CNET key takeaways

• More affordable than other exercise bikes, at $599
• Access to the JRNY app and third-party apps like Peloton
• Warranty lasts for up to 10 years

If you’re on the hunt for an affordable exercise bike, the BowFlex IC SE is worth considering. It’s one of CNET’s top-tested bikes and a solid Peloton alternative, offering a similar experience without the steep price tag.

At $599, half the price of a Peloton bike, you’ll get a bike that offers a smooth ride and over 100 resistance levels. Although it doesn’t have a large touchscreen like the Peloton, you can access classes through a tablet using the JRNY app. The BowFlex IC SE has a 7-inch LCD screen, which can give you a reading on resistance, speed, watts and burn rate. 

Adjusting resistance on this bike is simple -- just turn the knob under the handles. It may not be as high-tech as some competitors, but it gets the job done and even includes a pair of 3-pound dumbbells.

If you’re familiar with JRNY, it’s the fitness app compatible with BowFlex products that gives you access to hundreds of group fitness classes, which include cycling workouts. You’ll get the first two months free, followed by your choice of a mobile-only membership ($12 per month or $100 per year) or the All-Access membership ($20 per month or $149 per year). 

If you want to try a Peloton class, this bike lets you connect to third-party apps like the Peloton app through your tablet. You can also use other fitness apps such as Explore the World and Zwift.

My experience using the BowFlex IC SE

While this bike is simple enough to assemble on your own, having an extra pair of hands helps. Unlike most spin bikes with a front flywheel, this one has it in the back, which can make moving it around your home a bit trickier if you plan to wheel it between locations.

You may also want to spend a little extra to swap out the seat. The stock seat isn’t very comfortable, but BowFlex sells an “extra comfort” option for $40.

I’d used the JRNY app before, so I already knew what to expect from the BowFlex IC SE bike’s cycling classes. They’re all on-demand, letting you join any class whenever you want. Even with the $20 monthly All-Access membership, it’s still cheaper than Peloton’s equivalent at $44 a month.

One of the downsides of this exercise bike is that it doesn’t stream third-party music, so if you have a Spotify or Apple Music account, you can’t listen to your playlists while riding this bike. The only option you have is the music offered through JRNY Radio. 

After several rides on this bike, I appreciated how easy it was to pick classes of different lengths and fitness levels. I also liked having the option to ride solo, and with my wireless earbuds and Spotify on my phone or tablet, listening to my own music was simple.

This is a solid budget bike if you’re after something without all the bells and whistles but still want to cross-train or stay active at home. You can use the Peloton app for a semi-Peloton experience without the higher price tag or mandatory membership. Its sleek design also helps it blend in, whether you keep it in the living room, bedroom, garage or basement.

One thing to keep in mind: Tariffs could drive up the cost of items like exercise equipment, so now might be the best time to buy this bike before newer inventory comes in at higher prices.

The specs

• Product dimensions: 54.7 inches long by 21.5 inches wide by 52.8 inches high
• Max weight capacity: 330 pounds
• Resistance: 100 magnetic levels of resistance
• Screen size: 7-inch color LCD
• Warranty: frame: 10 years; mechanical parts: 2 years; electronics: 1 year; labor: 1 year
• Price: $599

CNET's buying advice

BowFlex is a reliable brand that makes exercise bikes, weight training equipment, treadmills and ellipticals. At CNET, I've tested various BowFlex products, and in my experience, they’re solid pieces of fitness equipment to have in your home. 

What’s great about BowFlex is that you can look out for sales throughout the year, usually around holidays like Labor Day, Memorial Day or the holiday season, to get some of its equipment deeply discounted. You're not restricted to the BowFlex site; you can also check the company's storefront on Amazon, which also participates in some of these holiday discounts. 

If it’s in your budget, sometimes it’s best to pay extra so the assembly ($300) is included and you don’t have to worry about putting together the equipment yourself. Ultimately, we like that you can make this bike the experience you want it to be, whether it’s a solo ride or a class you’re following, without the commitment of paying a Peloton bike price. 

With the JRNY app, you’ll also have access to mat classes similar to Peloton, such as HIIT, yoga, kettlebell, strength training and more. So you’ll have plenty to choose from and map out your workouts for the week.