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Editor’s Note: The Bowflex C7 is no longer in production. A great alternative is the Bowflex C6, or check out this list of top-rated exercise bikes for more recommendations.
BowFlex C6 Bike
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Indoor cycling bikes are an excellent way to get a cardio workout at home without impacting your joints. Two popular options from Bowflex are the C6 and C7 models.
But what’s the difference between the Bowflex C6 and C7? How do you know which is the better bike for your home gym?
In this Bowflex C6 vs. C7 comparison, we’ll overview both indoor bikes, compare the key features and specifications, and help you decide which Bowflex exercise bike is the better fit for your fitness goals and budget.
| Feature | Bowflex C6 | Bowflex C7 |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance | 40 lb flywheel, 100 levels of magnetic resistance | 40 lb flywheel, 100 levels of magnetic resistance |
| Frame | 112 lb assembled weight, 330 lb weight capacity | 111 lb assembled weight, 330 lb weight capacity |
| Warranty | 10-year frame, 3-year parts, 1-year labor | 3-year frame, 3-year parts, 1-year electric, 1-year labor |
| Display | Small LCD console | 7″ HD touchscreen console |
| Adjustability | Fully adjustable seat, Fully adjustable handlebars | Fully adjustable seat, Fully adjustable handlebars |
| Pedals | Dual-sided (toe cage and SPD clips) | Dual-sided (toe cage and SPD clips) |
| Accessories | Dual dumbbell holders, Pair of 3 lb dumbbells, Armband heart rate monitor, Dual water bottle holders, Tablet holder | Dual dumbbell holders, Pair of 3 lb dumbbells, Armband heart rate monitor, Dual water bottle holders, Tablet holder |
| Price | $999 | $1299 ($999 sales price) + $19/month JRNY app |
Bowflex C6 vs C7: A Quick Overview
Let’s start with a quick rundown of both the Bowflex C6 and C7 bikes.
Bowflex C6 Bike Overview
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The C6 has a sleek, low-profile design that looks great in any home gym. The frame consists of thick steel tubing that provides maximum sturdiness. It weighs about 106 lbs, making it heavy enough for stability but light enough to move between rooms.
Riders praise how quiet the magnetic resistance system is. You can turn up the intensity without disturbing others in your household. The smooth, consistent resistance makes it easy to maintain your target cadence and heart rate zones.
With 100 micro-adjustable resistance levels, the C6 offers enough variability for riders of any fitness level. Whether you’re just starting out or conditioning like a competitive cyclist, you can find the ideal intensity.
Key features of the C6 exercise bike include:
- Sturdy frame with heavy flywheel for stability
- LCD console to track metrics like speed, distance, and calories
- Media rack and device holder for tablet or phone
- Dual-sided pedals for use with regular athletic shoes or cycling shoes
- Compatible with popular third-party apps like Peloton via Bluetooth
Pros:
- Lower price point under $1000
- Very quiet magnetic resistance system
- Easy to move with transport wheels
Cons:
- LCD screen is basic (no video capability)
- There are not as many convenience features as an articulating tablet holder
Is the Bowflex C6 Bike Worth It?
For riders who want a sturdy indoor bike with excellent magnetic resistance at an affordable price, the Bowflex C6 is an excellent value for under $1,000.
The Bowflex C6 is a reasonably priced, high-quality indoor cycle perfect for beginner or intermediate riders. It offers a smooth, quiet ride and syncs with third-party cycling apps.
Bowflex C7 Bike Overview
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The Bowflex C7 has all of the same excellent features as the C6, plus an upgraded console with a 7″ HD touchscreen display.
The vibrant 7″ touchscreen completely changes the workout experience on the C7. You can stream training apps, entertainment, and Bowflex’s own virtual courses filmed around the world.
Syncing your workout metrics like heart rate and cadence with popular cycling apps provides motivating feedback. The integrated Explore the World app lets you ride through immersive worlds without leaving your home gym.
While the C6 offers excellent value for the price, the C7 adds high-tech connectivity and entertainment options for riders wanting the ultimate indoor cycling experience. It takes home workouts to the next level.
Highlights of the C7 bike include:
- 7″ touchscreen with streaming entertainment capabilities
- Enhanced Bluetooth connectivity to sync metrics with training apps
- Integrated Explore the World virtual courses and scenic rides
- 100 micro-adjustable resistance levels
- Media rack, device holder, and water bottle holder
Pros:
- Touchscreen for streaming workouts and entertainment
- Integrated Explore the World app with virtual courses
- Enhanced Bluetooth connectivity
Cons:
- More expensive than the C6
- Some users report finicky touchscreen response
Is the Bowflex C7 Bike Worth It?
For the enhanced touchscreen display and integrated Explore the World app, the extra cost of the C7 bike can be worthwhile for riders who value high-tech workout experiences.
With its upgraded console, the C7 takes the indoor cycling experience to the next level. It’s ideal for riders who want entertainment and connectivity during their workouts.
What is the Difference Between the Bowflex C6 vs C7?
Now that we’ve provided an overview of both the C6 and C7 let’s compare the key differences in features and specifications.
Features & Key Specs
The overall frame, adjustability, and resistance of both bikes are the same. The main difference is in the console.
The C6 has a simple LCD screen, while the C7 has a full-color HD touchscreen that allows you to stream entertainment and training apps.
Both consoles provide metrics like time, distance, speed, heart rate, and calories burned. However, the C7 touchscreen is much more interactive for following virtual courses and training programs.
