MYX Fitness Bike Review

The next element of the value proposition at hand is the subscription cost for streaming classes to your MYX Fitness bike. Where competitors like Peloton, NordicTrack, and Echelon all charge $39 per month for their interactive training offerings (in some cases rolled into the cost of the bike for the first year), the subscription for the MYX fitness bike is only $29 per month, saving you $120 annually. Again, it’s not a giant savings, but when you add it all up the savings found in the MYX bike are definitely noteworthy.

Of course the next question at hand is the bike itself. Now, MYX Fitness goes out of their way to point out the similarities and differences between their bike and the Peloton. For example, their monitor swivels and the Peloton doesn’t their pedals can accommodate both clip-in shoes as well as regular running shoes (using toe cages). Their flywheel is heavier too, coming in at 41 pounds compared to 35. This last detail is important, as it adds to the overall feel of riding the bike—the heavier the flywheel, the smoother and more stable the bike will feel. It can even support heavier riders, matching the weight capacity of the NordicTrack S22i at 350 pounds.

On the topic of the flywheel, we need to call out the first key differentiator Peloton and MYX when talking about the bike itself—its resistance system. The MYX bike is a touch more low-tech in that regard, as it uses friction resistance rather than magnetic. While this isn’t something we’re super keen on generally, it does come as a fair trade if streaming training is a priority for riders. Depending on how strong a rider you are, a friction resistance bike isn’t necessarily going to be all that noticeable. These systems show their colors when you’re basically maxing our resistance, and the added heft of the flywheel will help avoid that more choppy feel you can get from a friction resistance bike. MYX also notes that their pads are designed to last between 5 and 10 years, and are easily replaceable when the time comes.

One thing that they don’t seem to call out that we caught immediately is a touch more adjustability in the frame. Unlike its competitors, the MYX Fitness bike has fore and aft adjustment in its handlebar position. This is a great little detail for riders that are shorter in the torso, and one that we suspect other brands avoided for one key reason. Having this adjustment means taking extra precaution with the wiring harness leading to the screen as well as a general increase in manufacturing cost. It’s nice to see an entry-level bike taking the luxe offerings to task like this.

Realistically speaking there are only two key shortcomings of the MYX Fitness bike, and one that has helped the brand from becoming a target of Peloton’s aforementioned legal department. They’ve already taken down the upstart Flywheel, whose technology ran a bit too similar for the tech giant’s liking. Where MYX decided to change the equation is by not having speed and resistance fed into the bike’s programming. This means that you’ll get instructors telling you to increase or lower resistance, but not calling you out if you’re not up to speed. Instead MYX Fitness bike trainers focus on heart rate zones, which has proven to be quite effective when optimizing workout performance.

Whether or not this last difference matters will really be a personal choice for many. The hardcore spin class enthusiast will know well enough how much to push themselves when training, and the rookie rider is most likely to be engaged and satisfied enough with the ability to chase along with a streaming trainer that that level of detail won’t really be necessary. Still there will be some who crave ALL the bells and whistles, leaving them options like Peloton, or better yet the NordicTrack Commercial S22i.

MYX Fitness introduced their bike at CES in early 2020, receiving a very warm overall welcome. With Peloton firmly positioned as the ultimate interactive indoor cycle for the elite and well-to-do, the MYX Fitness bike arrived as the interactive bike for the people, offered at a substantially lower sticker price. Between the caliber of the trainers, the build quality of the bike, and the volume of streaming training available (about 500 classes, and 40 being added each week), there’s little surprise that this machine has become the new ‘one to watch’.

Workout Programs

As noted above, the current digital catalog of MYX Fitness runs about 500 programs deep, covering a range of categories. Endurance rides and HIIT (high intensity interval training) rides are a core part of the equation, supplemented by body sculpting, yoga, meditation, cardio dance, and other workouts that alternate off and on the bike. We’ve been in formed by MYX Fitness that approximately 40 programs per week are being added to their online library.

Interestingly, the competition (Peloton et al) love touting the fact that there are thousands of workouts to choose from on their apps, but when you break it down realistically the 500+ offered by MYX fitness is more than enough to ensure you won’t get bored from doing the same old workout over and over. You’re not going to be doing more than one class per day over the course of your first year of ownership, and even if you develop a preference for one or two specific trainers, this size of catalog is more than adequate to keep anyone properly equipped.

On the bike itself, the option of using toe cages rather than clip-in shoes is a welcome perk for the less seasoned rider. While you’ll get a more precise push/pull on the pedals using toe clips, consider it something you have the option of growing into as you get used to the bike. Thanks to its hefty flywheel, the MYX Fitness bike delivers a smooth and stable ride, even when riders are up and off the saddle.

The ‘what’s included’ category is also a solid one for the MYX Fitness bike. Opt for the bike itself, and you still get the Polar wireless heart rate monitor included, as well as free delivery and assembly. Opt for the MYX Plus package, and you’ll also get a kettlebell, weights, a stabilizing mat, yoga/workout mat, foam roller, and a resistance band.