Echelon EX15 Review | Great But I Found a Better Bike
Whether you are a current spin bike user or someone getting ready to dip a toe into the world of indoor cycling, the Echelon EX-15 indoor cycling bike is a well-designed low-range spin bike that offers many desirable qualities. The lowest-cost member of Echelon’s “Connect” line of exercise bikes, the EX-15 does not sacrifice quality for lower cost, so even at its considerably cheap price, it can still hold its own in comparison to other bikes. Echelon’s EX-15 is a suitable bike for those new to indoor cycling or those who are simply looking for a cheap new model.
As the smallest bike in the Echelon Connect lineup, you’ll find the EX-15 is perfectly accommodating of all spatial restrictions which may be limiting your spin bike search. The EX-15 is also well-built, featuring a strong steel frame designed in such a way so as to last after many years of use. These features make the Echelon EX-15 a great option for anybody who is searching for a spin bike in the hopes of finding something accessible and that is not too much of a financial or spatial commitment.
The importance of having a personal space in which you can exercise in comfort cannot be understated, however, not everyone is able to afford the financial costs or allocate space for the necessary equipment. Through low costs and a small, space-conscious design the EX-15 is the perfect answer to this call. Costing a measly $450, and as with all their products Echelon offers payment plans to ease the financial burden, the EX-15 is a highly affordable exercise bike that would make a welcome addition in any home gym, studio, or workout room.
However, the strong build and small spatial commitment are not the only benefits that Echelon has to offer with this smart connect indoor bike. The EX-15 is also a product that, through the utilization of high-quality spin bike technology, will grant you a high-intensity workout every time. One of these features that the EX-15 offers is a fully protected 20 lb fixed flywheel which uses magnetic resistance to allow for 32 varying levels of resistance.
Echelon Smart Connect Bikes Comparisons
Echelon is a company that makes indoor bikes. There are currently six models of Echelon bikes and the EX15 is the most basic model with the lowest price tag. Although it doesn’t come with any type of screen or console, it does have Bluetooth sensors that transmit all necessary cycling stats to the Echelon and many other applications.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the EX15 is a good choice. However, keep in mind that you won’t be able to track your progress as easily without a console and you would need to use your own tablet.
In addition to the EX15, there are three other models by Echelon, the EX1, EX3, and the EX5 that come without any console. So, if you prefer not to use your tablet or iPad on the bike, I wouldn’t recommend those either.
But one thing every Echelon bike (except for this EX15 sport connect) has in common is the electronically adjustable magnetic resistance that can be adjusted automatically on Zwift or Peloton classes. So, if that’s something you want, you should totally disregard the EX15 from your list.
If you want electronic resistance plus a built-in console (which can only be used for the Echelon app), you can opt for Echelon EX5S-10 which comes with a 10-inch touchscreen, or the Echelon EX5S which comes with a 22-inch touchscreen.
There is also the Echelon EX7s Model that takes things to the next level with a 22-inch rotatable ultra HD screen, as well as a full commercial quality structure. But at $1999, this one cost too much and quite frankly, it’s well-overpriced.
With that out of the way, the Echelon EX-15 is a good purchase for anyone trying to get into the indoor cycling game or even experienced cyclists who are looking for a new affordable machine from Echelonfit that costs less than $500.
You also don’t have to worry about app compatibility because the QZ has made this bike fully compatible with many indoor cycling applications including the Zwift and Peloton. You can also go with the Echelon’s monthly membership which gives you access to their live and on-demand classes. No matter which model you choose, you’re sure to get a great workout with Echelon’s indoor bikes.
