Quick Summary
The MYX II Fitness Bike offers yet another evolution to the home fitness scene, serving as an advancement upon the highly rated MYX Bike. Significant improvements have been made upon the original machine to produce the MYX II, from the bike’s design to interactive programming features and the 21.5″ screen. A well-built bike for sure, fans of the MYX style of workouts will not be disappointed as those options continue to increase.
Still a relatively young member of the indoor bike market, MYX Fitness first launched their original model in early 2020 to a very warm welcome. At the time, Peloton was deeply entrenched as the market leader in interactive indoor bikes for those who could afford them, and MYX brought a high-quality, low-cost alternative to the people. With a solid machine and an innovative workout program designed around the concept of heart rate zones, as opposed to the more prevalent time- or distance-based approach, MYX met with solid success, and now comes the sequel – the MYX II Fitness Bike.
In addition to the MYX II, the lineup also includes the MYX II Plus, and we do expect more innovations yet to come form this growing brand. Built by Star Trac, a division of Core Fitness, this corporate family also owns Schwinn. Granted, indoor interactive exercise bikes are all the rate and competition is fierce these days. How does this bike stack up against the competition. Let’s have a look.
Specifications
| Model | |
| Rating |  94% |
| List Price | $2580 |
| Best Price | $1,399 |
| Resistance | 1-100 variable |
| Resistance Type | Friction |
| Type | Indoor Cycle |
| Drive System | Poly V-belt |
| Frame | Welded Steel |
| Seat | Adjustable horizontally and vertically |
| Pedals | Toe cages |
| Programs | Openfit workout app |
| Heart Rate | Wireless |
| Display | 21.5" HD Touchscreen |
| Max. Weight | 350 lbs |
| Dimensions | 54" x 21" x 47" |
| Accessory Tray |  |
| Speakers |  |
| Cooling Fans | |
| Portable? | |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Rating:
MYX II Fitness Bike: The Value Proposition
Starting with the dollars makes sense when it comes to comparison shopping, and the MYX II is being offered at $1,399 with a 30-day risk-free trial included. Company financing affords qualified buyers a payment starting from $30/month. Meanwhile, the brand’s MYX Fitness app is priced at just $29 per month, which is a good $10 cheaper than many competitors. Comparatively speaking, the original Peloton Bike is going for $1,495, with the Peloton Bike+ running $2,495. The MYX II Plus meanwhile is retailing online for just $1,599 and does come with additional workout goodies such as dumbbells. Keep in mind, these prices come in the same arena as the Echelon EX-7S Connect Bike which starts at $1,999. So in terms of pricing and the 30-day trial, it’s clear enough the MYX II is budget-friendly.
But for a growing number of home fitness fans, it’s the interactive streaming which matters most. And this is where the MYX II really shines with its $29 per month app that provides up to five user profiles. Most of the NordicTrack machines these days are being built iFit-enabled, with that app’s family plan costing $39 per month. The $39 per month subscription fee seems to be the industry standard these days, and to that degree, we see the MYX community as offering a solid value proposition. Built around the concept of targeted heart rate zones, the bike does indeed come with a Polar OH1 Heart Rate Monitor and pairs nicely with the Apple Watch. With thousands of total body workouts and new routines added weekly, users have unlimited access to a program which tracks individual metrics well. True, some of the more expensive apps have more celebrity trainers or interactivity, frankly, given the price we see the MYX app as not only very unique in its approach, but a genuine value buy.
Bike Build Quality
In terms of the bike’s design, MYX and Schwinn fans will certainly recognize the style. With a measurement of 54″ x 21″ x 47″, the bike fits well into a 4′ x 6′ space. Designed to accommodate riders ranging from 4’11” to 6’8″ and up to 350 lbs., the fore/aft handlebar is adjustable three ways and has an optimized Q-factor measuring 165mm for further personalization. The Q-factor is the distance between the pedal cranks and being able to adjust this goes a long way in providing better alignment between the ankles, knees, and hips. The pedals on this bike are a little bigger too, measuring 18mm, whereas most others are 14.3mm. Standard SPD cleats clip into the pedals.
