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Bowflex is a company based in the United States that produces fitness equipment. The VeloCore is the newest smart bike in the brand’s collection. It features a console for streaming entertainment and online classes, and users can choose between stationary and leaning ride options.
In this article, we look at the Bowflex VeloCore Bike in more detail, including its specification and features, the price, and its pros and cons. We also discuss the reviews of this product and suggest some alternative options to consider.
The Bowflex VeloCore Bike is a smart bike. Smart fitness equipment is compatible with online streaming and subscription services.
Interactivity
The Bowflex VeloCore Bike comes with an interactive console that connects to the internet and provides access to various services, including Bowflex’s online subscription, the JRNY adaptive fitness membership.
JRNY provides:
- adaptive workouts that increase resistance over time
- real-time virtual coaching
- on-demand classes with online trainers
- more than 50 virtual destinations that give the rider a different and challenging experience every time
- radio and music
In addition, the Bowflex VeloCore has streaming capabilities, including Netflix and Hulu, so that the individual can watch their favorite programs while exercising. However, these are only available if a person’s JRNY membership is active.
The bike is also compatible with Peloton and Zwift subscriptions, allowing individuals to combine exercise with gaming.
The Bowflex VeloCore Bike is available in two console variations: 16 inches (in) or 22 in.
Riding style
The primary difference between the Bowflex VeloCore and similar bikes is that the former provides users with the option to choose between two riding style options: stationary or leaning mode.
The VeloCore’s leaning mode allows the rider to lean to the left or right. This provides a similar experience to real road biking and may suit people who want to replicate the experience indoors.
Other features
The Bowflex VeloCore tracks multiple metrics, including:
- time
- interval, which is only available with an active JRNY membership
- distance in kilometers or miles
- calories
- calories burned per minute
- heart rate
- cadence
- resistance
Customers receive two 3-pound (lb) dumbbells with each bike. Additional features of the Bowflex VeloCore include:
- dual-sided pedals with clips and toe cages to reduce the risk of slipping
- 100 resistance levels to vary muscle tension
- media rack that holds a phone or tablet
- two water bottle holders
- handlebars that adjust both up and down and front to back
Dimensions
The bike has the following dimensions:
- length: 59.8 in
- width: 24.1 in
- height: 55.3 in
To operate the bike safely, a user should allow a minimum ceiling of their height plus an additional 16 in.
The Bowflex VeloCore Bike weighs 158.3 lb and supports a maximum user weight of 325 lb.
The 16-in console version of the Bowflex VeloCore Bike costs $1,699, while the 22-in console version costs $2,199.
A monthly payment plan is available starting from $95 per month for 18 months.
When a customer purchases a new VeloCore model, Bowflex includes a 1-year JRNY membership. Renewing this membership costs $149 per year.
Both bikes come with a free mat.
Delivery and assembly
Bowflex offers free shipping for both the 16-in and 22-in versions of the VeloCore bike to the continental U.S. However, deliveries to Alaska or Hawaii carry an additional $199 charge. The company does not deliver to P.O. boxes, U.S. territories, or international destinations.
Bowflex mentions that its bikes may take up to 10 weeks to ship.
An individual can opt to assemble the bike themself or pay $199 for Bowflex’s assembly service.
Refund policy
Bowflex provides a 14-day refund policy. Additionally, the company’s protection plans allow refunds in certain states.
Further terms and conditions are available here.
Warranty
The Bowflex VeloCore comes with:
- 2-year warranty on frame and parts
- 1-year warranty on electronics
- 1-year warranty on labor
There are two upgrade options to extend parts and labor coverage to 3 or 5 years. These options come at an additional cost.
Reviewers on the Bowflex website report that the setup was thorough and complete with prompts.
One reviewer says that the lean mode makes them feel as though they are riding outdoors. Another mentions that the Bowflex VeloCore helped them return to riding and fitness after an injury.
Overall, the brand has ratings of 2.3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot and 3.8 out of 5 stars on Consumer Affairs. Negative reviews report delivery issues, broken equipment, and a lack of customer support.
