As An Amazon Associate We Earn From Qualifying Purchases, at No Extra Cost To Our Readers!

Bowflex C6 Vs Peloton Bike: Exercise Bike Comparison

Bowflex C6 is a quality spinning bike from a legendary company, Nautilus. Then there is Peloton, which has reigned to the indoor workout market for some years now.

Peloton is very expensive if you compare it to Bowflex C6, but you can still use the Peloton app on Bowflex C6. On the other hand, Peloton bike owners receive exclusive benefits that other spinning bikes do not.

So, between the two bikes, which one should I really consider? Let’s dig in!

Bowflex C6 Vs Peloton bike: Head To Head Comparison

FeaturesPelotonBowflex C6
SizePeloton Bike: 59 in x 22 in (150 cm x 56 cm) Peloton: 59 in x 23 in (150 cm x 58 cm)  48.7″ L x 21.2″ W x 51.8″ H (123.6cm x 53.8cm x 131.6cm)  
DisplayPeloton bike: 21.5-inch touchscreen Peloton bike+: 32 inches touchscreen  LCD screen  
Peloton WorkoutsPeloton unlimited Peloton digital app  Peloton digital app, Zwift, iFit Coach, Echelon  
In-built workoutspresentabsent  
Live Classespresentabsent  
On-demand classespresentabsent  
Monthly membership cost$44 per month  Depends on the app  
Pedal typeLook Delta  Dual, SPD, and toe clip  
ShoesLook Delta, SPD-SL  SPD, casual non-cycling shoes  
Casual sneakers on the brand pedalsNo  Yes
Type of resistanceMagnetic  Magnetic  
Resistance levels100100
Maximum user weight305lbs  330lbs  
Heart rate monitor inclusionNo  Yes
Dumbbells inclusionNo  Yes
Military discountAbsent  Present  
Warranty12-month guarantee on parts, labor, and accessories 5-year on frame  10-years guarantee on the frame, three years on all mechanical parts, and one year on labor  
ModelsPeloton Bike, Bike plus(+)  Bowflex C6  

Similarities Between Peloton and Bowflex C6:

First, we will look into the features that rhyme when scrutinizing the two bikes;

Peloton and Bowflex C6

1. Quality:

Peloton is a product of the Peloton company, whereas Bowflex C6 is manufactured by Nautilus. Both companies are renowned for coming up with quality products.

Nautilus may not have been in the spinning bike industry before, but its other products are excellent. Therefore, it was almost apparent that their bikes would be just as quality.

Related:   8 Benefits of Recumbent Exercise Bike Explained

Peloton focuses on bikes and treadmills, and the bikes have proven to be of high quality and worth the high price.

2. Resistance:

Both Peloton and Bowflex C6 use the same type of resistance, which is magnetic. More surprisingly, the bikes both have 100 levels of resistance.

Therefore, if you are looking to optimize biking challenges, both bikes are excellent choices.

3. Retailers and Delivery:

Bowflex C6 and Peloton bikes are managed and distributed by their respective brands. Therefore, you can get Bowflex C6 from Bowflex and Peloton bikes from Peloton.

Moreover, both bikes come with free delivery. Therefore, once you purchase the bike, you only give your address and receive the bike within the shortest time possible.

4. Payment Plans:

You can buy either of these bikes at their respective prices in the stores. However, if you need time to sort your payment, both bikes provide payment plans, with Bowflex’s duration being 18 months.

Peloton’s payment plan is for $39/month, given that it is more expensive. Therefore, even on a budget, you can still afford either bike with some patience.

Bowflex C6 or Peloton Bike: What’s the Differences?

Now, let’s have a look at reasons that will divert your attention from one bike to the other;

1. Cost:

Though both bikes are of high quality, Peloton is very expensive compared to the Bowflex C6. It has two bike models, the Peloton bike and the Peloton bike plus.

Peloton bike costs $1445, while Peloton bike plus costs $2495. Surprisingly, at $1445, the cheaper Peloton bike has really reduced its cost to reach fans who are on a budget.

It was initially at $2245, then dropped to $1895 with the introduction of the bike plus. Today, it goes for only $1445.

However, even this low cost of the Peloton bike is way high compared to the cost of Bowflex C6, which costs $999.

Other than that, a Peloton bike requires a monthly subscription of $39 to enjoy unlimited access to Peloton classes, making it even more expensive.

However, Bowflex has several app options to choose from, so you can look for a cheaper option when on budget.

Overall, the Peloton bike only gives you the extra opportunity to be on the leaderboard and have your metrics record during workouts.

However, a Bowflex C6 owner can still enjoy all the other benefits of Peloton workouts with the Peloton Digital app. Better still, they will only need $12.99 to get the subscription active.

2. Classes:

Peloton bike allows you to have a community and a competitive environment for your classes, a feature that Bowflex does not offer.

Related:   Schwinn IC4 Vs. Bowflex C6 Bike: Similarities and Differences

As a result, you can interact during workouts and feel that you are not alone, even when you live alone in your house.

