Over the last few months, I’ve been testing out my Echelon Connect Sport bike to add some variety to my Beachbody On-Demand workouts. I’ve finally gotten the hang of it enough to give you an overview in a special “Glad I Tried It” this month.
Have you heard all the buzz about Peloton and not understood what the big deal is? Yeah, that was me. The Peloton bike was too expensive for me to justify, especially for how little I loved spinning, but I was intrigued.
On Amazon Prime day 2020, my husband noticed that Walmart was offering some great deals to stay competitive. One of these deals was on an Echelon Connect Sport spin bike. So, he bought it because why not try it? #greatminds
Echelon Bike Review
My Echelon Connect Sport spin bike arrived in November. Over a few curse words, I built the bike. It was very securely packaged and heavy. It was a PITA.
Nevertheless, I decided once it was built, I might as well try it out. So I set up the Echelon app to get started. After taking a few different classes and using the bike about 10 times, this was my review of the Echelon bike and Echelon app:
- The bike seat is AWFUL. So painful. I am new to spinning but after a few sessions, it did not get better.
- The Echelon instructors are uninspiring and just ok. They also don’t really teach you about the bike or how to use it.
- The music in every class I took was blah. Nothing I recognized, techno or just beats. Not motivating.
- The “scenic” routes you can take are interesting for maybe a minute but otherwise pretty boring.
- On the free trial, you only have access to some recorded classes and scenic routes so perhaps the upgraded version is better.
After a few weeks, I told my husband I wanted to return the bike. Even though the cost was significantly less than a Peloton, I was crushed I didn’t love it… or even like it. I didn’t understand what the fuss was all about.
Since we had another month or so before we had to return it, I started biking while watching shows or watching a Rachel Hollis virtual event (pictured). I sat on a folded-up fleece jacket, put a scenic route on low volume so I could see my stats and got it done.
I basically concluded that we got what we paid for and when our trial period was up, it was going back. But, in the meantime, I’d use it to change up my workout routine and burn off some Christmas cookies.
Using the Peloton App with an Echelon Bike
Randomly, a friend reached out and asked me if I wanted a profile on her Peloton app. I didn’t totally understand what this meant, but I said “yes, of course!” Anything had to be better than the Echelon app.
After setting up my profile, I hopped on the bike for my first workout with Tunde Oyeneyin. Not only did she provide instruction, but I got in such a good workout while being inspired.
It was such a great workout that I had to take a picture to document the experience. Finally, I enjoyed a spin class.
Since I don’t have a Peloton, the setup is a bit clunky. I run the Peloton app on my iPad to watch the class while running the Echelon app on my iPhone to see my speed, distance, etc. I haven’t figured out how to connect my heartbeat and such to the Peloton app, but I’m not sure if that’s even possible.
Update January 2022: I canceled my Echelon subscription. Read about the QZ Zwift app for my bike performance metrics »
Now that I’ve been through a few more Peloton workouts, these are the key points for you to know:
- The instructors are AWESOME. They each have their own personalities, which definitely shine in the workouts.
- The instructors are inspiring and motivational. I’ve laughed out loud, teared up and lost track of time during a class.
- Class honestly feels therapeutic.
- The instructors pick their own music playlists, which you can view before joining a recorded workout.
- Peloton is not just spinning workouts. They have guided running workouts, strength, meditation and more.
- There are beginner workouts where they really walk you through the basics, BUT in each class, they’ve always provided an overview of the crucial instructions for spinning. Perhaps not in the advanced sessions though.
- You can take live classes where instructors will call out riders by profile names to wish them a happy birthday or 100 rides, etc. I haven’t done one of these yet but I doubt they’d call out non-bike owners.
- Filter workouts by length of time, music, level (beginner, low impact, etc.), instructor and more.
- You can follow your friends’ profiles or they can follow you so you can take classes together or encourage each other on your journey. There may be more to this but I’m still exploring.
- Peloton and Echelon bike settings are different so you need a conversion chart (see below).
Just look at this personality; how fun are they? Yes, they are singing (and sometimes dancing) in every picture, and yes, I love it so much, I take a pic. You feel like they’re talking to you and their excitement for their job is palpable.
I finally understand why people are hooked on Peloton. I’m grateful my current workout program includes rest days so I can spin. I’d sign up for my own account if I wasn’t afraid of losing my profile. No matter what bike you have, if you can use the Peloton app, it’s worth it!
Improve Your Bike Experience
Beyond having all of your electronics charged and water handy, these are a few additional items that have made my spin bike experience much more pleasant.
Bike seat cover. The Echelon bike seat is small and hard, making workouts very unpleasant. This gel bike seat cover adds some extra padding, slides easily over the Echelon seat, and stays in place well. My butt still sometimes gets achy, but it’s nothing compared to before!
Wide Padded Bicycle Saddle. This bike seat cover was a game changer. Once I realized I wasn’t stuck to the original Echelon bike seat, I upgraded from the bike seat cover to replacing the seat entirely. I no longer have butt pain after biking and could bike two days in a row! This seat is wider than my entire hand and is padded.