One of the reviewers on Trustpilot mentions that their VeloCore makes a squeaking or clunking noise when they increase the resistance.
The Bowflex VeloCore Bike has various pros and cons:
Pros
- Streaming capabilities: The JRNY membership and console allow people to access a range of features while cycling, including statistics, virtual coaching, on-demand classes, and the use of streaming services. The bike is also compatible with other fitness subscription services, such as Peloton and Zwift.
- Replicates outdoor riding: The leaning capabilities and stream routes on the console can help recreate the experience of cycling outdoors. Many similar bikes do not offer leaning options, making this a significant feature of the VeloCore Bike.
- Suitable for beginners and experts: Beginners may appreciate the streaming options for motivation and guidance. Regular cyclists may benefit from the two riding style options, the tracking features, and the online classes.
Cons
- Membership dependency: The bike only comes with a 1-year JRNY membership. Once that year is up, customers who still want to access entertainment, gaming, music, and training features need to subscribe and pay $149 for the annual membership.
- Warranty: The standard package only provides a 2-year warranty on the frame and parts. A better warranty comes at a higher price. Some competitor products come with a longer warranty period.
- Injury: Risk factors for injury include pregnancy and preexisting health conditions. The
National Institute on Aging advises people with these risk factors to talk with a doctor to ensure that the benefits of their exercise regimen outweigh the potential risks.
The table below summarizes the differences between the Bowflex VeloCore Bike and similar stationary bikes from competing fitness brands:
| Feature | Bowflex VeloCore Bike 16” and 22” | Bowflex C7 Bike | Peloton Bike+ | NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle |
| Screen size | 16 or 22 in | 7 in | 23.8 in | 22 in |
| Maximum user weight | 325 lb | 330 lb | 297 lb | 350 lb |
| Length | 59.8 in | 48.1 in | 59 in | 61 in |
| Width | 23.1 in | 21.3 in | 22 in | 22 in |
| Height | 52.6 in for the 16-in screen or 55.3 in for the 22-in screen | 57.5 in | 59 in | 58 in |
| Streaming options and integrations | Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, JRNY, Peloton, Zwift | Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, JRNY, Peloton, Zwift | Peloton, Apple GymKit | iFit |
| Purchase price | $1,699 for the 16-in console or $2,199 for the 22-in console | $1,299 | $2,495 | $1,999 |
| Subscription membership | includes 1-year JRNY membership | includes 1-year JRNY membership | Peloton all-access membership available at an extra charge | includes 30-day iFit family membership |
| Financing options | available | available | available | available |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, iOS and Android compatible, USB charging port | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, iOS and Android compatible, USB charging port | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, iOS and Android compatible, USB-C to Ethernet, USB-C charging port, headphone jack | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, iOS and Android compatible |
| Warranties | 2-year frame and parts, 1-year electronics and labor | 2-year frame and parts, 1-year electronics and labor | 5-year frame, 1-year other components | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, and 1-year labor |
| Leaning mode | yes | no | no | no |
The possible health benefits of cycling on the VeloCore include:
- Muscle building: The bike’s adaptive and adjustable resistance feature targets the lower body muscles. Also, the leaning feature of the bike allows individuals to train other muscle groups, such as the core.
- Calorie burning: The Bowflex VeloCore combines cardiovascular and resistance training with entertainment, leading to more consistent and potentially longer workouts. A person who enjoys their workout may burn more calories.
- Better cardiovascular health: A
2019 study that involved 45,048 participants concluded that cyclists had better risk factor levels relating to body composition and body lipids compared with noncyclists. This was the case regardless of sex.
A
The VeloCore is the latest addition to the Bowflex smart bike range for people who wish to experience interactive and more realistic cycling in the comfort of their home.
Bowflex claims that the VeloCore provides a better experience than traditional cycling or other smart bikes. The JRNY membership, in combination with the entertainment, gaming, and leaning functionalities, may provide motivation and guidance.
Cycling and exercise can provide many health benefits, but individuals need to be aware of the risks, especially if they already have an underlying health condition.