This MYX II also brings a relatively old-school approach to resistance in that it was friction by way of a very heavy 41-lbs flywheel. Most of the competition these days has gone to magnetic resistance as fans feel it’s a smoother ride at higher speeds. That said, fans of the friction will certainly appreciate the 6-groove Poly-V belt drive utilized on this machine. For those that like riding an outdoor bike, the friction-based system might seem better.
The Experience: Resistance and Ride
Again, probably the biggest difference bike riders will notice is that of the friction resistance as opposed to silent magnetic resistance (SMR). At a mechanical level it’s simple, friction uses friction – specifically a friction pad on the top edge of the flywheel. Magnetic resistance is again, self-explanatory. The proximity of a strong magnet is adjustment in relation to the flywheel, and the closer the magnet, the great the resistance. With the MYX II Fitness Bike, you are setting resistance by feel using the control knob, rather than working with preset increments as you would see using the “digital resistance” on a magnetic resistance exercise bike. The grand scheme of things, this is a better option for most, as you want to be able to self-guide your training and set the bike’s resistance to levels best suited to your fitness level anyway.
Unlike older friction resistance bikes, the MYX II Fitness Bike is still quite quiet, and also very smooth overall. The bike has a new sensor built into it which provides cadence, speed, and distance metrics which the manufacturer claim to be 10% more accurate than magnetic models.
Another factor aiding in the smooth ride here is in part thanks to its extra hefty flywheel design and heavy-duty construction, which allows for its 350-lbs rider capacity. On this topic of resistance, we do need to call this out as the first key differentiator between Peloton and the MYX II Fitness Bike. Generally, the use of friction resistance is considered to be lower tech than magnetic resistance. However, from a pragmatic standpoint, it really should not be a deal-breaker. Realistically, it’s fair trade if streaming training is a priority for riders who just aren’t willing or able to spend the bigger bucks on the Peloton bike. Depending on how strong a rider you are, a friction resistance bike isn’t necessarily going to be an issue. These systems show their stripes when one is maxing out on resistance, and the added heft of the flywheel will help avoid that more chopping feel you can get from a friction resistance bike. MYX also notes that their pads are designed to last 5 to 10 years and replaced with ease as needed.
MYX II Bike Vs. The Competition
In the streaming training indoor cycling space, there are only a handful of competitors, and all of them come in at a higher sticker price than the MYX II Fitness Bike. This includes both the bike and the accompanying monthly streaming service. The competitive pool includes the Peloton bike, the Stryde Bike, the NordicTrack S22i, and the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 (which is a near carbon copy of the NordicTrack). All of these competitors offer magnetic resistance. The Stryde and Peloton have monthly subscription costs that are added to the bikes, whereas the NordicTrack and ProForm bikes both offer a 30-Day iFit membership.
Realistically speaking there are only two key shortcomings of the MYX Fitness Bike versus this competitive pool, and one that has helped the brand from becoming a target of Peloton’s legal department. Peloton has already taken down the upstart Flywheel, whose technology ran a bit too similar for the tech giant’s liking. Where MYX decided to change the equation is by not having speed and resistance fed into the bike’s programming. This means that you’ll get instructors telling you to increase or lower resistance, but not calling you out if you’re not up to speed. Instead, the MYX II Fitness bike trainers focus on heart rate zones, which has proven to be quite effective when optimizing workout performance.
Whether or not this last difference matters will really be a matter of personal choice for many. The hardcore spin class enthusiast will know well enough how much to push themselves when training, and the rookie rider is most likely to be engaged and satisfied enough with the ability to chase along with a streaming trainer that that level of detail won’t really be necessary. Still there will be some who crave all the bells and whistles, leaving them options like Peloton, or better yet the NordicTrack Commercial S22i.