Echelon to Peloton conversion chart. Just to make things a bit more complicated, the bikes use different resistance measurements so I have a conversion chart up on my wall to refer to throughout my workouts. There are many versions available, but a conversion chart is crucial.
Big Wind Machine Fan. Having a big fan blowing on you during spinning workouts is so amazing. No matter how cold I am when I start, I always turn it on; otherwise, I regret it during the workout. If you don’t have a big a$$ fan, get one now. You need it!
2-lb weights / light weights. Some of the spinning workouts include a break from spinning to work on your arms. You’ll need two light weights; my 2-lb weights work perfectly for me. The instructors’ Peloton bikes have holders under the seat, but I just keep mine nearby to grab if I need them.
Sweat towel. I use the Norwex hand towels because it has their BacLock technology which removes 99% of bacteria. I’m all about less bacteria on my gym equipment, and spinning can really work up a sweat. But really, any absorbent towel will do!
Interlocking tile floor mats. I’ve used these floor mats in so many different ways, but most recently, you’ll see I have one under the front of the bike. Perhaps it’s how I built it or maybe the floor isn’t completely flat, but without the mat, the bike rocks a little. Plus, when I move the bike, I don’t have to worry about scratching the floor.
Adjustable handlebar mobile phone holder. I use my iPad as the primary screen to watch the Peloton app, but need my phone for the Echelon bike data. I’ve tried different locations for my phone, but having an extra, secured phone holder is super helpful.
Do you use the Echelon or Peloton app or have any questions for me? Comment below, I’d love to hear about your experiences and what you love or dislike about either Echelon or Peloton.
Thank you for reading!
Erin says
Thanks for all the advice and info!! What did you use to track your heart rate?
Debbie says
I’m glad you found it helpful! I don’t pay attention to my heart rate too much (I focus more on how I feel), but I do track it with my Apple watch.
Liz says
I’m also using the Peloton App with Echelon bike. I agree the seats are the worst and I also added a gel cover. I started off with the Peloton App and haven’t tried the Echelon App but I’m wondering if there is a way to see your cadence/resistance without paying for the Echelon App? Thanks
Debbie says
I wish!! But no, I haven’t figured out how to see cadence/resistance on the Echelon without paying for the Echelon app. If I find a way, I’ll be sure to post an update, but I’ve resigned myself to paying for both apps since that’s still cheaper than buying an actual Peloton. If you figure it out, let me know!
elizabeth stringer says
Okay, random, but there is an app called QZ (qdomyos-zwift) that connects to your Echelon bike so you can track cadence and resistance. It also auto converts to the Peloton resistance if you want! It sounds SO sketchy, but it it works!
Debbie says
I had heard about it but wasn’t sure on the details. Plus, it costs a few $$ so I was skeptical about buying it. I’m glad it worked for you though. I’ll have to try it out. Thank you!!
Jessica says
I just figured this out and thought I’d share- get the QZ Zwift app. It is $4, and automatically connect to your bike to show cadence, resistance, etc. It even converts your resistance to Peloton’s resistance for you! GAME. CHANGER.
Debbie says
I’ve only just heard about the QZ app, thanks for commenting. I’m so glad that you say it’s a game changer. $4 sounds much better than paying monthly for Echelon app access. I’m looking into it. Thank you!!
Ryan says
I also use the peloton app with the echelon bike, I use the “freestyle ride” in the echelon app to see my stats (resistance, cadence, output).
Debbie says
Oh very cool. That’s what I used to do too, but I don’t anymore since I didn’t want to pay for the Echelon app. Happy riding! Thanks for reading 🙂
Lisa says
You can use the qdomyos-zwift app to connect your Echelon Connect Sport bike to the Peloton App. It also converts the resistance for you.
Debbie says
I have recently heard about the app and have downloaded it. Can’t wait to try it out! Thank you for commenting! I’m glad to hear you recommend it.
Logan says
I’m stumped … How did you connect the echelon sport to Bluetooth when it has no screen or anything?
Debbie says
I have the Echelon app on my phone and tablet. During the set-up process for your bike, it walks you through connecting your devices to your bike. To be honest, I chose the wrong bike type at first and so had to call technical support to figure out why it wasn’t connecting. But that was user error… whoops!
However, if you use the QZ app, I literally just started peddling with my phone’s Bluetooth enabled and it detected it and started tracking stats. However, I already had paired the bike with my devices by then so if you are starting from scratch, you will need to enable bluetooth.
As long as your bike is plugged in and you start peddling, your bike’s bluetooth turns on (mine has a blue light that shows it’s enabled). If you have issues, you can call Echelon support and they should be able to help you. Good luck!
Holly says
After learning all you have through this, If you had the $$$$ would you buy a pelaton ? The app. Is so much cheaper than the subscription … so the question would be about the bike itself …. is the Etchelon “good enough” ?
Debbie says
Hi Holly, I think it really depends on how much you plan on biking. I use my Echelon with Peloton app only a few times a month, so it’s fine for what it is. I can still get in a really good workout. If you’re going to bike multiple times a week then yes, I’d definitely say going for a Peloton makes sense if you can afford it. Go to a Peloton store (or a friend’s house if you know anyone with a Peloton), sit on the bike and see if you even like it. That may help you make your decision too. Good luck!