A lot has gone down since the pandemic, especially when it comes to our social life. With more emphasis on social distancing, people are now encouraged to do almost everything from home, including work and exercise. As a result, there’s more demand for fitness equipment like the spin bike as more people set up their home gyms.
You will agree that spin bikes are a serious investment. Even the most basic model can cost several hundreds of dollars. So, when shopping for a new bike, you want to be sure you are getting the best, regardless of your budget.
Today, we will look at two more popular models – the Echelon vs Keiser M3i. We will review the main features of each bike as well as their pros and cons. Ultimately, we hope to help you make an informed decision on the best option to achieve your fitness goals.
The Keiser M3i Spin Bike
The Keiser M3i stands out as a top-tier spin bike with nearly all the features you will find in any high-end model. It is often seen as a great alternative to the Peloton bike, especially for those who want a similar experience to Peloton but don’t want to pay for a monthly subscription.
The bike is built with quality and performance in mind and has a compact design that will fit into any room in your home. It features a solid v-shaped frame that mimics the experience on different road bikes. You can adjust the seat and handlebars to accommodate riders of all sizes, from 4’10” to 7′ tall. The entire bike weighs about 85 pounds, while the weight limit is around 350 pounds (higher than Peloton’s 305 pounds).
Other notable features of the bike include:
- Eddy Current magnetic resistance.
- SPD and toe cage pedals.
- Bluetooth connectivity.
- Digital display (which shows basic workout metrics).
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Comes with wheels for easy transport
- Can be connected with any cycling app
- Durable construction
- Comes with a tablet holder
Cons
- No advanced touchscreen
Echelon Smart Connect
Echelon is one of the most aesthetic spin bikes on the market.
Like most high-end models, it packs a lot of cool features. Some of these include the ability to pair with the Echelon Fit app (one of the selling points), a heavy flywheel with magnetic resistance, adjustable handlebars and seat, Bluetooth connectivity, and secure pedals.
The bike tracks critical metrics such as time, calories burned, and distance covered. It has a membership plan which allows you to participate in live classes and compete with others.
Pros
- Quiet and smooth ride
- Highly adjustable
- Comes with Bluetooth connectivity
- Comfortable seat
- Stunning design
Cons
- Requires monthly subscription
Our Verdict: Echelon vs Keiser M3i
Overall, both the Keiser M3i and Echelon are great spin bikes suitable for both new and experienced cyclists. They don’t take up a lot of space and will last for years.
However, in terms of the overall value they provide, we think the Keiser M3i is better. It has a lower price tag and doesn’t come with an extra subscription cost like the Echelon bike.
In fact, the subscription service of the Echelon Fit app costs more than the Peloton app. But it does give you access to live classes and a leaderboard, which can help you develop your completive streak.