| Name | Verdicts | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Echelon EX7s Indoor Bike | Good Value as long as you don't want to use any other app except for the Echelon application on the bike's screen and okay with its heavy subscription. Be aware that its monitor requires constant paid subscriptions to fully function and the "Free-Style" is packed with annoying ads, but bike is priced reasonably. You can use third party apps like QZ on your own smart Bluetooth devices (not bike's screen) to connect the EX7-s with Zwift or Peloton. | The EX7S has five major improvement compared to the EX5S. A better seat, a thicker/commercial crankset, a more responsive monitor that pivots, more comfortable flat-top handlebars, and protective rubber guards on the base for stretching. |
| Echelon EX5s Indoor Bike | Good Value as long as you don't want to use any other app except for the Echelon application on the bike's screen and okay with its heavy subscription. Be aware that its monitor requires constant paid subscriptions to fully function and the "Free-Style" is packed with annoying ads, but bike is priced reasonably. You can use third party apps like QZ on your own smart Bluetooth devices (not bike's screen) to connect the EX5-s with Zwift or Peloton. | The EX5S has one major improvement compared the EX5. A 22" HD Touchscreen VS no screen on the EX5 model. Other than that, everything else is the same on these two models. |
| Echelon EX5 Indoor Bike | Better Value than the EX5-S and EX7-S. Just remember that you would need to use your Bluetooth device (Tablet, phone, or TV) to connect to the bike and see your progress. If you want to connect the bike to Zwift or Peloton, you can do it through the QZ application. I think this bike is worth the money. You could connect the bike to the Echelon Fit for data tracking without a subscription using the "Free-Style" program but it is packed with annoying ads. | The EX5 has three major improvement compared to EX3. Dual easy-to-reach bottle holders on the handlebars, more ergonomic handlebars, and a better tablet holder that doesn't limit the hand-positions VS EX3 that has inconvenient bottle holders and tablet holder blocks part of the handlebars. Also EX5's handlebars are 4-way adjustable vs EX3's handlebars that are 2-way adjustable |
| Echelon EX3 Indoor Bike | At $800 with its smart electronic magnetic resistance system and the fact that it can now completely synch with Zwift and Peloton (through QZ app), I thing it's one of the best value spin bikes, especially if you like Zwift or Peloton automatic resistance change. If there was a console included with the bike, it would have been even better. But as long as you are okay to use your own screen (tablet, phone, PC, or TV) to see your progress, I think it's a great value spin bike. | There is no major differences or improvements between the Echelon EX3 and EX1. They are pretty similar in every terms which is why the EX1 is no longer manufactured. |
| Echelon EX1 Indoor Bike | Not a great value spin bike when compared to EX3 or EX5. In fact, I think Echelon has discontinued this model. Howerver, if you find it somewhere on offer under $500 and you like to do Zwift or Peloton cycling on your own tablet and phone, I recommend that you buy this mode. It has electronic resistance and thanks to QZ app, you can now synch the bike fully (resistance level, RPM, watt, speed, everything) to non-Echelon application. There is no monitor on the bike so you should be ready to use your own Bluetooth screen. | There is no major differences or improvements between the Echelon EX3 and EX1. They are pretty similar in every terms which is why the EX1 is no longer manufactured. Although there is a difference between the EX1 and EX15. The EX1 has automatic resistance which is better than the manually adjustable resistance on the EX15. |
| Echelon EX51 Indoor Bike | A good quality and good value spin bike that synchs with the Echelon app and also synchs with other third-party apps like Zwift and Peloton through the QZ application. However, this Echelon spin bike has an outdated manually adjustable resistance and other is no electronic and automatic resistance change when an spinning class instructor calls out a new level of intensity. So, you would need to change resistance manually by turning the knob. Ther is also no console on the bike, so you need to use your own tablet. If you are okay with the two things I mentioned, don't hesitate and buy this spin bike by Echelon | This is the most affordable option by Echelon and as you can see, it doesn't come any sort of screen which is the case with EX3 and EX1. The main difference is that unlike other Echelon bikes, the EX15 doesn't have automatic resistance. Its flywheel is in front which makes the bike more compact but not as stable as those in the back. Its flywheel is also fully covered which is better than other Echelon indoor bikes because it's safer if you have kids. |
Echelon EX-15 Comparable and Alternative Bikes
Currently, the EX 15 is an excellent purchase for $499 and when I compared it with similarly priced indoor bikes, it stood above most of them. It has a fully enclosed flywheel which is an important factor for households with children and it’s compatible with many indoor cycling apps.
That said, this bike doesn’t have a built-in console so you would need to use your own tablet/phone to see your progress. For many of us who either have a phone or tablet and don’t mind using our device on the bike, this shouldn’t be a problem. But for the others who prefer an indoor bike with console here are two great alternatives to consider.
My favourite Echelon EX15 (sport connect) alternative is the Niceday indoor bike. It’s the best choice for anyone who prefer to use a spin bike with heavier flywheel, a built-in console and dual-sided spd and cage pedals. Its handlebar is also horizontally adjustable which is another superior feature compared to Echelon EX15.