Pros:
- Most affordable in the category
- A Sony 8-megapixel camera to facilitate interactive classes
- Syncs with Apple Watch to serve as an additional heart rate monitor
- Additional ergonomic adjustments
- Option of clip-in shoes or standard toe cages
- Swivelling 21.5″ screen with 20-watt speaker for immersive workouts on or off the bike
- Polar OH1 Heart Rate monitor included
- Independent volume controls for both trainer and music
- Inexpensive monthly subscription ($29 instead of $39 from competition)
- Engaging professional coaches
- 41-pound flywheel
- 350-pound user weight capacity
- Transport wheels
Cons:
- Short warranty period
- Limited interactivity between rider and instructor compared to rivals
Workout Programs
As noted above, the digital catalog of MYX Fitness runs well over 1,000 programs deep, covering numerous categories. Endurance rides and HIIT (high intensity interval training) rides are a core part of the equation, supplemented by body sculpting, yoga, meditation, cardio dance, and other workouts that alternate off and on the bike. We’ve been informed by MYX Fitness that approximately 40 programs per week are being added to their online library. Workout programs can be streamed on the MYX bike, through your TV, laptop or mobile app.
The bike’s “OpenFit” link takes riders straight to the MYX workouts page, but users also have the option of jumping into Beachbody On Demand Interactive (BODi) and Openfit on demand. BODi offers more than 1,500 pre-recorded classes in addition to live programming with formats ranging from Bootcamp and yoga to strength training and core. This program also offers nutrition and mindset programming as well. OpenFit likewise offers a wide range of 30-minute-or-less classes with an emphasis on nutrition.
Workout programs associated with the MYX system provide biometric feedback as with most others, the biggest difference being this group’s philosophy concerning heart rate zones. Whereas other programming centers on distance ridden, the MYX team strives to get riders into a target zone suited for their individual goals.
Features
Of course the big home run feature here outside of the access to streaming training is the massive and swivelling 21.5-inch touchscreen display fitted onto the bike, equipped with 20-watt speakers. Big screens have become a bit of an expectation among the competition these days, but this size is pretty much limited to the Peloton bike, the NordicTrack S22i, and the Echelon Smart Connect EX5S. Screen technology is all pretty even-keel in the space, but we will say that initial reports on how the training app on the screen of the MYX II Fitness Bike runs have all been very positive.
The new Sony 8-megapixel camera which facilitates group fitness classes is also a big plus, as is the ability to integrate with Apple Watch in addition to the Polar wireless heart rate monitor. On the bike itself, the option of using toe cages rather than clip-in shoes is a welcome perk for the less seasoned rider. While you’ll get a more precise push/pull on the pedals using toe clips, consider it something you have the option of growing into as you get used to the bike. Thanks to its hefty flywheel, the MYX II Fitness bike delivers a smooth and stable ride, even when riders are up and off the saddle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the MYX Fitness Bike II work without a subscription?
Yes, the bike can be adjusted manually without an app.
How do I set up an MYX Fitness Bike II?
The unit comes with excellent instructions as well as numerous online videos.
Can you watch Netflix on this bike?
No, Netflix does not work on this bike, but BODi, Openfit, Apple Watch, and the MYX app do.
Do the MYX bikes automatically change resistance?
No, the bike’s resistance is changed manually.
What heart rate monitors with the MYX bikes?
The bike comes with a Polar Heart Rate Monitor.
Warranty & Guarantee
This is the one spot where the MYX II Fitness Bike falls flat. The good news is the bike comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. The bad news is, the manufacturer only offers a 12-month warranty. Other bikes in this range offer anywhere from 5-10 years on the warranty.
Is It Worth It?
For the right buyer, absolutely. The MYX II is priced right and brings all of the programming one could really want in a bike. Unless someone is dedicated to magnetic resistance, we really can’t see why they wouldn’t consider this bike. If a rider prefers other apps, keep in mind that with an indoor bike such as this, the option of simply using their own device or perhaps a smart television is ever-present. Yes, we’d like to see a longer warranty, but we really have no reason to question the overall build quality after good experience with its predecessor.