Bowflex C7 Review
The Bowflex C7 is a solid indoor bike chock full of interactive training potential.
Bowflex C7 Specs
| Rating | 8.8 |
|---|---|
| Type | Indoor |
| Console display | 7-inch HD |
| Compact storage | yes |
| Resistance | 100 |
| Seat type | Race Style |
| Programs | JRNY |
| Flywheel | 40 pounds |
| Weight capacity | 330 pounds |
| Dimensions | 50.6 L x 21.3 W x 52.3 H |
Why You Should Trust Our Reviews
Home fitness remains a hot market and the Bowflex C7 hits a real sweet spot in terms of price and features. The mid-point offering between the C6 and VeloCore Bike, the C7 blends a durable bike with a 7-inch screen to bring more streaming options than most rivals combined. No, it’s not sporting a 22-inch screen, but frankly some biking enthusiasts don’t want that much. Built with an integrated device holder, users can always opt to bring their own tablet if they like, or park it in front of a smart television. But in terms of connectivity, the Bowflex lineup offers the JRNY Fitness App which is compatible with both Peloton and Zwift, as well as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max.
Priced at $1,299 with online specials offered at $1,099, the bike comes with free delivery and a one-year membership to the JRNY Fitness App valued at $149. This puts it in a terrific spot within the market to compete with bikes such as the MYX Bike II and Stryde Bike. The C7 features a heavy 40-pound flywheel and silent magnetic resistance with 100 levels. It also sports dual-sided pedals for toe cages and SPD clips. Bluetooth-enabled for heart rate training or entertainment, the bike also comes with a pair of three-pound dumbbells. There’s no doubt you can earn the burn with the C7. Read below to see if it warrants a spot in your home studio.
The Great
- 7-inch HD Screen: Not too big, not too small, the C7’s screen affords dynamic training without getting in the way.
- 1-Year JRNY Fitness Membership: Purchase includes a year of the Bowflex app worth $149.
- Multiple Training Options: In addition to JRNY, the C7 is also compatible with Zwift and Peloton. The JRNY Fitness App allows users to stream entertainment services including Netflix and Hulu.
- Bluetooth-Enabled: Whether for heart rate training or entertainment, the bike connects riders with ease.
- Heavy Flywheel: With a 40-pound flywheel, riding is smooth and silent regardless the speed.
- Silent Magnetic Resistance: The C7’s 100 resistance levels are enough to fit any level of fitness and adjust smoothly.
- Dumbbells Included: The Bowflex C7 comes with a set of three-pound dumbbells for upper-body workouts.
- Integrated Tablet Holder: The C7 offers a built-in device holder for those that prefer their own screen.
- Dual Pedals: The C7 has dual link pedals with toe cages so riders can use the standard toe cages or SPD clips.
- Multi-grip Handlebars: Use the set of dumbbells and multi-grip handlebars to target different muscle groups each time you work out.
- Free Shipping: Customers get free standard shipping with purchase.
The Not So Great
- Onboard Workouts: The C7 doesn’t have any preset workouts. Interactive training is the focus here.
- Smaller Screen: This is both a pro and a con. Most competitors in this price range offer significantly larger screens.
- Short Warranty: With just three years for the frame and parts, and one year for electronics and labor, this warranty plan falls short of expectations. An additional five-year plan for parts and labor can be purchased for $99.
Who Should Use the Bowflex C7?
The Bowflex C7 is the brand’s mid-priced bike and is designed for a broad audience. A “Golidlocks” bike, it has a 7-inch screen which is big enough to easily participate in virtual training, but not so big as to dominate your field of vision while riding. With a 330-pound user weight maximum, just about anyone can ride this. If you like interactive training, then the Bowflex JRNY Fitness App does offer a lot of options including Netflix and Hulu. The bike also works with Peloton and Zwift. If you’re not into interactive training, I’d say a less expensive bike might be more in line for you. And if you’re bent on having a 22-inch screen, the same is true. Definitely built for speed and sprints, it’s an alternative for those who find Peloton to pricey. For the average home bike user the C7 is priced right and ready to ride.
The Bottom Line
The Bowflex C7 is a great indoor bike. When you factor in the free year of the JRNY Fitness App and shipping, the current $1,099 price offered is a good bargain. The 7-inch screen is larger than a smart phone and if you’re really into bigger views you can always attach your tablet to the bike’s holder. The Silent Magnetic Resistance by way of a 40-pound flywheel is really the big draw here for exercise fans as they’re guaranteed a smooth workout. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly exercise bike of high quality, I’d say C7 is a go.
Bowflex C7 Specs
| Rating | 8.8 |
|---|---|
| Type | Indoor |
| Console display | 7-inch HD |
| Compact storage | yes |
| Resistance | 100 |
| Seat type | Race Style |
| Programs | JRNY |
| Flywheel | 40 pounds |
| Weight capacity | 330 pounds |
| Dimensions | 50.6 L x 21.3 W x 52.3 H |
