Bowflex C6 vs Peloton (2024): One Budget-Friendly, One Not As Much

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past decade, you know Peloton is one of the most popular brands for at-home fitness—specifically for indoor cycling. Peloton boasts sleek exercise equipment, high-quality studio sessions, and lively instructors. However, the brand (and the hype) come with premium prices. 

So what happens to those of us looking for the best exercise bikes without spending a fortune? Well, luckily we’re not S.O.L., because other fitness brands have solutions geared toward us budget-friendly folk. 

In this Bowflex C6 vs Peloton showdown, I’m going to lay out what each indoor cycling bike has to offer and give you a rundown of what to expect from each brand. Not all cardio equipment will suit every home gym owner, so it will be up to you to decide if you’re on team Bowflex or team Peloton. 

Editor’s note: Peloton in May 2023 announced a voluntary recall of all original Peloton Bikes sold from January 2018 to May 2023 because of a defect with the seat post that causes it to break while in use. Peloton has identified 35 reports of broken seats, resulting in 13 injuries including a wrist fracture, lacerations and bruises.

The original Peloton Bike can be identified by “its PL-01 model number on the label located on the inside front fork (near the flywheel), the red ‘P’ logo followed by the white-colored’ ‘Peloton’ brand name on the Bike’s frame, and by its non-swivel display.” 

If your bike is impacted or if you have any questions, call Peloton’s support team toll-free at 866-679-9129 from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET, 7 days a week or by visiting onepeloton.com and clicking on Product Recalls at the bottom of the page.

Bowflex C6

Bowflex C6 Bike

GGR Score: 3.88

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Product Highlights

• Free 1-year JRNY trial for new members
• JRNY allows you to stream popular entertainment apps
• You can integrate with other apps like Zwift, Peloton, Sufferfest, Rouvy, and TrainerRoad
• Bluetooth-enabled heart rate armband monitor
• 100 resistance levels
• Tablet holder for custom experience
• Pair of 3-lb dumbbells are included in price

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Priced well
• 1-year JYNY membership included
• Integrates with third-party fitness apps
• Bluetooth heart rate armband monitor included
• Free shipping in continental U.S.
• Adjustable seat and handlebars
• Affordable alternative to pricier brands

Cons

• Reportedly noisy
• Display is not touchscreen

Bottom Line

The Bowflex C6 is a high-quality, well-priced bike with impressive streaming capabilities making it a solid choice for anyone looking to cycle solo or virtually.

Peloton Bike

Peloton Indoor Exercise Bike

GGR Score: 4.33

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Product Highlights

• 21.5″ touchscreen for immersive training
• Live classes and on-demand cycling sessions
• Leaderboard-style competition
• Adjustable screen, seat, and handlebars
• 5-megapixel front-facing camera
• Bluetooth connectivity

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Immersive experience
• Access to thousands of classes, challenges, and a large variety of workout options
• Compact footprint
• Sleek design
• Financing options
• “Try before you buy” option

Cons

• Disappointing warranty
• Membership is required to use bike
• Expensive
• Shipping is not included

Bottom Line

One of the more expensive options for virtual biking, the Peloton Bike is designed to be an all-in-one fitness solution on a high-quality cardio machine. You’re paying not only for the bike, but the unique training experience it makes accessible from the comfort of your home.

Peloton vs Bowflex C6 Spec Comparison Chart

Quick Look: Bowflex C6 vs Peloton

Peloton might be a popular and well-known brand from the last decade, but Bowflex has been around since the 1980s and caters to a wider range of home gym owners with an array of equipment to fit all budgets. Bowflex has everything from dumbbells and weight benches to treadmills and ellipticals. Bowflex is also well-known for their all-in-one home gyms with cable functionality. 

The Bowflex C6 gives you a lower price point of $999 and the ability to utilize your own smartphone or tablet to stream interactive programming. You can use Bowlfex’s own JRNY app or sign up for other third-party cycling apps like Peloton, Zwift, or Rouvy. 

Bowflex manufactures cardio equipment that features high-tech touchscreens (like the innovative Bowflex Velocore with leaning capabilities), but in this review we wanted to give you the chance to compare a budget-friendly exercise bike to the coveted Peloton Bike. We think the fact you can use the Peloton app with the C6 makes it one of the best Peloton alternatives for budget-conscious shoppers.

Bowflex C6 Video Review

Peloton Bike Video Review

Key Similarities Between Bowflex C6 and Peloton

• Compatible with the Peloton app
• Heavy flywheels
• Multi-position handlebars
• Magnetic resistance 
• Two water bottle holders
• 100 levels of magnetic resistance
• Quiet ride with nearly silent drive systems
• Financing options 

Important Differences Between Bowflex C6 and Peloton

• Peloton features clip-in Delta-compatible aluminum pedals, while the Bowflex has SPD clips and adjustable toe cages (which don’t require special cycling shoes)
• Peloton has a large touchscreen and the Bowflex has a tablet holder for your own device
• Bowflex C6 can accommodate a slightly higher user weight capacity at 330 pounds versus Peloton’s 297 pounds
• Bowflex’s JRNY app features scenic rides and movie streaming options
• The Peloton app features live classes in addition to studio classes
• Bowflex C6 comes with a pair of 3-pound dumbbells

Programming and Technology

Both the Peloton Bike and the Bowflex C6 Bike have the ability for riders to use the Peloton digital app. However, it’s worth noting that when you own a Peloton piece of cardio equipment, you’ll be required to sign up for the All-Access Membership, which is $44 for the monthly subscription versus just $13 when you stream it from your own device and use another stationary bike (like the C6). 