Some other key specs:
- Weight capacity: 330 lbs
- Flywheel weight: 40 lbs
- Adjustable seat and handlebars
- Dual-sided pedals for athletic shoes or cycling shoes
- 100 micro-adjustable resistance levels
- Bluetooth connectivity
Resistance
The resistance on both the C6 and C7 is smooth and quiet thanks to the magnetic resistance system.
Turning the resistance knob increases the magnet strength for a tougher pedal. Even at high resistance settings, the bikes remain very quiet.
You get 100 levels of micro-adjustable resistance on both models to find the perfect challenge for your workout.
Frame
Both bikes have heavy-duty steel frames and stabilizer bars for maximum sturdiness.
They weigh about 106 lbs and can accommodate users up to 330 lbs.
The C6 and C7 frames have transport wheels, so you can easily move the bikes to different rooms or into storage.
Assembling
Putting together the C6 or C7 bikes is straightforward with the included assembly instructions.
You’ll just need some basic tools like Allen wrenches and a Phillips head screwdriver.
Plan on about 1-2 hours for assembly. It’s a one-person job but easier with two people. All necessary tools and hardware are included.
Footprint
Since the C6 and C7 share the same frame, they have an identical footprint. When assembled, they take up about 4′ x 2′ of floor space.
- Width: 21″
- Length: 48.7″
- Height: 51.8″
This compact size makes the bikes easy to fit in most home gym areas.
Durability & Construction
The C6 and C7 feature heavy-duty steel frames that can withstand repeated high-intensity cycling workouts. Both bikes support up to 330 lbs and are built to last.
Key components like the flywheel, crank arms, adjustment posts, and handlebars are high-quality for optimal sturdiness and smooth function. These bikes are designed for performance and longevity.
Seat & Handlebars
Both models have 4-way adjustable seats and handlebars, so you can customize the fit. Slide the seat forward/back and up/down. Raise or lower the handlebars.
The cushioned seats provide enough padding for workout comfort without being overly plush. However, some users add a gel seat cover for extra cushioning during longer rides.
Workout Experience
One of the biggest differences between the two bikes is the workout experience.
Bowflex C6
With the C6, you can manually adjust your resistance while tracking basic ride metrics on the LCD display.
By connecting your phone or tablet via Bluetooth, you can follow along with apps like Peloton.
However, you won’t get the complete leaderboard and training program integration.
Bowflex C7
The C7 touchscreen allows you to stream training apps and entertainment right on the console. You also get Explore the World virtual courses synced with Google Maps.
The integrated training programs adapt to your performance, so you get more personalized workouts.
Warranty
The C6 comes with an excellent 10-year frame warranty, 3-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty. This shows the confidence Bowflex has in the quality and durability of their bike.
The C7 warranty provides 3 years on the frame, 3 years on parts, 1 year on electronics, and 1 year on labor.
Price
With the upgraded touchscreen console, the C7 costs around $400-$500 more than the C6.
Here are the current list prices direct from Bowflex:
But you can often find both bikes discounted on Amazon and other retailers. The C6 routinely sells for under $900.
Bowflex C6 vs C7: User Experience & Reviews
Thousands of customers have invested in Bowflex indoor cycling bikes for home use. Here’s a look at real user experiences with the C6 and C7 models.
Bowflex C6
The Bowflex C6 earns very high marks, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on their website. Here are some of the most common positives users report:
- Sturdy, solid construction that feels stable
- Smooth and quiet magnetic resistance
- Easy to assemble and move around
- Ability to sync workout metrics with cycling apps via Bluetooth
- Excellent value for the price
Some negatives mentioned by C6 owners include the basic LCD display and lack of integrated training content. A few users felt the seat was uncomfortable without a gel cover.
Bowflex C7
The C7 gets overall positive reviews, with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Users mention pros like:
- Large HD touchscreen for streaming workouts and shows
- Integrated Explore the World app with scenic courses
- Very quiet and smooth ride
- Easy to assemble and sturdy build quality
However, some Cons reported by C7 owners include ongoing issues with the touchscreen not responding well and finicky Bluetooth connectivity with phones and tablets.
There are also some complaints about the price being higher than competitors.
Final Verdict of Our Bowflex C6 vs C7 Comparison
So, which bike reigns supreme in this Bowflex C6 vs C7 comparison?
For price-conscious buyers who want excellent value under $1000, the Bowflex C6 is the clear winner. It provides nearly all the performance of the C7 at a lower price point.
The smooth magnetic resistance, sturdy frame, and ability to sync workout metrics make it the top choice for most users.
Bowflex C6 vs C7: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about the Bowflex C6 and C7 exercise bikes:
Is the Bowflex C6 Bike the Same as the Schwinn IC4?
The Bowflex C6 and the Schwinn IC4 are made in the same factory using the same frame and components. The only difference is the branding.
So, you can expect nearly identical performance and quality between these two affordable indoor cycling bikes.
Is the Bowflex C7 still in production?
No, Bowflex has discontinued manufacturing the C7 bike. It is no longer available for purchase as of early 2023. The C6 remains Bowflex’s current premium indoor cycling bike model.
Can you watch Netflix on Bowflex C7?
Yes, the touchscreen on the C7 allows you to stream Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and more while working out. You just need your own subscription logins.
Can Bowflex C6 work without a subscription?
The C6 does not require any paid subscription or membership. You can use the bike manually and track basic metrics on the LCD display.
The free Bowflex app offers some additional workout content, or you can sync other apps via Bluetooth without an ongoing subscription.
BowFlex C6 Bike
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