Bowflex VeloCore Review 2024 | Too Fun to Be a Workout?

Dimensions/Storability

The total footprint of the Velocore is 60” L x 24” W 55” H. This is roughly the same length as the Peloton bike (59”) and the Nordictrack s22i (55”), so the bike doesn’t take up much more space with the added functionality.

The bike is the same width as other indoor cycles (Peloton: 23”, Nordictrack s22i: 22”). But, you will need to leave lateral space on either side of the Velocore to allow for the leaning feature. In general, you get a lot of functionality from a compact piece of exercise equipment.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

16” or 22” Touchscreen

The Velocore offers two different touchscreen options. For $1699, you can get the 16” screen, and for $2199, you can upgrade to the 22” screen. Otherwise, all other functionality on the bike remains the same. It’s nice that buyers have the option to select the screen they want without downgrading bike functionality as Ill.

The 22” touchscreen that we have is plenty large and clear to display the JRNY app.

Regardless of screen size, both screens tilt up and down gently so riders can find the right angle for visibility.

The speakers are located just below the screen and are front-facing.

Bluetooth Speakers

The screen has Bluetooth speakers, and you can also connect to them via wireless headphones.

Weight Cages

The Velocore comes with weight which can be used in NON-leaning classes that incorporate upper body work. The weights sit on the stationary support arm that holds the touchscreen. These are included in the price of the bike. The inclusion of weights is a good indication that upper body work is incorporated into the programming.

Tablet/Phone holder

There is a tablet ledge just in front of the screen where you can place a phone or tablet if desired. It will block the screen a little, so be aware of this. Since the bike shifts from side to side and the screen tilts forward and back, a tablet may not be entirely stable here. There is also a small pocket for a phone inside the handlebars.

Water Bottle Holders

There are two cup holders on either side of the handlebar post. These are a bit flimsy and lightweight—they may not hold a Hydroflask or other heavy water bottle, but they’ll support plastic bottles.

This is an important safety feature on a bike because it is not a good idea to reach down to pick up a water bottle off the floor. Even though you’re exercising at home, having water bottles nearby and within safe reach is valuable.

Bowflex Velocore JRNY App

Frankly, I was surprised by the content and quality of the JRNY app. Several innovative features make the Velocore distinct in the field of competing studio-ride apps. First, if you subscribe to JRNY at $20/month, you have access to a few 3rd party apps.

The camera moves through the location in the Explore the World workouts as you ride to make you feel like you’re there.

Netflix, HULU, Disney+ and PrimeVideo come preloaded. To use any of these, you have to have your subscription. However, once you log into your account (let’s say it’s Netflix), you can select a preprogrammed ride to use while watching a program. This means that you can do more than just a manual ride while watching Bridgerton!

Riders can respond to the vocal cues of the audio trainer as they ride along to lean left, lean right, power up hills, adjust the resistance, etc. This makes it so you get a challenging workout while enjoying your favorite program. Most apps don’t allow access to 3rd party options at all, and those that do simply allow you to watch in manual mode.

JRNY allows riders to use a preformatted workout while watching a video. A small bar at the bottom of your screen provides ride metrics throughout the workout. The programs themselves may only be 30 minutes long, so you may need to load another program and then resume your Netflix video if you want a programmed ride that matches the length of your show.

The graphics are crisp, with bright colors and clear images on the high-definition screen. I love the Explore the World feature, which has locations all over the globe. These are filmed live, so you see people and cars pass by as you ride. There are over 50 scenic routes filmed in different parts of the world and counting.

Bowflex radio also has a good mix of music you can select prior to beginning your ride. There’s an option for the ’80s, ’90s, country, classic rock, easy listening, etc.

The programs range in length from 10 minutes to 60 minutes. You can select options based on difficulty or length. The instructors are good. I found them to be engaging and provide good cues. Even though you can use a workout with vocal cues while watching Netflix, I found the studio rides more motivating and engaging because you don’t get distracted or lose focus.

The only drawback to selecting your own music is that it isn’t integrated into the programming. Whereas Peloton rides are designed around the music, the JRNY app features good music, but it’s more of a background component.