Additionally, the Niceday indoor bike comes with dumbbell holders so you can buy a set of dumbbells like these of Peloton and mix a little upper body and lower body workout together. But what really gets me about this Niceday bike is its FTMS Bluetooth and RPM so you can connect the bike to Zwift, Kinomap, and many other apps.
Another good alternative would be the Yesoul bike. In many ways, it is similar to the Echelon EX15. For instance, it has a Bluetooth system that sends RPM, resistance, speed, watt, and HR to several applications including the Zwift.
I like this one because it’s $100 less expensive however if you have an active kind in the house, I would still go for the Echelon EX15 because Yesoul doesn’t have a fully covered flywheel.
If that’s not a factor, I suggest the Yesoul. It delivers all the data to the application of your choice and also has a better-angled tablet holder that doesn’t block handlebars.
| Name | Spec | Applications | Stats | Resistance | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Echelon EX15 | 20-lb flywheel | cage pedals | Zwift, Peloton, Echelon, & Strava (no display) | Estimated Watt, Time, RPM, Distance, Speed, and Resistance | 32 Level Manual-Magnetic | $499 |
| Yesoul S3 | 10-lb flywheel | cage pedals | Zwift, Kinomap, Raouvy, & Yesoul (no display) | Estimated Watt, Time, RPM, Distance, Speed, and Resistance | 100 Level Manual-Magnetic | $399 |
| Niceday | 45-lb flywheel | spd & cage pedals | Zwift, Peloton, and Kinomap with built-in display | RPM, Speed, Time, Distance, HR, and Calories | Dial Manual-Magnetic | $499 |
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Echelon EX-15 Review and Technical Information:
EX15 Cycle Specifications:
- Width: 20”
- Length: 42″
- Height: 53”
- Bike Weight: 90 Pounds
- Steel Frame
- Max User Weight: 300 Pounds
- Transportation Wheels
Echelon’s Connect series bikes also all feature belt drivetrains, which means that the EX-15 will always offer a clean and quiet ride. Some other features present on the EX-15 bike are a water bottle holder which is positioned behind the seat above the flywheel, ergonomic handlebars, adjustable toe cages on the foot pedals, and both a horizontally and vertically adjustable saddle and handlebars, allowing for maximum customization so that you are able to work out however you see fit.
Unlike the other bikes in the Connect series, the EX-15 does not have any dumbbell holders, so anybody looking to combine an upper body workout with their cycling will be out of luck with this model. These high-quality offerings add up to make the EX-15 a quite respectable option in the lower price range for indoor cycling bikes, and one that anyone looking for a cheaper option would not be making a mistake purchasing.
Seeing and Recording Workout Stats
- The bike has a set of Bluetooth wireless sensors that read your RPM, Speed, Resistance, Distance, and HR.
- Based on this information it gives you an estimation of your wattage/power. It’s not direct watt/power tracking.
- There is no console built into the bike but you can use your phone, tablet, PC, or smart monitor to connect to the bike.
- To do automatic resistance changes on Peloton, Kinompa, or Zwift, you need to buy SmartSpin2K accessory.
- To transmit all your workout stats including power, speed, rpm, heart rate, and controllable, you need the QZ application as a bridge.
The Echelon EX-15 has much to offer in the way of quality spin cycling, but it does have downsides as well. One of these, common to all the bikes which Echelon offers in the Connect line except for the Echelon EX5S, is the lack of any sort of integrated monitor as part of the bike.
Instead, Echelon has opted with the EX-15 to have a stand attached to the handlebars on which you can place a tablet. To compensate for the lack of functionality that normally would come with an integrated monitor, Echelon requires that you download the Echelon Fit App and connect a tablet or phone to the bike with Bluetooth.
Echelons Fit App offers a wide variety of on-demand classes, live classes, and scenic virtual biking routes, a pleasing selection that slightly softens the blow of no built-in monitor. It is also on the app where you will find various statistics, such as distance, time, speed, resistance, and HR if you wear a cycling heart rate monitor watch or strap.
The EX-15 fully supports other apps besides the Echelon Fit App, but you need to use the QZ application and your personal tablet/iPad or phone/iPhone devices, to download and install the QZ and to download and install the Zwift (or Peloton).
You don’t need any type of subscription to ride the bike and see your stats on the Echelon app. You can create a free account (Freestyle), download/install the EchelonFit app to your tablet (or phone) and connect your bike to your tablet using Bluetooth.
