Bowflex C6 Indoor Bike Review

For those looking to invest in a new indoor bike, there are hundreds of options to choose from – ranging from cheap models with basic features to top-of-the-line, professionally designed machines that will set you back thousands of dollars.

One of the most famous names in home fitness, Bowflex, has recently moved away from just weights and cardio machines and is entering a new market with indoor bikes. Today, let’s look at some of the features and performance of the Bowflex C6 bike, and see how it stands out from the competition.

The Bowflex C6 Bike

The Bowflex C6 is the first exercise bike created by the company as they branch out. It has enough features to please the most diehard technology-focused riders, but comes in at a far lower price than other high-end, similar models.

Bowflex C6 Bike Details

Here are some of the most important details that indoor bike enthusiasts will want to know.

Bowflex C6 dimensions:

According to their site, the C6 is roughly 49” long, 22” wide, and 52” tall at the console. It weighs 106 lbs, with rollers on the bottom for easier transport.

Where to buy the Bowflex C6:

While you might get lucky at certain fitness shops or general big-box stores, the COVID-19 pandemic has made a lot of exercise equipment and accessories harder to find. Your best bet is to order directly from the Bowflex site.

How to calibrate resistance of the Bowflex C6:

This goes hand in hand with another common question: “how to use a Bowflex C6 bike”. It can be tricky, but having a properly calibrated magnetic resistance on your bike is important to getting the best and most accurate results possible. The C6 has plenty of options, too – it has 100 micro-adjustable resistance levels. Applying these involves using the resistance knobs, inputting the correct sequence on the console, and following the steps in the right order. If you are having trouble with your resistance sensors, here is a short, concise guide directly from the manufacturer.

The Bowflex C6 heart rate monitor:

People often wonder if the Bowflex C6 comes with a heart rate monitor. Yes, it does! Each unit has a wireless armband heart rate monitor, which can help you stay within your target fat-burning zone. The data syncs up with your display, as well as your preferred apps. And speaking of those…

Bowflex C6 Apps

Many people get indoor bikes so that they do not have to continuously shell out for monthly gym memberships, only to find out that many high-end bikes require monthly subscriptions to apps for lessons, workout plans, data synching, and other services. On top of the purchase price (which can top $2,000), that’s a big investment.

Does Bowflex C6 Require a Subscription?

Luckily, this model does not have its own “locked-in” subscription service, so you’re free to simply ride without one, or choose your favorite among all the others available (Bowflex itself recommends using the Peloton app). You can use the built-in Bluetooth to sync up vital stats and resistance levels, and if you choose to ride with a subscription service, there are plenty of possibilities to make your ride more entertaining. 

Some of the features available (provided you have the right combination of an internet-connected tablet, a robust app, and a subscription) include pre-recorded or live workout class streaming, “Explore the World” maps that let you ride in exotic locations, and online contests against other riders.

The Best App for the Bowflex C6:

There are many apps that work with the Bowflex C6 beyond its own “Explore the World” program mentioned above. Some of the most popular ones are:

Peloton App

Zwift

MyFitnessPal

GoogleFit

UnderArmour Record

Apple Health

Sufferfest

Tacx

Strava

TrainerRoad

FulGaz

Rouvy

Any of these will work, so it comes down to a matter of personal preference and choice. If you’ve never used one before, you can try a few before settling on one to continue with. Having the freedom to shop around is a big plus!

Bowflex C6 Shoes

Any serious cyclist – indoor or outdoor – will tell you that the shoes make a big difference. You want something strong, but flexible, with excellent breathability, grip, and fasteners. These will not only protect your feet from moving parts and pedals, but will help enhance your posture as you ride, too.

What shoes work with Bowflex C6?

While there isn’t a specific brand or type recommended for this bike, there are some highly-regarded shoes for indoor cycling in general. You can’t go wrong with models like the Specialized Torch 2.0, Fizik Tempo Powerstrap R5, or the Giro Apeckx II, among several others listed here.

Final Review of the Bowflex C6 Bike

So with all of that information out – is the Bowflex C6 bike good? Is it worth getting? Even though it’s fairly new on the market, the vast majority of customer reviews agree that yes, the C6 is an excellent investment that hits on all the necessary needs for an indoor exercise bike, while being affordable enough for even casual riders. At just $999 (or sometimes less) and available on a monthly payment plan, it is less than half of what you would pay for other high-performance models.

Some of the other features not mentioned here – how quiet it is, the storage space for weights and water bottles, the sturdy build materials – come up a lot in the reviews, too. All in all, if you want a great indoor bike that delivers on all fronts without breaking the bank, the Bowflex C6 is an excellent choice. Next month, we’ll look at how it stacks up against one of its closest competitors in a blog titled Bowflex C6 vs Schwinn IC4 Bikes.

If you really aren't sure which bike is best for you, take a moment to read our post about The Best Home Exercise Bikes which will set you on the right path!