Bowflex C6 Bike Review: Is This the Right Exercise Bike for You?
Bowflex
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Key Features:
- Price: $999
- Subscription: Not required, compatible with JRNY, Peloton and Zwift Apps
- Dimensions: 54.6 inches long X 30.7 inches wide X 51.8 inches tall
- Bike weight: 112 pounds
- Monitor: Not included, but equipped with device holder for smartphones or tablets
- Resistance levels: 100
- User weight capacity: 330 pounds
- Recommended height range: 4 feet 5 inches to 6 feet 5 inches
- Warranty: 10 years (frame), three years (mechanical parts), three years (electronics), one year (labor)
In recent years, a number of fitness brands have come out with indoor cycling bikes designed to follow guided solo or group training sessions. The most well-known option is Peloton, though it comes with a high price tag and is hard to justify the cost, especially when just getting started. This may leave you wondering: What are the options for stationary bikes that provide all of the standard features without costing a ton?
Finding the perfect exercise bike for your home gym is certainly no small feat, as they vary tremendously in features and price. Here we’ll provide you with an in-depth review of the Bowflex C6 Bike, including some pros and cons, who it’s best for and how it stacks up against the competition. We’ll delve into details such as specific features, dimensions and subscription plans to help you decide if the C6 is right for you.
What Is the Bowflex C6?
Bowflex is a well-known fitness equipment brand originally popularized for its highly successful resistance training machines that use a unique system of rods or “bows” to provide resistance instead of heavy metal weights.
In recent years, Bowflex has branched out into producing a wide range of exercise equipment from weight benches to endurance training equipment, including spinning bikes.
The Bowflex C6 is a high-quality indoor spinning bike that does away with spendy features to provide users with all they need to complete at-home cycling workouts at an affordable price.
Check out our Bowflex Exercise Bike Line review for more information about other Bowflex exercise bikes.
It’s equipped with a 40-pound flywheel for a smooth ride, 100 levels of magnetic resistance, dual-sided pedals (toe cages on one side and SPD clips on the other), Bluetooth connectivity for heart rate monitoring and dumbbell cradles for easy access to full-body training.
It also includes a backlit LCD screen that monitors your speed, revolutions per minute (RPM), distance, calories and resistance level.
Lastly, to ensure you can stay hydrated, the C6 comes with two easy-to-reach water bottle holders located toward the front of the bike.
How the Bowflex C6 Works
Getting started on the C6 is actually quite simple. First you’ll want to adjust the bike’s fit to your body. This is made easy due to the four-way adjustability of both the handlebars and seat (meaning they can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically).
You’ll then secure your feet either with the toe cages or with your preferred cycling shoes via the SPD clips, and get pedaling. From there, you can find your desired level of resistance by turning the resistance knob. Like most indoor cycling bikes on the market, the C6 uses magnetic resistance to provide a high level of adjustability and a smooth ride.
If you’re using the included Bluetooth wristband heart rate monitor, it best to get it set up just before starting your workout. Connecting it is as simple as turning on the wristband monitor with the button on the right side and the Bluetooth on your C6 bike. They should automatically sync.
Last but not least, should you wish to use the included set of three-pound dumbbells during your workout, they can be stowed in the dumbbell holders toward the front of the bike for easy access.
Working Out with the Bowflex C6 Bike
Bowflex
While you don’t need a subscription to use the bike, it’s made to be compatible with major fitness apps including JRNY, Peloton, Zwift, Strava, Google Fit and Apple Health, among others.
Although it doesn’t include an integrated touch screen, it provides a media device holder and USB port to allow for connectivity with your smartphone or tablet. As an added bonus, it comes with a one-year JRNY subscription to get you started.
While many people choose to follow a guided training program via a number of fitness apps, you can certainly get a solid workout without one.
Bowflex C6 Bike Workouts
- HIIT (high-intensity interval training): Here you’ll warm up for five minutes then alternate between 30 seconds of high effort pedaling and one minute of rest for five to 10 reps followed by a five-minute cool down
- Beginner workout: Start by warming up for 10 minutes, followed by moderate effort pedaling for three minutes, hard effort pedaling for two minutes, and easy effort for one minute. Follow this with a five-minute cool down at moderate effort pace.
- Steady-state cardio: Warm up for five minutes at a light pace. Increase the resistance and pedal at moderate effort for 15 minutes followed by a five-minute cool down at light effort.
The Pros of the Bowflex C6
- Includes most standard stationary bike features at a budget-friendly price
- Use magnetic resistance for a quiet ride
- LCD screen that displays your speed, revolutions per minute (RPM), distance, calories burned and resistance level
- Has wheels on the front making it easy to move
- Includes dumbbells for full-body training
- Does not require a monthly subscription
- Four-way adjustability on seat and handlebars
- Relatively small footprint
- Pedals have both cages and SPD clips
The Cons of the Bowflex C6
- Does not have an integrated touch screen
- No automatic trainer control
- Requires some knowledge to get a good workout without guided training
- Assembly can be time consuming
- Some users complain about seat comfortability
Who the Bowflex C6 is Best For
The Bowflex C6 is a good all-around stationary bike for athletes of all levels looking to get in a solid cardio workout in the comfort of their own home gym. It also makes a great choice for endurance or team athletes looking to cross-train or stay in shape during their offseason. And, the price tag makes it approachable for a wide range of users.
Who the Bowflex C6 is Not Best For
Although the C6 is quite sturdy and includes most standard features, it may leave a bit to be desired for advanced cyclists with years of training.
Additionally, due to the lack of integrated training programs, users who prefer built-in guided workouts may find it frustrating to have to use a third-party app on their smartphone or tablet.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing Bowflex C6
When determining if the Bowflex C6 is right for you there are several factors to take into consideration.
Price
First think about how much you are looking to spend. When it comes to price, the C6 is a middle of the road option, coming in at just under $1,000. The C6 is designed to be less expensive than some of the top competitors such as the Peloton, while providing a high-quality spinning experience with all the standard features.
This bike strikes a solid balance between cost and quality, as you’ll often find that cheaper stationary bikes on the market are not as stable and lack the well-calibrated flywheel you’ll find on this bike.
Power
The C6 is powered by an AC adapter that plugs into the left side of the front stabilizer. This powers the LCD console including the USB port.
The magnetic resistance knob is individually calibrated and thus does not require power to operate.
Subscription
While the C6 is designed to be able to be used without a monthly subscription program, it is compatible with all of the major indoor cycling apps.
To get users started right away, it comes with a one-year JRNY subscription that provides personalized cardio, strength and whole-body workouts that evolve with your fitness.
Keep in mind, the bike is not equipped with an integrated screen so a smartphone or tablet is required to follow on-demand classes.
That said, you can certainly get in an excellent workout without following any training programs such as cycling for a set duration, or completing intervals of higher effort followed by lower effort rest periods.
Size
While there may be more compact bikes out there, the C6 has a small enough footprint to fit in most home gyms and apartments.
It stands at 54.6 inches long by 30.7 inches wide by 51.8 inches tall and requires at least 15 inches of head space to be used properly. The optional equipment mat measures 57 inches long by 35 inches wide, therefore if you're using the mat this is the minimum space you’ll need.
Design
The C6 boasts a sleek all-black design that is pleasing to the eye and gives the bike a modern feel. The main upper frame comes as one piece to provide a sturdy base for even the most intense rides. The seat and handlebars can be adjusted four ways to accommodate a wide range of body sizes.
Assembly
As with most stationary bikes, the C6 comes in several pieces that need to be assembled before use. The assembly process is rather straightforward and should be easily accomplished for those with basic mechanical skills. To make things a bit more simple, Bowflex provides an in-depth video to walk you through the assembly step-by-step.
For those that prefer to outsource the assembly process, Bowflex provides in-home assembly for an additional $129.
Warranty and Return Policy
The Bowflex C6 comes standard with an impressive 10-year (frame), three-year (mechanical parts), three-year (electronics) and one-year (labor) warranty that allows users to get replacement parts should anything break within those time periods.
Compared to the more limited warranties that come with some of the competitors bikes, this is actually a big plus. For example, Peloton’s standard warranty is five years for the frame and 1 year for other components.
For users that wish to extend the C6 warranty a bit further, an extended protection plan is offered for $109 that boosts coverage to five years for parts and labor.
Should you ultimately decide that the C6 isn’t right for you after trying it, you have six weeks from the original delivery date to return it for a full refund minus the cost of shipping.
Bowflex C6 Customer Reviews
Bowflex
With a 4.7 out of 5 average star rating based on over 3,000 reviews, the C6 is highly rated from users around the world.
Many users comment on the smoothness of the flywheel when spinning and the lack of excess noise. This may prove beneficial for those looking to listen to music or watch videos while working out. Others value the compact stance of the bike which allows it to fit in small spaces such as apartments or basement corners.
Some critiques of the bike include the time and effort it takes to assemble. Though if this is enough of a concern for you, remember Bowflex offers in-home assembly for an additional $129.
Others comment that the original seat can be uncomfortable at times, though Bowflex does sell an “extra comfort” seat as an add-on to eliminate this problem.
Users were generally satisfied with their purchase especially considering the price point and value that the C6 provides.
How the Bowflex C6 Stacks Up Against the Schwinn IC4
The Bowflex C6 and Schwinn IC4 are nearly identical bikes. In fact both Bowflex and Schwinn are owned by the same parent corporation (Nautilus) so this makes sense.
