It’s hard to say which of these brands is simply the best because they all are on top of the industry and their offerings provide incredible value that allows you to have great workout sessions at your home.
But you may find some features from one brand more attractive than others e.g. you may prefer a rotating HD screen or the programming ability to stream other apps, or more connectivity technologies or most importantly, a wide range of training classes.
This means it all depends on your individual preference that suits your needs and budget.
They have bikes available in different price ranges. As expected, you will have to spend more to enjoy the latest technologies.
Peloton vs Echelon vs Nordictrack vs Bowflex: Brand overview
Peloton
Peloton Interactive Inc. is an American exercise equipment and media brand founded in 2012. They mainly manufacture smart exercise bikes such as internet-connected treadmills and stationary bikes.
The company has been through many ups and downs because of some of their questionable marketing endeavors that impacted their stock prices. But that didn’t impact the quality of their product range, which is why they are still popular among so many fitness enthusiasts.
Echelon
Headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Echelon was established in 2017 by Lou Lentine. In fact, they revolutionized connected fitness at home with the launch of their first Connect Bike in 2017.
Echelon is dedicated to innovation that makes smart home gym equipment more attainable. They offer a variety of connected products such as bikes, treadmills, fitness mirrors, rowers, and app experiences for members to take part in live and on-demand fitness sessions.
Nordictrack
This is another American brand well-known for their Nordic Ski machines, ellipticals, exercise bikes, treadmills, low-impact exercisers, and strength training equipment and accessories.
The company was founded in 1975 by Edward and Florence Pauls. But they had to file for bankruptcy in 1998 and then were bought by iFIT Health and Fitness Inc.
Bowflex
This is another popular brand that manufactures innovative at-home fitness training equipment like smart treadmills and bikes, ellipticals, adjustable dumbbells and weights.
They began their journey in 1986 and are currently owned and distributed worldwide by Nautilus, Inc.
Peloton vs Echelon vs Nordictrack vs Bowflex
To give you some idea, we selected one high-end connected bike from each brand and compared them with one another.
|
Specs |
|||||
| Peloton Bike + | Echelon EX8s | Nordictrack S22i | Bowflex Velocore | ||
| Pricing | $2,495, Free shipping | $2,299.99 | $1999 + $199 threshold delivery | $1699 + Free shipping | |
| Screen | 23.8″rotating screen | 24” curved touchscreen | 22” rotating smart screen | 22” adjustable HD touchscreen | |
|
App Price |
$39 per month |
$34.99/month |
1-year family membership included with purchase, then $39 per month |
$19.99 per month |
|
| Resistance level | Magnetic – 100 | Magnetic- 32 | Magnetic – 24 digital | Magnetic – 100 | |
| Frame | Welded steel ED & powder coated | Steel Frame | Steel Frame | Steel Frame | |
| Ability to stream other apps |
No |
No |
No, but there is a tablet holder so you can stream from another device |
Yes, you can watch Netflix, Hulu, etc. & stream other workout apps like Peloton & Zwift | |
| Warranty policy |
1-year labor, 1-year parts, 5-year frame warranty |
1 year limited parts and labor warranty | Lifetime frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor warranty | 2-year mechanical, electronic and 1-year labor warranty | |
| Stationary |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Leaning mode/ stationary mode | |
| Live and on demand classes |
Yes – Peloton App |
Echelon App |
Yes – iFit Interactive Personal Training App |
Yes – JRNY |
|
| Assembled weight | 140 lbs | 124 lbs | 205 lbs | 158.3 lbs | |
| Max user weight | 297 lbs | 300 lbs | 350 lbs | 325 lbs | |
|
Console connectivity |
Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, Wi-Fii, ANT+ wireless |
Bluetooth 5.0, wifi, SD card slot, |
Dual 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity, bluetooth connectivity |
Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, Wi-Fi connectivity |
|
| Pedals | Delta- compatible aluminum pedals |
SPD-compatible pedals |
Hybrid SPD+Toe Clip Pedals | Dual-sided SPD-compatible pedals |
Price and Warranty
Peloton
Peloton has two stationary bikes to choose from – one is the “Peloton BIke” priced at $1495 and the other is the latest “Peloton Bike+,” which comes with premium features and is priced at $2,495.
