As gyms and studios shut their doors across England, many people are understandably looking for new ways to exercise at home. If you’re on the hunt for a home spin bike, then the new Echelon Connect Sport Bike looks to be a great option.
Home spin bikes are epitomised by Peloton. Its bike boasts an impressively-sized 22in (56cm) HD screen mounted on the handlebars to stream live and on-demand instructor-led classes on a subscription app.
Echelon had challenged Peloton with its Connect EX3 bike, offering a cheaper alternative largely by doing away with the built-in screen and instead asking riders to use their own tablet. The EX3 was still expensive, at £1,238.99 for the bike and a month’s subscription to the app, which is needed to get the most from the machine – but that was a substantial saving on a Peloton, which is £1,750 for the cheapest option in the company’s range.
The Echelon Connect Sport offers an even more affordable option at £839.98 for the bike and your first month’s app subscription.
The most significant difference between the Echelon bikes is the weight of the flywheels, with the Connect Sport’s considerably lighter at 7kg than the EX3’s 13kg. A heavier flywheel makes for a smoother and more realistic ride that experienced cyclists in particular will find more enjoyable.
Other than that, the Sport is very similar to the EX3, only lacking extras like dumbbell holders and pedals that work with clip-in SPD bike shoes. You get cage pedals with the Sport, which will work better for beginners wearing trainers.
If you’re looking for a new way to exercise indoors over the winter, the Connect Sport could be just the ticket. Do factor in the ongoing £39.99 a month cost ,though, because the instructor-led workouts are key to the bike’s appeal. You can ride it without a subscription and see your stats, but if you’re going to do that you can find better indoor bikes with heavier flywheels for less, like the JLL IC400 PRO (£519.99).
Buy from Echelon | £839.98