If you decide to track your daily workouts on the Echelon Fit app or to access the live classes, you do need a paid subscription. The Echelon Fit App requires a subscription for such use, which raises the cost of the bike to $740 if you purchase it with a one-year subscription to their service or $900 if you purchase a two-year subscription.
In the photos above, as you can see there is the Pro Signal bracket mount installed on the handlebars and then a smart monitor is installed on the mount. You can choose the size of the monitor but the one on the image is 19″ which is more than enough for that distance.
If you go this rout of installing a mount and monitor, you can use your phone to install the QZ and Zwift, pair the bike with the apps (first to qz and then to Zwift) and mirror your phone’s screen to the bike’s monitor. Or you can use HTMI cable if your phone and monitor supports that. There are also many applications that enable you monitor your screen from one device to another. So, you have plenty of options for mirroring your phone/tablet’s screen to the monitor that you install on the Echelon sport connect bike.
How to connect the Echelon EX15 bike to Zwift, Peloton, or Strava?
The Echelon EX15 bike doesn’t connect or sync properly with the Zwift, Peloton, Kinompa, or Strava because it’s built for the Echelon Fit application. However, the QZ application enables the bike to connect with all the mentioned applications.
Here is a step-by-step instruction on how you can connect your Echelon Smart Connect Fitness Bike to the Zwift application.
For this process, you need two devices. You can use a smartphone to install the QZ application and a tablet to install the Zwift application (for the Peloton app you need an iPad).
- Power on the Echelon bike
You need to plug in your bike to an outlet electricity source and start pedaling to wake up its Bluetooth. - Connect the bike and the QZ app
Open the QZ application on your phone and connect the bike to the app (it should connect automatically). - Open Zwift on your tablet and log in
You should have a Zwift account and log in on your tablet to see the “Paired Devices” screen. - Connect Zwift with the QZ
On the “Paired Devices” screen, you can start connecting “power source”, “cadence”, “speed”, “Heart Rate”, and “Controllable”. It’s up to your which ones to sync from the QZ app. I connect them all.
If you have issues connecting, try these solutions:
- Make sure the Cycling Cadence Sensor (peloton compatibility) is off on the QZ App Settings.
- Make sure the value of the “Watt Gain” is 1 (not 0) on the QZ AA Settings.
- Make sure your android device setting is set to visible for Bluetooth.
- Remove all the Bluetooth “paired devices” on your phone and tablet.
- In your Phone and Tablet Settings (not the App Settings), rename your devices to a “4-letter word” like “bike”.
- Those who use a PC to install the Zwift app might need a TP-Bluetooth Dongle to connect the Zwift with QZ.
EX 15 Q-Factor and Non-SPD Pedals:
- Non-SPD pedals are equipped with an adjustable toe cage.
- EX15 by Echelon has a Q-factor of 202 mm.
- This bike uses a 14.30mm 9/16 pedal thread size.
A recent trend among exercise bike users has been the rise of SPD cleats, used to “clip in” to the pedals of a stationary bike. The use of SPD cleats makes pedaling more stable and efficient for the rider, hence their rise in popularity. The Echelon EX-15 unfortunately does not have SPD-compatible pedals.
This will certainly be a barrier for more serious cyclists who are more likely to prefer to use SPD cleats if at all possible. What the pedals offer instead are adjustable toe cages, which allow for you to comfortably ride the EX-15 in common running shoes. Toe cages are a nice feature to include, but not having SPD compatibility does damage the quality of the EX-15, especially when other models in the Connect line feature them alongside toe cages.
The Q-factor of the Echelon EX-15 spin bike is 202mm, which places the EX-15 on the wider side of indoor cycles which are currently available. Narrower stances are often preferred by experienced riders because they permit for the most ergonomic placement of one’s feet and knees, promoting a comfortable and productive workout through the reduction of strain on muscles and joints.
Echelon EX-15 Spin Bike Flywheel:
- The Echelon EX15 indoor bike is equipped with a 20 lb fixed flywheel.
- It is mounted in front of the bike with a damage and child-protection cover.
- Magnetic resistance works with belt transmission to provide a smooth and quiet riding experience.
A very important aspect of any indoor cycling bike which must be considered before purchasing is the flywheel. The Echelon EX-15 is equipped with a 20 lb magnetic flywheel, which is quite light, but not so light as to fail to provide the rider’s cycling with a smoother pedaling motion.