The classes also push you to work harder and hit your goals faster. The challenges provided are easy to accomplish when you have all that community support and competitors you’ve been working out with.

There is a wide variety of Peloton classes that are available to bike owners. However, while the digital app allows subscribers to gain access to most on-demand and live Peloton classes, scenic rides are only for bike owners.

And, trust me, these scenic rides ensure that you travel to the world’s best nature riding sites that are only ever in our imagination.

Bowflex, on the other hand, has ride-app options that a Peloton bike owner does not. They can decide to use the peloton digital app, iFit Coach, Zwift, or even Echelon. The heart rate monitor with the bike easily connects to either of these apps, giving the rider freedom of choice.

3. Display:

Peloton comes with an in-built screen, so you don’t have to struggle to look for workouts that are best for you.

The screen already allows you to explore the thousands of workouts in the Peloton library, which are available on demand. There are also live classes all day so that you can choose your course.

The Peloton bike comes with a large screen, which is 21.5 inches. And this is even small compared to the mega 32 inches of the bike plus.

However, Bowflex C6 only features an LCD, which records metrics from your heart rate monitor. To stream riding workouts, you have to buy an extra tablet, which is a hassle and costs extra money.

4. User Weight:

Bowflex is more flexible when it comes to user weight than Peloton. It accommodates a maximum weight of 330 pounds, which means it is a choice bike for riders who exceed the Peloton bike weight. Peloton bike accommodates a maximum of 305 pounds.

5. Pedals:

Both bikes use clipless pedal options. Nevertheless, Bowflex goes a mile further to make its pedals dual so that one side is clipless while the other features toe cages. The clipless side uses SPD system cleats.

The dual pedals allow users to decide what type of ride they want to have. The clipped pedals are great for casual riding and allow multiple users to ride without cycling shoes on the bike.

The clipless pedals ensure maximum power transfer for better performance when riders are on a severe biking challenge or goal-chasing.

Related:   Peloton Vs. Nordictrack Bike: Similarities and Differences

On the other hand, Peloton bike pedals are only clipless, and they use Look-compatible cleats. As a result, they are great for power transfer, even better than SPD pedals because their shoes have rigid soles.

However, if you are looking for a casual shoe ride, you may buy Peloton bike compatible toe clips or toe cages.

6. Size, Weight, and Brands:

Peloton bike comes in two brands, the Peloton Bike and the Peloton bike plus. Both bikes measure larger than Bowflex C6, at 59″ L x 53″ H x 23″ W and 59″ L x 59″ H x 22″ W, respectively.

Peloton bikes weigh 130 pounds each, while Bowflex weighs 106 pounds. Bowflex C6 is smaller and sleeker, making it ideal for smaller spaces. It measures 48.7″ L x 21.2″ W x 51.8″ H.

7. Military Discounts:

You will get your military discount with Peloton packages. When you buy a Peloton Bike, Bike+, or Tread, you can save up to $200 USD/ $250 CAD on accessories or bundles of accessories.

However, Bowflex has military discounts that bring the bike cost even lower. Other than that, you may get other special discounts in the shop during special occasions.

8. Accessories:

At the cost of $1,495 and $2,495, Peloton bikes do not come with any accessories. However, there are cost-friendly packages that come with the bikes at an added cost.

On the other hand, Bowflex C6, at $999, comes with an armband and a pair of 3 pounds dumbbells already fitted.

9. Warranty:

Since both bikes are quality products, they come with friendly warranty conditions. However, the duration of each warranty differs.

Peloton bike offers a 12-month guarantee on parts, labor, and accessories and five years on the frame. Bowflex C6 provides a warranty of 10 years on the frame, three years on all mechanical parts, and one year on labor.

Bowflex C6 Vs Peloton Bike: Which One Is Better?

Both bikes are great options, and the best is an individual choice. Nevertheless, Bowflex C6 is a top choice when you are looking for a budget spinning bike.

I mean, it is less expensive than Peloton even at its constant cost of $999. It also comes with a heart rate armband and a pair of dumbbells to have you started on spinning without an extra cost.

On top of that, you have an opportunity to get friendly discounts on Labor day and other important occasions.

If you are entitled to military benefits, Bowflex C6 will consider you as well, with a humpy benefit to recognize your service.

On the other hand, when you want to be in an interactive community that pushes you to workout goals, Peloton has no competition.

You are likely to get past your goals with a Peloton bike compared to Bowflex C6. You don’t need discipline here, only being in a community and on the Leaderboard.

That alone pushes you beyond your expectations. Also, if you are looking for prestige, Peloton reigns in the indoor spinning market with its in-built classes that are not on Bowflex C6.

Parting Shot

Peloton bikes and Bowflex C6 are great bike options, excellent and luring offers. Surprisingly, no bike is superior to its counterpart in terms of quality and performance. However, with other features and cost differences, it is easy to make your pick.

Besides, now that you can take the two bikes to head to head, you will make an informed decision before making your fitness bike purchase.

Read Also: