Echelon Connect EX3 Bike Review

Quick Summary

Priced just over $1,000, the EX3 is Echelon’s mid-tier Smart Connect bike. This fitness machine is at the top of its class for indoor cycles around the $1,000 mark, especially when it comes to connected fitness workouts at home. With the Echelon Fit app, you never have to ride alone.

What makes the EX3 a cut above the EX1? It boasts a competition seat with 6” lever-style adjustment, a new indexing resistance adjustment knob, and a new motor for precise magnetic resistance. Other specs include a durable powder-coated frame, a 13 KG flywheel and 32 levels of resistance. Paired with the Echelon Fit app, you’ll have access to virtual workouts with your own personal trainer.

See below for a detailed review of the Echelon EX3’s parts, programming and warranty.

Specifications

Model	Echelon Connect EX3 Bike
Rating Our custom rating considers all of the bike's features, specs, warranties, and 100's of user & expert reviews, to save you time!	83%
List Price Suggested retail price, typically higher than the price you'll pay with our recommended retailers.	$1,199.99
Best Price Since prices change daily, this link goes to our preferred retailer for the current best price. Note: MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price.	$799.99
Resistance The flywheel in an exercise bike is what creates resistance. You can choose the level of resistance to increase your workout intensity.	32
Resistance Type The type of resistance shows what kind of flywheel is being used (if any), and its weight if the manufacturer provides it.	Magnetic
Type Type refers to the style of the ride: Recumbent bikes allow you to lay back, while Upright bikes are more like road bikes (lean forward).	Spin
Drive System The bike's drive system is how your pedaling interacts with the rest of the bike (flywheel) to give you a good workout.	Belt Drive
Frame It's important to choose an exercise bike that will last, and the material of the frame determines how durable the bike is.	Powder-coated, welded steel frame
Seat The most important part for comfortability during your workout, the seat should be adjustable and have ample cushioning.	Competition seat with 6'' lever-style adjustment
Pedals Pedals are the driving force for an exercise bike, and should be comfortable, adjustable, and easy to control without slipping.	SPD compatible with fully adjustable toe cages
Programs Bike Programs allow you to complete a workout with changing speeds and inclines, without changing anything manually.	0, only interactive workouts via Echelon Fit app
Heart Rate Heart Rate programs allow you to track how many times your heart is beating per minute (bpm), and some control the workout for you.	Wireless (with tablet)
Display Display refers to the screen you'll look at to monitor workouts. LED and LCD displays are similar to TV screens.	No, but Bluetooth connectivity allows you to connect your mobile/tablet
Max. Weight Max. User Weight is the amount of weight, in pounds (lbs), that the bike can safely support, which can represent durability.	300 lbs
Dimensions Dimensions are included to help you figure out if this treadmill will fit properly (Length x Width x Height and Height x Depth).	55"L x 20"W x 55"H
Accessory Tray Some bikes include an accessory tray for holding items such as water bottles, wallets, keys, or MP3 players like iPods.
Speakers
Cooling Fans
Portable? Some exercise bikes can fold up and/or have wheels that make it easy to roll them around for convenience and to save space.
Warranty The warranty is a very important part of your investment. The longer the warranty, the longer you can get free/discounted repairs by the manufacturer.	1-year Limited Parts & Labor

Our Rating

Rating: 83/100.

The Echelon EX3 spin bike is great for in-home training, especially if you’re looking for a variety of fun, motivating workouts. With its compact size, this bike will easily fit into your home.

The EX3 is durable and can handle heavy use, even with high-intensity workouts. Plus, it’s fully adjustable, so almost anyone can ride comfortably. Its large, padded seat helps you to power through long training sessions in comfort.

And with the Echelon Fit app, any user can find a customized ride and training program to fit their needs.

Next are lists of pros and cons to consider.

Pros:

Heavy-duty steel frame
Virtual training experience with Echelon Fit app
Compact size
Heavy flywheel with 32 resistance levels
Multi-position handlebars to diversify training
Vertical and horizontal seat adjustment
Comfortable seat with 6” lever-style adjustment
Bluetooth capabilities
Two water bottle holders (or use for weights)
Adjustable console for your tablet or smartphone which flips 180°
SPD compatible pedals with fully adjustable toe cages

Cons:

Functionality is limited unless you purchase the Echelon Fit app
No programs or console
Warranty is on the weak side

Introduction

The Echelon EX3 is a high-quality spin bike for home use. It uses a flywheel for magnetic resistance, and with the Echelon Fit app, you get a variety of virtual workouts and spin classes, either live or on-demand. Below are details about the workout app, features, and buyer protections.

Workout Programs

The Echelon EX3 does not offer any pre-programmed workouts, nor do any of the Smart Connect bikes. But with a subscription to the Echelon Fit app, you will get access to a ton of workouts and stats right at your fingertips.

Using your tablet or smartphone, this app allows you to monitor all your stats, such as speed, calories burned, and distance. In addition, you’ll have access to a huge library of live and on-demand workout classes led by world-class instructors.

The Echelon Fit app offers different monthly and annual subscriptions. Subscription bundles (with unlimited classes and FitPass access for off-bike workouts like yoga, pilates, and meditation) start at $39.99 per month, with discounts available for annual subscriptions. Some users report that the app often freezes or crashes, which can interrupt your training session. However, the app has come a long way, and the user experience continues to improve.

Overall, the Echelon virtual experience is a great way to spice up your workouts and stay motivated – without having to leave the house.

Echelon Connect EX3 Features

The EX3 features a strong, steel frame, combined with a compact size. It takes up little space, perfect for in-home use, while still supporting up to 300 pounds.

This model includes a powder coating for a fresh, modern look and comes standard in red.

With a heavy, 13 KG flywheel, this Echelon spin bike boasts a smooth, quiet ride and is great for any level of trainee.

This bike also has excellent adjustability for rider height. You can move the competition-style seat forward, backward, up and down. With the large, padded seat, you’ll be more comfortable through long rides.

The pedals on the Echelon EX3 are made of aluminum and are sturdy enough for high-intensity use. They can be used with regular shoes or clip-in cycling shoes.

With Bluetooth capabilities, you can connect any smartphone or tablet for wireless heart-rate monitoring. A bracket makes it easy to mount your tablet, and a USB port keeps your device charged and ready.

Attached to the rear of the bike frame are two water bottle holders. Alternatively, these can be used for handheld weights.

This Echelon bike is easy to place in your home. At just 55″L x 20″W x 55″H (its maximum dimensions, measured with handlebars in highest position), it will fit almost anywhere. Transport wheels are attached as well to make it easy to move and store, if needed.

Warranty & Guarantee

The Echelon EX3 includes a one-year limited parts and labor warranty.

Extended warranties are available. Additionally, the manufacturer gives a 30-day money-back guarantee. However, refunds exclude shipping and restocking.

Conclusion

The Echelon EX3 is a high-quality, durable spin bike that will give you an intense workout. The heavy-duty flywheel and multiple resistance levels make this bike challenging enough for any rider. The main selling point of this bike is the live streaming and on-demand classes. With so many workout options, you can keep your training fresh and new, all while in the comfort of your home.

While the app does have some issues, the virtual experience is constantly improving. But it’s important to also consider the overall investment for the bike and the monthly app subscription.

Overall, this is a solid bike and a great at-home option for getting your spin on!