Bowflex C6 Review

The Bowflex C6 is an affordable but durable indoor cycle that works with a variety of apps for interactive training including Peloton and Zwift.

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Bowflex C6 Specs

Rating8.5
TypeIndoor
Console displayBacklit LCD
Resistance100
Seat typePadded Race Style Seat
Flywheel40 lbs.
Weight capacity330 lbs.
Dimensions48.7" L x 21.2" W x 51.8" H
  • Bowflex C6 Indoor Cycle

Bowflex C6 Review

The Bowflex C6 is an affordable but durable indoor cycle that works with a variety of apps for interactive training including Peloton and Zwift.

Bowflex C6 Specs

Rating8.5
TypeIndoor
Console displayBacklit LCD
Resistance100
Seat typePadded Race Style Seat
Flywheel40 lbs.
Weight capacity330 lbs.
Dimensions48.7" L x 21.2" W x 51.8" H

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Presidents Day Alert – Bowflex has this for $30 off!

In response to the Peloton revolution, more and more brands are creating durable but affordable indoor cycles that support interactive training. The Bowflex C6 is one of these. It fuses high-quality components with an open-access console which can connect to a variety of fitness apps. It doesn’t have a flashy screen; it’s a bring-your-own-tech bike to keep the costs down. Once you connect your own tablet or phone to the C6’s console, however, you open the doors to top-class training from Peloton, Zwift, Sufferfest and more. It’s worth noting here that MYX Fitness recently entered the ring with a closer-to-Peloton experience for a very reasonable price. If a connected bike with a built-in screen is more your speed, we’d recommend a read of our full MYX Fitness Bike review.

 

For just $999 you get access to the Peloton experience without the premium price tag. What’s more, to support this interactive training, the bike itself is solid. Highlights include a heavy-duty 40-pound flywheel, 100 micro-adjustable levels of magnetic resistance, and dual-link pedals with toe cages. Bowflex have also thrown in a set of 3 lb. dumbbells for your upper-body workouts and a Bluetooth heart-rate armband monitor so you can keep on top of your pulse and ensure you are exercising efficiently. Best of all, compatibility with the JRNY app for phones/tablets allows for exciting features to take your workouts to new levels like Explore the World, JRNY music, and much more. Dig deeper into the pros and cons of the Bowflex C6 exercise bike below.

 


The Great

  • Interactive Training: Bluetooth connectivity allows you to sync your C6 with popular fitness apps including the elite Peloton. Compete with other cyclists via Zwift or enjoy a cycling trail across the world via Explore The World. Something to keep in mind here, however, is that data connectivity varies depending on which app you use. The Peloton app only displays RPM within the app in real time. In some apps like Rouvy you can see virtually all your workout data in real time onscreen in the app.
  • Heavy Flywheel: The bike’s heavy-duty 40-pound drive is enough to challenge any rider.
  • Resistance Levels: The C6’s 100 micro-adjustable resistance levels allow you to perfectly fine-tune your resistance and gradually ramp up the challenge as your progress. As resistance is magnetic, it will be a smooth and quiet ride.
  • Dumbbells Included: The Bowflex C6 comes with a set of 3 lb. dumbbells for upper-body workouts.
  • Pulse Monitoring: The C6 includes a Bluetooth-enabled heart-rate armband monitor so you can track your pulse. This allows you to stay within your target heart-rate zone and get the most out of your sessions.
  • Tablet Holder: The C6 is a bring-your-own-tech bike so it has a tablet holder for your device.
  • Diverse Pedals: The C6 is a versatile bike that will work for a variety of trainees. It has dual link pedals with toe cages so you can use the standard toe cages or SPD clips depending on your riding style.
  • 4-Way Adjustable Handlebars/Seat – Whether up, down, front, or back, riders at any height can find the best fit
  • Cadence Tracking – Cadence sensors in pedals transmit RPM and other metrics to console
  • Free, 1-Year JRNY Membership: $149 value included within the purchase price
  • Multi-grip Handlebars: Use the set of dumbbells and multi-grip handlebars to target different muscle groups each time you work out.
  • Free Shipping: You will get free standard shipping if you live within the contiguous United States.
  • Respectable Warranty: The Bowflex C6 is shipped with a respectable warranty for the price. It includes 10 years of coverage on the frame, 3 years on mechanical and electrical parts, and 1 year on labor.
  • Transport Wheels: The C6 is a sturdy, durable bike weighing 112 pounds, but it has transport wheels for easy portability after workouts.

