Bowflex VeloCore 16 IC Indoor Cycling Bike

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Flywheel weight	Resistance	Console
VeloCore 16 IC Check Discounted Price	L:59.8" W:24.1" H:52.6"	325 lbs	33 lbs	Magnetic, 100 levels	16" display, Wireless connectivity, Multiple apps, Multiple pre-set programs

The VeloCore 16 IC indoor cycling bike is one of the fitness machines released by Bowflex in 2020. Although it has a heavy-duty construction and an impressive range of features including a smart console with multiple apps and a side-to-side leaning design, it is not meant for commercial use. It’s a bike designed for spin workouts, great for users of all levels.

Key Features and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 59.8L x 24.1W x 52.6H inches (152L x 61W x 134H cm)
• Assembled weight: 149 lbs (67.6 kg)
• Supported weight: 325 lbs (147 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 33 lbs (15 kg)
• Seat: 4-way adjustable
• Pedals: Caged & SPD
• Drive: Belt
• Resistance: Manual magnetic, 100 levels
• Console: 16″ LCD touchscreen display, multiple apps pre-installed, Bluetooth connectivity,
• Extras: Dumbbell set, device holder, bottle holders, Bluetooth HR armband
• Warranty: Frame 2 years / Parts 2 years / Electronics 2 years / Labor 1 year

Frame construction

The Bowflex VeloCore 16 IC indoor cycle features a durable steel frame made of steel tubing. It combines oval and cylindrical bars in its construction for improved sturdiness and aesthetics. Its joints are precision-welded and all the frame parts are double-coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this bike.

Of course, the bike’s body also integrates several plastic parts. The side covers of the drive system, and several other small covers, as well as the casing of the console, are made from a durable thermoplastic material.

The VeloCore IC 16 is pretty large and bulky compared to other spin bikes. It is approx. 59.8″ (152 cm) long, and 24.1″ (61 cm) wide, while its highest point (the top of the console) reaches approx. 52.6″ (134 cm) above the floor. The unit is also quite heavy. Its net weight is 149 lbs (67.6 kg) but once it is assembled, it can easily be moved by only one person as its front base has transport wheels.

One of the top pluses of the VeloCore IC 16 bike is the side-to-side leaning feature. This allows you to simulate the ride of a real bike, leaning right or left, depending on the virtual trail that you’re following. This not only makes the ride more enjoyable, it also offers a great workout for your abdominal, core, and arm muscles.

It’s also important to mention here that the bike’s frame has a locking device. Thus, you can lock the leaning function for a fixed ride just as for any other spin bike. Also, the console has its own support mast that connects to the base frame. Therefore, the console does not lean side-to-side with the rest of the frame when using the leaning mode.

Seat and handlebars

The Bowflex VeloCore 16 IC indoor cycle includes a saddle designed for optimal comfort. It has a solid nylon shell frame with a thick layer of foam padding on top. It is contoured and has a median groove for improved breathability. It also has a collar-based attachment system which means that it is easy to install and remove. Also, in case you will ever need to replace it, compatible options are widely available.

The seat is four-way adjustable (up, down, front, back). Its upright post features multiple adjustment positions while its horizontal slider offers several inches of front-to-back adjustment. This being said, the bike should be able to accommodate users between 5’0″ and 6’5″ (153 – 196 cm) with no problem. It is also rated for a maximum user weight limit of 325 lbs (147 kg).

The bike includes a multi-grip handlebar. It actually offers the possibility to adopt 6 different grips, including a climbing grip, a cruise grip, a close grip, and a standard grip. It is fully covered by a layer of high-density foam for improved comfort.

Unlike the seat, the bike’s handlebar only offers upright adjustability. It lacks the horizontal slider for front-to-back adjustment. It also lacks pulse sensors but an armband device for pulse reading is included with the bike.

Resistance system

The Bowflex VeloCore 16 IC exercise bike is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This being said, it cannot adjust the resistance automatically. Also, although a power adapter is included for the bike, it is only to power up the console. The resistance system is not electromagnetic, so you can adjust the resistance even if the bike is not connected to a power source.

The bike’s resistance system consists of a dual-sided magnetic brake that hugs the flywheel. The brake is connected to the tension knob visible on the top of the main frame tube. Therefore, when you turn the knob clockwise, the magnets cover a larger portion from the flywheel which increases the pedaling difficulty.

The bike’s magnetic brake offers superior micro-adjustability. It offers 100 distinct resistance levels. The lowest levels generate a fairly low pedaling difficulty, great for muscle toning, warm-ups, and even recovery training. Conversely, the highest tension settings provide a high pedaling difficulty simulating a steep climb, great for anyone who loves a challenge.

Clearly, the most important advantage of the bike’s magnetic brake is that it does not touch the flywheel. Therefore, the pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet. Also, the wear-and-tear of the brake is virtually non-existent.

Drive system

Similar to the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1709, the Bowflex VeloCore bike has the flywheel mounted at the rear. Although it features a thin edge to allow it to pass more easily through the gap of the brake, it still has some extra weight built-in for an improved momentum. The flywheel weighs 33 lbs (15 kg), so it provides a pretty consistent pedaling motion.

