Bowflex VeloCore Reviews: A Deep Look Into The Great Bike That Leans

So, you’re considering stepping up your home fitness game? Awesome.

If you’re interested in an indoor bike that’s a bit different from the rest, you might want to consider the Bowflex VeloCore Bike. I’ve had a chance to give it a whirl and I’m here to share my thoughts.

The purpose of this review article is to provide as many important details about this unique exercise bike and to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your fitness journey or not.

The VeloCore is no ordinary bike – it’s the Bowflex bike that leans, providing a workout that mimics real-world cycling. This sturdy and well-crafted machine is not just loved by me, but by thousands of satisfied owners.

It offers an invigorating, immersive workout experience, thanks to inspiring interactive programming on a vibrant HD touchscreen.

Stay tuned as you & I dive deeper into what makes the VeloCore a unique and potentially perfect addition to your home gym.

Science Resources Included
As is my custom here on heydayDo, I will provide links to all of the relevant sports science & medical resources, clinical studies, and nutritional data used in this article.

 

Digging into the Bowflex VeloCore: an engaging exercise bike

I recently had the opportunity to spend a couple of hours with the Bowflex VeloCore at a local sporting goods store, and it was time well spent. I was able to test drive it & go through all of its key features, including the interactive workout programming in the JRNY app.

I’ll share all my notes & opinions on that experience now.

 

Leaning mode adds variety & benefits to your indoor cycling

The VeloCore’s leaning mode is an innovator. Here’s why: it lets you tilt the bike side to side, just like navigating turns on an outdoor ride. This dynamic feature creates a more immersive, real-world cycling experience right from the comfort of your home.

It challenges your core and engages different muscle groups as you sway, making your workouts more than just a cardio session but a full-body conditioning routine.

But if you’re not in the mood for that or you’re just getting started that day, there’s a stationary mode too. With a simple lock of the lever, the VeloCore transforms into a traditional indoor cycling bike.

The choice between leaning and stationary gives you flexibility in your workouts, allowing you to switch it up based on how you’re feeling & your fitness goals.

Engaging your core muscles is a good thing

And the benefits of leaning mode go beyond the cycling experience. It engages your core muscles as you lean, integrating strength training into your cardio workout.

In other words, you’re getting a full-body workout on one piece of equipment. It’s an innovative approach to indoor cycling that amps up the fitness value of your sessions.

Benefit-wise, working on your core muscles is like hitting a jackpot for your overall fitness. These muscles are the powerhouse of your body, aiding in balance, stability, and even enhancing your performance in other workouts.

VeloCore comfort and customization: tailored for you

When it comes to comfort, the VeloCore ticks all the boxes. You can adjust the handlebars and seat height to your preference, ensuring a comfortable ride. The dual-sided pedals are a big plus too.

Whether you like cycling with regular shoes or with cleats, the VeloCore has you covered. This flexibility lets you exercise the way you want, adding to the bike’s overall user-friendly appeal.

And it’s the little conveniences that make the VeloCore shine. From the water bottle & dumbbell holders to the media rack, it’s designed with your workout experience in mind. The fairly compact footprint also makes it easy to fit in most any living space, big or small.

 

Durability and design: a solid investment

Durability is a key aspect of any piece of fitness equipment, and the VeloCore doesn’t disappoint. Its high-grade steel frame and robust base provide stability for intense workouts. But what does this mean for you?

Well you’re investing in a bike that’s built to last, one that will keep up with your fitness journey over the long haul. It’s not just about buying an exercise bike, it’s about investing in a durable piece of equipment that contributes to your health and wellness goals.

 

Bowflex JRNY app: your virtual fitness companion 

The JRNY App is fitness programming that adapts to your needs. 

The JRNY app, integral to the Bowflex VeloCore experience, is like having a personal trainer by your side. It comes with daily adaptive workouts, real-time virtual coaching, and a new motion tracking feature for your Bowflex SelectTech dumbbell workouts.

The app automatically adjusts to your fitness level, providing valuable feedback on your form, and suggesting weights and reps for your next workout.

(To get that going, you’ll spend 10-15 minutes or so doing their Fitness Assessment questionnaire when you first start using your bike. The JRNY app will take it from there.)

Explore more than 200 stunning virtual courses with the “Explore the World” feature, and review your milestones, achievements, and personal bests in one easy-to-access place.

You can even stream entertainment channels like Netflix and Amazon Prime on the VeloCore’s touchscreen with a JRNY subscription.

 

Getting Started with the JRNY Subscription

A monthly subscription to the JRNY app costs $19.99, or you can opt for the yearly subscription at $149, which offers a significant saving of around $90.

Bowflex includes a two-month trial subscription with your VeloCore bike, giving you ample time to explore the interactive programming and JRNY app features before making a commitment.

