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In recent years, exercise bikes have grown in popularity as a way to work out and get fit at either the gym or from the comforts of home.
They are a low-impact and efficient way to burn calories, strengthen the heart, and build endurance.
Exercise bikes have become especially popular for home use since they take up less space and tend to be more affordable than a lot of other home gym equipment.
Many people like the convenience of being able to ride their exercise bike at home while reading or watching TV.
A recent breakthrough in technology has seen exercise bikes being combined with fitness and training apps to provide live and on-demand training classes that can be viewed on a tablet or screen mounted to the exercise bike.
This gives users access to virtual scenic rides, live classes with trainers, and a huge library of on-demand video training.
Although users love the combination of exercise equipment with high tech training, unfortunately, the exercise bikes that offered access to these features in the past like Peloton tended to have very hefty price tags over $2,000 and higher.
Fortunately, the well-respected fitness brand Echelon has introduced a lineup of exercise bikes called Smart Connect which are well-made, sturdy exercise bikes that offer access to live and on-demand workout options through the Echelon app at a much lower price.
The lineup includes 4 different models of exercise bikes that combine traditional exercise equipment with high-tech live and on-demand training that offer various features and price points to meet customer needs and preferences.
What is the Echelon Smart Connect Bike?
Contents
The Echelon Smart Connect is a lineup of 4 models of affordable home exercise bikes.
They provide users with a well-made, high-quality home exercise bike that offers access to both live workout classes and a huge library of on-demand scenic rides and workouts.
They allow users to exercise from the comforts of home but still take full advantage of some of the best fitness trainers in the world.
The four models (EX1, EX3, EX5, EX5s) offer customers a good variety of features and prices to choose from, at a cost that is much less than high-end exercise bikes like Peloton.
In other words, the Echelon Smart Connect bikes offer customers all of the great features and technology that you would expect from high-end exercise bikes at a much more affordable price.
Here it is in action:
Learn more at their website:
How Does it Work?
The Echelon Smart Connect bikes work like other home exercise bikes that are on the market.
The biggest difference is that they combine a well-built exercise bike with access to live and on-demand training at a more affordable price than high-end bikes like Peloton.
A subscription to the Echelon Fitness app is required to access the training. You will also need an iPad or tablet to view the training from unless you opt for the EX5s which comes with a 21.5″ screen. There is a mount included on the exercise bike to hold your tablet.
The app is compatible with both Android and Apple devices.
The Echelon app is easy and quick to use. Once you have downloaded it to either the built-in 21.5″ inch screen on the Echelon Sart Connect EX5s or your own personal tablet, you will have a huge range of classes to choose from as well as many interesting scenic rides.
They range from quick 20-minute on-demand sessions up to 30 to 60-minute live classes and everything in between and are led by some of the best fitness instructors in the world.
You will also have the ability to track your stats like cadence, output, and speed and see how you compare to other users which can help keep you motivated.
The app subscription also gives you access to FitPass, which streams a wide range of live non-bike classes on topics like strength, stretching, and yoga.
Both the exercise bike and app are user friendly and provide the user with access to a wide range of scenic rides and exercise classes.
The variety and live instruction make it easier to stick with an exercise routine to achieve fitness goals.
Echelon Models and Features
The Echelon Smart Connect is a line of exercise bikes that features 4 different models: EX1, EX3, EX5, and EX5s.
Each of these models has their own pros and cons as well as features. The basic features that come with all four models include built-in wheels, Bluetooth compatibility, and seat-mounted dumbbell holders. As you move up, the models offer more features and also cost more.
One important thing to note is that you can access live workouts and on-demand classes with all of the Echelon Smart Connect models.
EX1
This is the entry-level Echelon Smart Connect bike model. It is ideal for beginners and easy to use.
Features
- 32 different levels of Magnetic Resistance
- Precision Resistance Motor
- Cage or Clip-in Pedals
- Comfortable, Easy-to-Adjust Seat
- Highly Durable Steel Welded Frame
- Ergonomic Handlebars
- Dumbbell Rack
- Tablet mounts
- Bluetooth Enables
- On-Demand Classes
- Live Streaming Courses Led in Real Team by Professional Instructors
EX3 Max
The EX3 Max includes all of the features that the EX1 has to offer and adds some nice upgrades. It is a step up from the EX1 model.