Both list the same dimensions, features and warranty, and come in around the same price. When choosing between them, it really comes down to which brand you prefer, or which is offering a more enticing sale price. For more details, check out our in-depth Schwinn IC4 review.
How the Bowflex C6 Stacks Up Against the Peloton
With the Peloton being the key player in the stationary bike market you may be wondering just how the C6 compares.
Upon first glance both bikes look quite similar in regards to design and overall features though if you look a bit closer you will notice some differences.
In terms of size the Peloton is a bit longer coming in at 59 inches vs. about 55 inches for the C6, though the Peloton is slightly narrower. The C6 is a bit lighter, weighing in at 112 pounds versus 135 pounds for the standard Peloton.
Of course as you probably realize by now the C6 is void of an integrated touchscreen, while the Peloton includes a 21.5-inch screen with their standard bike and a 23.8-inch screen with their plus model.
What’s more is, the C6 offers 4-way adjustable handlebars, but the Peloton handlebars can only be adjusted up and down.
Arguably one of the more distinguishing differences between the two is Peloton’s required monthly training app subscription, whereas the C6 can be used with or without a training program.
Although both bikes serve similar functions and include many of the same features, you’ll pay a bit higher of a premium for the Peloton for its handful of additional features. To learn more about the specific features of the Peloton, head over to our full Peloton review for more info.
How the Bowflex C6 Stacks Up Against the Bowflex Velocore
When comparing the C6 against the Velcore you’ll find that they differ quite a bit in both appearance and features.
Although both bikes are made by Bowflex, the Velocore is designed to be a more premium indoor cycling experience than the C6, as it includes additional features such as a built-in touchscreen, bluetooth speakers and leaning mode.
Pricewise, the Velocore comes in at almost double the price of the C6, with the 16-inch screen model priced at $1,799, and the 22-inch screen model at $2,199.
The two main distinguishing features are the inclusion of a touchscreen and the ability to put the bike into leaning mode. The leaning feature is meant to mimic riding a real bike, and makes for a much more realistic cycling experience.
The warranty period on the Velocore is significantly shorter, covering only two years for the frame and parts, and just one year for electronics and labor. Compared against the C6’s 10- year (frame), three-year (mechanical parts and electronics) and one-year (labor) warranty, this may be a consideration for some buyers.
You’ll have to decide if the additional features are worth the spend, or if the more basic C6 is suitable for meeting your cycling needs. For more info and to see exactly how it stacks up to the C6, check out our full Bowflex Velocore review.
Bowflex C6 FAQs
Is the Bowflex C6 cheaper than the Peloton?
With the entry-level Peloton bike coming in at around $1,450, the Bowflex C6 certainly emerges as the winner in the price department at $999. Bowflex also offers optional financing for C6 users looking to pay off the bike over 18 months. Bowflex also runs sales throughout the year.
How heavy is the Bowflex C6?
The Bowflex C6 weighs in at 112 pounds fully assembled. To make maneuvering it around less of a hassle, it comes equipped with smooth wheels on the front.
Does the Bowflex C6 come with a mat?
The C6 does not come with a mat, though for an additional $99 you can purchase a Bowflex equipment mat that can give your workout area a clean, finished look, while also protecting your floor.
Does the Bowflex C6 have a heart rate monitor?
The C6 comes standard with a wristband heart rate monitor that connects to the bike’s LCD console via Bluetooth to display your heart rate in real-time. This makes the C6 a good option for users who do heart-rate based training.
Can you use the Bowflex C6 without a subscription?
The Bowflex C6 is designed to be used without a subscription and doesn’t come with a built-in touch screen. That said, the bike is compatible with most training apps including JRNY (1-year subscription included), Peloton, Zwift, Strava, Google Fit and Apple Health. The bike is equipped with a media device holder and USB port to allow for easy integration with your favorite indoor cycling apps.
Final Thoughts
The Bowflex C6 is a well-rounded stationary bike that strikes a sweet spot between quality, features, and cost.
It’s equipped with a sturdy metal frame, well-balanced flywheel, and is quite compact in size allowing it to fit in tighter spaces than some of the stationary bikes offered by competitors.
The C6 provides an industry standard 100 levels of magnetic resistance allowing for high adjustability when it comes to resistance.
The bike is versatile in that it can be used either with or without a training app, and includes a device holder along with a USB port for your tablet or smartphone.
Although there are certainly better equipped stationary bikes on the market, they typically come at a higher premium which just may not be in the budget for some.
For fitness enthusiasts, or those just looking to get more active, the C6 provides a solid balance between quality and price, including all of the standard features most users look for in a stationary bike.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
