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- Best overall: Bowflex Max Trainer M9
- Best budget: Echelon EX-3 Connect Bike
- Best premium: Echelon EX-8s Connect Bike
- Best for guided cycling: Echelon EX-5s-22 Connect Bike
- Bowflex Max Trainer machines combine stepper and elliptical-style movement; Echelon bikes deliver seated indoor cycling.
- The Bowflex Max Trainer M9 stands out for guided workouts and 20 resistance levels.
- The Echelon EX-3 Connect Bike is a straightforward pick for buyers who want 32 resistance levels without a built-in screen.
- Screen size, available floor space, workout style, and subscription needs are key comparison points.
- Use this Black Friday 2026 guide to compare product features before choosing equipment for your home.
The Bowflex Max Trainer M9 and Echelon EX-5s-22 Connect Bike are strong Black Friday 2026 picks for different cardio routines: the Bowflex combines stepper and elliptical-style motion, while the Echelon supports indoor cycling. I’m Elena Brooks, and we researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to help you choose based on workout style, display, resistance, and space.
A Bowflex Max Trainer suits shoppers who want an upright, full-body cardio motion; an Echelon bike fits those who prefer a seated ride and cycling classes. Our guide covers seven models, names the best fit for common needs, and explains the features worth checking before you buy. Best bet: choose the movement you’ll enjoy using consistently, then compare the details that matter for your room and routine.
How We Picked
- Compared the equipment type and workout motion, including stepper-and-elliptical-style trainers versus stationary bikes.
- Reviewed published resistance, display, and console details, and included numeric specs only where they are useful for comparison.
- Considered how each design fits a home workout space and the needs of new, casual, and frequent users.
- Researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to identify recurring strengths and trade-offs.
- Selected models with distinct features so shoppers can compare screen-equipped options, simpler bikes, and Bowflex trainer formats.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Workout format | Resistance levels | Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowflex Max Trainer M6 | Compact, upright cardio routines | Stepper-and-elliptical-style motion | 16 | LCD |
| Bowflex Max Trainer M9 | Guided cardio workouts | Stepper-and-elliptical-style motion | 20 | 10-inch touchscreen |
| Bowflex Max Total 16 | Large-screen Bowflex training | Stepper-and-elliptical-style motion | 20 | 16-inch touchscreen |
| Echelon EX-3 Connect Bike | Cyclists using a phone or tablet | Indoor cycling | 32 | No touchscreen |
| Echelon EX-5 Connect Bike | Riders prioritizing fit adjustments | Indoor cycling | 32 | No built-in touchscreen |
| Echelon EX-5s-22 Connect Bike | Screen-based indoor cycling | Indoor cycling | 32 | 22-inch touchscreen |
| Echelon EX-8s Connect Bike | Large-screen guided rides | Indoor cycling | 32 | 24-inch touchscreen |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Bowflex Max Trainer M6
The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is the best compact cardio pick for shoppers who want stepper-and-elliptical-style movement, with 16 resistance levels for adjusting workout intensity.
Best for: Compact, upright cardio routines
- Resistance levels
- 16
- Workout format
- Max Trainer stepper-and-elliptical-style motion
- Console
- LCD display
- Combines stepping and elliptical-style movement.
- Offers 16 resistance levels.
- Upright design suits shoppers comparing alternatives to a floor-standing bike.
- Does not provide the large built-in touchscreen found on premium options.
Is the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is worth considering if you want upright cardio with 16 resistance levels and prefer its stepper-and-elliptical-style motion to seated cycling. Compare its console and footprint with your home setup before choosing.
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#2 · Top pick
Bowflex Max Trainer M9
The Bowflex Max Trainer M9 is the best guided-workout pick for shoppers who want a Bowflex cardio trainer with a touchscreen, and its 20 resistance levels give workouts a broad intensity range.
Best for: Guided cardio workouts
- Resistance levels
- 20
- Display
- 10-inch touchscreen
- Workout format
- Max Trainer stepper-and-elliptical-style motion
- Pairs a touchscreen with guided workout options.
- Offers 20 resistance levels.
- Provides an alternative to seated cycling for home cardio.
- A screen-equipped trainer is more feature-focused than a basic cardio machine.
Is the Bowflex Max Trainer M9 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Bowflex Max Trainer M9 is a strong option for guided cardio, with a 10-inch touchscreen and 20 resistance levels. Choose it when you prefer upright stepping motion and want workout guidance built into the equipment.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Bowflex Max Total 16
The Bowflex Max Total 16 is the best premium Max Trainer pick for shoppers who want a large built-in display, with a 16-inch touchscreen for viewing workout content.
Best for: Large-screen Bowflex training
- Display
- 16-inch touchscreen
- Resistance levels
- 20
- Workout format
- Max Trainer stepper-and-elliptical-style motion
- Features a large 16-inch touchscreen.
- Provides 20 resistance levels.
- Keeps the upright Max Trainer workout format.
- The large display and feature set are more than a minimal setup requires.
