Interactive training has turned the fitness world upside down. Exercise bike brands are taking note, ensuring their new models answer the growing demand for immersive fitness classes and virtual personal training at home.
Much as Peloton dominated this space at first, both the MYX Fitness Bike and the Echelon Connect EX3 have become big players for those wanting the ‘Peloton experience’ on a more reasonable budget. Both of these bikes take on that challenge in different ways, and our intent here is to break down the differences between the two models and give you a gauge of which of the two bikes is best suited to your needs and interests.
So, how do the MYX Bike and Echelon EX3 stack up?
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MYX Fitness Bike vs. Echelon EX3
Let’s dig into the specs for a closer look at how these two bikes compare to one another.
MYX Bike vs. Echelon EX3 Comparison Table
| MYX Fitness Bike | Echelon EX3 | |
| Price | Bike: $1,299 Monthly Subscription: $29 per month. Shipping and Assembly: $250 (MYX frequently includes this free as a promotion) Total cost after 1-year: $1,897.00 (or $1,647 with free shipping) | Bike: $1,039.98 Monthly Subscription: $39 per month. Shipping (No assembly): $199.99 Total Cost after 1 year: $1,707.97 Bundle with 1-yr training upfront: $1,399.98 |
| Warranty | 12-month limited parts and labor warranty and 30-day return policy. | 12-month limited parts and labor warranty and 30-day return policy. |
| Footprint | 40” L X 19” W | 42” L X 22” W |
| Weight | 135 lbs | 105 lbs |
| Frame | Steel | Steel |
| User weight capacity | 350 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Resistance | 0-100% operating range, manually controlled friction resistance. | 32 levels of manually controlled magnetic resistance. |
| Incline | No | No |
| Display | 21.5″ HD color touchscreen. | Bring your own tech to all models (attach to tablet holder) |
| Interactive Training | Via MYX Fitness | Via Echelon Fit |
| Pedals | SPD compatible with fully adjustable toe cages. | SPD compatible with fully adjustable toe cages. |
While there are several elements of these two bikes that are basically equal, or close enough that they don’t require or justify debate, there are three key areas that require a bit more analysis: Pricing, resistance, and content/training delivery.
Pricing
As you can see in our pricing breakdown, there’s a bit of variability as to which of these bikes is more affordable. Both will offer different discounts to be more competitive upon purchase, so that starts skewing things right out of the gate. Looking at it as a full price/no discount/no bundling scenario, the MYX Fitness bike will technically be more expensive to own up until you reach 1 year and 9 months of ownership. After that, you’re saving $10 a month, every month. If you pre-pay your Echelon membership, that skews the math even further, making the Echelon a more affordable option by a decent margin.
Resistance
This category is one of the bigger points of contention between these two bikes. It’s the age old debate of magnetic versus friction, and while generally we always lean one way, it really depends on the end user’s background. If you’re a spin class junkie, or even a semi-regular participant who’s used to commercial/studio spin bikes, you’ll be used to the smooth silence that comes with magnetic resistance. Friction resistance does create a tiny bit of noise from the drag pad contacting the flywheel, however it’s pretty nominal, not to mention that’ll get lost in the background if you’re following along with interactive training.
The next consideration is smoothness, and again user goal/strength is key. If you’re used to cranking up the resistance to its highest levels and pushing hard while up and out of the saddle, stick to magnetic. Friction resistance, especially when delivered using a heavy flywheel like what’s installed on the MYX Bike (41 pounds, FYI), is inherently smooth until you start getting to the bike’s limits. If you’re just starting to get into indoor cycling, or of you consider yourself to be more of a novice to intermediate level indoor cyclist, the MYX bike won’t let you down.
Content and Training Delivery
We’ve already established that the EX3 makes you use your own iPad or tablet, whereas the MYX Fitness Bike has a slick 21.5″ built-in HD touchscreen, but beyond that there are other key differences when it comes to the training subscriptions provided. Echelon has clearly followed the Peloton route, tracking cadence and specific resistance level, and adding encouragement by tracking your progress on their leaderboards. Rather than competing against your own goals, you’re up against other Echelon users and righting your way to the top. For some, this competitive spirit is a big driver, and there’s good reason for this methodology being in place.
In contrast, the MYX Fitness model is much more personal. Its goals/targets are built around your heart rate rather than how fast those pedals are turning, giving users a bit more freedom of pacing so long as their heart keeps pounding. What is continually echoed through all MYX programming is a message of positivity and individual wellness in mind, body, and spirit—it’s an unorthodox approach in an industry packed with competition-based training, and frankly it’s a welcome one. Their workouts still get your heart pumping, and they leave you with a positive and uplifting vibe each and every day.
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The Bottom Line
While closely priced, these bikes are very much for two different users. Those craving the traditional spin class experience will be satisfied by the Echelon approach, whereas the individually focused MYX Bike will appeal to a broad swath of users that are either new to the field or dissatisfied with the status quo of the spin bike community.
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