Echelon
Echelon Connect EX-5
$899.99Cheaper
Released 2020
Best Exercise Bikes · head-to-head
Echelon Connect EX-5 vs Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console)
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Echelon Connect EX-5 is cheaper at $899.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Bowflex
Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console)
$1299
Released 2021
Which is better: the Echelon Connect EX-5 or Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console)?
The Echelon Connect EX-5 wins 2 of the 2 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The Echelon Connect EX-5 is the cheaper at $899.99. The Echelon Connect EX-5 both leads on specs and costs less — the straightforward pick.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| 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 |
| Release | 2020 | 2021 |
Sources — Echelon Connect EX-5: echelonfit.com (verified 2026-09-28). Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console): bowflex.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Echelon Connect EX-5 and Bowflex VeloCore Bike (22" Console)?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (3 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
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.)
Praised: Strong value — skips paying for a built-in screen while keeping the Echelon Fit app and a quality build; 32 levels of magnetic resistance give a wide range; Device holder flips 180 degrees for off-bike workouts.
Flagged: No built-in touchscreen/monitor — you must supply your own tablet or phone; Short 12-month warranty (5 years only with a paid Echelon Premier membership); Relatively light 28-pound flywheel.
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.)
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.