Is the Bowflex Max Total 16 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Bowflex Max Total 16 is worth a look for shoppers who want a large 16-inch touchscreen and 20 resistance levels in a Max Trainer. Pick it over a simpler bike when upright, guided cardio is your priority.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Echelon EX-3 Connect Bike
The Echelon EX-3 Connect Bike is the best simple-bike pick for shoppers who bring their own screen, with 32 magnetic resistance levels for a range of cycling intensities.
Best for: Cyclists using a phone or tablet
- Resistance levels
- 32
- Resistance type
- Magnetic
- Built-in display
- No touchscreen
- Provides 32 resistance levels.
- Magnetic resistance supports varied ride intensity.
- Lets shoppers use a separate phone or tablet for content.
- Does not include a built-in touchscreen.
Is the Echelon EX-3 Connect Bike worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Echelon EX-3 Connect Bike is a practical choice for indoor cyclists who want 32 magnetic resistance levels and plan to use a separate screen. Choose a screen-equipped Echelon if an integrated display is important to your routine.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Echelon EX-5 Connect Bike
The Echelon EX-5 Connect Bike is the best adjustable-fit bike pick for riders who want 32 resistance levels and multiple handlebar positions.
Best for: Riders prioritizing fit adjustments
- Resistance levels
- 32
- Resistance type
- Magnetic
- Handlebar positions
- Multiple
- Offers 32 resistance levels.
- Uses magnetic resistance.
- Provides multiple handlebar positions for fit adjustments.
- A built-in touchscreen is not the defining feature of this model.
Is the Echelon EX-5 Connect Bike worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Echelon EX-5 Connect Bike is a good fit for riders who value 32 resistance levels and adjustable handlebar positioning. Compare its screen setup with the EX-5s-22 Connect Bike if you want an integrated display.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Echelon EX-5s-22 Connect Bike
The Echelon EX-5s-22 Connect Bike is the best built-in-screen cycling pick for riders who want guided classes in view, with a 22-inch touchscreen.
Best for: Screen-based indoor cycling
- Display
- 22-inch touchscreen
- Resistance levels
- 32
- Resistance type
- Magnetic
- Includes a 22-inch touchscreen.
- Offers 32 resistance levels.
- Pairs indoor cycling with on-screen workout content.
- The integrated display is unnecessary for riders who prefer their own device.
Is the Echelon EX-5s-22 Connect Bike worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Echelon EX-5s-22 Connect Bike is a strong choice for riders who want a 22-inch touchscreen and 32 resistance levels. Choose it when an integrated screen is central to your cycling setup and class routine.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Echelon EX-8s Connect Bike
The Echelon EX-8s Connect Bike is the best large-screen Echelon pick for riders who want an expansive display, with a 24-inch touchscreen and 32 resistance levels.
Best for: Large-screen guided rides
- Display
- 24-inch touchscreen
- Resistance levels
- 32
- Resistance type
- Magnetic
- Features a 24-inch touchscreen.
- Offers 32 resistance levels.
- Supports screen-based cycling workouts.
- A large integrated display takes more attention than a screen-free bike setup.
Is the Echelon EX-8s Connect Bike worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Echelon EX-8s Connect Bike is a premium-style choice for riders who want a 24-inch touchscreen and 32 resistance levels. Pick it when a large display matters more than keeping your cycling setup screen-free.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Is a Bowflex Max Trainer or Echelon bike better for home cardio?
The Bowflex Max Trainer M9 and Echelon EX-5s-22 Connect Bike serve different cardio preferences, so the better choice depends on whether you want upright stepping or seated cycling.
Bowflex Max Trainer equipment combines a stepping action with elliptical-style movement. The format suits shoppers who want a more upright workout and prefer to move their arms and legs together. Echelon bikes use a cycling position and focus on pedaling, making them a natural match for indoor ride classes or familiar bike routines.
For Black Friday 2026, start by picturing the routine you want to repeat. An Echelon bike is the easy recommendation for a cycling-first household; a Bowflex Max Trainer is a better match for shoppers drawn to its distinct motion. Display size and resistance levels help separate models after you choose the equipment type.
Which Bowflex Max Trainer model should you choose?
The Bowflex Max Trainer M6, Bowflex Max Trainer M9, and Bowflex Max Total 16 offer 16 or 20 resistance levels across different feature sets.
The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 keeps the setup comparatively straightforward, with 16 resistance levels and an LCD display. The Bowflex Max Trainer M9 adds a 10-inch touchscreen and 20 resistance levels, making it a natural pick for shoppers who want guided workouts. The Bowflex Max Total 16 steps up to a 16-inch touchscreen while retaining 20 resistance levels.
Choose by the features you plan to use rather than by the longest feature list. The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 suits a simpler console; the Bowflex Max Trainer M9 balances screen size and resistance; the Bowflex Max Total 16 puts the largest display first. Each model follows the same broad Max Trainer movement style.
Which Echelon bike is right for your home?
The Echelon EX-3 Connect Bike, Echelon EX-5 Connect Bike, Echelon EX-5s-22 Connect Bike, and Echelon EX-8s Connect Bike each provide 32 resistance levels.