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Build Quality

Frame

The bike frame sits firmly on the floor while a hinging mechanism allows the seat, pedals, and drive system to shift from side to side. The touchscreen, frame, and stabilizers all remain stationary. This design enhances the safety of the Velocore, so the whole frame doesn’t lean.

The Velocore frame wraps under the drive system and secures the bike to the floor.

Also, maintaining a set position for the touchscreen reduces the likelihood of dizziness or screen wobble. I am impressed with the innovative engineering that allows for both stability and a side-leaning option on the Velocore. I’m not sure this design will work for everyone, but it is new and innovative.

Leaning Mode vs. Non-Leaning Mode

The Bowflex Velocore has quickly become known as the “bike that leans.” Having both a leaning and non-leaning option allows different riders to customize their experience as desired. Users who don’t want to lean can ride as they would on a regular bike. For those who want a greater challenge and a more realistic feel while riding, the leaning mode opens up these options.

The Velocore is designed to allow for both leaning mode and locked mode.

If you presumed the lean feature to be a bit of a gimmick like me, be prepared to be pleasantly surprised. There are a few things I like about Bowflex’s Velocore design. The first is that the bike is equally functional with the lean feature locked or engaged. Keeping the frame locked to limit lean gives you a great ride on a stable bike.

If you unlock the frame, which allows it to lean, you get a more realistic riding experience. The lean feature doesn’t create a feeling of imbalance. While this may not be ideal for anyone with balance or vertigo issues, I didn’t find it made me feel dizzy while watching the screen. The lean feature is more pronounced for taller, larger riders since it is weighted at the bottom.

Heavier cyclists will feel more lateral lean during the ride. I found the frame shifted a bit as I rode. To get it to really lean, I had to shift all my body weight to one side, and even then, it restabilized in a vertical position pretty quickly.

Our team really likes that you can ride this bike like a regular exercise bike and unlock the frame to use the lean feature.

The lean feature makes riding more exciting and realistic and doesn’t require a separate motor! This means there is less to break or wear out over time. The lean feature is a release mechanism that allows the frame to sway from side to side without creating any noise. This innovative design makes the bike fun and functional without adding something else to break.

Hybrid Pedals

The Velocore has hybrid pedals with an SPD clip on one side and a standard, flat pedal on the other, with a cage and adjustable strap. This allows riders who already own or prefer SPD cycling shoes to use those—or you can ride with any athletic shoe using the flat side of the pedal. You don’t have to have cycling shoes, but you have that option if desired.

The toe cages have an adjustable strap to hold your feet securely in the cages.

Resistance

The Velocore uses a resistance knob which many riders prefer. It is placed on the top tube of the frame for easy reach. The Velocore has silent magnetic resistance, which I would expect on a bike at this price point. Magnetic resistance doesn’t require any contact or friction, so it is quiet and low-maintenance.

On the other side of the toe cages is the SPD clip.

You also get 100 resistance levels, which makes sense. It is easy to estimate your work rate in relation to resistance since level 25 is 25% resistance and level 50 is 50%, etc.

Should You Buy the Bowflex VeloCore Exercise Bike

We have enjoyed riding and testing the Velocore. It is an innovative design that adds an element of fun along with some extra core engagement! How much you can actually develop your core while riding this bike is up for debate, but it doesn’t hurt to include the option.

While long-term data on durability and repairs is limited, the Velocore feels stable, doesn’t seem gimmicky, and provides excellent training with impressive programming. I’d put this one at the top of my list for new, fun indoor cycling options.

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Bowflex VeloCore Q&A / FAQ

Can you watch Netflix on the Bowflex VeloCore?

Yes, you can watch Netflix on the VeloCore if you have an active JRNY and Netflix subscription. You cannot watch Netflix without a JRNY subscription.

Can you use the Bowflex VeloCore without a subscription?

Yes, you can use the Bowflex VeloCore without a subscription, but the features are very limited. We do not recommend the Bowflex VeloCore for exercisers who do not want a JRNY subscription. You cannot use the entertainment streaming apps without a JRNY subscription.

What is the best feature of the Bowflex VeloCore Bike?

The Bowflex VeloCore’s most noteworthy feature is leaning mode, which allows the bike to lean side to side as if you are turning.

What is the weight limit on the VeloCore?

The weight limit on the Bowflex VeloCore is 325 lbs.

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