Bowflex
Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console)
$1299Cheaper
Released 2021
Best Exercise Bikes · head-to-head
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) is cheaper at $1299. Every spec and price links to its source.
Bowflex
$1299Cheaper
Released 2021
Keiser
$2985
Released 2019
They split the 2 specs we compare evenly. The Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) is the cheaper at $1299.
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✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | | |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $1299 | $2985 |
| Brand | Bowflex | Keiser |
| Released | 2021 | 2019 |
| Bike type | indoor | indoor |
| Resistance type | magnetic | eddy current magnetic (non-contact) |
| Resistance levels | 100 | 24 |
| Touchscreen (in) | 22 | — |
| Flywheel (lb) | 33 | 8 |
| Max user weight (lb) | 325 | 350 |
| Subscription required | No | No |
| Release | 2021 | 2019 |
Sources — Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console): bowflex.com (verified 2026-06-15). Keiser M3i Indoor Bike: keiser.com (verified 2026-06-15).
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Three hands-on reviewers — Tom's Guide, BarBend, and Garage Gym Reviews — recommend the 22-inch VeloCore as a fun, stable Peloton alternative whose signature side-to-side lean mode engages the core. Reviewers flag difficult assembly, an uncomfortable seat, and a sub-par warranty. Reviews were qualitative; none published lab-measured numbers. No Wirecutter or RTINGS body found. (3 sourced reviews.)
Praised: Side-to-side lean mode is fun and engages the core; Large, vivid 22-inch touchscreen with plenty of ride metrics; Sturdy, stable build that stays put even in lean mode (supports 325 lb).
Flagged: Difficult assembly with unclear instructions; Uncomfortable seat / lacks padding; Sub-par, short warranty for a premium-priced bike.
Only one whitelisted source, Garage Gym Reviews, published usable prose for the exact Keiser M3i; Wirecutter, TechGearLab, Reviewed and Tom's Guide had no M3i review. GGR calls it a durable, extremely smooth, time-tested studio-grade bike it deems worth its $2,000-plus price, while flagging a primitive, small display and the lack of a built-in screen. (1 sourced review.)
Praised: Extremely smooth ride; Durable, time-tested build that fits riders 4'10"-7' with a 350-lb capacity; Cheap app access at only $6.99/mo for interactive programming.
Flagged: Primitive and small display; No built-in screen to view interactive programming; High price (more than $2,400).