Both these models have one-year parts, electronics, labor warranty and 5-year frame warranty.
Echelon
The GT+, EX-5, EX-5s (10” and 22” display variants), and the EX-8s come in four different prices, starting from $899.99 and going upwards to $2299.99.
Their two entry level models Echelon GT+ and EX5 cost $899.99 and $999.99 respectively. If you’re on a budget then you can choose one of them.
The EX5s is an upgrade to the EX5 and costs $1499.99. However, priced at $2299.99, the EX-8s is their most premium product.
Each bike comes with a 1-year warranty.
Nordictrack
Nordictrack offers a wide range of bikes that differ in features, price, and functionality.
The S27i Studio Bike, S22i Studio Bike, S15i Bike, and Commercial R35 are some of the most desired NordicTrack bikes. The price of S27i Studio Bike is $2499, S22i Studio Bike is $1999, S15i Bike is $1872, and R35 Recumbent Bike is $1299.
NordicTrack provides lifetime frame warranty, 2-year parts and electronics warranty, and 1-year labor warranty.
Bowflex
The Velocore and the C7 are the two most notable bikes from Bowflex. The Velocore has both the leaning mode and the stationary mode with two screen variants. The 16” will cost you $1,799 and the 22” velocore costs $2,199. The Bowflex C7 costs $999.
The Velocore has a 2-year frame and 2-year parts, 1-year electronics and labor warranty. On the other hand, Bowflex C7 has a 3-year frame, 3-year parts, 1-year electronics and labor warranty.
Who wins this round?
Price mainly depends on the technologies used and the build quality. All these brands offer great value for money.
Resistance
Peloton
Peloton bikes have 100 levels of magnetic resistance for a smoother ride. They offer both manual and auto resistance controls that change your resistance to match the instructors’ suggestion automatically
Echelon
You will get 32 levels of magnetic resistance, which is adequate for most users.
Nordictrack
Nordictrack provides 22-26 levels of magnetic resistance in their bikes.
Bowflex
100 levels of magnetic resistance is available in Bowflex bikes.
Who wins this round?
Resistance should be the first and major priority when choosing a stationary bike because the higher the resistance level, the smoother ride you have. So, based on resistance levels we can say that Peloton and Bowflex are better than the rest and the extra edge that Peloton has is the auto resistance control knob.
Comfort
Peloton
Peloton bikes come with adjustable seats and handles that allow you to find your comfortable saddle and riding position and thus reduce potential injury risks. Peloton bikes come with Sport series saddles with ergonomic channels and Delta-compatible aluminum pedals with three-hole cleats.
Echelon
Echelons EX8s have adjustable bullhorn handlebars and competition-style saddle that moves fore/aft and up/down. The seat isn’t so comfortable for longer rides.
They offer Dual sided SPD compatible pedals that feature adjustable toe cages on one side and cycling cleat clips on other.
Nordictrack
Nordictrack bikes come with multi grip handlebars and a comfortable padded seat, which can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally. They also feature dual sided SPD compatible pedals. Also, they have autobreeze fans to keep you cool and two water bottle holders for hydration.
NordicTrack R35 Bike has a recumbent design, which is considered a more comfortable position to exercise by many.
Bowflex
Bowflex Velocore offers both stationary and leaning riding position, also has adjustable handlebars, seat and touchscreen angles. Their bikes come with a light padding and racing style seat and Dual-sided SPD compatible pedaling system.
Who wins this round?
Comfortability is a great factor while choosing a stationary bike. All these brands offer adjustable handling and seating positions, and different saddle and pedaling systems that are known to be comfortable.
Connectivity
Peloton
WiFi, 100 Mbps Ethernet, Apple GymKit Integration connectivity features are available in peloton bikes.
Echelon
Echelon offers Wifi, USB host, type C Port and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity features.
Nordictrack
Their latest bikes come with wifi and bluetooth connectivity.