The Not so Great

  • Onboard Workouts: The C6 doesn’t have any preset workouts. Interactive training is the focus here.
  • Subscription Fees: Remember you will have to pay a subscription for the apps you want to interactively train with. You could exhaust each of the apps’ free trials until you find the right app for you before committing. JRNY Membership costs just $19.99/month after your free trial. When you compare this to a spin class or gym membership, this is a very good deal for elite at-home training.
  • LCD Display: The C6 features a basic backlit LCD metric console which displays time, calories, speed, distance, cadence (RPM), levels, and pulse. You have to bring your own device for interactive training. That said, this keeps the overall costs of the bike down.
  • Table Holder Not Adjustable: Devices 13″and larger may not fit 

Who Should Use the Bowflex C6?

The Bowflex C6 is an indoor cycle, so it’s optimized for intense rides and fast calorie burn. If this is the kind of workout you are looking for in combination with interactive training, the Bowflex C6 is a solid exercise bike choice. Its wide selection of micro-adjustable resistance levels (100) from a heavy-duty 40-pound flywheel means it will provide enough challenge for most trainees. You’ll also get upper-body exercise as well as cardio training on the C6 as it includes a pair of dumbbells and multi-position handlebars. Its compact size and transport wheels also means it’s a suitable match for most home gym spaces. Its dual-link pedals allow you to adopt your preferred riding style and the adjustable seat means you can find your perfect fit before you ride. However, if low-intensity workouts are what you’re looking for instead, you should opt for a recumbent bike.

The Bottom Line

The Bowflex C6 is a versatile indoor cycle in many ways. From its adjustable seat and dual-link pedals, to the fact that you can use it with just about any top-rated fitness streaming app, the C6 will suit basically anyone looking for an interactive indoor cycle on a budget. The sub-$1,000 price tag is impressive considering all its features, and its warranty far outshines its pricier competitors such as the Peloton. What’s more, the bike itself is solid. Its 40-pound flywheel and wide selection of resistance levels in combination with the open-access interactive training connectivity will keep you challenged and motivated to hop back on your bike for years to come.

Bowflex C6 Specs

Rating8.5
TypeIndoor
Console displayBacklit LCD
Resistance100
Seat typePadded Race Style Seat
Flywheel40 lbs.
Weight capacity330 lbs.
Dimensions48.7" L x 21.2" W x 51.8" H

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dimensions of the Bowflex C6?

The Bowflex C6 indoor cycle is 48.7" L x 21.2" W x 51.8" H.

How much does the Bowflex C6 indoor cycle weigh?

The Bowflex C6 weighs 112 pounds and can hold up to 330 pounds.

How much does the Bowflex C6's flywheel weigh?

The Bowflex C6 features a 40 lb. flywheel.

What is the recommended height range for the Bowflex C6 bike?

Users from 4'6" to 6'6" will be comfortable on the Bowflex C6 bike.

Does Bowflex C6 require a JRNY subscription?

You can use manual mode as well as on-board programs without a JRNY subscription. However, certain features like adaptive workouts, real-time coaching, on-demand classes, real-time tracking, and Explore the World are only accessible with a subscription.

How much is the JRNY membership?

The Bowflex C6 includes a free 1-year JRNY membership. After that, it’s $19.99/month or $149.99/year.

2 Comments
  1. Lauren July 2, 2020 at 3:46 pm From: Indiana
    I'm comparing this bowflex C6 to the schwinn IC4 and they seem almost identical. Can you tell me the main difference, other than the Schwinn is $200 cheaper? What more do you get with the Bowflex?
    • Exercise Bike Editorial Team September 8, 2020 at 9:05 am
      Hey Lauren, so sorry for the delayed reply here! That's a real tricky question because you're entirely right. At the moment the Bowflex C6 and the Schwinn IC4 are pretty much identical, as both brands are owned by the same parent company. The one consideration in regards to the differences is the likelihood of Bowflex rolling out their own training app in the not-too-distant future. Bowflex has just launched the more expensive Velocore bike, which has its own set of integrated training programming, and there's a good chance that technology/training will trickle down the model line. That said, if that's less relevant to you, then your best bet is to go with the less expensive of the two bikes. Hope that helps answer your question!

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