The All-Access Membership does have its perks though. You’ll be able to see real-time metrics including cadence, resistance, distance, output, and heart rate. You’ll also be able to see how you’re stacking up to other members with the Leaderboard during live classes and create user profiles for everyone in your household. 

With the Bowflex C6 Bike, you’ll have a little more flexibility on what app you want to use and what kind of workout experience you want to participate in. Bowflex—along with Schwinn and parent company Nautilus—utilize JRNY, which is a fitness app comparable to Peloton with on-demand classes spanning from studio bike sessions to yoga and meditation. 

However, JRNY is one of the only apps we know of that allows you to stream entertainment like Netflix and Hulu while you work out. Although you’ll need to pay for entertainment apps separately, the JRNY app software overlays your workout metrics like speed, distance, and cadence discreetly over your favorite show so you don’t have to toggle between apps. Plus with Bowflex, you’ll also have connectivity options for other apps, you’re not locked into just one program.

Although both bikes offer high-quality workout experiences, you’re the only one who knows which bike is right for you. To help you decide, here is a quick overview of the main differences between Peloton vs Bowflex C6: 

Bowflex C6 vs Peloton Conveniences

We think it’s quite convenient that Bowflex offers dual-sided pedals: One side with toe cages where you can slip a regular sneaker into place, and the other side with SPB clips, which is a two-hole cleat system. 

The Peloton Bike does not feature toe cages, and you will be required to have cycling shoes with Delta-compatible, three-hole cleats. If you want the convenience of buying these cleats from Peloton at the time of your Peloton Bike purchase, it’ll cost you an additional $125. 

An additional convenience we found was the fact that the Bowflex C6 comes equipped with a pair of 3-pound dumbbells, where the Peloton does not. Although that might sound trivial, a lot of studio cycle classes on Peloton and JRNY add high-repetition movements like overhead presses and lateral raises to incorporate upper-body strength training. 

Company Policies

Here is a quick look at the company policies laid out by both Peloton and Bowflex.

Warranty

The Peloton Bike warranty covers the frame for up to five years and the HD touchscreen for one year. The website states this warranty covers defects in workmanship, not wear and tear to the bike. It also states it’s important to review your owner’s manual for proper care of your Peloton Bike to prevent damage from use. 

The Bowflex C6 Bike provides a 10-year warranty on the frame, three years on mechanical parts and electronics, plus one year on labor. This Bowflex warranty is a little closer to what we like to see on exercise bikes in general, but the best warranties cover at least 15 years on the frame. 

Return Policy

Peloton has a pretty standard 30-day return policy from the day of delivery. If you decide you’re not thrilled with the Peloton Bike, it’s good to know ahead of time that you’ll be responsible for shipping fees to send it back. You will also have to contact Peloton’s customer service to start the return process. 

Bowflex offers slightly more time with a six-week return window. You will also have to initiate the return process by contacting customer service for a return merchandise authorization (RMA) number. If you make any returns without an RMA, the brand will not grant you a refund. 

Financing

Peloton uses third-party lender Affirm for equipment financing. To use this option, go through checkout as usual and select the “pay over time” button. You’ll need to apply and if you qualify, you can receive 0% APR financing for 12 months. 

Bowflex equipment can be financed, but you’ll have to apply for a Bowflex credit card based on your credit history. If you qualify, you can make interest-free payments for the first 18 months. 

Final Thoughts on Bowflex C6 vs Peloton

The thing about comparing the Bowflex C6 to the Peloton Bike is really the price tag—both the initial purchase and the ongoing membership fees. You get more built-in tech with Peloton, but if you’re shopping for a budget bike, built-in tech might be something to sacrifice. To review, here are some of the main differences: 

• Bowflex C6 offers more flexibility to choose interactive programming apps, plus Bowflex’s JRNY app allows you to stream shows and movies. 
• Peloton Bike and All-Access Membership allows for live classes and Leaderboard metrics. 
• The C6 has toe cages that can be used with any type of athletic shoe, not just cycling shoes. 
• The C6 offers a slightly higher weight capacity at 330 pounds, versus the Peloton Bike at 297 pounds. 
• Bowflex offers a longer 10-year frame warranty versus Peloton’s 5-year warranty. 

Bowflex C6 vs Peloton FAQs

Lauren Strong, CPT

Lauren is an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer working with clients of all ages and skill levels. She specializes in coaching the squat, bench, and deadlift and enjoys introducing beginners to barbell training. Before becoming certified, she worked in marketing roles after graduating from the University of Maine with a BA in Journalism. Writing for Garage Gym Reviews blends her two passions: writing and lifting. Lauren spends her leisure time in the kitchen, reading fiction, and taking nature walks. She's also an avid downhill skier, learning how to ski when she was just two years old. She lives in Maine with her husband and two cats.

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