 

JRNY’s workouts & app compatibility

Let’s start with the easy to use, easy to reach, & intuitive VeloCore touchscreen.

Making the most of your touchscreen

The VeloCore comes equipped with a high-definition touchscreen, offering excellent picture quality. This screen, adjustable and available in two sizes – 16″ or 22″, is your gateway to a wide range of fitness programs, including those offered by the JRNY app.

And in Leaning Mode, the screen stays still while you and the video move, keeping you focused without any dizzying effects.

 

App syncing: Broaden your fitness horizon

VeloCore’s compatibility extends beyond the JRNY app. You can sync it with popular fitness apps like Zwift and Peloton, joining their vibrant communities and extensive workout libraries.

And with the VeloCore’s Bluetooth speakers and an accurate Bluetooth heart rate armband, you can monitor your progress and stream your favorite music or podcasts to keep your workouts lively.

 

Pros & cons of the Bowflex VeloCore bike

Advantages & big plusses

• Unique leaning mode offers a one-of-a-kind riding experience with core muscle benefits.
• Comprehensive and varied interactive programming for diverse workouts.
• Large, high-definition touchscreen ensures a crystal-clear, immersive workout experience.
• Abundant personalized training possibilities to suit every fitness level & goal – strength, cardio, flexibility.
• Durable, high-quality construction that’s built to last.
• Backed by a reputable and customer-focused company, Bowflex.

Considerations before buying

• Non-JRNY workouts require your own music.
• The seat could be more comfortable for longer rides.
• Frame warranty is relatively short at just two years.
• If fitness equipment assembly’s not easy for you, consider Bowflex’ in-home assembly option.

 

Size it up: space needed & portability

Here are the Bowflex VeloCore’s dimensions, so you can plan for how much space it needs in your home. A couple of tips: Don’t forget to allow yourself ample room for you to be able to get on & off it comfortably. And don’t forget to think of your ceiling height.

In its stationary position, the VeloCore bike measures 59.8″ L x 24.1″ W x 55.3″ H. However, when employing the unique leaning mode, you’ll need to account for additional space on each side.

A safe bet would be to have an area of approximately 2 feet wider on all sides to fully enjoy the leaning experience without any squeezing in & out going on.

Here’s a couple of images from Bowflex to highlight this:

Courtesy of Bowflex.com

Storage & portability

Despite its robust construction & weighing in at 158 lb., the VeloCore is surprisingly easy to move around thanks to the transport wheels at the front of the bike. This makes it not a big pain to roll away for storage after your workout if you’re tight on space.

 

Bowflex VeloCore vs. the competition

Bowflex VeloCore vs. Sole SB900

The Sole SB900 shines with its heavy-duty flywheel and wireless heart rate monitoring, and of course the long-lasting durability & outstanding warranty protection that Sole products are known for.

However, like some of the other Sole equipment, it’s pretty bare bones when it comes to the electronics side of things. (Sole’s focus has always started with building fitness machines that can last a long time.)

So for instance, Sole’s electronics 4″ screen is tiny by comparison with VeloCore’s 16″ or 22″ touchscreen. And with the SB900 you need your own mobile device & its apps, which you’ll put on a little tablet stand near your handlebars, if you want anything interactive.

The Sole SB900 lacks the immersive experience provided by the VeloCore’s JRNY integration and touchscreens, and it doesn’t feature anything remotely close to the VeloCore’s unique leaning mode.

Moreover, the SB900 does not offer the same level of customization or workout variety that the VeloCore does with its adaptive workouts.

 

Bowflex VeloCore vs. NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike

The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike is a worthy opponent with its live incline and decline capabilities and interactive iFit workouts. However, it lacks the innovative leaning feature that sets the VeloCore apart, while VeloCore doesn’t incline.

Furthermore, the VeloCore offers a more personalized fitness journey with JRNY’s tailored workout programming and virtual coaching, giving it a distinct edge in terms of personalized workouts & entertainment choices.

And NordicTrack’s workout options for you drop off dramatically unless you’re locked into one of its iFit subscription plans, which cost $396/year or $39/month for the family plan, or $180/year for an individual.

 

Bowflex VeloCore vs. the Peloton bike

While Peloton is renowned for its high-energy live and on-demand classes, the VeloCore holds its own with the JRNY app’s on-demand classes, adaptive workouts, and virtual coaching.

Peloton’s classes are considered Best In The Biz by many avid spin bike lovers, & the variety & class of their instructors are well-known too. But they’ll cost you, since the Peloton app where their great interactive content lives will run you $39-$49 a month…and Bowflex’s JRNY is only $12.

A couple of other places that VeloCore outshines Peloton (I think so anyways) are:

• Peloton’s warranty is only half as long as VeloCore’s;
• Your Peloton app can’t link to all of the 3rd party entertainment apps that JRNY does.