Despite its light weight the EX-15’s flywheel is still perfectly capable of preventing any undesirable slowing down and speeding up during the pedaling motion. The magnetic resistance which the EX-15’s flywheel utilizes also contributes to a smoother riding experience, allowing for contactless braking, which has the added benefit of preventing wear and tear which accumulates on friction braking systems. The flywheel on the EX-15 is in an uncommon location, finding itself fixed below and behind the saddle, however placing it there can actually be beneficial, by balancing the weight distribution of the bike and keeping the flywheel away from a location where it is likely to get sweat on it, which helps prevent rust damage from building up over time.
The Echelon EX-15 features a belt drivetrain and not a chain. Echelon does not specify the belt that they use, though it is our assumption that they likely utilize the Poly-V, which is the most commonly used belt among bikes that use a belt drivetrain. The combination of a belt drivetrain with magnetic resistance allows the EX-15 to offer a sleek and near-silent riding experience. The low placement and lack of coverage on the flywheel mean that there is a possibility of accidents occurring.
Echelon EX-15 Indoor Bike Resistance:
- The Echelon EX-15 indoor spin bike is equipped with robust magnetic resistance, offering 32 different levels of resistance for the user.
- The resistance knob can be used before or during rides, allowing riders to train with their desired resistance levels at all times.
- This bike has a manually adjustable magnetic resistance so you can’t do automatic resistance changes on Zwift or Peloton.
The Echelon EX-15 features a magnetic resistance system, utilizing the best in flywheel technology to offer users the choice between 32 different levels of resistance. This degree of variability allows the rider to decide the intensity of their workout. The EX-15 has a resistance knob which is located on the downtube, allowing easy access on or off the bike.
Additionally, the knob makes it easy to switch your resistance level, so if you desire to adjust your resistance during your ride it will not be a struggle to do so while maintaining your motion. This provides the capability for several different possibilities including the replication of terrain, HIIT, endurance workouts, etc.
If you want applications/software like Zwift or Peloton to change this bike’s resistance automatically, you can do it with an additional accessory such as SmartSpin2k and attach it to the top of the resistance knob on the Echelon EX15. Then the QZ application can help you setup the automatic resistance for the Echelon Sports Connect.
Echelon EX 15 Handlebars and Seat:
- Dipped handlebars, which are only vertically adjustable.
- Vertically and horizontally adjustable saddle.
- Built-in tablet holder on the handlebars.
Similar to the Echelon EX-3 model, the EX15 features dipped handlebars which can be moved only vertically (not horizontally). While this allows for different riders to use the bike and still be able to ride in comfort, there are some situations in that you would probably prefer both horizontal and vertical adjustment on the handlebars, especially if you want to set it upright rather than leaning toward the handles.
The handlebars are adjusted using a similar knob to the one used to adjust resistance. Placed in between the handlebars there is a simple stand that can be used to place a tablet on, which in conjunction with the Echelon Fit App acts as a stand-in for what would otherwise be an integrated monitor. The EX-15 has fairly basic handlebars, lacking any particularly special features such as drop bars or elbow rests, but the ability to keep your device on the bike is an appreciable feature that multi-user customers will benefit from.
Unlike the handlebars, the saddle of the EX-15 can also be adjusted both vertically and horizontally, meaning that the EX-15 can be used comfortably by people of many different heights and body types. The EX-15’s saddle is also wider than the standard road cycles, which will make it a comfortable fit for most all users. The amount to which the saddle and handlebars of the EX-15 can be adjusted makes it a particularly apt choice for customers who anticipate that they will have multiple people using the bike.
Echelon EX15 Belt Drivetrain:
- This indoor bike is equipped with Poly-V belt transmission (better than chain but not as good as Timing/Toothed belts).
- Gear ratio is not specified but considering the lightweight flywheel, it should be around 1:6.
All of the bikes in Echelon’s Connect series feature a belt drivetrain as opposed to a train, and the EX-15 is not an exception to this rule. We do not know the exact make of the belt that is used in the EX-15, however it is safe to assume that they use Poly-V belts, which are the most commonly found belt in indoor cycling bikes which do not use a chain. The benefit of using a belt over a chain is that belts provide a slicker and quieter cycling experience than chains are able to.
By constructing their bikes with both a belt drivetrain and a moderately heavy flywheel, the EX-15 provides cyclists with an exceptionally smooth workout every time, free from any of the jolting and clunkiness which can come with a chain. Belts also escape all of the maintenance, such as oiling and tightening, that come with chains, making them an optimal choice.
