Bowflex VeloCore 16 IC Bike Review

Bowflex has indeed produced amazing and several indoor equipment such as Bowflex elliptical machine, Bowflex Home Gym, Bowflex Dumbbells, Bowflex Power Tower, and many more. But they have yet again demonstrated in this Bowflex VeloCore 16 IC Bike that they could transcend their previous innovative creations.  

The VeloCore 16 IC Bike is maneuverable; that is, you can actually lean side-to-side (known as the leaning mode) as you ride or try to mimic riding on a curvy road especially when you are watching and riding in a visual terrain, and this particularly strengthens the core.  

Also, it comes with this unique, intuitive 16’’ large touch screen console that does not only allows you to read your workout progress stats comprehensively but offers access to the Bowflex JNRY app (subscription required) for personalized coaching, custom workouts, and more.  

The console also has a couple of built-in apps such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video accounts (subscription required as well) for entertainment purposes.  

This is not your regular indoor cycling bike but one with a difference.  

Click right here to have a peek at the best price of the Bowflex VeloCore 16 IC Bike on Amazon.  

The Frame and Construction 

The Bowflex VeloCore 16 IC Bike has a solid, thick, and neatly welded steel frame that is made up of 2 shape variations. It is finished with anti-corrosion paint that keeps it intact, original, and prevents aging. 

Other parts such as the drive-train and smaller parts are made of durable plastic material.  

As a result, the bike looks elegant and sturdy enough to support a maximum user weight capacity of 325 lbs./147.4 kg.  

As aforementioned, the bike’s frame design is such that allows you to lean side to side when you are exercising on a visual trail. This is one of its unique features that makes it stand out among the rest.  

The leaning mode brings an outdoor riding experience and also impacts your core by strengthening it.  

There is a locking system that enables you to lock the frame for stationary mode cycling. This is necessary when you wish to use the bike as a standard cycling machine without leaning to either side.  

Its stability is great, thanks to the robust stabilizers at the base, and its overall assembled weight (without dumbbells) of 149 lbs./67.58 kg. Thus, it is safe when you exercise and do the stationary or leaning mode.  

However, ensure that the surface where it is going to be used is solid and balanced.  

Despite its weight, it is easy to relocate because of the integrated transport wheels at the front base and the lifting handle at the rear.  

The bike is a bit bulky, and its assembled dimensions are 59.8’’ long by 24.1’’ wide by 52.6’’ high. In other words, a workout area that can accommodate it must have a measurement of 5’ (151.89 cm) length by 2’ (61.21 cm) width. 

Also, it is recommended to provide an extra clearance of at least 2’ on each side, the front and the rear for easy access and safety during workouts.  

The Seat of the Bowflex VeloCore 16 IC Bike 

The saddle is averagely padded, and it has a groove on the middle of the surface for air permeability. Its design is intended to provide long-lasting comfort, unfortunately, this may not be the case as some users assert it is a little bit uncomfortable.  

Fortunately, its installment system is standard, thus, alternative options are widely available in case you wish to replace it, or you could use a gel seat cover to improve it.

The seat is 4-way adjustable. This means it can be adjusted vertically (upward/downward) and horizontally (fore/aft). The upright post and the slider are calibrated with several adjustable positions that could help users of different heights to be accommodated.  

The recommended height the bike supports is between 5’1’’ to 6’5’’.  

The Handlebar 

The handlebar is 2-way adjustable; meaning, it can only be adjusted vertically (upward/downward).  

It has multiple grips that offer the opportunity to exercise in different postures that include standard posture, uphill climbing posture, and racing posture.  

It is coated with durable anti-slip PVC soft foam that guarantees lasting secure and comfortable grips for prolonged workout sessions. Thus, regardless of your workout frequency and durations, you don’t need to wear gloves.  

EKG HR sensors are not integrated onto the handlebar; however, an HR armband is included in the package to enable you to track your pulse rate.  

Pedals 

The pedals present on the Bowflex VeloCore 16 IC Bike are dual-sided. They have toe cages with adjustable safety straps on one side, while on the flip sides are SPDs. Hence, you can choose to ride with a pair of standard gym shoes or special spin shoes.  

