Echelon Smart Connect Exercise Bikes: Reviewed & Compared

Echelon Smart Connect Exercise Bikes Compared

Unique Features Of The Echelon Smart Connect Series

Integrated Tech Features

These days, it’s important to have a top-notch build just as much as it is to have the latest integrated tech features to track performance and goal mapping, along with offering entertainment to make the experience a more pleasant one. 

High Quality Build & Materials

Competitive Warranty

The Connect bikes come shipped with a 1-year limited parts and labor warranty. You can also choose to purchase a 1-to-3-year extended warranty if you’d like coverage for even longer. To make the deal even more attractive, you get a 30-day, risk-free trial membership along with a 100% money-back guarantee!

1. Echelon EX5

Echelon EX5 Bike Specs

The first Echelon bike we’re going to take a look at is the EX5. Lying somewhere between the other two models, it offers an enticing balance of sensibility and high-quality features perfect for beginners and professional athletes alike. If the EX3 is too basic and the EX5-S is out of your budget, then this is a great Goldilocks product.

Starting with the solid steel frame, it’s the same size as the EX5-S: 20” in width and 54” long. Assembly is easy, so you don’t have to plan on spending a good chunk of time on that before enjoying the ride. Weighing 112 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to move with front-mounted transport wheels.

The competition-style Echelon bike seat does take some getting used to in terms of comfort, though thanks to its 6" lever-style adjustment, it can be moved back, forward, up, and down to suit your body perfectly.

The Aero handlebar system is highly regarded, which can also be adjusted according to the desired level of comfort or performance. Here, you'll find a smart device mount and dual water bottle holders to ensure you stay hydrated.

The device mount is where you can hold a smart device securely and even flip it 180 degrees in case you'd like to perform workouts off the bike but still keep your eyes on the screen. It does come with Apple Music and Spotify integration, along with a huge library of on-demand workouts to switch up your routine and keep the body guessing.

If you'd like to partake in weightlifting classes, you even have a handy weight rack located right behind the seat, which can stow a 2-pound set of dumbbells.

If you choose not to use a smart device with your workouts, then you still have a ton of versatility with 32 levels of magnetic resistance. SPD-compatible pedals feature fully adjustable toe cages, so you can use the footwear that you're most comfortable with, as well. Even at more challenging levels, expect the bike to be solid, stable, and versatile.

2. Echelon EX3

Echelon EX3 Bike Specs

If you read through any Echelon bike reviews, you’re sure to see most glowing over the Echelon EX3. Hands-down, if you want a top-notch bike on a budget, there simply aren’t any that can compare to this model. When used with a tablet, you have access to over 1,600 cycling classes of different lengths and difficulty levels, along with various musical genres!

Just like with its more expensive cohorts, you’ll still get 32 levels of resistance to choose from, ensuring you keep seeing results. Of course, with the Fit App membership, you also get to partake in yoga, HIIT, strength training classes, and more simply by utilizing the device holder that can flip 180 degrees. Ride stats are provided in real-time and log your sessions for easy goal tracking.

You’ll also see the same competition seat with easy adjustments, though instead of a weight rack behind it, you’ll get a new handheld rack on the seat slide. You’ll also see a difference in the handlebars. There aren’t any water bottle holders, and instead of the Aero system, you'll find ergonomic handlebars that are stable but don’t offer quite as much movement.

The bike’s frame is made of heavy-duty steel like the others, though it weighs in at a bit less – 105 pounds. It's also notably shorter, though just a couple of inches wider than the others, making it extra easy to transport around the house.

3. Echelon EX5-S

Echelon EX5-S Bike Specs

Of all the Echelon spin bike selections, the EX5-S is the most similar to the Peloton Bike – one of the most trendy currently. However, it’s available for a much more accessible price, which means you need to check it out! The model is almost identical to the EX5, with some notable extras that warrant the price increase.

The top-of-the-line model features a whopping 22" HD touch screen, so you can really immerse yourself in the thousands of workouts you'll get with their Fit app. Like with the other models, the screen also flips 180 degrees for you to partake in exercise on and off the bike. New front and rear power ports are handy, too, if you'd like to charge your phone while pedaling away.

Just like with the EX5, you get 2 handlebar-mounted bottle holders and a weight rack behind the seat to hold up to 2-pound dumbbells. On top of that, though, you'll find kick guards on frame stabilizer weldments. While it may be compact, it’s overall very stable and stays in place – even during the most grueling sessions. While it is just a few pounds heavier than the other models, it’s still very easy to transport should you like to move it to another location in your home.

All About The Echelon Exercise Bike Brand

Echelon is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee in the United States, where their exercise bikes are also manufactured. Owned by Viatek Consumer Products group and founded in 1997, they’ve had quite a few years to develop their specialty in healthy, active, and sustainable living products and businesses.

