Bowflex C6 vs C7
Are you torn between the Bowflex C6 vs C7 exercise bike?
The Bowflex C6 is a fantastic bike but the C7 offers an upgraded experience with its built-in 7″ HD touchscreen console and access to fitness and entertainment apps.
So which is the better buy?
In this Bowflex C6 vs C7 comparative review, we’ll explore the key features and performance of both bikes, helping you decide which one is the perfect fit for you.
Let’s find out which Bowflex indoor cycling bike will pedal you toward your fitness goals!
Bowflex C6 vs C7 – Quick Verdict
These are both great bikes but my tip is to go for the Bowflex C7.
It’s a bit cheaper and the only difference is the lack of a touchscreen.
If you like the idea of streamed workouts, you can use your phone or a tablet with 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 c7 vs c6 – Resistance
Resistance is a crucial factor when choosing an indoor cycle, and both the Bowflex C6 and C7 excel in this area.
As spin bikes, they aim to replicate the feeling of riding a road bike, providing intense cardio workouts within the comfort of your home gym.
To ensure a smooth workout experience, the weight of the flywheel plays a significant role.
Heavier flywheels, like the 40 lb flywheels found in both the C6 and C7, create more momentum and keep the pedals spinning between strokes.
Rest assured, this weight is more than sufficient to deliver a seamless workout.
In terms of resistance mechanisms, magnetic systems are superior to friction brakes.
Luckily, both the C6 and C7 feature magnetic systems, allowing for precise resistance adjustments.
With 100 magnetic resistance levels and a resistance knob conveniently located at the front, you have the freedom to fine-tune the intensity of your workouts and make on-the-fly adjustments.
Notably, this resistance setup aligns with what the popular Peloton uses.
So, whether you choose the C6 or C7, you’ll have no trouble following along with Peloton’s digital app and engaging with their instructors.
In summary, when it comes to resistance, the C6 and C7 are identical powerhouses. With their heavy flywheels and versatile 100 levels of magnetic resistance, both bikes offer exceptional performance.
bowflex c7 bike vs c6 – Frame
A sturdy frame is a crucial consideration when selecting an indoor cycle.
It ensures stability and minimizes any wobbling or insecurity during workouts.
While it’s challenging to assess frame quality without trying out a bike, specific specifications can provide insight into the bike’s robustness.
Two key specs to examine are the assembled weight and weight capacity.
he assembled weight directly indicates the bike’s “heavy-duty” nature, with a heavier bike being less prone to rocking or wiggling during use. Additionally, a higher weight capacity suggests better overall structural integrity.
In the case of the C6, it boasts an assembled weight of 112 lb and a weight capacity of 330 lb – impressive numbers on both fronts.
The C7 has an assembled weight of 111 lb and a max weight limit of 330 lb.
With virtually no difference in these aspects, both the C6 and C7 provide stability during workouts and can safely accommodate larger riders.
Moreover, their footprint is nearly identical, measuring at 48″ x 21″.
Overall, when it comes to the frame, there’s no discernible distinction between the C6 and C7.
Both bikes are excellently constructed, ensuring safety and stability for users of varying sizes.
Bowflex C6 vs C7 – Warranty
While warranties may not be the most thrilling topic, they play a crucial role in instilling confidence and providing assurance in a purchase. So, let’s compare the warranties offered by Bowflex for these two bikes.
The Bowflex C6 comes with an impressive residential warranty:
- 10-year frame
- 3-year parts
- 1-year labor
On the other hand, the Bowflex C7 is backed by the following residential warranty:
- 3-year frame
- 3-year parts
- 1-year electrical
- 1-year labor
It’s worth noting a couple of things here.
Firstly, the warranty on the C6 is outstanding, especially when compared to luxury bikes like the Peloton, which typically offer only 5 years on the frame and 1 year on parts.
Secondly, it’s puzzling why the C7’s frame warranty is significantly shorter, considering that it appears to be nearly identical to the C6’s.
Regardless, it’s evident that the C6 offers a more impressive warranty, particularly in terms of the frame coverage.
Both bikes have the same coverage for parts and labor.
Overall, it’s clear that the C6 comes with a superior warranty, although the reasons for this discrepancy remain unknown.
