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Welcome to the Bowflex Velocore, effectively the new benchmark in the indoor cycling category when it coms to those looking for the most aggressive and calorie crushing ride they can get. First, Bowflex came to the table with its own assortment of streaming training options via their JRNY app, with the goal of matching that competitive ‘cycling class from your home’ option that’s already on offer from NordicTrack, Peloton, MYX, Stryde Bike, and others. Bowflex being Bowflex, it wasn’t enough to just be equal. Instead, the brand set out to offer something properly different, and something we’ve only seen in the space once before.

As you can see from the image above, what makes the Velocore unique is its ability to lean. That’s right, unlock the frame, shift your weight around, and you can get a more true-to-road bike feel as you power through your workouts. Aside from the fact that this is an element that will greatly appeal to road riders who want to keep up with training regardless of weather conditions, this new functionality also provides riders an opportunity to burn more calories, leaning on the bike and having that additional free motion will engage the rider’s core throughout the workout. That said, to take advantage of all these perks you have to be ready to push yourself, so if you’re looking for a more relaxed and low-key workout we’d suggest spending your money elsewhere.

While this seems like a brand new innovation to many, a leaning exercise bike is not an entirely new invention. Some of you might remember RealRyder, a brand that’s been around for a good while now, but not one that ever really took off in the home gym space. Their bikes were designed for a club environment, are devoid of any tech whatsoever, and sell for a hair more than the Velocore, which delivers a lot more than just leaning capability.

The Great

• The Lean: Plain and simple, the Velocore’s ability to allow riders to push into a lean when training is an awesome little perk. It adds a layer to your workout that you simply don’t get from other indoor cycles in the category.
• HD Touchscreen: Following the model of NordicTrack, two screen sizes are available on the Velocore. Personally I find the 16″ variant to be big enough, but if you want to go bigger a 22″ HD Touchscreen is also available.
• Interactive Training: Bowflex has launched a ton of streaming training that’s specific to the Velocore, which streams directly to the bike via the built-in JRNY app. On top of that, you can connect to other popular fitness apps including the elite Peloton. Compete with other cyclists via Zwift or enjoy a cycling trail across the world via Explore The World. Something to keep in mind here, however, is that data connectivity varies depending on which app you use. The Peloton app only displays RPM within the app in real time. In some apps like Rouvy you can see virtually all your workout data in real time onscreen in the app.
• Resistance Levels: Following the traditional indoor cycle model, the Velocore has 100 micro-adjustable resistance levels allow you to perfectly fine-tune your resistance and gradually ramp up the challenge as your progress. As resistance is magnetic, it will be a smooth and quiet ride.
• Dumbbells Included: The Bowflex Velocore comes with a set of 3 lb. dumbbells for upper-body workouts.
• Pulse Monitoring: The Velocore includes a Bluetooth-enabled heart-rate armband monitor so you can track your pulse. This allows you to stay within your target heart-rate zone and get the most out of your sessions.
• Streaming Video Options: Unlike most competitors (except for Stryde, for now), you can connect to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other streaming services, for those days that you just want to ride without a trainer pushing you along.
• Diverse Pedals: The Velocore is a versatile bike that will work for a variety of trainees. It has dual link pedals with toe cages so you can use the standard toe cages or SPD clips depending on your riding style.
• Multi-grip Handlebars: Use the set of dumbbells and multi-grip handlebars to target different muscle groups each time you work out.
• Free Shipping: You will get free standard shipping if you live within the contiguous United States.

The Not so Great

• Shortened Warranty: Given that the Velocore has additional moving parts, we were surprised to see that Bowflex has trimmed down the warranty here compared to their more basic C6 bike. Its frame is still 10 years, but its mechanical and electronic parts are only covered for two years. This is still better than the 1-year warranty offered by the tech startups in the field, but we have come to expect better on a bike of this caliber and price.

Who Should Use the Bowflex Velocore?

The Bottom Line

It’s easy to say that the Bowflex Velocore isn’t for everyone, and that (if anything) it’s a bit too hardcore for the recreational indoor cycling enthusiast, but for those who want to challenge themselves it’s a real winner.

Bowflex Velocore Specs