# Echelon Connect EX-5 vs Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console): specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Echelon Connect EX-5 (Echelon) and Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) (Bowflex) among exercise bikes. Echelon Connect EX-5 is the cheaper of the two at $899.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | Echelon Connect EX-5 | Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $899.99 | $1299 |
| Brand | Echelon | Bowflex |
| Released | 2020 | 2021 |
| Bike type | indoor | indoor |
| Resistance type | magnetic | magnetic |
| Resistance levels | 32 | 100 |
| Touchscreen (in) | — | 22 |
| Flywheel (lb) | 28 | 33 |
| Max user weight (lb) | 300 | 325 |
| Subscription required | No | No |

## Key differences

- Resistance levels: Echelon Connect EX-5 32 vs Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) 100
- Flywheel (lb): Echelon Connect EX-5 28 vs Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) 33
- Max user weight (lb): Echelon Connect EX-5 300 vs Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) 325

## What reviewers say

**Echelon Connect EX-5** — Two whitelisted testers cover the base EX-5 (no built-in screen); BarBend and Garage Gym Reviews both frame it as a strong-value bike with 32 magnetic-resistance levels and a 180-degree flip device holder, dinged for no touchscreen and a short 12-month warranty. Neither page published hands-on measured figures — BarBend explicitly hadn't ridden the EX-5 and extrapolated from the EX-8s, and touchscreen EX-5s variants were excluded. (2 sourced reviews.)

**Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console)** — 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.)

## Sources

- Echelon Connect EX-5: https://echelonfit.com/collections/connect-bikes (echelonfit.com, verified 2026-06-15)
- Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console): https://www.bowflex.com/product/velocore-22-exercise-bike/100914.html (bowflex.com, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/exercise-bikes/echelon-ex-5-vs-bowflex-velocore-22/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Echelon Connect EX-5 ($899.99) vs Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console) ($1299) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/exercise-bikes/echelon-ex-5-vs-bowflex-velocore-22/
License: CC BY 4.0.