One of the most impressive benefits of the Echelon EX-15’s belt transmission is the near silence with which it enables the bike to perform. This is aided by the EX-15’s rigid steel build which withstands workouts of the highest intensity without any give. Finally, the magnetic resistance system is the cherry on top, granting the EX-15 the ability to provide you with a ride that is near silence. For any customer who may need a quieter bike for whatever reason, this attribute of the EX-15 cannot be understated.
Echelon EX-15 Price and Warranty:
- The Echelon EX-15 spin bike is currently priced at $450
- The Echelon EX-15 spin bike’s warranty includes just one year of coverage on mechanical parts and labor
- Extended warranty can be purchased for 1 or 3 years for an additional fee
- If you are having trouble with your EX-15 bike while it is under warranty, you can visit https://echelonfit.com/pages/register-warranty and fill out a claim there for whatever issue you are having.
It would be imprudent to settle for the measly 1 year warranty which Echelon’s EX-15 bike comes with. Thankfully, for anyone set on purchasing an Echelon bike, Echelon does offer extended warranties for purchase with the bike. A 1 year extended warranty costs $79 and a 3 year extended warranty is $199. While the EX-15 is not a perfect spin bike, the fact that they only offer their products with a 1 year warranty is the most offensive blunder that Echelon commits.
One of the biggest draws of the Echelon EX-15 is its very low cost, sitting at an MSRP of just $450. However, prospective buyers should be forewarned that this price is deceptive. When factoring in an extended warranty and the constant need for an Echelon Fit App subscription the price leaps higher, pushing the EX-15 out of the price range that its features could reasonably justify. So although the EX-15 has several good qualities to offer to a cyclist, it doesn’t compare to cheaper offerings on the market which will do more for less.
EX15 Assembly and Shipping:
- When purchased without a subscription plan to the Echelon Fit App, premium shipping will cost $199. If purchased with a 1 or 2 year subscription plan, premium shipping is free to the contiguous US.
- Parts of the Echelon EX 15 that require assembly are; front/rear feet, pedals, seat, and handlebars.
The Echelon EX-15’s assembly is nothing to fear, and by simply following the instructions that are included with the product it shouldn’t be too difficult to assemble your bike within 20 to 30 minutes. The larger parts, such as the frame and the flywheel, will come individually pre-assembled and packed separately from each other.
The bulk of the assembly required for the EX-15 indoor bike is simply putting these larger parts together. Some tools will be required, but nothing that you don’t most likely already have somewhere in your residence. With a little determination and by closely following the included instructions you’ll have your EX-15 stationary bike assembled in no time at all.
Echelon EX-15 Smart Connect Fitness Bike Pros:
Lightweight, Compact, sleek and easy to move:
The Echelon EX-15 indoor cycle exhibits a tough all-steel build combined with an ergonomic modern aesthetic. This makes the EX-15 is both easy to use and perfectly capable of withstanding the most intense needs of all spin cyclists. The EX-15, like all of Echelon’s Connect line, also allows for many degrees of variation, enabling it to cater to all your needs. As the EX-15 is also the smallest of Echelon’s Connect line it is also easy to allocate space for it, even further increasing the ease with which this bike can be incorporated into your daily life.
Quiet Belt Drive and Child-Safe Flywheel:
The combined belt drivetrain and magnetic resistance flywheel ensure that the Echelon EX-15 gives you an almost silent riding experience every time. The fluid no-contact brakes and the use of a belt instead of a clunky chain add up to a slick cycling experience. And as we see on the other spin bikes in Echelon’s Connect line, the magnetic flywheel offers 32 different levels of resistance, which just offers another layer of customization to the EX-15, letting its rider personalize their workout to best fit their needs and desires.
Well-Constructed Frame and Bluetooth Connectivity:
Echelon’s EX-15 is a true example of masterful craftsmanship, built with a robust steel frame that will stand up to whatever you demand of it. The strong build of the EX-15 means that you can put this indoor bike through the wringer without fear of it giving out or feeling unsafe. One of the greatest advantages of picking the Echelon EX-15 is the ability to sync with the Echelon cycling application. This means enables you to connect your smart device (IOS or Android) and track and save your daily progress on the app.