The flywheel is bi-directional. This being said, it allows reverse pedaling. However, coasting is not possible on this bike as it would be the case for any road bike. The pedals continue to spin for as long as the flywheel is spinning. Also, when pedaling in reverse, you will get the same resistance as when pedaling forward, given by the selected tension level.

The bike pulley is considerably larger than for your average road bike. Thus, the pedaling motion feels slightly different. The bike uses a belt drivetrain incorporating a durable poly-v belt. This being said, you don’t have to worry about its lubrication as it would be the case for a chain-driven bike.

The VeloCore 16 IC indoor cycling bike is equipped with a heavy-duty crankset featuring long steel arms. The included pedals are dual-sided. They have toe cages with straps on one side, and SPD clips for spin shoes on the other side. They’re made of a durable metallic alloy and should be able to withstand any type of spin workout even if the user is close to the maximum specified weight limit. They also have standard 9/16″ threads, so if you will ever need to replace them, compatible options are widely available.

Console

The Bowflex VeloCore 16 IC includes a 16″ smart console that pretty much operates as a tablet or as a multi-function display. It’s full touchscreen without any keypad. It connects to your local WiFi hotspot just like any smartphone or tablet. It has multiple apps already installed, including Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, so if you have a subscription active for any of these, you can view your favorite shows while working out.

The console is also compatible with the Zwift and Peloton apps. Thus, if you already have an active subscription for these, you can use workouts from their database. However, the console comes with its own JRNY fitness app which offers private coaching videos for a wide array of workouts and training levels as well as virtual trails from around the world. The console connects to the bike’s internal speed sensor, and when using a virtual trail, the video will speed up or slow down depending on your current pedaling speed. Of course, the JRNY app requires a monthly subscription (currently $19 per month). However, you don’t need to pay for it in order to use the bike.

The console has its own standard mode with multiple workout programs. Among them, there are pre-set interval programs, calorie-burning programs, heart rate programs, and more. You can set up workout goals for time, distance, calories, etc. Plus, the console has its own workout summary and workout tracking history functions so you won’t have to use an additional app for this purpose.

In standard mode, the console tracks time, distance, calories, pulse, speed, burn rate, resistance, RPM, and more. Speed and distance values can be set to metric or imperial units. Also, although the bike does not have integrated grip pulse sensors, it comes with a wireless heart rate armband. If you wear the band, the console should be able to track your pulse so you can use the pre-set heart rate programs.

Last but not least, a USB port is available on the console. You can connect your smartphone or tablet to it via USB cable in order to recharge it.

Assembly and Maintenance

Although the core of the bike comes pre-assembled, the rest of the parts require user assembly. You will have to attach the two base stabilizers, the pedals, the seat post, the saddle, the handlebar post, the handlebar, the console post, the console mount, the console, and the rest of the small accessories (i.e. dumbbell supports, bottle holders, etc). This may take more than one hour, but the overall process is not too complicated. Plus, the manual provides clear step-by-step assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.

For maintenance, you only have to keep the bike clean, keep liquids away from the console, and periodically check for loose bolts and parts. The drive mechanism and the resistance mechanism don’t need any lubrication or maintenance.

The Pros

• Solid steel frame – can hold users up to 325 lbs;
• Aesthetic design;
• Adjustable levelers on both bases;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Lifting handle on the rear base;
• 4-way adjustable seat;
• Multi-grip ergonomic handlebar;
• Side-to-side lean function for a more realistic ride sensation;
• Balanced flywheel for a smooth pedaling motion;
• Heavy-duty crankset made for standing up spin workouts;
• Dual-sided pedals, with toe cages on one side, and SPD clips for spin shoes on the other;
• Frictionless, wear-free, magnetic resistance with 100 levels;
• Smooth and quiet belt drive, great for apartment use;
• Multi-function smart console featuring a 16″ LCD display;
• Multiple apps pre-installed including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and Hulu;
• Compatible with the Peloton app and Zwift app;
• Pre-installed JRNY app for private coaching videos and scenic rides around the world;
• Standard workout mode with multiple workout programs;
• Workout target function;
• Workout history tracking;
• Wireless heart rate detection – Bluetooth armband HR strap included;
• USB charging port;
• Bottle holders included;
• Dumbbell holder and 3 lbs dumbbells included;
• Fairly easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required;
• Decent warranty.

The Cons

• The JRNY app requires a monthly membership.

Summary

The Bowflex VeloCore IC 16 is an indoor cycling bike made for home use. It features a heavy-duty frame with a side-to-side leaning function, a 100-level magnetic resistance system, and a 16″ display smart console with multiple pre-installed apps. Its built-in JRNY app offers coaching videos and virtual scenic rides all around the world, but the console also has a standard workout mode with multiple workout programs. It also offers superior ergonomics and micro-adjustability. In all, it’s an outstanding bike, great for users of all levels, for low to high-intensity cardio training, muscle toning, stamina and strength development, and weight loss.