Comparing The Echelon Range Of Exercise Bikes

Echelon EX5

Let’s say you’re interested in the EX5-S but don’t want to spend the extra cash for the display. Maybe you have your own tablet and prefer to use that, anyway. Then the EX5 is just right for you. It comes with nearly everything the EX5-S has, and definitely the same durability and overall functionality.

Echelon EX5-S

The EX5-S is the premium model in this line, and if you're willing to spend a bit more, you won't regret it. It comes with a 22" HD touch screen display for fully-immersive workouts on and off the bike. Flip it around, and you can partake in much more than just pedaling for maximum fat burning, stamina boosting, and much more.

Echelon EX3

This is a nice meet-in-the-middle model for those who want the best bang for their buck. Expect the high-quality Echelon feel and performance, without extras like the HD touch screen built-in, the dumbbell rack behind the seat, and adjustable handlebars like the more expensive models have.

Echelon EX-1 LE

This model is the most budget-friendly of the bunch, but also the most basic. This bare-bones bike definitely features the same high quality as the others, like a steel frame and 32 magnetic resistance settings. Don’t count on it coming with extras like the water bottle holders or weight rack, though.

Echelon EX-7s

The most robust of the bunch, if you have extra room in your home gym and your wallet, then the Echelon EX-7s is the one for you. It comes with just about everything the EX5-S has but offers a slightly higher weight capacity and a few more little bells and whistles.

Comparisons With Other Exercise Bike Brands

Echelon Smart Bikes Vs. Slim Cycle

The Slim Cycle is much more affordable and significantly more compact than the Echelon Smart Bikes. However, you're substantially more limited with the Slim Cycle, even if you use the Echelon bikes without a display screen/tablet. Due to the additional resistance and exercise options with the Echelons, you’ll burn more calories and reduce – if not destroy -  the chance of plateauing.

Echelon Bike Vs. Bowflex

Echelon has more and less expensive options than the Bowflex. However, Bowflex comes with more resistance settings and a built-in backlit LCD metric console. Though, if you're fine with spending more, you'll overall get more workout versatility and better display with an Echelon.

Echelon Bike Vs. Peloton

The Peloton is much more expensive, even than the most expensive Echelon bike. The frames are just as durable, yet the Echelon series features a smaller footprint and is more lightweight. You realistically will burn the same amount of calories on both as they offer almost identical workout features.

Echelon Bike Vs. NordicTrack

The NordicTrack is much more expensive, larger, and heavier. It comes with various incline/decline settings that the Echelons do not, though it only includes 22 resistance levels. Overall, you'll probably burn around the same amount of calories when considering the incline/decline options, but you'll be spending a lot more with the NordicTrack to do so.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is it easy to assemble the echelon bikes?

Incredibly easy! You can realistically put it together yourself if you wanted to, in less than 30 minutes.

How to connect Echelon Bike to a wellness app?

All you have to do is press the Echelon button on the console. Once it beeps and the light starts flashing, you need to open the app on your smart device. It should either automatically connect or offer you the option to select equipment. Once you've selected your bike, click "connect."

How to adjust tension on Echelon bike?

Simply take the resistance adjustment knob and turn it either to the left or right to adjust the tension. Turning it to the right will increase tension while turning it to the left will decrease it.

Can you use Echelon bike with Peloton app?

Yes, you can!

What does an Echelon membership/subscription entail?

The most popular subscription plan is their 1-month plan, which costs $39.99/month. With it, you’ll receive full access to cycling, stride treadmill, row, their Fit Pass with machine workouts, meditation, yoga, boxing, and much more. There are thousands of classes for you to take advantage of.

Can I use the Echelon bike without a subscription?

Yes, you can! You still have quite a bit of versatility with the Echelon series, even without a subscription.

Where can I find Echelon bike troubleshooting information?

The best way to go about troubleshooting your bike is by accessing your bike’s manual. However, sometimes speaking with a person is the best way of solving issues. Contact their customer service at 1-888-0784-2835.

What are the essential accessories that I need to buy with my Echelon stationary bike?

You may want to replace your Echelon bike seat if you don’t like or are simply uncomfortable with the competition seat. Regardless, you definitely want an Echelon bike seat cover to increase durability and resistance to continued use. If you aren't getting the EX5-S, then make sure you have a tablet for maximum results and the best user experience. Your shoes are also important, and you can wear clip-ins or regular tennis shoes.

How much do Echelon stationary bikes cost?

They cost anywhere from around $800 to $1,700. However, you can always find valid coupon codes online. Sometimes if you sign up for mailing lists, they'll even show up right in your inbox!

Where is the best place to buy these popular bikes?

Amazon is obviously one of the best sites to go to due to their fast and reliable shipping. An Amazon Prime membership will get it to you even faster, and probably cheaper, too. However, retailers like Walmart often offer them at a discounted rate!

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned just about everything you could ever want to about Echelon Connect Bikes, do you see why they’re such an amazing cardio solution? The brand focuses on delivering top-notch quality at an affordable price, which is why they’ve become so popular.

We hope that our guide was able to help you select the best one for your goals. Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll see you again soon!