
• Dual-compatible pedals: The C6 features dual-compatible pedals, with a toe cage on one side and SPD compatible clips on the other. This provides you with the flexibility to use either regular sneakers or cycling cleats.
• Tablet holder: Positioned above the console, the C6 includes a built-in tablet holder. This convenient feature allows you to access fitness apps or enjoy entertainment without obstructing your view of the workout stats.
• Pair of 3 lb dumbbells: With the C6, you also receive a complimentary pair of 3 lb dumbbells. This ensures you have all the necessary equipment to start streaming workouts right away.
• Dual water bottle holders: Lastly, the C6 is equipped with a pair of water bottle holders to keep you hydrated throughout your workouts.

Bowflex C6 Exercise Bike – Warranty

This Bowflex stationary bike is backed by an impressive residential warranty:

• 10-year frame warranty
• 3-year parts warranty
• 1-year labor warranty

As mentioned earlier, Bowflex takes their warranties seriously, and this warranty serves as evidence of their commitment.

In terms of indoor cycles, this warranty is truly exceptional, not only within its price range but even compared to higher-end models like Peloton, which typically offer a 5-year frame warranty.

Having a 10-year frame warranty is twice as long as what most brands provide. Additionally, the 3-year parts warranty is on par with what Sole offers for their indoor cycles.

A 1-year labor warranty is a standard offering across various price ranges.

Overall, Bowflex’s warranty for the C6 is exceptional and speaks to the bike’s quality construction. It can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that such a generous warranty protects your bike.

Price

The Bowflex C6 is quite budget-friendly compared to other indoor cycles.

As of the time of writing, Bowflex has a sale on the C6, pricing it at $799, with a full retail price of $999.

Initially, when I saw the C6 at its original price of $999, I thought it was a fair deal given its features and performance.

Now, at the discounted price of $799, choosing the C6 seems like a no-brainer.

When it comes to comparisons, there’s the Schwinn IC4, usually priced the same as the C6 (which makes sense since they are essentially the same bike).

Additionally, Bowflex offers another affordable cycle, the C7, which is harder to find.

The C7 shares the same frame and performance as the C6 but comes with a 7″ HD console specifically designed for viewing JRNY workouts.

Bowflex C6 Cycle Review – Final Thoughts

And there you have it, we’ve reached the end of my Bowflex c6 review.

By now, it should be clear that I like the Bowflex C6 Bike.

Its heavy flywheel and 100 levels of magnetic resistance are impressive for a bike at this price.

The sturdy frame ensures a stable and secure riding experience, while the belt drive keeps things pleasantly quiet.

On top of this, Bowflex’s generous warranty is hard to beat.

To be honest, I don’t have many complaints and, I firmly believe that the C6 stands out as one of the top indoor cycles priced under $1,000, and it’s truly a steal at around $800.

I highly recommend it. Get yours here