Moreover, the VeloCore’s leaning mode brings a unique, road-like feel to your indoor cycling that Peloton doesn’t offer. When considering total cost, the VeloCore also offers a more budget-friendly option without compromising on workout quality.

 

Dollars & cents: pricing and additional options

What does the VeloCore cost?

(These are prices I’m looking at today, which could change by the time you see them. But these prices have been the same since the bike came out a couple of years ago.)

Depending on the screen size you opt for, the VeloCore comes in at $1799 for the 16″ screen, and $2199 for the larger 22″ screen. Given the advanced technology and features, such as the leaning mode, interactive programming, and high-quality touchscreen, it’s competitively priced within the premium indoor bike market.

Financing and payment options

For those looking for a bit more financial flexibility, Bowflex offers financing options. With approved credit, you can break down the total cost into more manageable monthly payments.

Extended warranty and additional coverage

Bowflex also provides options for extended warranty and additional coverage, providing a little extra peace of mind for your investment. You can read the different extended plans here.

The extended warranty applies to parts & labor & not to the frame. You can increase the length of coverage from 1 year for those up to as many as 5 years free parts & in-home labor, or you can go with the 3-year plan.

The added protection for the 22″ console costs a little more than the 16″. For example, extending out to 5 years will cost $219 for the 22″, & $179 for the 16″. Doing the quick math on those numbers we see that those 5 year warranties will only run you $3.66/month & $3/month, respectively.

 

From box to bike: assembly & order process

Delivery and Shipping

Bowflex delivers the VeloCore right to your door. Keep in mind that the bike weighs over 150 lb., so you’ll want to have a plan in place for getting it to its final location in your home.

Note that with the in-house assembly package ($199), they’ll bring the unassembled bike into your house & place it where you want them to build it for you.

 

In-home assembly & white-glove service

If the thought of putting together a 158 lb. bike feels daunting, Bowflex offers an in-home assembly service for an additional fee. Their team will handle the setup, so you can get to your workouts without breaking a sweat during its arrival period.

 

Challenges & tips for assembly

If you choose to assemble the VeloCore yourself, patience is key. The process is straightforward but can be time-consuming & detailed. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully, and don’t rush. Remember, getting it right the first time saves you time in the long run.

 

 

FAQs

Here are answers to a few of the common questions asked about Bowflex & its wonderful VeloCore bike.

 

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Hear it from others: Customer Reviews

I counted up all of the Bowflex VeloCore reviews I could track down online. I can report that the Bowflex Bike That Leans has earned stellar ratings across the internet, boasting an impressive 4.7 stars from over 3,000 reviewing buyers.

Nearly 80% of all Bowflex VeloCore reviews from owners gave the bike a 5-star rating, and 93% of all verified buyer reviews gave the bike either 4 or 5 stars. Less than 1/3 of 1% of customers were unhappy with their purchase, with all satisfied buyers totaling over 99%.

These are all outstanding numbers for a piece of home fitness equipment, according to my decades of being involved with them.

 

Positive buyer experiences

Bowflex VeloCore users often highlight the bike’s immersive experience, praising the leaning mode and the high-quality, interactive programming.

The bike’s durability and the variety of workouts available through JRNY are also commonly mentioned perks.

“Everything I wanted in a spin bike and more.” “5 stars. Ride in the sky.” “Love it!” “What a machine. Definitely worth every penny.”

 

Any complaints & considerations

“I really enjoy it but will admit the seat is uncomfortable.” “Assembly was difficult for me.”

Complaints about the Bowflex VeloCore bike were few & far between, given the high level of satisfaction I just described.

But on the flip side, some users found the seat to be less comfortable than they’d like, and I wished for a longer frame warranty given the price of the bike.

I also found one person who thought that putting the bike together was difficult & wished they’d purchased the in-home assembly option.

It’s also worth noting that to fully enjoy the interactive programming, a JRNY subscription is required. Reminder that you do get to try the JRNY app out for free for a couple of months to see if it’s worth sticking with or not.

Wrapping up

Is the Bowflex VeloCore worth it?

Having taken the Bowflex VeloCore for a spin myself, I can genuinely share that its unique lean feature and sturdy design genuinely stood out. A few hiccups, like a shorter-than-ideal frame warranty, didn’t overshadow the bike’s appeal for me.

This bike offers a workout that’s quite out of the ordinary, very cool, & as challenging as you can handle. It has an excellent buyer satisfaction rating & a very good interactive programming platform.

If you appreciate fresh, creative features, solid build, and an immersive workout experience that keeps you engaged, the Bowflex VeloCore could be an inspiring ally in your fitness journey.

 

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I hope my VeloCore bike review is useful to you, and I wish you well on your fitness journey.

-greg