Echelon EX-15 Smart Connect Fitness Bike Cons:
Single-Sided Non-SPD Compatible Pedals:
The EX-15’s pedals are not SPD compatible. While this is not an overall dealbreaker, it will put off more experienced spin cyclists who wouldn’t ride with anything less than SPD-compatible pedals. However, for the less experienced rider, the adjustable toe cages will be perfectly adequate to allow the user to ride in maximum comfort. Also, the lack of horizontal adjustment on the handlebars is a con to consider, especially if those who use the bike are below or above the average height.
Lack of Digital Monitor:
One of the big issues presented by the Echelon EX-15 is its lack of an integrated monitor. Echelon decided instead to incorporate a mount upon which a tablet is placed which acts as a surrogate monitor. The problem with this isn’t so much the lack of a digital monitor alone, but the fact that you have to have a paid subscription to be able to save your stats on the Echelon application. Thankfully with the help of the QZ, you can save your workouts on other applications like Strava for free.
Unimpressive Limited Warranty:
The most serious problem that we have with Echelon’s EX-15 is not actually a feature of the bike itself but is the extremely limited warranty that is sold with the bike. A 1-year warranty is a pathetic offering, especially compared to those given by other companies, and requiring customers to pay a second fee if they want their warranty extended beyond 1 year is heinous.
Final Thoughts on the Echelon EX-15:
With the EX-15, Echelon has produced a high-quality bike as far as the lower price range is concerned. The EX-15 has the standard high-quality steel frame that we expect from Echelon, along with a well-constructed magnetic flywheel and belt drivetrain, ensuring that the EX-15 will last as long as you need it to.
The EX-15 also has a high standard of adjustability and offers 32 levels of magnetic resistance. This ensures that if you purchase the EX-15 your desires will always be met. Yet the EX-15 is still held back by some very poor decisions made by Echelon.
By having neither an integrated monitor nor horizontal adjustable handlebars, the EX-15 may not give you that ultimate bike fit that you might be able to get from a fully adjustable spin bike like the Echelon EX5. And of course, the most unforgivable factor is the laughably short 1-year warranty. Echelon allows you to purchase an extended warranty for your EX-15, either 1 year or 3 years, but the fact that the included warranty isn’t longer than it truly does the EX-15 a disservice.
Hi there, I'm Sayed Hamed Hosseiny, the founder and one of the authors at yourexercisebike.com (YEB). I am a former indoor cycling instructor and personal trainer with nearly 20 years of experience. With a passion for indoor cycling, I have spent years designing cycling parts, repairing, and importing exercise bikes. All the articles, tips, guides, reviews, and comparisons on YourExerciseBike.com (YEB) reflect my personal opinion and expertise in the field. I'm excited to share my knowledge with fellow exercise bike enthusiasts and help people find reliable indoor cycling information and the best exercise bike for their needs.
Hello,
I have read many spin bike reviews, including those by Your Exercise Bike. I was just about to order the Efitment IC031, but then ran across your review of the Echelon EX-15. I’m not sure which to buy. Could you please help? Thank you so much, Jennie
Hello Jennie, great question!
My vote goes to the EX15 or even the Kouz Live (you can find its review on the site) instead of the IC031.
Hi,
Does the bike itself connect to the software/tablet (not supplied) to measure speed and other stats via bluetooth – i.e. it has bluetooth built in?
Also, are difficulty levels only adjusted manually?
Tx
Darren
Hi Darren, thanks for stopping by
That’s correct, the bike has wireless sensors that measure your metrics and then transmit them via Bluetooth to the Echelon application. You can install the Echelon application on your IOS and Android devices. Unfortunately, the bike itself doesn’t come with any sort of console so the only way for you to see the metrics is using your Bluetooth device (phone, tablet, etc).
You are right on the resistance as well. It’s manually adjustable (not electronically) so you need to physically turn the knob to adjust the intensity (Echelon app can’t control the resistance). It’s good because you don’t keep the bike plugged to use it but at the same changing resistance can prevent you from completely focusing on the ride, plus it gets annoying to manually keep changing resistance. I know guys at “Shift Smart Trainer” have developed an accessory to enable automatic resistance change on spin bikes like Echelon EX15. I believe they have already added the Echelon EX series in the list of spin bikes that will be compatible with their “Shift Smart Trainer Accessory”. They keep the info about compatible bikes updated on their site, check it out and maybe even send them a message if it’s something you might like.
I hope it was helpful
Let me know if you any question
Best,
Sayed