The Echelon EX-3 Connect Bike is a straightforward fit when you plan to use your own phone or tablet. The Echelon EX-5 Connect Bike adds a focus on rider fit, including multiple handlebar positions. Shoppers who prefer a built-in display can compare the 22-inch touchscreen on the Echelon EX-5s-22 Connect Bike with the 24-inch touchscreen on the Echelon EX-8s Connect Bike.
Measure the room and decide where the screen will sit before settling on a model. Screen-free configurations leave display choice to you, while an integrated touchscreen gives the bike a more self-contained workout setup. Every bike in this guide centers on seated cycling and magnetic resistance.
What matters most when comparing resistance and screens?
The Bowflex Max Trainer M9 offers 20 resistance levels and a 10-inch touchscreen, while the Echelon EX-5s-22 Connect Bike offers 32 resistance levels and a 22-inch touchscreen.
Resistance counts help describe adjustment options, but a higher number alone does not decide which machine fits your routine. Compare resistance alongside movement style, console layout, and how you expect to use workout content. Bowflex models listed here have 16 or 20 resistance levels; the Echelon bikes have 32.
A built-in screen is useful for riders who want classes visible at the equipment. A separate device works for shoppers who value flexibility or already own a preferred screen. The Echelon EX-8s Connect Bike has the largest display in this selection at 24 inches, while the Bowflex Max Total 16 offers a 16-inch touchscreen.
How should you plan for Black Friday 2026 equipment shopping?
The Bowflex Max Trainer M9 and Echelon EX-5s-22 Connect Bike are useful Black Friday 2026 comparison points because their distinct workout formats make the choice clear.
Before shopping, note your available floor space, preferred movement, and whether you need a built-in display. Check the product listing for the exact model name and included equipment, then review delivery, assembly, warranty, and membership details. Those details help you compare the full ownership experience instead of focusing on one feature.
Keep a short list of two models: one that matches your routine and one alternative with a different screen or console setup. That makes it easier to compare options without getting distracted by features you will not use. For a cycling routine, start with Echelon; for upright Max Trainer movement, start with Bowflex.
Buying Guide
Choose your workout motion first
The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 and Echelon EX-3 Connect Bike represent two different cardio motions. Pick the Bowflex for upright stepping and elliptical-style movement, or the Echelon for seated pedaling. The movement you prefer is the clearest starting point.
Match resistance options to your routine
The Echelon EX-5 Connect Bike offers 32 resistance levels, while the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 offers 16. Compare the adjustment range alongside comfort and movement style, rather than treating the largest number as the only deciding factor.
Decide whether you need a built-in screen
The Echelon EX-8s Connect Bike has a 24-inch touchscreen, while the Echelon EX-3 Connect Bike has no touchscreen. Choose an integrated display for an all-in-one workout view or use your own device for a simpler setup.
Measure your room and check delivery details
The Bowflex Max Trainer M9 and Echelon EX-5s-22 Connect Bike need a planned home location before delivery. Check each product listing for dimensions, delivery arrangements, assembly requirements, and warranty details to ensure the equipment suits your space.
Compare memberships and included features
The Echelon EX-5s-22 Connect Bike and Bowflex Max Trainer M9 pair equipment with screen-based workout features. Review the current listing for membership terms, included content, and device compatibility before making a Black Friday 2026 decision.
FAQ
Bowflex Max Trainer vs Echelon bike: which is better for weight loss?
The Bowflex Max Trainer M9 and Echelon EX-5s-22 Connect Bike both support home cardio, but they use different movements. Choose the machine that fits your preferred routine and schedule; consistent use matters more than choosing based on equipment type alone.
Is the Echelon EX-3 Connect Bike worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Echelon EX-3 Connect Bike is worth considering for indoor cyclists who want 32 magnetic resistance levels and prefer to use a separate phone or tablet. Compare its display setup with the screen-equipped Echelon EX-5s-22 Connect Bike.
Does the Echelon EX-5s-22 Connect Bike have a touchscreen?
Yes, the Echelon EX-5s-22 Connect Bike has a 22-inch touchscreen and 32 resistance levels. The integrated display suits riders who want workout content visible on the bike instead of relying on a separate phone or tablet.
How many resistance levels does the Bowflex Max Trainer M9 have?
The Bowflex Max Trainer M9 has 20 resistance levels and a 10-inch touchscreen. The combination suits shoppers who want a guided workout display and adjustable intensity in an upright stepper-and-elliptical-style cardio machine.
Which Echelon bike has the largest screen?
The Echelon EX-8s Connect Bike has the largest screen in this guide, with a 24-inch touchscreen. The Echelon EX-5s-22 Connect Bike is another built-in-screen option, with a 22-inch touchscreen and 32 resistance levels.
Should I choose a Bowflex Max Trainer or an Echelon bike?
The Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is the better fit for shoppers who prefer upright stepping and elliptical-style movement, while the Echelon EX-3 Connect Bike suits seated cycling. Compare the movement, available space, screen preference, and workout features before choosing.