They are solidly made to hold up even in the event of performing out-of-seat cycling. 

The Drive  

This bike has a rear belt drive system that simply consists of a durable V-Poly belt, a pulley, a solid crankset, thick crank-arms, and the 33 lbs./14.96 kg high inertia flywheel.  

As a result, its operation is smooth, quiet, and vibration-free. The flywheel provides consistent momentum.  

Just as with every belt-driven bike, no maintenance is needed.  

The drive system is bidirectional; hence, you can ride in reverse if you wish to diversify your workout and tone more muscle groups.  

However, this also means you cannot coast as you could on a road bicycle because the pedals are not independent of the flywheel. In other words, the pedals spin as long as the flywheel does, and vice-versa.  

Therefore, you mustn’t suddenly stop pedaling, instead, you will have to gradually slow down until you come to a halt to avoid an injury.  

The Resistance System 

The resistance system of the Bowflex VeloCore 16 IC Bike is magnetic and manually adjustable even though a power adapter is included. This means the power adapter only powers the console and has nothing to do with the resistance system.  

So, with or without power, the resistance is applicable, and there are 100 micro-adjustable resistance levels.  

To increase or decrease the resistance level, simply turn the tension knob that is situated at the main frame tubing clockwise or counterclockwise, respectively.  

How this works is that, when adjusted, the magnetic brake on each side of the flywheel will shift inward or outward without contact (depending on the adjustment), emitting magnetic fields that will ultimately create resistance.  

So, resistance is generated without friction, and as a result, no part wears out during this process.  

It will suffice to say that the magnetic resistance system is maintenance-free, and doesn’t create any sound. The bike’s operation remains smooth and quiet even when the highest resistance level is engaged.  

Users will have the opportunity to engage in different workout difficulties that work for them. 

The Console 

The 16’’ HD touch screen console of the Bowflex VeloCore 16 IC Bike is one of the features that make it stand out. It is literally like a large stationary tablet device that is attached on top of a stand, separate from the handlebar post.  

The console is compatible with the Bowflex JRNY app, and it incorporates several other apps such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Video Accounts for entertainment purposes.  

Aside from being able to track workout stats such as Time, Interval, Distance (km or miles), Speed (km/h or mph), Calories, Burn Rate (calories per minute), Heart Rate, Cadence, Resistance, and Lean and core engagement, the JRNY app offers access to tons of workout videos, private coaching workout videos, visual trails that features exotic terrains from around the world, and much more.  

However, the Bowflex JRNY app can be overwhelming due to the level of content it has. So, it is designed to provide 2 to 4 curated programs (also referred to as JUST FOR YOU) based on your workout history, your fitness level, and the program you often use.  

Nevertheless, if you don’t want them, you can always go to the library to manually search for programs you wish to use.  

The Bowflex JRNY app and the other apps require monthly subscriptions for access to their content. Although, without any subscription, you can still use the standard mode that provides preset interval programs, Heart Rate programs, Calorie Burning programs, and one or two scenery videos 

Goal setting for Time, Distance, or Calories is possible.  

There is a Bluetooth feature that enables you to connect the integrated HR armband for pulse rate monitoring.  

 Accessory 

The Bowflex VeloCore 16 IC Bike integrates a couple of extras that include a USB charging port, a set of 3 lbs./1.36 kg dumbbells and their holders, water bottle holders, and a tablet holder.  

Thus, you can keep your smartphone/tablet device handy while charging it if you have to. Water bottle holder helps you to keep water within reach for proper hydration purposes, and dumbbells for light arm strength exercise.  

Storage 

This bike doesn’t take an awful amount of space for storage even though it is not foldable. It simply requires a storage space that can accommodate it with no extra clearance needed.  

Thus, a storage area with a measurement of 5’ (151.89 cm) length by 2‘(61.21 cm) width should be accommodative.  

There are front-mounted transport wheels and a lifting handle at the rear that facilitate the relocation process. So, moving the bike around the room is easy even though it weighs 149 lbs./67.58 kg.  

Approval Rating 

Thus far, the Bowflex VeloCore 16 IC Bike has a positive approval rating across many review sites, including Amazon.  

