Echelon Smart Fitness Bike

Crazy as it sounds, at the price point these are selling at (the EX-7s being discontinued with the new EX-8s being the commercial'ish grade replacement) we bought two of these. So far we are loving them. It was very easy to assemble - took me about 2 hours the first time being very meticulous, following the instructions to a T, etc., and a little over an hour the 2nd time around.The software setup through the screen in both cases was tricky - if you don't have ethernet, you first specify your wifi info - all good - download the latest firmware for the tablet/screen - all good - then when the screen tries to pair with the bike, the problem starts. The simple solution/workaround is to disconnect the USB cable between the bike and the screen and have the screen pair with the bike via bluetooth. At that point, it'll pair with the bike, allow you to upgrade the firmware on the bike, and then you can reconnect the USB and have wired connectivity between the bike and the screen, which is more stable than bluetooth. Annoying, but only a one-time hassle and it's worked great ever since.The quality and ruggedness of the bike is amazing - especially at this price point (less than a quarter of the original price when released!). We don't have the P bike or a Nordi or other high end ones, but did spend a lot of time with a BF Velo and I'd say that the build quality is on par with the BF Velo.The drivetrain is very smooth and quiet and provides plenty of resistance.The screen is very high quality and very responsive. The speakers are tinny, but we paired it to a bluetooth soundbar so no longer a concern.We successfully paired this with the Echelon heart rate arm band monitor and it works great showing you your heart rate stats including your calculated zone on the screen during the workouts.The Echelon subscription content is fantastic. We'll likely continue to pay for it after the free trial period ends shortly.Our only concern is that they do use a proprietary bike pedal (the diameter threading that attaches to the crank) and while it's very heavy duty, if the pedal ever needs to be replaced, no idea whether Echelon will carry them. Hoping we never need to find out. As for the pedals, they work fine with SPD cleated shoes or regular athletic shoes if you don't want to clip in - we've used both.Overall we love this bike (again, we bought two of them, we like them that much!). I don't imagine it'll be on sale much longer, but if you can pick one up anywhere close to the price they're currently selling at, you absolutely should. Highly recommended.

I wanted a magnetic exercise bike that was excellent quality, provided me a smooth, trackable ride and didn’t break the bank.Prior to purchasing, I watched tons of YouTube videos i.e., comparison, quality, price, magnetic vs. old school. Videos pretty much on every decent brand of magnetic bike Peloton, Schwann, Joroto, Sunny, Proform, Echelon and many more. Even the different styles for each brand name. There truly are so many different bikes.I went with the Echelon EX-15 and I got it in the mail today!!!! I couldn’t have been more excited!!Amazon delivered it right to my living room floor. I did NOT purchase the Amazon assembly, just the $9.99 delivery fee to get it inside the house. I literally set it up in less than 30 minutes, it’s so freaking easy and the directions are perfection, exact step-by-step instructions are provided. SO EASY!!! You really don’t need to pay the extra $80 for assembly.While I was putting it together I noticed how superior quality this bike actually is. It’s so nice! Once put together, I plugged in my bike, added my iPad, opened the echelon app and took my first ride on it! Wowza, it’s freaking amazing! So smooth, and literally makes no sound at all! I can’t believe I got this bike for a mere $399!!!!!!! Even more so, I can’t believe people pay $1400-$2800 for other high end brands. Seriously people, if you’re considering a magnetic bike you will be so happy with this bike!!! Don’t waste all the extra money on a name. The higher priced ones simply have a screen. If you already have an iPad use it and get this bike.Additionally, I find the echelon app for instructor led classes monthly fee to be quite high ($40 per month)! You don’t need the membership. Download the app to your phone, set up an account, go to other, select free ride and you can operate and track your workout on your phone. For actual instructor led classes, I signed up for the Peloton classes which are only $12.99 per month!!!! So, download Peloton app on your iPad and whooop there ya go! You’re ready to take Peloton classes on your iPad and your phone will monitor everything else on you echelon app. It’s pretty amazing! And all this for $399 and a $12.99 monthly fee from Peloton.So happy and thankful to everyone who posted YouTube videos and allowed/helped me in making such a great, cost effective purchase! Hoping to pass this info and purchase success on to everyone!