Bowflex C6 vs C7 – Features
When it comes to performance, the C6 and C7 bikes are remarkably similar.
However, there is one notable difference that sets them apart – the built-in console found on the C7.
The C7 comes equipped with a 7″ HD touchscreen console.
While it may be smaller compared to other spin bikes’ HD screens, it’s rare to find a touchscreen display in this price range.
With this console, you can access Bowflex’s fitness app, JRNY, which offers instructor-led workouts, virtual coaching, scenic rides, and metric tracking.
Additionally, the console provides access to popular entertainment apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and Hulu.
It’s an impressive feature, although it’s worth noting that joining JRNY is necessary to use the built-in entertainment apps.
On the other hand, the C6 does not come with an HD touchscreen display.
Instead, it features a small LCD screen that displays workout metrics such as cadence, speed, resistance, time, and calories burned.
Both the C6 and C7 are Bluetooth compatible, allowing you to connect with the Peloton digital app and the popular Zwift app.
However, it’s important to mention that while you can connect to Peloton’s app on the C6, you’ll need to use your phone or tablet as the console does not directly support it.
Apart from the console, both bikes share the following features:
- Fully adjustable seat
- Fully adjustable handlebars
- Dual-sided pedals with toe cage and SPD clips
- Dual dumbbell holders
- Pair of 3 lb dumbbells
- Included arm band heart rate monitor
- Dual water bottle holders
- Tablet holder
The prominent distinction between these two cycles lies in the touchscreen console found on the C7.
Ultimately, your decision should consider whether this feature justifies the additional cost or not.
Bowflex C6 vs C7 Comparison Table
| Bowflex C6 | Bowflex C7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance | 40 lb flywheel 100 levels of magnetic resistance | 40 lb flywheel 100 levels of magnetic resistance |
| Frame | 112 lb assembled weight 330 lb weight capacity | 111 lb assembled weight 330 lb weight capacity |
| Warranty | 10 year frame 3 year parts 1 year labor | 3 year frame 3 year parts 1 year electric 1 year labor |
| Features | Small LCD console Fully adjustable seat Fully adjustable handlebars Dual-sided pedals (toe cage and SPD clips) Dual dumbbell holders Pair of 3 lb dumbbells Arm band heart rate monitor Dual water bottle holders Tablet holder | 7″ HD touchscreen console Fully adjustable seat Fully adjustable handlebars Dual-sided pedals (toe cage and SPD clips) Dual dumbbell holders Pair of 3 lb dumbbells Arm band heart rate monitor Dual water bottle holders Tablet holder |
| Price | $999 | $1299 JRNY app $19/month |
Bowflex C6 vs C7 Bike – Price Comparison
Let’s dive into the numbers and discuss the price of these bikes.
Please note that prices can vary slightly depending on factors such as the time of year, supply, and ongoing promotions.
Here are the current prices:
Bowflex C7: $1299
In general, there is a $300 difference between these two cycles, primarily accounting for the cost of the 7″ console.
If you opt for the C7, it’s important to consider that you will need to subscribe to a JRNY membership to access the workouts and entertainment apps.
The JRNY membership is priced at approximately $19 per month.
bowflex c6 bike vs c7 – Final Thoughts
So, we’ve covered all the key aspects of the Bowflex C6 vs C7, here are some final thoughts.
Both bikes are identical in terms of their resistance systems, frames, and other features, except for the console.
The C7 comes with a built-in HD touchscreen console, providing access to JRNY’s streaming app and a few entertainment apps. However, it’s important to note that there is a monthly fee of $19 to use these apps.
If you already own a tablet, the C6 may be a more sensible choice, as you can easily use your own tablet on the media holder to access various streaming apps without the additional fee.
However, if the bikes are offered at the same price, things become more complicated.
In that case, it might be worth considering the C7, even if you don’t plan on using the console extensively.
Keep in mind, though, that the C6 offers a better warranty.
Overall, personally, I lean towards the C6, especially if I already have a tablet.
It’s a great workout at an amazing price. You can get yours here
You can use it without an app but if you do like the motivation of streamed workouts you have the flexibility to sign up for whatever fitness app you like (Peloton, JRNY, iFIT etc).
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.