Bowflex
Bowflex bikes have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, iOS and Android compatibility, and a USB charging port.
Who wins this round?
The number of smart technologies in a stationary bike is another key factor. The smart system allows us to connect to third party apps or devices.
All these brands have bluetooth and wifi connectivity in common through which you will be able to connect your earphone/earbud or heart rate monitoring devices. But to enjoy the best technologies you have to spend more.
Fitness programming
Peloton
With the Peloton app they offer daily live classes and a lot more on demand exercise classes that you can sort by length, type, intensity, music, and instructor. To deliver something for every ability and taste they offer interval training, low impact options, Tabata rides and even live DJs.
They also offer instructor-led classes and other features like “Just Ride” (an option if you want to watch Netflix or stream a podcast on your phone while cycling) and “Scenic Routes.” What’s more, their instructors are top notch and can be contacted very easily.
You can get access to all these with a paid subscription fee of $39.99 per month.
Echelon
The Echelon app membership experience is one of the best. They have 40+ daily live classes, 3000+ on-demand classes, 23M+ song and artist options, and 30+ world class.
With their interactive leaderboard you can see how your exercise ranks among the others.
To avail their membership you have to pay $34.99/month.
Nordictrack
A nordictrack stationary bike comes with one month of free iFit family membership then you have to pay $39/month for their service. You can run the bike without subscribing to the iFit app but can’t enjoy all the benefits.
The iFit app offers thousands of online and on-demand classes for their users which are taught by very engaging and motivating fitness instructors, who can be contacted through text.
As a member you can interact with any exercise enthusiasts around the globe and participate in different training programs.
Bowflex
Bowflex uses the JRNY app programming that has a huge collection of online and on-demand classes. This allows users to compete with others in live classes and take classes in attractive world locations. A 1-year free subscription facility is included with the purchase of the app and then you need to pay $19.99/monthly.
You can stream Netflix, Hulu, etc through the app, and also compatible with third-party apps like Peloton and Zwift.
Who wins this round?
All the brands have great programming apps for their members which allows them to have proper training under the guidance of world class fitness trainers.
Frame material
Peloton
Welded steel, ED & powder coated was used to build the robust and sturdy frames of the Peloton bike.
Echelon
Powder-coated, welded steel frame is used to give their bike a solid structure.
Nordictrack
Steel is usually used to build the frames.
Bowflex
Bowflex also used steel to build bike frames like the others.
Who wins this round?
You can see that every brand has used steel to make a strong and sturdy frame.
Digital Display
Peloton
Peloton Bike has a 22-inch HD touchscreen, and Peloton Bike+, which has a massive 360-degree rotating 24-inch HD touchscreen.
Echelon
Echelon has four bikes – the Echelon GT+ has no display and EX5 which don’t have screens, just device mounts,, and the EX-5S has 10” and 21.5-inch HD touchscreen and the latest EX8s has a massive 24” touchscreen display.
Nordictrack
Nordictrack S27i has the largest screen on any stationary bike featuring a 27” smart HD screen that can rotate 360 degrees. The S22i has 22” rotating HD screen, S15i 14″ rotating HD screen and NordicTrack R35 Bike has 14″ HD smart touchscreen
Bowflex
Bowflex Velocore has 22″ or 16″ HD Touchscreen variants that tilt up and down but don’t rotate sidewise. The bowflex C7 has 7” HD screen and the C6 has a small LCD monitor
Who wins this round?
Nordictrack and Peloton offer large and fully rotating HD displays which gives them a slight edge over others but you have to spend much more to have those. In general every brand offers great HD displays.
Customer Service
We did some research about the quality of customer service of all of these four brands. Many said that Peloton’s customer service went downhill lately. There were also many complaints about Nordictrack and Echelon’s after-sale services.
However, Bowflex did great with prompt replies to customer queries and they were also easy to work with.
FAQs
Can I use an Echelon bike without a subscription?
Ans. Yes, but you will have limited access to workout classes.
Can I watch Netflix on Peloton?
Ans. No, only Peloton content can be streamed through Peloton screens.