Pros/Features Overview 

• It has a commercial-grade steel frame 
• It supports a maximum user weight capacity of 325 lbs./147.41 kg 
• Great stability, thanks to its base stabilizers with adjustable levelers 
• Its operation is smooth and quiet; thus, it is home-office friendly, thanks to its belt drive system 
• It possesses 2 cycling modes that include stationary mode for standard cycling and leaning mode for side-to-side cycling 
• There are transport wheels and a lifting handle that help in the relocation process 
• The magnetic resistance system provides 100 micro-adjustable levels for different workout difficulties 
• The 16’’ HD touchscreen smart console is Bowflex JRNY app compatible, plus several other apps such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Videos; so, you can watch your favorite videos as you work out, and also have access to personal coaching, tons of workout videos, exotic visual trails from around the world, and more (monthly subscriptions required) 
• Workout programs included 
• Workout history tracking  
• Goal setting for Time, Distance, or Calories 
• The console tracks workout stats such as Time, Distance (miles or km), Speed (mph or km/h), Cadence, Leaning and core engagement, Burn Rate, Calories, resistance, and more 
• The pedals are dual-sided; they can be ridden with standard gym shoes or special spin shoes 
• Bluetooth HR armband for heart rate monitoring included 
• USB charging port for smartphone/tablet device 
• Tablet holder included 
• Water bottle holders included 
• A set of 3 lbs./1.36 kg dumbbells and holders included 
• Power adapter included 
• Assembly is not difficult 
• Maintenance needed is minimal 

Cons 

• The apps require monthly subscription 

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Warranty 

• 2 Years for the Frame 
• 2 Years for the Mechanical Parts 
• 2 Years for the Electronic Parts 
• 1 Year for Labor 

Product Dimensions & Specifications 

• Length: 59.8’’ 
• Width: 24.1’’ 
• Height: 52.6’’ 
• Shipping dimensions: 51’’ L x 36.5’’ W x 18.5’’ H 
• Net weight: 149 lbs./67.58 kg 
• Gross weight: 186 lbs./84.36 kg 
• Frame: Commercial-grade steel 
• Maximum user weight capacity: 325 lbs./147.41 kg 
• Flywheel: 33 lbs./14.96 kg 
• Seat: 4-way adjustable 
• Handlebar: 2-way adjustable 
• Pedals: Dual-side (toe cages & Cleats) 
• Drive: Belt 
• Resistance: Manual magnetic with 100 micro-adjustable resistance levels 
• Console: 16’’ HD touchscreen smart display and apps compatible  
• Stationary and leaning cycling modes 
• USB charging port included 
• Transport wheels and lifting handle included 
• Dumbbells and holders included 
• Water bottle holders included 
• Tablet device holder included 

Shipping 

The Bowflex VeloCore 16 IC Bike is shipped in a box that weighs 86 lbs./84.36 kg with dimensions of 51’’ long by 36.5’’ wide by 18.5’’ high. This is a pretty heavy bike; hence, you would want to have it delivered to the installation room by 2 persons.  

The delivery usually takes a couple of days after placing an order.  

Assembly 

This cycling bike appears to be difficult to assemble, but on the contrary, it is not.  

Nevertheless, there are a few small parts to be attached aside from the base stabilizers, the handlebar/post, the console/post, the console mount, the pedals, and the seat that need to be installed.  

The assembly might take a little longer than the installation of an average bike. But overall, it is not complicated.  

Maintenance 

To keep the bike in the best operational state at all times you will have to keep it clean before and after workouts.  

Always ensure to check it before use to ascertain that every part is in good condition.  

Store in a dry, cool, and clean area.  

Conclusion 

The Bowflex VeloCore 16 IC Bike is a home exercise bike despite having a commercial-grade steel frame. It has a unique structural design and features that could make your workout experience fun and productive. 

The 16’’ HD smart console is Bowflex JRNY app compatible. This provides access to private workout coaching, workout videos, exotic visual trails, and more.  

You can also connect to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Video Accounts for entertainment purposes.  

It has a leaning feature that allows you to lean side-to-side as you work out on a visual trail.