Upgraded Features
- New Competition-Style Seat
- Upgraded Motor Provides a Smoother Ride
- New Resistance Adjusting Knob
- New Level-Style Adjustment
- Upgraded Triangular Lightweight Tubing
EX5 & EX5s
The EX5 and EX5x are loaded with features that are similar to the Peloton exercise bike but cost much less.
Upgraded Features
- New Handheld Rack
- Upgraded Resistance Adjustment
- New Motor Provides More Precise Magnetic Resistance
- Upgraded Towel Rack and Bottle Holder
- Upgraded Competition Seat
- Competition Aero Handlebar System
- EX5: Upgraded Tablet Mount, Rotates 180 degrees
- EX5s – New 21.5” Flat Screen (optional)
- Ex5s- Kickguards
- EX5s- Front and Back Power Ports
Echelon Bike Price: Where to Buy
All four of the Echelon Smart Connect Bike models can be purchased directly on the Echelon website. There is also financing available.
Each model offers monthly, yearly and two-year plans which include the price of the exercise bike and membership to Echelon’s FitPass which gives you access to unlimited live classes and on-demand classes taught by some of the best instructors in the world.
EX1 Price
- Monthly Plan: $839.98 + $39.99/month FitPass
- 1-Year Plan: $1,199.98
- 2-Year Plan: $1,399.98
EX3 Price
- Monthly Plan: $1,039.98 + $39.99/month FitPass
- 1-Year Plan: $1,399.98
- 2-Year Plan: $1,599.98
EX5 Price
- Monthly Plan: $1,239.98 + $39.99/month FitPass
- 1-Year Plan: $1,599.98
- 2-Year Plan: $1,799.98
EX-5s
- Monthly Plan: $1639.98 + $39.99/month FitPass
- 1-Year Plan: $1,999.98
- 2-Year Plan: $2,199.98
Where to Buy?
The best place to buy the Echelon Bike is at their website:
Echelon Smart Connect Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable: Echelon has introduced an affordable line of exercise bikes that allow you to stream on-demand and live workouts
- Easy to Use Exercise Bike
- Access to large library of live and on-demand workouts and scenic rides through the Echelon app that can be viewed from your tablet or the built-in screen on the EX5s.
- Sleek, attractive design
- Heavy-duty steel frame
- 32 different levels of magnetic resistance
- 300-pound weight capacity
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Tablet required (except for EX5s model) to stream scenic rides and workouts on the Echelon app.
- Subscription required for on-demand and live training
- Short warranty period (1 year)
Verified Customer Testimonials
The Echelon Smart Connect Bikes have been available for a while now so customers have had a chance to give them a full test drive and have overwhelmingly praised this lineup of affordable exercise bikes that give you access to unlimited live and on-demand scenic rides and classes.
Many customers are very happy with the on-demand and live classes offered by Echelon since they provide them with plenty of variety.
One reviewer said they were worth every penny, especially since she gets bored easily and was very happy to have access to so many different classes and experiences. She added that it was the longest she had ever stuck with her fitness goal.
Another user noted how she loved the leisurely scenic rides, especially her ride through France.
Others have praised the bike for being well-built and offering a smooth ride. Several customers have reported that the bike was easy to set up.
Negative Reviews?
Some users do complain that the seat is not very comfortable and a few have had issues with customer support.
You can find more comments from customers on the Echelon website and elsewhere online.
Review Summary
If you are searching for a home exercise bike that will provide you with access to live and on-demand classes at an affordable price, then the Echelon Smart Connect lineup is one you will want to seriously consider.
These exercise bikes offer a comprehensive set of features that includes Bluetooth capability along with an app that provides you with a huge selection of scenic rides, guided classes, and live workouts.
Best of all, these bikes cost much less than high-end exercise bikes like Peloton.
And with four different models to choose from, you can choose the bike that best suits your budget, preferences, and needs.
The Smart Connect bikes are an affordable and convenient way to workout from the comforts from your own home and still take full advantage of the knowledge and guidance offered by professional trainers.
Learn more at their website:
